Smita is our Oral Health Therapist at Balmoral Dental Centre.
Our lead Oral Health therapist will work with you to ensure you receive a warm welcome and will deliver you the best in oral health promotion.
Smita is competent with manual hand scaling, ultrasonic scaling and Airflow therapy.
Smita is our registered Oral Health therapist & she also holds Doctor of Philosopy degree (in Oral Health). Smita is interested in helping patients with their dental maintenance & regularly attends different courses, equipping her with latest techniques and treatment options.
Smita likes meeting new people and getting to know them. Smita hopes to help educate patients about the link between overall health and oral health and is motivated by seeing the difference she can bring to patients.
Poor oral hygiene causes tooth decay and also leads to oral inflammation (a disease process that causes swelling of our gum line).
Oral inflammation has been linked to the following illnesses:
> Heart disease and increased risk of heart attack
> Alzheimer's disease and dementia
> Kidney disease
> Increased susceptibility to pneumonia and bronchitis
> Disruption of blood sugars leading to diabetes and increased risk of pancreatic cancer
> Oral cancer
Why do I need to have my teeth cleaned regularly and routinely?
No matter how well you brush your teeth, it will never clean 100% between the teeth or deep under the gums where disease causing plaque bacteria. Irregular or inconsistent flossing will allow bacteria to thrive and develop gingivitis or gum disease. These active infections will typically cause bleeding the next time flossing occurs. Cleaning between each day will help bring your gums back to a healthy condition, and after about two weeks of daily flossing your gums are less likely to bleed. Choosing a water flosser may be more comfortable and even more effective, making it a viable option for dental patients that find flossing cumbersome.
How will oral health therapist and hygienists help?
> Areas of oral health that are assessed at your appointment include screening for:
> Intra and Extra oral cancer screening
> Periodontal bleeding
> Calculus (tartar) above and below the gum line
> Bone loss
> Pocket depth (severity of tissue detachment)
> Depending on the severity of these risk factors, we create an individual care plan that may include routine hygiene appointments, removal of calculus and plaque, removal of stain and the use of decay-preventing agents. Along with a tailored home care plan, routine hygiene services help maintain the health of your teeth and gums, preventing severe gum disease which would otherwise lead to tooth loss.
What is Periodontal disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. The three stages of gum disease — from least to most severe — are gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Healthy Gums
Healthy Gums - Healthy gums are firm and do not bleed. They fit snugly around the teeth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis - Gums are mildly inflamed, may appear red or swollen and may bleed during brushing.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis - Gums begin to separate and recede from the teeth. This allows plaque to move toward the roots, supporting fibres and bone.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced Periodontitis - Supporting fibres and bone are destroyed. Teeth become loose and may be lost as a result.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Gum disease can occur at any age, but it is most common among adults. If detected in its early stages, gum disease can be reversed, see your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:
> Gums that are red, puffy or swollen
> Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
> Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
> Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
> Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
> Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
> Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.