What to Expect from A Visit to The Hygienist

The primary treatment offered by dental hygienists is the scale and polish, which is a method of professionally cleaning your teeth. This helps to remove any plaque and tartar buildup to help protect your teeth from decay.

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. 

If your dentist advises you to visit the dental hygienist, your first visit can be a little daunting. We know that many patients are nervous about new and unfamiliar treatments. In this guide, we’re sharing a little bit of insight into the role of the dental hygienist and how they can support your journey to better oral health.

We’ll also share our top tips on preparing for your visit so you know exactly what to expect. If you’re ready to start prioritising your oral health, a trip to the dental hygienist is a great place to start. Read on to learn more about what you can expect.

Benefits of visiting a dental hygienist

There are many benefits to visiting the dental hygienist. If you’re concerned that this treatment is unnecessary, consider the following benefits of dental hygiene treatments:

• Your dental hygienist can provide demonstrations on effective tooth brushing to ensure effective removal of plaque while preventing wear to the teeth and gums. They can provide feedback on your current oral hygiene routine and recommendations for how you can improve this.

• You can ask for advice on the latest oral hygiene products and aids and demonstrations on how best to use the products. This could include tooth brushes, toothpastes, dental floss and other interdental products

• If you have had dental restorations in the past, you can get advice on the care of bridges, implants and orthodontic appliances. This can help to extend the life of your restorations and make sure treatment is as effective as possible.

• If you are struggling with gum disease, your dental hygienist is the best person to ask for advice. They can provide detailed explanations on the causes and treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. This could include looking at lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and diabetes which can affect your oral health.

• A trip to the dental hygienist will include a scale and polish treatment, often using Airflow stain removal technology. This will remove all traces of plaque and calculus deposits from your teeth, including on hard to reach areas like between the teeth. This will provide a ​“fresh start” for your teeth, allowing you to better care for your teeth at home. Many patients also find that this stain removal treatment helps to brighten their smiles.

• A trip to the dental hygienist is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay and erosion. You can get personalised dietary advice on the best ways to reduce sugar consumption and the risk of acid wear.

• At the end of the treatment, your dental hygienist will apply a fluoride varnish to help remineralise the tooth surface. This can help to prevent the early signs of decay and reduce the need for further treatment.

• If you have red and inflamed gums, this could be a sign that you are dealing with gum disease. Regular dental hygienist treatments will help to get rid of sore and inflamed gums and leave your gums a healthy pink colour. This will also help to stop your teeth from bleeding with your brush and floss.

• A hygienist cleaning is one of the best ways to tackle bad breath. It will help to remove the plaque deposits that provide a place for bad-smelling bacteria to multiply and thrive.

• Good oral hygiene can help to prevent gum disease which can lead to tooth loss.

Caring for your teeth at home

We recommend visiting the dental hygienist between one and two times per year. If you have widespread gum disease, you may need to visit more often to help protect your teeth. Between treatments, you can care for your teeth by following these steps:

• 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.

• Avoid sugary and starchy snacks between meals.

• Avoid fizzy drinks and try switching to water to help protect your oral health.

Does a dental hygienist treatment hurt?

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 natural teeth healthy. This is one of the best ways to avoid the need for further treatment.

What to expect during your first visit

If you have never been to a dental hygienist appointment before, let our team know so we can support you through this journey. We recommend brushing your teeth before the appointment so that you can feel more confident.

You should also write down any questions that you have for your hygienist so they can offer personalised advice.

The first step in your appointment will be a visual inspection of your teeth and gums. Next, your hygienist will use a special machine to gently remove stains and build up from the surface of your teeth. The machine directs a fine jet of air, water and polishing particles onto the surface of your teeth. At the same time, suction is used to remove this from your mouth.

All of this will help you to achieve a brighter and healthier smile. At the end of the treatment, we will apply a fluoride treatment to help remineralise the surface of your teeth and protect against enamel erosion.

Final thoughts on dental hygienist visits

A dental hygienist visit is not something you should be nervous about. The treatment is intended to be relaxed and informal. It’s your opportunity to ask questions about your oral health and get personalised advice to help you maintain a brighter and healthier smile.

To see our Dental Hygienist or for more information call Leigh Dental Centre on 01702 472 929 or explore our website to learn more.