Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene treatment is delivered by a specially trained dental hygienist who will help to remove any hard-to-reach plaque from your teeth that may have built up over time.

Here is what you can expect from a hygiene appointment:

Your teeth and gums will be assessed to determine the amount of plaque removal you will need and risk factors will be highlighted.
Your teeth will be professionally cleaned with special equipment and pastes. This process is also known as scaling and polishing.
The hygienist's role is to show you how to look after your teeth so that they remain free from plaque in the future. You will be advised on the best tooth brushing technique and given tips on flossing and using interdental brushes.

Dental hygiene at our practice also functions preventatively to treat gum disease and bad breath. If you have a bridge, denture, orthodontic treatment or a dental implant you will have specific hygiene needs that the hygienist will be able to assist you with.

It is recommended that you come in for regular hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy.

Why do I need to see a hygienist?

A hygienist’s job is to:

Show you how you can keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, and
Prevent and treat gum disease

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque – a sticky white deposit that develops when bacteria mixes with food and saliva.
Plaque is constantly forming on the surface of your teeth, as well as in between teeth them, and it’s the bacteria in plaque that causes inflammation of the gums (also known as gingivitis or gum disease.)
If plaque isn’t removed it can lead to bleeding gums, gum shrinkage and eventually tooth loss.
At Willaston Dental Care our hygienists will give your teeth a deep clean and reach the areas you can’t clean without special equipment, such as below the gum line.

Our hygiene treatments

When you visit us you can choose between the following dental hygiene treatments:

Standard Hygiene Treatment

Prevents and treats gum disease
Makes gums healthier
Reduces bleeding gums
Prevents tooth loss
Leaves teeth cleaner

Aqua Polish

With an Aqua Polish treatment you get all the benefits of a standard hygiene treatment PLUS it also:

Removes stains from your teeth with air polishing
Leaves your teeth whiter and brighter

Do hygiene treatments hurt?

No – usually hygiene treatments are pain free but if you have sensitive teeth or gums we can apply an anaesthetic gel or a local anaesthetic to numb the area to prevent you feeling any discomfort.

Please let us know before or during treatment if you’re experiencing any sensitivity and we’ll make sure you’re fine.

Can children visit the hygienist?

Yes – children also benefit from having their teeth cleaned and polished professionally. We can also provide fluoride varnishes to help prevent decay.

What can I do to look after my own teeth between hygiene visits?

While you’re here for a hygiene visit next time, ask your hygienist to show you how to correctly use your toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and interdental brushes. By doing this every day your mouth will feel a lot healthier, cleaner and fresher and you’ll have a brighter smile!