Hygienist treatment

A clean and healthy mouth improves your appearance and gives you fresh breath. Research has shown that good cleaning significantly reduces the risk of filling replacement, new cavities, gum recession, food trapping and teeth drifting. Gum disease is also linked to heart disease and there are concerns about poor gum health and pregnancy.

A hygienist is specially trained for cleaning and will spend much longer with you. They are also experts in coaching and motivating you to correctly look after your teeth and gums.

Simple cleans are usually pain free – though we do offer a topical anaesthetic cream if you are concerned. We offer longer appointments to prevent pain and discomfort as this means that the hygienist can take all the time they need to gently clean the teeth and gums.

Yes, although they’ll often feel so clean that you won’t want to! If you have a prophy jet clean you should avoid staining products for two hours after – this includes tea, coffee, red wine, cigarettes, beetroot etc.

Yes, as long as your regular dentist has written us a full hygiene prescription. GDC guidelines state that this prescription can only be written after your dentist has given you a full mouth assessment and is valid for as long as your recall is. Once your recall check-up is due, the prescription will need to be renewed.

As long as you have a valid hygiene prescription in your notes, you can see the hygienist. We write these prescriptions at each regular check-up appointment if needed.

Your hygiene prescription will last as long as your recall so if the dentist asked to see you again in 6 months, you will need another prescription after the six months is up.