The Importance Of Regular Hygienist Appointments

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Here at Smilemakers, we’re both a general and a cosmetic dentist in Southampton and as such we perform a wide variety of dental work from fillings and crowns to tooth whitening and dental implants. However, the foundation of our practice is to keep patients’ gums healthy.

cosmetic dentist in SouthamptonIt is estimated that up to 15% of UK adults have severe gum disease, or periodontal disease as it is known, and many more are less severely affected. Not only does this have serious consequences for oral health but can impact on your overall health too. For this reason we encourage our patients to schedule hygienist meetings with their Southampton dentist for at least every six months in order that they can be helped to maintain a high standard of oral health.

The main causes of periodontal disease are:

  • A build up of plaque and tartar
  • Incompetent dentistry (poorly fitting crowns or silver amalgam fillings which have corroded)
  • Inadequate compliance and maintenance from patient
  • General health and diet

Everyone is at risk of periodontal disease if they fail to maintain their teeth and gums adequately, but for certain groups of people the risk is even greater. For instance:

  • Smokers
  • Smokers who are diabetics
  • Diabetics
  • Those who are nutritionally deficient
  • People suffering from stress

Periodontal disease has also been linked closely with other major health risk such as:

  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis

In addition patients are twice as likely to suffer from respiratory problems if they have periodontal disease than a non sufferer and pregnant women with severe gum disease are 7 times more likely to deliver a baby that is low in weight than a woman with good oral health.

We’re sure you’ll agree that these are some worrying facts but by simply taking better care of your oral hygiene and attending six month check-ups, plus having regular cleaning sessions with our hygienists, you can keep gum disease at bay and considerably lower your risk of suffering serious health complications such as those mentioned above.

If you’ve missed out on a six month check-up or haven’t seen a hygienist in a while, then for the sake of your dental and overall health, we urge you to make an appointment with Smilemakers, your local Southampton dentist. Call us today on 02380 442626 or book via our website at www.smilemakers.co.uk.

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