What to expect from a visit to the hygienist

Dental hygienists are fully trained dental professionals, who specialise in preventing and treating gum disease by professionally cleaning your teeth, removing any plaque and tartar buildup.

The hygienist is able to perform a number of procedures including cleanings, scaling and root planning for patients with periodontal disease, dental sealants, administration of fluoride, and can provide instructions for proper oral hygiene and care. All treatment should be pain-free but if you experience any discomfort please let the hygienist know and they will be able to use anaesthetic creams or a local anaesthetic.

All advice is specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. By coming to the surgery for regular cleaning it is possible to reduce the number of fillings and other dental treatment required, allowing you to keep your own teeth for as long as possible.

Benefits of visiting a dental hygienist

These include:

• Demonstrations on effective toothbrushing to ensure effective removal of plaque while preventing wear to the teeth and gums

• Discussions on the latest oral hygiene products and aids and demonstrations on how best to use the products – toothbrushes, toothpastes, interdental products

• Advice on the care of bridges, implants and orthodontic appliances

. Detailed explanations on the causes and treatment for periodontal (gum) disease – including looking at lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and diabetes which can affect your oral health

• Removal of plaque and calculus deposits

• Prevention of tooth decay and erosion

• Dietary advice on the best ways to reduce sugar consumption and the risk of acid wear

• Applying fluoride varnishes to help remineralise any early signs of decay and reduce the need for further treatment

• Polish teeth to remove any staining caused by foods, drinks, medication and smoking using our Diamond Air Polishing System

• Help to change red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink

• Stop gums from bleeding when brushing

• Preventing teeth from becoming loose and drifting affecting your bite

• Preventing unpleasant tastes and bad breath by removing the damaging bacteria in the mouth.

Steps for healthy teeth and gums

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste

• Use interdental brushes, floss or tape once a day to clean the areas in between teeth where toothbrushing cannot reach

• Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks

• Visit your dental team as often as they recommend

All of this will help you to achieve a brighter and healthier smile.

To see our Dental Hygienist or for more information call Leigh Dental Centre on 01702 472 929 or visit our website on https://​www​.leigh​den​tal​cen​tre​.co​.uk/ to learn more.