Dental hygienists specialise in the prevention and treatment of gum disease and play a vital role in maintaining long-term oral health. During your appointment, the hygienist will thoroughly scale your teeth to remove plaque and hardened calculus, and provide tailored advice on effective oral hygiene routines to follow between visits. They will also discuss lifestyle factors that may impact the health of your teeth and gums, helping you to maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible.
Benefits of Seeing a Dental Hygienist
Regular hygienist visits offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Guidance on effective toothbrushing techniques to remove plaque while minimising tooth wear and gum recession
- Advice on the latest oral hygiene products and how to use them effectively
- Recommendations for cleaning between teeth where brushing alone is insufficient
- Education on the causes, prevention, and treatment of gum disease
- Removal of plaque and hardened calculus deposits
- Discussion of contributing factors such as smokingand diabetes
- Information on how gum diseasemay affect wider health conditions, including heart disease
- Support in preventing tooth decay and erosion
- Dietary advice to help reduce sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Guidance on fluoride use and the application of fluoride varnishes to help re‑mineralise early tooth decay
- Polishing to remove surface staining from food and drink
- Improvement of red, inflamed gums to a healthier appearance
- Reduction of gum bleeding during brushing
- Prevention of tooth movement and mobility
- Reduction of unpleasant tastes and bad breath caused by harmful oral bacteria
Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
Alongside regular hygienist visits, three simple steps can help maintain good oral health:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental brushes every day
- Reduce how often you consume sugary foods and drinks
- Attend routine dental appointments as recommended by your dental team
Following this advice will help you achieve and maintain a healthier, brighter smile.
If you would like to book an appointment with our hygienists, please contact Teeth and Smiles on 020 7352 7049, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.