When was the last time you booked a dental hygienist appointment? If it was more than six months ago, chances are you’re overdue a visit. It’s easy to avoid seeing the dental hygienist, but trust us – you should think twice next time you consider putting it off.
What happens at the hygienist?
If it’s been a while since your last dental hygienist appointment, you might have forgotten what takes place during your visit. The answer is different for everyone – it depends on your specific oral health needs. No matter who you are, a hygienist appointment will help to future-proof your smile. Here’s how:
Rid your mouth of disease and decay
If you have established a regular oral health routine with twice-daily brushing and flossing, we’re glad to hear it! But unfortunately, this isn’t all it takes to keep your mouth in great shape.
Without regular dental hygienist appointments, plaque will begin to build in the places your toothbrush can’t reach. Even interdental brushes can’t catch everything!
If plaque is allowed to harden, it will turn into tartar – these are tough, stubborn deposits that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Your only chance of removing them is the scale and polish treatment that dental hygienists offer.
Keep your natural teeth for life
If you’re not the biggest fan of the dentist, it would make sense to try and avoid it as much as you possibly can. The best way to achieve this is by keeping your teeth in ship-shape condition!
Hygienists offer treatments that promote the prevention of tooth decay, like fissure sealants and fluoride applications. They protect trapped food and bacteria from entering the molars and protect your enamel – the hardest substance in the human body!
Regular dental hygienist appointments will help to ensure you keep your natural teeth for life. That means less risk of invasive, expensive treatments later down the line. Win-win!
You’ll have a smile to be proud of
Poor oral hygiene can lead to staining, decay, and damaged teeth. As well being detrimental to your health, these effects can make your teeth look unappealing too.
Your first instinct might be to opt for cosmetic dental treatments to rectify these aesthetic imperfections – but we can’t offer these treatments for patients with gum disease or tooth decay. The health of your mouth needs to come first!
The hygienists at Ten Dental are experts at removing stubborn surface stains caused by dark-hued foods and drinks like red wine, soy sauce, and tomatoes.
Our skilled dentists can reverse gum disease and treat tooth decay, providing the perfect blank canvas for cosmetic dental treatments if you still wish to improve the appearance of your smile.
Sometimes, a thorough clean is all that’s required to restore your teeth to their former glory!
It might not take as long as you think
Many patients ask us, ‘how long is a hygienist appointment?’. Whilst this depends on the extent of your oral health issues, it won’t take as long as you think!
The average appointment lasts about 40 minutes – it’s unlikely that you’ll be in there for more than one hour.
The more regular your dental hygienist appointments, the less time they’ll take! It’s in your interest to come and see us as often as you can.
We offer a hygienist service
Dental hygienists are qualified to perform all the preventative treatments like scale and polish treatments, fissure sealants, and fluoride applications.
At Ten Dental, our hygienist is also a qualified therapist! Raquel undertook a year course in Dental Hygiene & Therapy at King’s College Hospital NHS Trust. She successfully graduated with Diplomas in Dental Hygiene & Therapy in 2012 and now practices in London and the Home Counties.
If you’re thinking of booking your next dental hygienist appointment, we would love to see you!
We have three state-of-the-art practices in Balham, Clapham, and Wandsworth. Get in touch to schedule yours today.