Dental Hygiene

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth, and we make hygiene care as easy as possible to fit into your routine.

For most patients, your dentist can include a hygiene appointment as part of your regular exam, so you leave having had both done in one visit. If you have recurring gum disease or need more persistent gum treatment, we also have in-house periodontal care — Dr Ash has a special interest in this area and treats these cases directly. For additional hygiene capacity, we also work closely with a hygienist right next door at 90 Kapiti Oral Health Clinic.

To keep your gums healthy, plaque needs to be removed from your teeth every day:

– Brush twice a day for two minutes, with a brush your dentist recommends for you.

– Use inter-dental brushes — a toothbrush alone can’t reach between teeth or below the gum line.

– Use fluoride toothpaste, and avoid brushing too hard.

Healthy gums are pink, firm, and don’t bleed when you brush or floss. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, the first stage of gum disease — gingivitis — can develop.

Gingivitis is caused by plaque bacteria building up along the gumline. Early signs include bleeding when brushing, redness, and puffiness. It’s reversible with a hygiene visit and improved daily cleaning. Left untreated, it progresses to periodontal disease.

This is gum disease that has progressed below the gumline, affecting the bone and tissue supporting your teeth. Signs include bleeding, swelling, bad breath, and gums pulling away from the tooth (pocketing). Periodontal disease is irreversible, but regular visits and good home care can slow its progress significantly. This is the kind of case we’d typically manage in-house with Dr Ash.

Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay by speeding up the natural remineralisation process. It’s especially useful for children at higher risk of cavities, but adults benefit too. Treatment is quick and simple — a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish applied directly to the teeth — and your dentist or hygienist can advise whether it’s right for you.