It is estimated that 19 out of 20 people suffer from gum disease at some point in their life, making it the most common, non-infectious disease in the world (National Smile Month). Gum disease is the main cause for loss of adult teeth. With more adult teeth being lost through gum disease rather than tooth decay, regular dental hygiene treatment is essential to keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Regular visits to a hygienist combined with dental check-ups and looking after your teeth and gums at home will greatly improve the appearance of your teeth and your oral health.

Dental hygienists are specially trained to clean patients’ teeth professionally, which is usually referred to as scaling and polishing. The hygienist plays a vital role in the dental team, and perhaps their most important task is showing patients the best way to keep their teeth free of plaque. They also give advice on diet and preventing dental decay.

We offer a range of hygienist services including scale and polish treatments, preventative fluoride applications, and cosmetic, stain-removing brightening treatments.

What happens at a hygienist appointment?

Hygienists offer a professional teeth cleaning service, a process called scaling and polishing. During the appointment your hygienist will carry out an initial dental hygiene examination. They will then:

• Scale your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar build-up in those areas brushing cannot reach
• Perform a clean and polish to remove any superficial stains on your teeth
• Offer tailored advice on how to maintain good dental health and demonstrate techniques you can use at home

Your hygienist will also provide advice about diet and preventing tooth decay. They can spot signs of gum disease and will refer you to a dentist or periodontist if they see anything that needs further treatment.

How often should I visit a hygienist?

It may be recommended by your dentist that you visit the hygienist regularly. The frequency of visits will be determined by your clinical needs but also by your own personal desire to have your teeth cleaned and polished regularly. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a hygienist for a thorough clean before beginning a complex dental treatment such as dental implants.

What are the benefits of visiting a hygienist?

Good oral hygiene is vital in eliminating gum disease and decay, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Regular visits to a dental hygienist will ensure that hidden and difficult-to-reach plaque and tartar is removed from your teeth removing rough surfaces which contribute to build up of bacterial numbers, and improving the health of your teeth and gums.

Hygienists can also help you maintain brighter, whiter teeth. Scaling and polishing, as well as cosmetic treatments can remove surface stains, leaving you with a fresher, brighter smile.

Your hygienist can also provide advice on diet and how to care for your teeth and gums properly at home.

We provide following services:

• Preventive advice – day-to-day care of your gums and teeth
• Dental care and tooth brushing sessions for your children
• Teeth cleaning and polishing
• Administration of fluoride
• Administration of anaesthetic, if necessary
• Applying fissure seal on children’s teeth
• Advice on giving up smoking
• Stain removal
• Tooth whitening
• Conceal unsightly teeth

Hygienist services for children

If you find it difficult to get your child to brush their teeth or just want to educate them on the importance of healthy teeth and gums, we also offer tooth brushing sessions.

The session includes:

• Polishing your child’s teeth
• Advice and education on maintaining healthy teeth and gums
• Demonstration – with the use of disclosing tablets and an intra oral camera
• Healthy Teeth & Gums Kit to encourage your child to brush at home