The term ‘oral hygiene’ covers more than just brushing and flossing. This is why we recommend annual visits to a hygienist. However, if you show signs of gum disease or your teeth are in need of an extensive clean, your dentist may recommend seeing a hygienist on a more regular basis.

What treatments do hygienists offer?

A dental hygienist can perform treatments such as scale and polish, tartar removal and sealant and varnish treatments. They are also qualified to take dental x-rays if necessary. In addition to these treatments, they can also provide guidance and advice on how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

An annual scale and polish will help you to control the build up of harmful tartar. Whilst cleaning your teeth the hygienist will use high pressured water to clean the gums, helping to prevent gum disease.

Food and diet

Some of the things you can do to support the work your dental hygienist does include reducing sugary foods and drinks and chewing sugar-free gum after meals. If you smoke, we strongly recommend quitting as smokers are more likely to suffer from tooth loss and gum disease than non-smokers.

It’s also important to brush twice a day and floss every night to reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar. We also recommend using an electric toothbrush to help you reach all the teeth easily. These toothbrushes are more effective in removing plaque from the surface of the teeth.