Hygienist - Dental Services Offered

Why do I need a Hygienist appointment?

• In order to improve and maintain the health of your gums frequent visits to the hygienist are required (normally every six months).
• Part of your dental examination with the Dentist will involve checking the health of you Gums. 
• Your Gums are the foundation of your teeth and therefore need to be kept healthy.

Our Dentists will look out for:

• Deposits of plaque and tartar – this is composed of bacteria. The bacteria harbour around the gum and cause can cause gum disease.
• Bleeding of the gums – this can be a sign of gum inflammation either early (gingivitis) or advanced (periodontitis). NB smokers do not always show this sign.
• Pockets – If early gum disease (gingivitis) is allowed to progress then the gum around the teeth start to pull away from the root of the tooth (caused by the gum inflammation). This creates a pocket where bacteria become trapped and continue the inflammation and destruction of the gum. This can lead onto bone loss around the teeth.
• Mobility – progressed gum disease where gum and bone around the teeth has been destroyed will show signs of tooth mobility. Eventually the teeth may fall out.
• Gum recession – this can be caused by gum disease or excessive/hard tooth brushing.
  

What will the hygienist do?

• The hygienist must always work to the prescription of a Dentist. 
• Before seeing a hygienist you must have had a dental examination so the Dentist may do this.
  

Our Hygienist will:

• Remove any plaque and tartar above and below the gum line by scaling the teeth. (Occasionally with local anaesthetic if required).
• Polish your teeth to bring back there natural appearance as best as possible. 
• Guide and educate you in your personal oral hygiene habits e.g. tooth brushing techniques with manual brushes or electric brushes, flossing techniques, and use of interspace/interdental brushes. (You may wish to bring your brushing aids with you to the hygienist appointment).
• Provide advice about your diet and how this can affect your teeth.

For healthy gums and a healthy smile contact us to see our hygienist.