Is flossing really necessary?

Actually, flossing is more important than brushing. If you think about it, your tongue and cheeks are constantly rubbing against the exposed surfaces of your teeth. This motion helps to remove bacteria from sticking to those surfaces. While tooth brushing does remove some of the material between teeth, it is flossing that scrapes away bacterial buildup from the inner-most surfaces between teeth. Most tooth decay forms between teeth, so flossing helps to reduce the bacteria that cause decay between teeth. Gum disease predominantly forms between teeth as well. Flossing not only removes bacteria that contribute to gum disease, it also stimulates blood flow to the gum tissue between teeth. Increased blood flow helps keep gums healthy and improves their ability to fight infection.

How often do I need to floss?

Flossing is recommended at least once a day. Research shows that bacteria on teeth require around 24 hours to build up a protective layer that resists abrasion. Once this layer has formed, the bacteria continue to multiply and use minerals from your saliva to harden it further. At this point, professional cleaning by a hygienist is required to remove the buildup.

What is the best home care regime?

The best home care regime varies for each individual. Your diet, health, lifestyle, and your body’s natural constitution all influence your oral health. Medications can also affect your teeth and gums, for example dry mouth caused by some blood pressure medications. Special home care tools may be required if you have dental bridges or implants. Some people are simply more prone to dental problems than others. Your hygienist can help determine the most effective maintenance programme for you. Proper brushing and flossing techniques are essential for an effective home care regime.

How often should you brush your teeth?

In an ideal world, you would brush and floss after every meal. In reality, this is not always practical. For most people, brushing in the morning and flossing then brushing again before bed is effective. Brushing twice daily is the absolute minimum.

What does bleeding gums mean?

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it usually means they are inflamed. Inflamed gums, also known as gingivitis, are caused by bacteria living just below the gum line. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into a more serious condition known as periodontitis. It is common for gums to bleed after gum treatment. This does not mean you should stop flossing. It means you should continue flossing daily until the bleeding stops. This is the body’s natural way of flushing out remaining bacterial toxins.

What is the best toothbrush to use?

The best toothbrush is one with soft bristles and rounded ends. When used correctly, a soft toothbrush effectively removes bacteria and debris from the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line. Medium or hard toothbrushes can abrade the gums and any exposed root surfaces. The most effective way to remove stains is through professional cleaning by your hygienist, followed by good daily oral hygiene to prevent them returning.

How often should I see the hygienist?

For most people, visiting the hygienist twice a year is sufficient. If you have a history of gum disease, take certain medications, or have underlying health issues, you may need more frequent visits. If you maintain good oral hygiene, have good overall health, and follow a healthy diet, an annual visit may be enough. Your hygienist will help you determine the most appropriate maintenance schedule for you.

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Whangārei dental cleaning and dental hygienists

Prices

Routine clean, scale and polish – $134
With EMS Airflow (optional) – additional $32

Book a dental clean online

Kowhai Dental – Dental cleaning and prevention

What is a dental hygienist?

“Hygiene” refers to cleanliness, right?

So you could say dental hygienists are experts in dental cleanliness. Think of them as your second line of defense in good oral health – the first being your own home care routine (brushing and flossing). Dental hygienists offer a huge range of services to keep your whites pearly and your gums healthy. By providing everything from education to professional cleaning services, dental hygienists help you avoid costly (and painful) problems later down the line.

At-home dental cleaning

Our Whangārei dental cleaning and prevention team wants to help people to know about cleaning their gums and teeth. At home, prevention includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Your hygienist can help customise solutions that enhance your daily efforts, often turning frustration into smiles as the healthy changes occur.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, because gum disease is usually painless, you may not even know you have it. Gum disease is caused by bacteria which form a sticky film on the tooth surface. This bacteria release toxins that can damage the gums.

An increasing amount of research also suggests that there is evidence linking chronic periodontal disease to conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and respiratory disease. Moreover, current research suggests that if you have periodontal disease during pregnancy, you may be significantly more likely to have a baby born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Keeping your gums healthy will ensure a better chance of good general health.

When to look for professional cleaning?

Dental hygienists are experts in preventative dental health – in other words, they work to keep your teeth clean and healthy and prevent gum disease. They work alongside dentists but offer slightly different services.

Dental hygienists can:

Check for signs of gum disease and oral cancer
Take dental x-rays
Whiten your teeth and/or remove stains
Remove plaque and tartar
Apply fluoride treatments
Provide oral health education
Offer personalised home care advice.

How often should I visit a dental hygienist?

To keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, you should visit your dental hygienist every six months. If you’ve had problems with your oral health – such as dental pockets – your hygienist may recommend that you come more regularly.

Your diet plays a critical role in oral health as well. Acidic foods and drinks can accelerate the deterioration of your teeth, and certain foods can reduce the health of your supporting jawbone and gums. Our hygienists believe in bringing your efforts and ours into balance for optimum health.

Of course, regular dental exams and cleanings twice a year prove vital in preventing decay and gum disease as you keep daily habits consistent. With a proactive approach, together we can prevent minor issues from becoming major procedures.

How much does it cost to visit a dental hygienist?

Here at Kowhai Dental, you can get a gum health evaluation with a qualified dental hygienist for as little as $52, with a routine full clean, scale and polish costing $134. For a truly advanced and comfortable experience, consider upgrading to our EMS Airflow for an additional $32. If you’ve ever found traditional cleans uncomfortable or simply prefer a gentler approach, EMS Airflow is designed for you.

Learn more about EMS Airflow.

We’re committed to providing high-quality dental care at affordable prices, because (in our view) you can’t afford not to take good care of your teeth. If you’ve got any questions about our Whangārei dental cleaning and prevention service or anything else that concerns you, we are happy to answer them.

Learn more about when to see a dental cleaning hygienist.

FAQ

Actually, flossing is more important than brushing. If you think about it, your tongue and cheeks are constantly rubbing against the exposed surfaces of your teeth. This motion helps to remove bacteria from sticking to those surfaces.
While tooth brushing does remove some of the material between teeth, it is flossing that scrapes away bacterial buildup from the inner-most surfaces between teeth. Most tooth decay forms between teeth, so flossing helps to reduce the bacteria that cause decay between teeth.
Gum disease predominantly forms between teeth as well. Flossing not only removes bacteria that contribute to gum disease, it also stimulates blood flow to the gum tissue between teeth. Increased blood flow helps keep gums healthy and improves their ability to fight infection.
Flossing is recommended at least once a day. Research shows that bacteria on teeth require around 24 hours to build up a protective layer that resists abrasion. Once this layer has formed, the bacteria continue to multiply and use minerals from your saliva to harden it further. At this point, professional cleaning by a hygienist is required to remove the buildup.
The best home care regime varies for each individual. Your diet, health, lifestyle, and your body’s natural constitution all influence your oral health. Medications can also affect your teeth and gums, for example dry mouth caused by some blood pressure medications.
Special home care tools may be required if you have dental bridges or implants. Some people are simply more prone to dental problems than others. Your hygienist can help determine the most effective maintenance programme for you. Proper brushing and flossing techniques are essential for an effective home care regime.
In an ideal world, you would brush and floss after every meal. In reality, this is not always practical. For most people, brushing in the morning and flossing then brushing again before bed is effective. Brushing twice daily is the absolute minimum.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it usually means they are inflamed. Inflamed gums, also known as gingivitis, are caused by bacteria living just below the gum line. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into a more serious condition known as periodontitis.
It is common for gums to bleed after gum treatment. This does not mean you should stop flossing. It means you should continue flossing daily until the bleeding stops. This is the body’s natural way of flushing out remaining bacterial toxins.
The best toothbrush is one with soft bristles and rounded ends. When used correctly, a soft toothbrush effectively removes bacteria and debris from the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line.
Medium or hard toothbrushes can abrade the gums and any exposed root surfaces. While it can be tempting to use a firmer brush to remove stains, stains are actually discolourations caused by bacteria left on the teeth over time. The most effective way to remove stains is through professional cleaning by your hygienist, followed by good daily oral hygiene to prevent them returning.
For most people, visiting the hygienist twice a year is sufficient. If you have a history of gum disease, take certain medications, or have underlying health issues, you may need more frequent visits.
If you maintain good oral hygiene, have good overall health, and follow a healthy diet, an annual visit may be enough. Your hygienist will help you determine the most appropriate maintenance schedule for you.