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Visiting the Dental Hygienist: what happens in a dental hygienist appointment and why should I go?

A healthy smile is a beautiful smile, and it’s essential to take care of your teeth and gums to maintain good oral health. While brushing and flossing your teeth at home is crucial, regular visits to the dental hygienist (as well as the dentist) are equally important for maintaining a healthy mouth.

What happens in a dental hygienist appointment?
As an overview, during your dental hygienist visit at Cotteswold House you can expect the following:

  • Medical history review
  • Oral examination
  • Professional cleaning
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Patient education

“As usual Joanna was highly professional and skilled at what she does. Explained each stage to me and how I could increase the health of my gums and teeth. Love going to my hygienist.”
-5 star review from a Cotteswold House patient

What are the benefits of visiting the dental hygienist?
Now you know what will happen during your appointment, here are five important reasons why you should visit the dental hygienist:

  1. Preventive Care:
    Dental hygienists play a vital role in preventing oral health problems. They can identify potential issues early on and provide preventive treatments to stop them from developing into more severe problems. Regular cleanings and fluoride treatments can help strengthen your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
  2. Professional Cleaning:
    Dental hygienists are trained to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. They use specialised instruments to gently and effectively clean your teeth, removing even the most stubborn buildup. Regular professional cleanings can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy, preventing the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future.
  3. Oral Cancer Screening:
    During your visit, the dental hygienist will also perform an oral cancer screening. They will visually inspect your mouth and check for any suspicious lesions or abnormalities. Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment, and regular screenings can help catch the disease in its early stages when it’s most treatable.
  4. Gum Disease Treatment:
    Gum disease is a common problem that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Dental hygienists can provide deep cleanings called scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and treat gum disease. Regular visits to the dental hygienist can help prevent gum disease from developing or progressing, keeping your gums healthy and your teeth strong.
  5. Patient Education:
    Dental hygienists are a valuable source of information about oral health. They can provide you with personalised advice on how to care for your teeth and gums at home, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, diet recommendations, and lifestyle choices that can affect your oral health. By educating patients about oral health, dental hygienists can help them maintain a healthy smile for life.

How much does it cost?
A routine hygienist appointment, also known as a ‘scale and polish’, is £70 for Cotteswold House patients with healthy teeth and gums. Longer, enhanced appointments may be required for patients with more advanced gum issues. Direct access hygiene appointments are available for patients not registered with us and cost £140. Appointments range from 30 mins to 1 hour.

Cotteswold House Dental Care is a family-owned dental practice that offers a relaxing and friendly atmosphere that gives you complete peace of mind whilst protecting your smile. Our in-house services include general dentistry, children’s dentistry, dental implants, dentures and bridges, whitening and composite bonding, advanced treatments such as root canals and oral surgery, Invisalign, and many more. We welcome referrals from other practices as well as self-referrals, and offer direct access for our BlancOne teeth whitening treatment.