Visiting the Hygienist

Q. Why should I see a dental hygienist?

The hygienist is a specially trained member of the dental team. She plays an important role in dental health care, preventing dental disease by adopting an individual approach to oral hygiene.
Patients who see a hygienist regularly are proven to have healthier teeth and gums and enjoy lower dental bills!

Q. What does the hygienist do?

She removes the soft and hard plaque on the teeth to a very high standard and advises patients on oral hygiene techniques such as brushing and cleaning between the teeth. She works with the dentist to establish and maintain a programme that is tailored to the individual's needs. She can also advise on diet to help prevent dental decay.

Q. Why is this important?

Good home care is important if gum disease and tooth decay are not to progress to more serious problems. Gum disease is also the main cause of bad breath.

Q. Why doesn't the dentist do the work?

The dentist may refer you to the hygienist, as they are able to spend more time on these important aspects of preventing dental disease. Unfortunately, the dentist will usually combine this treatment with other treatment.

Q. Is it expensive?

Prevention is not cheap; but if teeth are lost then their replacement through dentures or bridgework is usually more expensive and less satisfactory.