Dental Hygiene in Lara and Geelong

Lara Smile Group is committed to providing the latest and best preventive treatment.

At Lara Smile Group, we strongly believe in the value of educating our patients on why regular preventive care can help reduce the need for major dental treatment. Treating minor problems before they become major ones is as equally important for adults and children alike.

By taking care of your oral hygiene, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems which can lead to infections, the loss of teeth, and a decline in overall medical health.

Dental Hygiene

At Lara Smile Group, providing the latest and best preventive treatment to our patients in a relaxed and friendly environment is important to us. Our philosophy in providing this preventive dental care is firstly to educate our patients in the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums and the benefits of this on their overall health and wellbeing. The outcome for the patient is cleaner and whiter teeth, healthier gums, less chronic infections, fresh breath, an individualised home dental care routine, and better overall health.

Regular Visits & Examinations

Our team is committed to providing the latest, most scientifically researched treatments. At Lara Smile Group, we no longer use the old vibrating ultrasonic instruments to remove plaque, stains and polish your teeth. We use Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and the state-of-the-art AIRFLOW® Swiss Technology for our patients. The AIRFLOW® can be used on all ages, is less invasive, more comfortable and gives patients a more effective clean than the traditional ‘Scale and Clean’.

Preventative Maintenance Care Programme

• Regular oral examinations: With proper preventative care, potential problems can be detected early and treated in a minimally invasive manner.
• Diagnostic exams: Exam of the whole mouth, checking on gum pockets and recession, x-rays if required, oral cancer screening
• GBT to disclose the teeth for biofilm (the technical term for plaque)
• Oral hygiene instructions and education: Discussing and checking on previous home dental care concerns and addressing any current concerns
• Professional dental clean: We use AIRFLOW® this latest technology offers a gentler and less invasive clean and is especially great for people with sensitive teeth and gums, only using the PIEZON® for stubborn build-up
• At-home oral care: Twice daily brushing and flossing as well as other treatment modalities as individually necessitated

The Importance of Dental Hygiene

Even with regular brushing and flossing some biofilm can remain on the tooth surface. Over time this can harden and turn into calculus and if left can cause problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Gum and teeth health cannot be measured by the lack of pain, as pain often only comes in the final stages of dental disease.

Research shows the healthier mouths are in people who have had regular cleans and educated in the effects of oral diseases not only on the mouth but on the whole body.

Dietary and Saliva Analysis

Did you know unhealthy saliva can damage your teeth?

Usually, your saliva protects your teeth from attack by neutralising the acids that are produced after eating and drinking. Saliva typically provides a protective barrier against sensitivity, erosion and decay, but if your body fails to produce enough saliva, or it is poor quality, the saliva may be unable to neutralise the acids in your mouth, which left unchecked, can lead to severe dental problems and bad breath. Issues such as sensitivity, if addressed early, can usually be corrected before damage occurs. A simple, pain-free test to check your saliva, will immediately indicate if your saliva is healthy and able to protect your teeth adequately.

Our practice has experienced oral health therapists who have been trained in performing and analysing the results of your Dietary and Saliva tests to ascertain if the PH level of your saliva may be high or low. The team can then accurately assist you in both your dietary choices and any products that will assist in neutralising your PH level.

Factors which can cause unhealthy saliva:

• Stress
• Dehydration
• Alcohol
• Sports drinks
• Caffeine
• Acidic food and drinks
• Nicotine
• Medications and general health

Tell-tale signs of unhealthy saliva:

• Dry mouth, either during sleep or during the day – especially when eating, drinking and talking
• Saliva that feels ‘stringy’
• The taste of food has changed
• Smoking cessation
• Bad breath (Halitosis)

If you consider yourself to have any of the above symptoms, call our team to make an appointment.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Daily brushing and flossing help to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem. 

Speak to our team about ways to maintain fresh breath.