Get a healthy, happy smile with a mydentist hygienist

A hygienist’s main job is to prevent and treat gum disease, which is caused by a build up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is the sticky, white deposit that forms on your teeth when bacteria mixes with food and saliva. If this is not removed thoroughly through brushing and fl ossing it can harden, turning into tartar, which must be professionally removed.

If a dentist refers you to a hygienist, they will tell you how often you should be seen to help you manage your oral health. You can also self-refer to many of our practices. Many of our patients enjoy the deep clean feeling of a hygiene treatment and a brighter smile achieved through stain removal.

The bacteria in plaque and tartar are harmful to your teeth and gums. The bacteria causes irritation, which can cause bleeding, swelling and soreness. If not treated, the bone in your jaw can be damaged, causing teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Gum disease has also been associated with other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lung infections and problems in pregnancy.

In most cases, a visit to the hygienist is a pain-free experience. However, if you experience any discomfort, the hygienist can use anaesthetic creams or provide a local anaesthetic to ease the pain.

Yes! Children can benefit from having their teeth polished and can also receive fluoride varnishes to help prevent decay. The sooner someone starts investing in their dental hygiene, the more effective it can be.

Your hygienist will show you how to properly care for your mouth using basic oral health strategies such as brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and using floss and inter-dental brushes properly. Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks and brushing your teeth properly can also have a big impact on your dental hygiene, and your hygienist can give you advice on how to do this.

At mydentist we firmly believe everyone deserves the highest quality dental care, which is why we offer a comprehensive and affordable hygiene plan. Take advantage of either two or four visits to the hygienist a year starting at just £8 per month! {my}dentist hygiene plans are a great way to budget for your hygiene treatment and ensure you can afford to visit the hygienist regularly. Better yet, all plan members receive a membership card that entitles them to a 10% discount on any oral hygiene products sold by mydentist!

• There are two ways to access a dental hygienist: your dentist can refer you, or you can book an appointment yourself with direct access
• Once you arrive, our helpful practice staff will get you settled in and show you where to go
• The hygienist will start by checking your gums
• The hygienist will then show you some good techniques for maintaining good oral hygiene
• Finally, the hygienist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar

Always brush twice a day for at least two minutes and use floss or inter-dental brushes to clean in between too. Your hygienist will provide tailored advice and product recommendations so make sure to follow this at home. Your diet has a big role to play too so try to minimise the sugar in your food and drinks.

What are you waiting for? A healthy, happy smile starts with a visit to a mydentist hygienist. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards a brighter smile - and a brighter future