Dental Hygienist Bristol

Healthy teeth are underpinned by healthy gums, and dental hygiene therapy plays a vital role in maintaining good oral health and general wellbeing.

Regular visits to the hygienist should be booked alongside dental check-ups, as your dentist and hygienist play different roles when it comes to your smile.

What to expect during a visit to the hygienist

Here at Stoke Bishop Dental Centre, your hygienist will examine your gum health and educate you on preventative measures to avoid the onset of gum disease. They will also perform hygiene therapy, which is a deep cleaning of your teeth to remove plaque that inevitably builds up between visits, and remove any light staining that can’t be removed through brushing and flossing at home. We can also offer air-powered tooth polishing, a state-of-the-art method of tooth polishing performed without the use of scraping tools.

Why Do I Need To Remove Plaques Often?

You need to remove plaque often because it plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth and gums.

Here are the primary reasons why it’s essential to remove plaque regularly:

• Preventing Tooth Decay: Plaque bacteria feed on sugars from the food you eat and produce acids as a byproduct. These acids can erode your tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay. By removing plaque through regular brushing and flossing, you minimise the risk of tooth decay.
• Gum Health: Plaque accumulation at the gumline can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterised by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, which can result in tooth loss.
• Bad Breath: Plaque buildup on your teeth and tongue can produce unpleasant odours. By removing plaque through proper oral hygiene, you can combat bad breath and maintain fresh breath.
• Preventing Tartar Formation: When plaque is not removed promptly, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional during a professional cleaning. Regularly removing plaque helps prevent tartar buildup, reducing the need for frequent dental cleanings.
• Overall Health: Emerging research suggests a link between oral health and overall health. Poor oral hygiene and gum disease have been associated with various systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By keeping your mouth clean and free of plaque, you contribute to better overall health.

To effectively remove plaque, it’s essential to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily to clean between teeth, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for addressing any plaque or tartar buildup that may have occurred despite your best efforts.

Will The Treatment Hurt?

When visiting a dental hygienist for a routine cleaning, the treatment is typically not painful. In fact, most people find it to be a relatively comfortable and straightforward procedure.

If you have dental anxiety or are concerned about discomfort during the cleaning, it’s essential to communicate with the dental hygienist. They can take steps to ensure your comfort, such as using a topical anaesthetic gel to numb sensitive areas or adjusting their technique to accommodate your needs.

In summary, routine dental hygiene appointments with a dental hygienist are typically not painful. While you may experience some minor discomfort or sensitivity during certain parts of the cleaning process, the overall goal is to provide you with a thorough and comfortable oral care experience. Communication with your hygienist about any concerns or discomfort you may have is key to a positive dental visit.

The benefits of regular hygienist appointments

• Learn about your unique hygiene needs – everyone is different, and regular hygienist appointments will help you maintain healthy gums in the long-term.
• Ensure your teeth are plaque and scale-free, protecting your tooth enamel.
• Maintain a fresh breath.
• Avoid the need for more complex treatment down the line.

5 Reasons You Should See A Hygienist Regularly:

• Prevent gum disease
• Stop gums bleeding
• Keep breath fresh
• Reduce your risk of conditions related to poor gum health, such as heart disease
• Teach you how to keep your teeth healthy for life

Even if your teeth look and feel OK, gum disease can gradually and unnoticeably inflict significant damage. It is rarely painful but can cause bleeding gums, bad breath and possible tooth loss. A hygienist’s chief contribution to dental health is to help you avoid gum disease and decay, so you can keep your own teeth, for life, and your need for dental treatment is greatly reduced. Recent research has also shown a link between periodontal disease (severe gum disease) and other health concerns like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

What happens during a hygiene session?

Our hygienists will assess your current level of oral hygiene and carry out a full scale and polish, as well as demonstrating oral care techniques such as flossing and brushing.

How often should I see a hygienist?

This will depend on your risk of gum disease. Risk factors include having a personal susceptibility and having had restorative treatments. We will advise you how often you should have a hygiene appointment, which can range from every three months to once a year.

Do I need to see a dentist first?

No. Since a change in the law (in 2013), patients can now see a dental hygienist without being referred by a dentist.

Take Your Steps To Dental Health

Achieving and keeping a healthy mouth is a joint effort, please click here for information on our Oral Health Pathway.

Give us a call on 0117 968 4888 to book an appointment for a refreshing deep clean (and more!)