Oral Hygiene

The level of care and expertise you deserve

You can trust Art of Dentistry with all of your dental hygiene requirements. We have the experience, technology and compassionate approach to care for your oral health.

The hygienists at our practice in Upper Hutt have been highly trained in both general and advanced dental hygiene techniques. We take part in extensive training and continued education, giving us the ability to produce astonishing results.

We invite you to come and experience the high standards of quality care we have to offer.

Tailored hygiene treatments

At Art of Dentistry, we not only offer a range of dental hygiene treatments. We will tailor a treatment to you.

Your hygienist will take the time to carefully listen to your concerns, so they can make recommendations and create an individual treatment plan. This will allow us to help you achieve your desired look, feel, and function.

Latest technology

For all treatments, we utilise the most advanced techniques and technology. With our continued education we are fully trained in the use of the latest dental technologies, so we can provide you with the healthiest and brightest smile possible.

Friendly, professional advice

As part of our dental hygiene services, we can provide professional advice on how to best care for and maintain your teeth every day. This will improve your oral health and save you having to make multiple visits to us during the year.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by sticky bacteria which are known as ‘plaque’. Plaque collects in the small gaps between the gums and the teeth and if not removed by regular cleaning will multiply by feeding on sugars found in your food and drink. This can lead to –

  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
  • Soreness or discomfort.
  • Gums appear red in colour, puffy or swollen.

Bleeding when tooth brushing or using inter-dental brushes is the earliest and most common sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible if treated by a hygienist or by improved brushing and inter-dental techniques. However, if left untreated you will develop the later stages of gum disease, which is known as ‘Periodontal Disease’.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease is the later stages of gum disease. This is when the bacteria infection under the gums progresses deeper and affects the bone and tissue supporting the tooth.

Your gums will –

  • Bleed when brushing or using inter-dental brushes.
  • Will be red, swollen and tender.
  • Bad Breath.
  • The gum will have pulled away from the tooth, this is called ‘Pocketing’.
  • Pus may be seen in the pockets around the tooth.

The infection damages the tissue that connects the gum to the roots of the tooth. Once the tissue has been destroyed the gum pulls away from the tooth, this forms a pocket which bacteria thrive in. If not treated, in time the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw will dissolve, making the teeth loose and eventually the teeth will fall out.

Periodontal disease is irreversible, but you can slow down it’s progression by regular visits to the Dentist and Hygienist and by also improving your oral hygiene at home.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in food and water which helps to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and sugars. If fluoride is lacking from the diet, the teeth will be prone to tooth decay and cavities.

The hard outer surface of the tooth is called ‘enamel’, which contains mineral crystals. Everyday plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth attack the enamel causing it to weaken. This process is called ‘demineralisation’. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate from the food and water we consume and the toothpaste we use, help to strengthen the enamel. This process is called ‘remineralisation’. Fluoride speeds up the remineralisation process.

Fluoride intake is very important when teeth are developing; it can be taken into the body in two ways –

  • The food and drink we consume or supplements.
  • Fluoride toothpaste, mouthwashes or when applied directly to the teeth by the dentist or hygienist.

Fluoride treatments are offered to children who have a number of cavities or are at high risk of developing cavities. Adults can benefit too. Fluoride treatment is a very simple process administered by the dentist or dental hygienist which helps to prevent tooth decay.

The Treatment

  • The teeth will be cleaned to remove any food debris, staining.
  • A high concentrate fluoride foam or gel is placed into an arch shaped dental tray which is inserted over the teeth and left for the required time. Alternatively, a fluoride varnish is painted on to the tooth surface.
  • Nothing should be eaten or drunk for 30 minutes after the treatment to allow the fluoride to penetrate the teeth.

Fluoride supplements are available; please speak to the dentist to see which supplement is best for you or your child.