Hygiene Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a dental hygienist do during a routine appointment?

During a routine appointment, your dental hygienist will meticulously clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar build-up. They also polish your teeth, and provide oral hygiene advice that meets your needs. They will also do an oral cancer screen regularly.

How often should I visit a dental hygienist?

We recommend you visit your dental hygienist regularly as prompted by your dentist at your dental check up appointments. Some patients may benefit from more regular appointments, or even a referral to our gum specialist for more advanced treatment. We can let you know when it is best to book your next appointment based on your individual needs and oral profile.

What are the benefits of regular dental hygiene appointments?

Regular dental hygiene appointments, combined with your oral hygiene regime at home, will help you maintain a healthy mouth and boost your overall well-being. Hygienists are trained to help you prevent cavities and gum disease, and keep your teeth healthy and strong.

How can my dental hygienist in Cambridge help with gum disease prevention?

Your dental hygienist plays a vital role in gum disease prevention by thoroughly cleaning below the gum line, removing harmful bacteria and calculus. They also provide personalised advice on effective brushing and flossing techniques to maintain healthy gums at home.

Do you offer dental hygiene treatment for children?

Children can benefit from having their teeth polished regularly by a professional dental hygienist, and from being shown how to brush correctly. The techniques learned as a child will be used throughout life. The hygienist can also apply fluoride gels, fissure sealants and other solutions to help prevent decay in developing teeth.

Why can’t I visit my dentist for a professional teeth clean?

Some dentists do offer hygiene services, but many recognise the benefits of visiting a specially trained dental hygienist. Hygienists solely focus on oral health, and can spend longer to ensure a thorough scale and polish treatment really works for your needs. They are also experts at oral health education, and can recommend the best brushing and flossing techniques for you at home.

Does dental hygiene treatment hurt?

Dental hygiene treatment shouldn’t be painful. You may experience some discomfort, particularly when your hygienist is scaling your teeth to remove stubborn plaque, but this is short-lived. We are also completely guided by you, always checking if you feel relaxed and comfortable, and stopping to give you a break if needed.

Is the treatment expensive?

Patients will be informed of all costs before any treatment begins. We clearly display a fee guide on our notice board in the practice and here on our website in our fee guide. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

What can I do to help the hygienist?

You can do a great deal to help yourself and the hygienist as you are in control of your mouth between visits to the practice. You will be shown how to remove plaque with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You will also be shown how to clean between your teeth with floss, tape or interdental brushes. There are many products available and we will recommend those that are appropriate for you. Also, reducing the amount of sugar in your diet, and the number of times that you eat during the day, can help prevent decay. Your hygienist can help you by looking at your individual case and your lifestyle and make some recommendations for you to consider.