Dental Hygiene Therapy

Dental hygiene therapy is utilised to help both treat and prevent gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums only. Periodontitis (gum disease) is the destruction of the tissues that support the tooth, i.e. gums and bone. The continued progress of periodontitis leads to the eventual total loss of support of the tooth followed by loss of the tooth itself. As the disease progresses, the gums begin to separate from the teeth to form pockets, allowing the continued downward acceleration of plaque below the gumline.

Periodontitis and gingivitis are both caused by the build up of plaque and calculus (scale) on the teeth. At Harpenden Dental Centre we help patients to treat gum disease and maintain healthy gums through careful help and treatment from both dentist and hygienist. The dentist assesses the extent of the problem and monitors its progress, whilst patients are referred to the hygienist who specialises in removing the deposits on the teeth and providing detailed oral hygiene instruction to help prevent further accumulation.

Once gum disease has been eradicated it is also important to prevent its return. Patients are therefore encouraged to visit the hygienist routinely for maintenance of good gum condition.

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