So you’ve scheduled your regular check-ups at Churchview Dental Practice – great! Now we’re telling you to book in with one of our Doncaster hygienists too. Why? Because while your dentist will focus on identifying and treating problems as they arise, the hygienist’s job is to prevent those problems from happening in the first place. The hygienist’s role is to help you stay on top of plaque and tartar, which continually forms around your gum line and isn’t always easy to remove through brushing alone.
DENTAL HYGIENE
Maintaining healthy smiles with the help of your hygienist in Doncaster
Your hygienist in Doncaster
Hygienist treatments in Doncaster
As well as carrying out a scale and polish – or a professional deep-clean – to remove stains, plaque and tartar from areas brushing can’t always reach, your hygienist will make sure you’re armed with the latest techniques and products to use at home. If you’ve been following the same oral hygiene routine for decades, we might surprise you with the most up-to-date advice that’s out there! The hygienist is also qualified to support you if you need to make lifestyle changes that will save your teeth, such as eating healthily, or giving up smoking. And if you’ve had dental implants, it is likely you will need to visit the hygienist on a regular basis to make sure your implants stay healthy.
FAQs
Can’t my dentist do oral hygiene checks?
Yes, our dentists are fully qualified in all aspects of oral hygiene. However, hygienists undertake particular training in this area, meaning they focus on ensuring plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and from below the gum line, where most damage is caused.
What treatments can the hygienist offer?
The hygienist will carry out a scale and polish – a professional deep clean that removes disease-causing plaque and tartar from under and around the gum line. The hygienist is also qualified to advise you on the latest techniques and products for effective cleaning at home, as well as tips on diet, nutrition and lifestyle issues such as smoking and alcohol intake.
What do I need to know about plaque and tartar?
Plaque and tartar are the key contributors to gum disease and tooth decay. The root cause of gum disease and tooth decay is bad oral hygiene – when you let your regular brushing and flossing slide, a film of bacteria – plaque – builds up around the gum line. Caused by the food that remains on your teeth after eating, plaque eventually hardens to become tartar. Together, they attack the tooth enamel, making gums and teeth vulnerable to disease and decay.
Can I do anything to prevent oral hygiene problems occurring?
Maintaining a rigorous cleaning programme at home is vital if you want to minimise your hygienist visits. Our hygienist will give you advice and tips not only about how to clean your teeth, but also about diet and general lifestyle.
Does it hurt to get a scale and polish?
Not usually, though if your gums are very sensitive the hygienist can use anaesthetic gel to alleviate any discomfort.
How often should I see my hygienist?
If you have good oral health, we generally recommend seeing the hygienist twice a year. If you’ve had dental implants or tooth restorations, you may be required to visit more frequently to ensure plaque is being kept under control effectively around your prosthetic restorations.
