Gum Health & Hygiene
The key to unlocking a confident smile is simple - gum hygiene. Without a consistent and thorough cleaning routine, your smile will never achieve its full potential. Our expert hygienists are here to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay while keeping your smile as dazzling as possible.
Did you know we offer Direct Access Hygiene services?
This means, even if you have your own dentist, you can come and see our hygienists at a convenient time for you.
We also run regular offers for our Direct Access patients!
Meet our hygienists:
Holly Gale (GDC 265078)
Holly has worked at Pure Smiles since 2021, and is a valued member of the team, she has a loyal base of patients who will attest to her positive and sensitive approach.
Holly qualified as a dental nurse in 2014, working in general practice before following her passion for Dental Hygiene. She graduated from the Eastman Dental Hospital with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Royal College of Surgeons in 2016.
Throughout her training and during her work post-qualification, Holly has treated a variety of patients including, children, those with complex medical histories, anxious patients and advanced periodontal disease (gum disease).
Holly enjoys building professional relationships with her patients and loves all aspects of her role, finding it incredibly rewarding to see improvements in her patient’s oral health.
Lesley Benson (GDC 2869)
Lesley first came to work with us as a locum in January 2023 and received such positive feedback that we offered her a job right away! She has 40 years of experience as a hygienist and this is reflected in her calm and considered approach. She enjoys speaking to patients and building relationships with them over time.
Lesley is great at making patients feel calm in the chair. She is great at hand scaling and making teeth feel squeaky clean!
Book your appointment
Alongside our gum disease treatment, Pure Smiles dentists will supply you with expert advice regarding brushing routine, toothpaste and other methods of disease prevention. Our hygienists can spot signs of gum disease early and air polish your teeth to remove those irritating tooth stains.
Whether you’re paying us a visit for hygiene therapy, gum treatment or a quick air polish teeth cleaning, we’ll be delighted to see you. Contact us today for a free professional consultation.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is determined whether you have gum disease and how to get your gums back to health.
If it’s confirmed that you do have gum disease, your dentist or hygienist at Pure Smiles will provide you with an oral care plan that will help you with your oral care management.. This may include brushing and flossing techniques, customized care plans as well as switching to fluoride toothpaste, using interdental brushes, medication to manage an infection.
Recent research suggests a link between gum disease and:
respiratory disease
rheumatoid arthritis
coronary artery disease
preterm birth and low birth weight
and problems controlling blood sugar in diabetes
Don’t ignore discomfort and if you have concerns, visit your dentist so you can prevent gum disease before it becomes a larger problem.
Thankfully, gum disease is reversible with the correct course of intervention and treatment.. During your visit to either Your dentist or hygienist they will complete an assessment and create a treatment plan to address your concerns. There will be lots of advice and tips on getting your gum health back on track with tips to help you take care of your teeth. At Pure Smiles there are no “guilt trips” we are motivated in helping you to better manage your oral well-being.
Vaping may irritate and damage gum tissue, increasing the risk of gum disease. It leads to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Nicotine, a common component in e-cigarettes, can reduce blood flow to the gums, impairing the ability of the gums to heal and defend against infections.
Habits are hard to break, and if this is the case please make sure you maintain a regular hygiene and dental routine.
Gum disease is often the result of bacteria within your mouth that hasn’t been eradicated. The causes of this could be many such as mental health, physical well being, inconsistent routine or simply not knowing how to manage your oral care. Make time to visit your dentist & hygienist and ask for advice.
Studies have shown there is a link between genetics and gum disease. If your parents have suffered from gum disease, this is likely to increase your odds of experiencing this problem by a significant amount.
However, a good dental hygiene routine and avoiding things like smoking or acidic food can boost your chances of avoiding gum disease.
This will depend on the severity of the gum disease you have. Some people who have suffered from the condition for longer might realise that it will take longer for their body to rid itself of the infection instead of somebody who has addressed the issues fairly quickly.
Gingivitis, for example, can linger for around 2 weeks after you’ve been given the right course of treatment. It’s important to be patient and let the medication work; make sure that you practice good oral care at all times and listen to your dentist’s advice, particularly during this period.
Gum disease is probably more common than you think so there’s no need to be ashamed or embarrassed if you have been told that you are facing this issue.
Good oral care, watching your diet, limiting alcohol coupled with regular dental and hygiene visits will help you ensure that your mouth is in tip top shape. but the condition can be treated if you make an appointment with your dentist periodically.
