Dental Hygiene Balham

Calculus (tartar) can accumulate around your teeth, which you cannot clean off at home. This buildup can cause gum disease. Dental hygienists are experts at removing stains, providing deep cleans to prevent gum disease, and creating a good platform for general dentistry. Regular hygiene visits are important for overall oral health.

No. Brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste twice daily is essential to prevent cavities and gum disease by physically removing plaque and bacteria. Mouthwash can supplement brushing by providing fluoride and neutralising acids, but it cannot replace brushing.

Yes, it would be best to floss your teeth for the same reasons you brush them daily. Flossing or using an interdental brush helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, which is essential for maintaining healthy gums.

Daily flossing removes plaque deposits while they’re still soft. If you skip flossing or brushing, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much harder to remove and often requires a dental hygiene appointment.

Oral health includes:

• Lack of gum disease
• Confidence in your smile
• Absence of severe pain and tooth sensitivity
• Fresh breath, healthy teeth, and gums

• Stains on your teeth that won’t come off with brushing.
• Needing a deep cleaning after having your braces removed.
• Seeking help to eliminate halitosis (bad breath).
• Treatment for periodontal disease or a potential infection.
• I am interested in discussing and beginning a teeth whitening treatment.
• Wanting to feel more confident with your oral health, gums, and smile.

Numerous quality toothpastes are available, each catering to specific needs such as sensitivity, whitening, tartar prevention, and gum disease treatment.

Choosing the right brand ultimately comes down to personal preference.
We recommend using fluoridated toothpaste at Direct Dental as it is the most effective way to prevent cavities and ensure a thorough cleaning.

For those with allergies requiring SLS-free toothpaste or ethical concerns about certain products, PETA-approved alternatives are available.

Yes, fluoride strengthens your teeth against cavities.

Food, alcohol, smoking, and certain spices can stain teeth. Professional teeth cleaning and whitening treatments can help restore your natural teeth shade.

Professional cleaning and polishing removes surface stains. Air Polishing treatment at Direct Dental Balham can restore your teeth’s natural colour. For deep teeth whitening, discuss a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan with us. Home teeth whitening kits can gradually lighten teeth when the trays with bleaching agents are worn overnight.

You can use this whitening gel method for home whitening to maintain your teeth’s brightness for longer. However, we recommend booking a whitening treatment with us for the best results and advice. Our dental practices offer advanced treatments for tooth discolouration and overall dental health, utilising the latest whitening materials and technology.

Our dental practice focuses on patient comfort. Most patients do not report discomfort during hygiene procedures, but if you have gum recession or inflammation, you may experience sensitivity.

If you ask any of our dentists, they will tell you to attend a check-up and hygiene appointment every 6 months.

This frequency is based on many factors including your daily oral hygiene habits and if you have existing oral problems or are at higher risk due to general health or lifestyle choices.

When you visit our dentists in Balham for treatment, we will assess all these factors and recommend a check-up frequency.

Yes, appointments are available to see a hygienist at our practice who can check your oral health and provide limited treatment. This is a quick and easy way to check your oral health and get guidance and information before your next appointment.

Yes, untreated gum disease can lead to periodontal disease, which may require more extensive treatment. Periodontal disease has been linked to systemic conditions like endocarditis.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to periodontal disease, which may require more treatment. Periodontal disease is linked to endocarditis.