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Dental Hygiene

Do you suffer from embarrassing personal problems such as bad breath, or gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or bite certain foods such as apples? These are common problems but people don’t like to talk about them. The good news is, if you do experience such issues, our hygienist Angela can help.

Dental hygienists are special members of the dental team who help to improve your oral health by thoroughly cleaning your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar that’s built up. They do this using special equipment and pastes, and it’s known as a scale and polish. Most people know about the scale and polish, and the lovely, fresh, clean feeling it leaves. But did you know that dental hygienists are also at the forefront of fighting gum disease?

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK. Some of the common signs are bad breath and gums that bleed when brushed, although early stages may display few symptoms.

There are two forms of gum disease – the milder form is gingivitis, while the more serious form is periodontitis. Periodontitis develops from untreated gingivitis, so the quicker you visit your dentist or hygienist, the easier that treatment will be.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, you should book an appointment with our hygienist straight away. She can not only provide treatment for the condition, but can also advise you how to prevent it from recurring in the future.

An important part of the hygienist’s job is to advise you on how to look after your teeth and gums at home. This includes advice on brushing technique, flossing and using interdental brushes to clean between the teeth.

We recommend that everyone, adults and children, visits a hygienist at least every six months. Some people may need to visit more frequently, and you should always follow the advice of your dentist or hygienist.