Why do I need a hygiene appointment?
Your overall oral health owes a lot to your gums, so it is important to look after them. Your brushing and flossing routine at home is able to remove most of the plaque build ups on your teeth, but a regular professional clean is vital to get rid of stubborn tartar deposits, protecting your smile from bacteria.
Your dental hygienist is best placed to look after your gum health, able to spot and treat any early signs of gum disease. The symptoms are mild and often overlooked, but gum disease can lead to receding, swollen and inflamed gums and, if left untreated, result in tooth loss and have an effect on your overall health. We can help prevent these issues from developing, and leave you with a brighter, healthier and more confident smile.
What does the treatment involve?
Assessment
We begin your hygiene appointment by examining your teeth and gums, looking for any early signs of gum disease or decay. We may also ask you some questions about your brushing and flossing at home.
Treatment
The main part of your appointment is a professional deep clean and polish, designed to remove stubborn plaque and tartar from all areas of your mouth and leave your teeth feeling smooth and fresh. We have a variety of hygiene cleaning methods, including air polishing for a more gentle approach.
Advice
We give you some bespoke advice on how to continue caring for your teeth and gums at home, including showing you how to use interdental brushes if required.
Any questions?Frequently asked questions
How often do I need to have a hygiene appointment?
The amount of time you need to leave between your hygiene appointments really depends on your overall oral health and the condition of your teeth and gums. We recommend most patients visit the hygienist every six months, but you may be advised to attend more or less frequently.
Does dental hygiene treatment hurt?
You may feel some discomfort during a traditional scale and polish treatment, but we take care to ensure you are relaxed and calm before we begin, and give you the chance to ask any questions you need to. If you are concerned about traditional hygiene treatment being uncomfortable, gentle and completely pain free Air Polishing treatment may be the better option for you. Please contact us to find out more.
Can my hygienist whiten my teeth?
Hygiene treatment is not designed to whiten teeth, but you will likely find that your teeth appear fresher and brighter after your appointment. Simply removing plaque and tartar build ups can make a big difference to the sparkle in your smile, but if you are interested in whitening treatment, please ask your dentist.
What is gum disease?
If plaque builds up around the teeth and gum line, the gum tissues can become inflamed. The irritated gums often bleed while brushing, making them susceptible to the bacteria in the mouth. Swollen, red gums are often one of the first signs of the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. Other symptoms include tooth sensitivity and bad breath.
Hygiene appointments can help reverse gingivitis by removing the plaque and tartar deposits left at the gum line. If left untreated, the gums start to recede. This leads to pockets developing between the gum and the tooth, exposing the sensitive and vulnerable tooth root. Once plaque and tartar build-up on the root, it’s much harder to remove. This part of gum disease is called periodontitis and isn’t reversible like the earlier stage. It can be managed by a dentist or periodontist through more extensive periodontal treatment.