Dental Hygienist Brighton
Book a dental hygiene appointment for £70 – get in touch today to see our dental hygienist.
What is dental hygiene?
Dental hygiene is all about keeping your teeth and gums in top shape through a mix of everyday habits and professional care. By practicing good dental hygiene, you can prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Simple daily steps, like brushing twice with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash, help clear away food particles and plaque—a sticky layer that can build up on your teeth.
Regular visits to a dental hygienist for cleanings are also key; they can remove hardened plaque, or tartar, and spot any early signs of oral health concerns. Hygienists are specially trained to clear away these deposits, helping to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Dental hygienist
The cleaner your teeth, the lower your risk of developing gum disease. Hygienists are highly trained members of the dental team who specialise in preventing and treating gum disease through expert oral care. Our hygienist, Nicole Pickard, is known for her gentle, thorough approach and her ability to help even the most anxious patients feel comfortable during their visits. Seeing a hygienist regularly not only supports the health of your teeth and gums but also safeguards your overall well-being, as gum health is closely linked to more serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Why are hygiene appointments important?
Why are hygiene appointments important?At a hygiene appointment, your hygienist will assess the health of your teeth and gums, checking for any signs of swelling, inflammation, or bleeding. They may also measure where the gum attaches to the tooth and look for early indicators of oral cancer. A key part of the hygienist’s role is performing a ‘scale and polish’—a comprehensive clean designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Scaling removes tartar, smoothing the teeth’s surface, which helps prevent future plaque from accumulating. The session concludes with a polish, leaving your teeth shiny and smooth. Our hygienist also provides valuable advice on keeping your teeth clean, demonstrating effective techniques with toothbrushes, interdental brushes, and floss.
Five reasons to book your hygiene appointment
1. Prevent dental issues before they start: Regular visits to your hygienist can help prevent gum disease and other oral health problems from developing.
2. Achieve a brighter, confident smile: Stains, plaque, and tartar will be removed during your appointment, leaving your teeth whiter and brighter.
3. Enjoy fresher breath: Stains, plaque, and tartar will be removed during your appointment, leaving your teeth whiter and brighter.
4. Gain expert oral health tips: Your hygienist can demonstrate effective cleaning and flossing techniques to help you maintain a healthier mouth between appointments.
5. Early detection of oral health issues: As part of your appointment, your hygienist will conduct a screening for mouth cancer and other oral diseases, helping to catch any potential problems early.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Receding gums (gums that pull away from the teeth)
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Pain when chewing
- Sores in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- A change in your bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- New spaces developing between teeth
- Loss of teeth
Book your dental hygiene appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gum disease?
Gum disease occurs when plaque accumulates around the teeth and gum line, causing the gum tissues to become inflamed. This irritation can lead to bleeding while brushing, as well as redness and swelling, which are common signs of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Other symptoms may include tooth sensitivity and bad breath. Regular hygiene appointments can help reverse gingivitis by clearing plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line. Left untreated, the gums may begin to recede, forming pockets that expose the vulnerable tooth roots. This stage, known as periodontitis, is not reversible but can be managed with specialised periodontal treatment.
Will my dental hygiene treatment hurt?
The thought of visiting the dentist or hygienist can often cause more anxiety than the visit itself. Hearing about others’ past experiences can increase worries, but we strive to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. While there may be some discomfort or mild sensitivity, we ensure you know what to expect ahead of time. We work at your pace, stopping for breaks if you experience any pain.
How often do I need to see the hygienist?
The frequency of hygiene appointments varies for each patient, depending on factors like gum health, tartar buildup, and risk for periodontitis. Generally, a three-month interval suffices for regular tartar and stain removal. If there’s any bone loss or signs of periodontal disease, more frequent visits may be recommended.
What happens during a hygiene appointment?
A typical hygiene appointment involves a thorough scale and polish to remove stubborn tartar from hard-to-reach areas, followed by a professional polish to leave teeth feeling smooth and bright. Besides the deep clean, we provide guidance on caring for your teeth and gums and demonstrate how to use interdental tools for optimal at-home care.
Why does gum disease occur?
Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. If this sticky substance isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, irritating the gums and causing redness and tenderness. Without treatment, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where pockets form between the gums and teeth. In severe cases, the immune system may overreact, breaking down gum tissue and even the bone supporting the teeth.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, a reversible inflammation of the gums. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where gums pull away from the teeth, forming infected pockets. Over time, these pockets deepen, gums recede further, and teeth may become loose, ultimately requiring removal.
