Dental Hygiene
Pulteney Dental Practice offers a range of hygienist services including scale and polish treatments, preventative fluoride applications, and cosmetic, stain-removing brightening treatments.
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.
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.
“Protect against gum disease and tooth decay – visit your hygienist regularly. They’ll give you a deep clean to keep on top of your oral hygiene.”
Looking after your oral hygiene.
Seeing the hygienist is important, but you also need to look after your teeth at home to make sure they stay clean and healthy. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for keeping a healthy mouth.
Lots of people think they know how to brush their teeth well, but really, they’re missing some key steps which could be vital for maintaining good oral health.
Watch our handy video which explains how to brush your teeth properly.
Top tips for brushing your teeth
Make sure you remember these key steps and hints every time you brush your teeth, to keep your smile happy and healthy.
- Don’t forget to floss or use an interdental brush before you brush your teeth
- Don’t wet your toothbrush before you apply toothpaste
- Two is the magic number. Brush for two minutes, twice a day
- Brush in circular motions with a manual toothbrush. If you use an electric toothbrush, let the brush do the work
- Avoid brushing backwards and forwards
- Make sure you brush every tooth
- Brush your tongue to get rid of bacteria and bad breath
- Don’t rinse your mouth after brushing- it’ll wash away the fluoride
If you have children, it’s important to instil good brushing habits from an early age so that dental problems can be prevented early on.
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.