Dental Hygiene in Taupō

Tartar (plaque that has hardened onto the tooth) builds up around the gumline even when you brush and floss well. Left in place it irritates the gums, and over time that irritation turns into bleeding, bad breath, gum disease and the loss of the bone that holds your teeth steady. A professional clean is the most reliable way to stop that process before it starts.

Our hygienist has been caring for Taupō patients for many years. A hygiene appointment is more than a polish. It is a proper assessment of your gums and a plan for keeping them healthy between visits.

What happens at a hygiene appointment

• An assessment of your gum health, including pocket depths where they are needed
• Removal of plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline
• Polishing to lift surface staining from tea, coffee, red wine and smoking
• Fluoride application where it will help
• Brushing, flossing and interdental advice tailored to your mouth, not a generic script

How often should you come in?

Six months suits most people. If you have had gum disease, if you smoke, if you are wearing braces or if you are prone to build-up, we may suggest every three or four months. We will tell you honestly what your mouth needs rather than booking you in for the sake of it.

Signs it is time to book

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Breath that stays bad no matter what you do
• Gums that look red, puffy or have started to recede
• Visible build-up or staining along the gumline
• A tooth that feels like it has moved or loosened

Bleeding gums are common, but they are not normal. They are usually the first sign of gum disease, and at that stage it is still reversible.