Hygiene visits are an important part of the maintenance of our teeth and gums. While only a dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease and tooth decay, a dental hygienist is perfectly qualified to remove the plaque and tartar build-up that leads to decay and disease.

Here at Smilecraft in Stevenage, patients can make hygiene appointments without a referral from a dentist. This is known as direct access. This service was created in 2013, though even now, five years later, we find many of our patients still don’t know they can book a hygiene appointment whenever they want.

Why see a dental hygienist?

There are many benefits from having regular hygiene appointments. At your six-monthly check-up, your dentist will recommend that you also have a scale and polish – which means removing plaque and tartar build-up. This is because no matter how diligently we brush, floss and mouth wash, unseen plaque builds up, hardening into tartar over time, which can then lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Only dental equipment can remove this build up, so it is vital to have this preventive work done regularly.

Hygienists can also advise on brushing techniques and the use of interdental brushes, so you can have the most effective oral healthcare routine possible.

They can also offer advice on nutrition for oral health, ways to combat bad breath and sensitive teeth and information on how to stop smoking.

And if you have a dental structure such as a dental implant, bridge, denture or crown, our hygienist can give you special tips on how to keep it, and the surrounding teeth, clean and healthy.

Keep your smile shining

So, as well as coming in for a hygiene appointment when recommended by your dentist, you can book in for a scale and polish without a referral, great for shining up your pearly whites before a special occasion, or simply keeping them in tip top condition.

Particular patient groups such as those with diabetes or heart disease and pregnant women may need to see a hygienist more often than every six months. Check in with your dentist for more information.

Proper dental care is a vital part of keeping your teeth healthy. In addition to regular brushing and flossing at home, it is very important to visit your dentist regularly to get check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist will also examine your teeth thoroughly and look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease is the most common oral hygiene-related condition, affecting 75% of all adults in the UK to some degree or another.

At Smilecraft, we believe that regular dental check-ups and cleanings can make all the difference to smiling for a lifetime. For this reason, we provide a variety of services to prevent dental diseases from counselling to scaling and polishing. Our dentists are here to help you take good care of your teeth and gums.

Visiting the dental hygienist

Visiting the dentist and the dental hygienist regularly is the best way of maintaining good oral health. The main role of our dental hygienists is to prevent any serious problems from occurring. For this reason, they will scale and polish your teeth and also show you the best way to remove plaque at home.

During a scale and polish procedure, your hygienist will remove plaque from your teeth and beneath your gum line. Some patients may require a deeper scaling, which includes cleaning the roots of their teeth. Each patient’s mouth is unique and your dentist will tailor a treatment plan to suit your personal needs.

Your dental hygienist will also provide information on how diet and nutrition affects your mouth. For instance, you will be advised to stay away from sugary and acidic foods, in order to help prevent dental decay and erosion. Your dental hygienist will also show you the best techniques to brush and floss your teeth at home.

Patients with greater risk of decay can benefit from fluoride treatments. Other gels and solutions can also be placed on the teeth and gums to help with sensitivity and bacteria under the gum. Finally, your dental hygienist will advise you on the negative effects of smoking on your oral health and show you the best ways to quit smoking.