One of the best ways to keep your smile fresh is to see a hygienist
A hygienist clean is so much more than a “scale and polish”. Tartar, plaque and food can build up or get trapped in those hard-to-reach places. Strongly coloured food and drink cause staining, and though whitening can lighten teeth, it only changes the colour of buildup.
Our hygienists will take the time to give your teeth a thorough clean, removing tartar, plaque, trapped food and getting into all the little spaces you can’t reach. Stains can be reduced just by doing this. Special instruments called scalers are used to do this, and we offer hand-scaling, ultrasonic, or both.
The last step is the polish. Once everything is clean, a careful polish leaves the teeth smooth which makes it harder for plaque to build up again – and it feels great !
We offer Airflow polishing as an extra step to get the best possible results – ask about this when you book.
Why should I see the hygienist?
Even with proper brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Without regular cleaning, this build-up can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.
Dental hygienists advise on proper oral hygiene practices to maintain optimal oral health. They will ask about your current hygiene routine and will address any concerns that you may have. They lower your chances of developing gum disease by carrying out a scale and polish that can remove any tartar (hardened plaque). If you have gum disease, also known as gingivitis, they will let you know and advise regular appointments.
Eventually, some of us will get pockets where the gum has become loose around a tooth due to gum disease. These spaces harbour bacteria and can be difficult or sensitive to clean. The hygienist can use a little anaesthetic to make those areas comfortable to clean for you.
Do I still need to see a dentist ?
Dental hygienists are licensed dental professionals who specialise in preventing and treating oral diseases. They work closely with dentists to provide comprehensive oral care to patients of all ages.
A dental hygienist’s main role is to clean, examine the gums and the overall health of the mouth. They remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish teeth, and create personalised oral hygiene routines to improve your at-home dental care routine.
Seeing a hygeinist isn’t a replacement for getting a dental check-up, so don’t forget to book a friendly dentist check-up too.
