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Hygienist and oral health

Hygienist and Oral Health

All about keeping your teeth clean, healthy & happy

A hygienist can professionally clean your teeth above and below the gum, commonly known as scaling and polishing. Once plaque hardens, it becomes tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a hygienist, using specialist equipment.

A hygienist can help if:

  • You have stained teeth
  • You have gum disease
  • You struggle to maintain good dental hygiene
  • You need advice on keeping your teeth and gums healthy
Find your nearest dentist here
Dental hygiene appointment with mydentist Play Watch a dental hygiene appointment

When should I see a hygienist?

A hygienist’s main work is to prevent and treat gum disease. Perhaps the most important part of their job is to show you the best ways to keep your teeth free of plaque. Plaque is a sticky, whitish deposit that forms on your teeth when bacteria mixes with food and saliva. The bacteria in plaque produce chemicals that cause gum disease. In turn, this can lead to bleeding gums, gum shrinkage and ultimately tooth loss.

Your mydentist hygienist offers two types of clean:

The sparkling clean

  • Prevents and treats gum disease
  • Makes gums healthier
  • Reduces bleeding
  • Prevents tooth loss
  • Leaves teeth cleaner
PLUS
  • Removes stains with air polishing*
  • Leaves teeth brighter
(selected practices only)

* Treatment may not be suitable for some patients – your clinician will advise

The classic clean

  • Prevents and treats gum disease
  • Makes gums healthier
  • Reduces bleeding
  • Prevents tooth loss
  • Leaves teeth cleaner
Did you know? Before the use of a toothbrush and toothpaste, people would use salt and chalk to whiten their teeth and remove the grime. We doubt that it was particularly effective!

Do hygienist treatments hurt?

A scale and polish is usually pain free. However, if you experience any discomfort, the hygienist can use anaesthetic creams, or provide you with a local anaesthetic. It is important to let the hygienist know at the time so they can help ease your discomfort.

Can children visit the hygienist?

Yes. Children can benefit from having their teeth polished. The hygienist can also apply fluoride varnishes to help prevent decay.

How can I maintain good oral hygiene?

Your hygienist will show you how to care for your mouth using a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss and inter-dental brushes. This means you can look after your teeth and gums between visits. Brushing your teeth properly and cutting down on sugary foods and drinks can have a big impact on your dental hygiene.

Timeline: a typical customer journey

  • Your dentist will refer you to a dental hygienist if they decide it is necessary. Some practices have Direct Access hygienists which mean that you don’t need to be referred by a dentist and can book an appointment directly.
  • Your hygienist may apply fluoride to help prevent decay.
  • Your hygienist will help you to adopt correct techniques to maintain oral hygiene.
  • Your hygienist will scale and polish your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar.
  • You’ll enjoy the sensation of a cleaner and healthier mouth!
Book a hygiene appointment online
Find your nearest dentist here
Did you know? Ancient Greeks made a powder to clean their teeth from crushed bones!

Hygiene Plan

The mydentist hygiene plan gives you the option to select between 2 and 4 visits to the hygienist a year. You can also opt for the classic clean or the sparkling clean treatment which includes airflow, a none-invasive treatment which helps remove staining from teeth. There are 12 plans to choose from and our hygienists will help you select the plan which best meets your needs. Plans start from as little as £7.50 per month. All plan members receive a membership/discount card which entitles them to a 10% discount from any of the oral hygiene products we sell. The plans are a great way to budget for your hygiene treatment but also to ensure you visit the hygienist regularly. ​Click below for full terms and conditions:

Terms and conditions

Discount valid for members on the hygiene plan. Non transferrable. To be used only in conjunction with the Hygiene Plan. Not in conjunction with any other plan. mydentist reserves the right to change or withdraw the card at any time and without prior written notice. You must be 16 years old or over to be eligible to use a card. Discount can only be redeemed at the time of purchase and with a valid card at participating practices. Cards remain the property of mydentist at all times and may not be redeemed for cash and have no cash value. We reserve the right to terminate your Discount Card. A charge may be levied on replacement cards. Discount is subject to the products available in participating practices. You may not use your card in conjunction with other offers, if you are unsure which offers are eligible in the scheme please ask at any participating practice. You can terminate your hygiene plan at any time, ask in practice for further details. The information contained in the above rules are subject to change without notice. The information and materials connected to mydentist’s Hygiene Plan cannot be replicated without prior written permission. You may not post, distribute or reproduce any copyrighted material, trademarks, or other proprietary information without obtaining owner permission of such rights.
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