If you normally book a dental hygienist appointment once a year or less, make it your New Year’s Resolution to see your hygienist at least twice this year. Regular visits to a dental hygienist are an important part of oral healthcare, and can keep your teeth and gums in better condition for longer.
But how often should you book a dental hygienist appointment – and what happens at a dental hygienist appointment with Ten Dental?
How often should I see a dental hygienist?
Most people should see a dental hygienist at least once every six months, in order to spot the early signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Early identification of oral health problems allows work to be carried out, such as filling cavities or removing damaged teeth, before problems can develop into painful and chronic conditions.
In some cases, it’s sensible to see a dental hygienist more often, for example when you are pregnant if your gums swell (pregnancy epulis) or if you are diabetic, which can lead to conditions including gingivitis and xerostomia.
What happens at a dental hygienist appointment?
A dental hygienist booking goes beyond just looking at your teeth, as our highly trained professionals will aim to get a good understanding of your oral healthcare routine and any lifestyle risks, such as smoking and drinking, that can make it harder to take care of your teeth long-term.
This can involve some simple questions about your lifestyle and any history of dental problems. Anything you tell us is confidential – we’re just trying to give you the best possible results.
We’ll usually then give your teeth a thorough clean, using more detailed techniques than you can do at home, to remove dental plaque, calculus and other surface deposits. Finally, we’ll give you some simple to follow advice on how you can keep your teeth clean for longer, to preserve their natural whiteness and avoid dark stains like nicotine and coffee.
Book a dental hygienist appointment at Ten Dental
You can use our online booking form to book a dental hygienist appointment at Ten Dental in your area, or give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss any questions you might have about what happens at a dental hygienist appointment.
We are also able to offer virtual consultations – of course this does not allow us to carry out work directly on your mouth, gums or teeth, but it’s a useful first step if you’re not sure whether you need an in-person appointment just yet.