Hygiene Appointments

Hygiene appointments help prevent gum disease

Gum disease causes inflammation of the tissue that surrounds teeth and, if this is left untreated, it can lead to recession of the gums and losing your teeth. The cleaner your teeth, the less likely you are to develop gum disease.

Regularly visiting a hygienist will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, as well as protecting your overall well-being because poor gum health has been linked to more serious conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

What do hygienists do?

Hygienists are fully trained members of the dental team who focus on preventing and treating gum disease by promoting good oral hygiene. One of the main aspects of the hygienist’s role is to carry out a ‘scale and polish’, a thorough clean of the teeth to remove plaque and tartar build-up. Hygienists also offer helpful hygiene advice and demonstrate how to keep your teeth clean and plaque-free with toothbrushes, interdental brushes and floss.

For younger patients, hygienists can apply fluoride varnishes to strengthen enamel or fissure sealants, which provide a protective barrier to stop bacteria settling in the narrow fissures of the back teeth. These treatments offer a protective measure for young teeth when they first start to emerge.