Hygienist

All About

Hygienist

Hygienist appointments for maintaining good oral health, gum health and periodontal care

Our dental hygienists are all qualified professionals that provide an essential service to maintain and improve a patient’s dental health.

Isn’t it just a clean to make my teeth look nice? The answer is NO!

Most patients will benefit from seeing a dental hygienist to provide advice and treatment to improve and maintain your oral health. This appointment will be tailored to your individual needs and provide important information about how you can improve your oral health.

Tooth decay and gum disease are preventable and frequently do not present with any symptoms until quite advanced so your teeth and gums may ‘feel fine’ but permanent damage may still be occurring.

The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your whole body.

Untreated dental disease has been scientifically proven to be associated with cardiovascular disease increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, adverse pregnancy outcomes including premature birth and low birth weight babies, difficulty controlling diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory problems and more recently linked with Alzheimer’s disease and some forms of dementia.

Seeing a dental hygienist is one of the best things that you can do for your oral and general health and is not just a ‘simple clean’ but an important part of maintaining health and well-being.

You can talk to us if you want to know more.

Top 10 FAQs about seeing a hygienist

1. What does a dental hygienist do?

A dental hygienist helps maintain a healthy mouth and helps prevent gum problems and tooth decay by professionally cleaning your teeth, removing plaque and tartar, checking your gum health, and providing personalised oral hygiene advice.

2. How often should I see a hygienist?

Most people benefit from a hygienist appointment every six months. However, if you have gum disease, wear braces, have dental implants, or are at higher risk of dental problems, you may need more frequent visits.

3. Does a hygienist appointment hurt?

Most treatments are comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, you may experience some mild discomfort, but your hygienist can adjust the treatment to make you as comfortable as possible.

4. What’s the difference between a dentist and a hygienist?

A dentist diagnoses and treats dental conditions, while a hygienist focuses on preventing dental disease through professional cleaning, gum care, and oral health education. They work together to keep your mouth healthy.

5. Why do I need a hygienist if I brush my teeth every day?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed at home. Regular hygienist visits help remove this build-up and reduce the risk of gum disease.

6. What happens during a hygienist appointment?

Your appointment typically includes:

• An oral health review.
• Advice on brushing, flossing, diet and caring for your teeth at home.
• Removal of plaque and tartar.
• Polishing your teeth if appropriate.

7. Will my teeth be whiter after a hygienist visit?

A hygienist removes surface stains caused by tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking, making your teeth look cleaner and brighter. However, this is not the same as professional teeth whitening.

8. Can a hygienist help with bad breath?

Yes. Persistent bad breath is often caused by plaque, bacteria, or gum disease. A hygienist can identify the cause, provide a thorough clean, and recommend ways to improve your oral hygiene.

9. Can children see a hygienist?

Absolutely. Hygienist visits help children develop good oral hygiene habits, prevent tooth decay, and build confidence about dental appointments from an early age.

10. How can I prepare for my hygienist appointment?

Brush your teeth before your visit if possible, let your hygienist know about any medical conditions or medications, and don’t hesitate to mention any concerns such as bleeding gums, sensitivity, or bad breath.

Bonus FAQ: How long does a hygienist appointment take?

Most appointments last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your oral health and the type of treatment you require. Some of your appointment will involve checking your previous dental history, medical history, writing up your notes and decontamination of the surgery and instruments to ensure the environment is safe and clean.