Dental Hygienist & Professional Teeth Cleaning: What to Expect

Dental Hygienist & Professional Teeth Cleaning: What to Expect

Whether you need a routine teeth clean or a more intensive treatment for issues such as gum disease, dental hygienists are here to help. Yorkshire Dental Suite has a highly-skilled team dedicated to maintaining healthy smiles.

Regular appointments with a dental hygienist help to build strong foundations for your healthiest, most confident smile yet. This healthcare professional provides a number of deep cleaning procedures to prevent oral health issues such as gum disease.

What does a dental hygienist do?

So, what is a dental hygienist? This healthcare professional helps to keep your teeth and gums in top condition. A hygienist provides a number of deep cleaning procedures to prevent oral health issues like gum disease, gingivitis and oral cancers. These procedures include:

• Scaling and root planing: A much more invasive treatment, scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar below the gum line. Local anaesthetic is required.
• Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT): Targets dental plaque and stains. Your hygienist uses a combination of warm water, air and fine powder to clean the surface of the teeth, gaps between the teeth and gum pockets.
• Laser therapy: This process is designed to remove infected tissue and bacteria, while simultaneously eliminating plaque that has built up below and around the gum line.

When you book an appointment, your friendly hygienist will give you advice as to how to keep your mouth clean at home. If they identify a problem that cannot be treated with a deep clean alone, you may be referred to another dentist for further assistance.

Professional teeth cleaning treatments

Going to the dentist for teeth cleaning? Here are your options. After assessing your teeth and gums during your initial consultation, your dentist will identify the most suitable treatment and the number of appointments required.

Scale and polish

A routine clean of the mouth. Staying above the gum line, the process includes scraping away hardened bacteria, before the entire mouth is cleaned. A scale and polish dentist is able to complete the appointment in 30 – 60 minutes, with this timeframe varying based on the condition of your oral health.

Prices start from £125 at Yorkshire Dental Suite.

Scale and polish with airflow

This procedure is a step up from your average scale and polish appointment. With an added airflow machine, your dentist scraps away hardened bacteria, while also working to remove plaque, surface stains and bacteria. Many patients report a brighter, whiter smile after this appointment.

Prices start from £175 at Yorkshire Dental Suite.

5 reasons to get your teeth professionally cleaned

Why is regular teeth cleaning important? There are many benefits to visiting the hygienist, some of which are immediate. Let’s explore why dental cleanings matter, even if you brush daily and have a great oral hygiene routine.

• Plaque and tartar removal: Special tools clean areas in the mouth that a toothbrush simply cannot reach. Plus, once plaque hardens, only a dentist is able to safely remove it from the teeth.
• Gum disease prevention: Early stage gum disease is reversible. However, if left untreated, periodontitis may develop. This painful condition leads to serious issues like tooth loss over time.
• Achieve a brighter, whiter smile: Just a simple scale and polish can remove surface stains, giving your grin enhanced luminosity and uniformity without the need for teeth whitening.
• Early detection: Your dentist will be able to spot problems before they require treatment or assistance from a medical professional. These include tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancers.
• Fresher breath: Have you found yourself having consistent bad breath? Or a bad taste in your mouth? This may be a result of trapped plaque and bacteria, which is easily removed by a hygienist.

How often should you see a dental hygienist?

The standard guideline for adults with good oral health and a low risk of gum problems is every 6 months (alongside your routine dental appointments). Others may benefit from more frequent visits, who we listed above. So why should you see a hygienist?

Just one visit removes a substantial amount of plaque and tartar from the teeth. Hygienists are also able to remove surface stains, carry out oral cancer checks and provide preventative treatments that help to strengthen the enamel.

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend visiting the hygienist 1 – 2 times per year (sometimes more if you have problems such as gum disease). Always follow the advice of your dentist for best results.

How often should you go to the dentist?

There is no set rule as to how many times you should visit the dentist. This is because factors such as age, lifestyle habits and the condition of your oral health influence how frequently you need to attend.

We can approach this question in multiple ways. Let’s start with age. A child’s first dental appointment should be around the time a milk tooth appears, which is typically between 6 – 8 months old.

Then, we recommend taking your child to the dentist at least once a year, or as recommended by your paediatrician. This allows us to monitor the growth of their teeth and treat potential issues.

What about adults? Individuals with good oral health may only need to attend one appointment every 12 months. For patients with active issues such as gum disease, your appointments should be more frequent. Always follow your dentist’s guidance.

• Children and teenagers: Every 6 to 12 months
• Adults with good oral health: Every 12 months
• Adults with active oral health issues: As often as every 3 – 6 months

Many people assume that you need to go to the dentist every 6 months, no matter your lifestyle habits or oral health. This isn’t necessarily true, nor is it false – your smile has its own unique needs. Your dentist will advise how many annual visits you need.

Who should go to the dentist more often?

As mentioned earlier, certain people need more time in the dentist chair per year. If any of the following apply, you may find yourself visiting on a more regular basis to keep your oral health in good condition.

• You have active gum disease: This painful condition requires ongoing monitoring to help prevent serious issues (think tooth loss, jawbone deterioration).
• You are pregnant: Hormonal changes may increase the risk of multiple problems, including gum disease.
• You smoke: Whether it’s a cigarette or vape, this habit is one of the biggest contributing factors of tooth decay and gum disease.
• You have a weak immune system: Certain conditions, like diabetes, can impact the body’s ability to heal, while making your teeth more susceptible to decay.
• You are a child: Baby teeth have a thinner enamel than adult teeth, making them more prone to decay. Dental care also allows us to identify problems early.
• You are prone to cavities: Regular check-ups and dental cleans are vital in the prevention of future cavities.

Why you shouldn’t avoid the dentist

We understand that, for many patients, visiting a dental clinic is an extremely intimidating task. However, avoiding the dentist can actually cause many issues, some of which are very serious.

What to expect at your dentist or hygienist appointment

Whether it’s been a few years since your last appointment or you just feel nervous about going to the dentist, knowing what to expect may help put your mind at ease. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about your dental appointment so you can feel more confident before you arrive.

What to do before a dentist appointment

Many patients visit the dentist because they are experiencing pain or discomfort, while others are looking to enhance the appearance of their smile. Whatever brings you to Yorkshire Dental Suite, identifying what you’d like to discuss before your appointment helps our team understand your concerns and tailor your visit accordingly.

Here’s how you can ready yourself for the day of your visit:

• Make a note of your symptoms and concerns: Bleeding gums, plaque, toothache, stains, bad breath – no concern is too small. Identify when the problem started and how frequently it is occurring.
• Prepare questions: Do I have any cavities? Are my teeth in need of assistance? How much can I expect to pay? Write down your burning questions so you don’t forget them on the day.
• Think about the end goal: Consider what you specifically want to change, address or maintain. Your dentist will use this information to create a treatment plan and timeline.
• Communicate any fears or nerves: We understand that visiting the dentist is an intimidating task for many. Contact us ahead of your appointment so we are able to make the appropriate accommodations.

Before heading to your clinic, we suggest doing the following:

• Brush and floss your teeth: To remove bacteria and food particles stuck between the teeth. Why is this important? A freshly cleaned mouth makes your oral examination easier for the dentist.
• Make sure you have eaten and drunk plenty of water: Especially if you are nervous of the dentist, as this can help to minimise the risk of feeling faint or dizzy. Just remember to clean your teeth after!
• Eat a breath mint or chew sugar-free gum (optional): If you are concerned about bad breath, or just want to make it a more pleasant experience for your dentist, freshen up with mint or chewing gum before heading into the clinic.
• Pack essential items: Your dentist may ask to see your ID. Don’t forget to bring your method of payment either and a list of your current medications for a smooth appointment.

On the day of your appointment

You will first be greeted by the friendly front of house team, before being led to your treatment room to meet your dentist. Then, once you’re comfortable in the chair, we can get started with your appointment.

Conversation and examination

Tell your dentist your goals and concerns. They will then review your medical history and conduct a thorough oral health examination, including X-rays and scans, to get a clearer idea on the condition of your oral health.

Next steps

Based on your symptoms (if any are present) and eventual smile goals, your dentist will talk you through what happens next, which may include dental treatment, before going into more detail about costs and your overall treatment timeline.

If your dentist has suggested a treatment and you are happy to go ahead, you can book and pay for your procedure the very same appointment, or simply call the practice whenever is convenient for you.

How to maintain healthy teeth between appointments

Whether you’re in between check-ups or waiting for treatment to begin, it is important that you know how to look after your teeth in the meantime. It’s also vital for your long-term oral health. Here are our top tips:

• Brush your teeth twice a day: For two minutes at a time. Use a high-quality toothbrush and toothpaste containing at least 1400ppm of fluoride (the amount recommended by the Oral Health Foundation) if you are over the age of 7.
• Floss regularly: Whether it’s with a water flosser, string floss or interdental brush, flossing everyday helps to remove bacteria and food particles that have become trapped between the teeth.
• Don’t ignore pain: The quicker you treat a potential problem, the higher the chance the tooth can be saved. Contact your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing severe or continuous discomfort.
• Be considerate of your diet: Sugary, starchy and acidic foods wear down the enamel over time. Pigmented substances may cause discolouration, while hard, crunchy foods pose a risk of chips and cracks.
• Protect your teeth: Especially if you play contact sports or grind your teeth. A great way to do this is by wearing a mouthguard. Try to avoid using your teeth like tools too, for example, to rip a clothing tag off.
• Stop smoking and vaping: These habits pose serious risks to your overall health. They also cause issues such as gum disease and discolouration. Contact your GP for advice on how to stop smoking.
• Don’t avoid the dentist: We can identify any underlying dental problems that are invisible to the un-trained eye. Avoiding the dentist may also amplify any fears in nervous patients.

Where can I find a dental hygienist near me?

Tired of typing into Google ‘teeth cleaning near me’? The search is over. Yorkshire Dental Suite is your local teeth cleaning provider, with locations in Leeds, Manchester, London, Birmingham, Liverpool, York, Wakefield and Hull.

Our team of dental hygienists are located across the country. You can find them at any of our nine private dental clinics, which are listed below. Contact us on our website, phone or [email protected] email.

Are any dentists near me taking new patients?

Yorkshire Dental Suite is taking new patients across all nine of our clinics. Our locations include Leeds, Hull, Wakefield, York, Liverpool, Manchester, London and Birmingham. Simply fill out the contact form on our website and select your chosen practice for a free call back. Then, you can book a dentist appointment when it feels right for you.

Can I see a dental hygienist on the NHS?

If it is deemed a clinical necessity (for example you have gum disease), you may be able to see a dental hygienist on the NHS. Your appointment will either fall under Band 1 (£27.90) or Band 2 (£76.60) depending on the condition of your oral health.

When you choose an NHS practice however there are downsides to be aware of. First of all, you will face a lengthy waiting list and limited availability, while private practices can offer appointments as soon as the same or next day. They may also have out of hours options too, meaning you don’t need to take time off of work or school.

Why choose Yorkshire Dental Suite?

Yorkshire Dental Suite is a highly-respected brand in UK dentistry. Since launching in 2016 we have opened nine practices nationwide, allowing us to transform the smiles of countless patients.

Yorkshire Dental Suite’s 5-star rating from over 7,000+ Google reviews show how trusted we are as a brand. Each team member is registered with the General Dental Council, a UK regulator that ensures you are receiving the safest, highest possible care, while our state-of-the-art technology and skilled hygienists deliver outstanding results.

We also pride ourselves on patient experience. The design of each YDS practice evokes a relaxing, spa-like environment, and we offer a number of sedation options to help even our most nervous patients feel comfortable. Plus, with our pay monthly plans, exceptional dentistry has never been as accessible.

Book a hygienist appointment

Where can I get dental cleaning near me? With our local Yorkshire Dental Suite practice. Book an appointment with a hygienist today to kickstart your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.

Now we have identified how often do you need to see a dentist, ask yourself – when was the last time I had an appointment? Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite for a routine check-up or to enquire about specific dental treatments.