It’s generally a good shout to see your dental hygienist twice a year. But if you’re dealing with gum disease, they might ask you to come in more often. This way, they can keep a close eye on things and provide the right treatment as needed.

Plaque and tartar are the troublemakers lurking around your gums. Plaque is a soft, sticky film teeming with bacteria. It loves to feast on the sugars from your food, creating acids that wear down tooth enamel. If you don’t show plaque the door, it hardens into tartar – a much tougher customer that’s tricky to remove. Ignoring plaque can lead to cavities, advanced gum disease, receding gums, and even make your teeth sensitive.

We recommend to stick to a diet low in carbs and sugars, brush and floss daily, and give smoking a miss. Routine cleanings with your hygienist are key, as they have the tools to kick plaque and tartar off your gum line – something your regular brush can’t always handle. Plus, they can offer some top-notch tips on improving your diet and home dental routine to keep those stains away.

Regular visits to your dental hygienist are a must for great oral hygiene. A solid routine at home and a sensible diet are just as important. If you smoke or enjoy a drink, these habits can knock your oral health a bit off course. Your hygienist can help you with advice on how to tackle these habits head-on.

When brushing, make sure you’re getting all the surfaces, especially the tricky inside bits. If you’re using a manual brush, go easy to avoid harming your gums. An electric toothbrush with an oscillating head can do wonders, as it’s more effective at banishing bacteria and leftover food bits. Plus, many newer models tell you if you’re brushing too hard. Aim to brush twice a day for two minutes each time to keep your teeth in great shape.