Maintain your healthy sparkle

A hygiene appointment is all about prevention and maintenance. Your hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains that normal brushing can’t shift. We’ll clean below the gum line where bacteria accumulate and cause gum disease. You’ll also receive personalised advice on your brushing and flossing technique, and we’ll recommend any specific products or techniques that would benefit your individual situation. The appointment typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on how much cleaning is needed and how long it’s been since your last visit.

This varies significantly from person to person. If you have healthy gums and excellent oral hygiene, you might only need to see the hygienist every six to twelve months. If you have a history of gum disease, are prone to heavy tartar build-up, have complex dental work like implants or bridges, or struggle with certain areas when cleaning at home, we’d recommend appointments every three to four months. We’ll assess your individual needs and create a maintenance schedule that’s appropriate for you.

Most patients find hygiene appointments comfortable, though if you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, you might experience some discomfort. Modern ultrasonic scalers are much gentler than the old hand instruments, and we can adjust the settings to suit your comfort level. If you have particularly sensitive areas or significant tartar build-up below the gum line, we can use local anaesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable. Don’t suffer in silence. Let us know if you’re experiencing any discomfort and we’ll do everything we can to help.

Absolutely. Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by bacteria accumulating on your teeth, gums, and tongue. Professional cleaning removes these bacteria and their by-products, which often resolves the problem. We’ll also identify any underlying issues that might be contributing, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or dry mouth. Your hygienist will give you specific advice on cleaning techniques and recommend products that can help. In some cases, bad breath can be caused by medical conditions, and we’d refer you to your GP if we suspect this.

A standard scale and polish (also called a prophylaxis) involves cleaning above the gum line and is appropriate for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis. Deep cleaning (also called root planing or periodontal therapy) is more extensive and involves cleaning beneath the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar from the tooth roots. This is necessary when you have gum disease that has caused pockets to form between your teeth and gums. Deep cleaning usually requires local anaesthetic and may be carried out over several appointments, addressing different areas of your mouth at each visit.

Hygienist appointments will remove surface stains from tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking, which can make your teeth appear brighter. However, this isn’t the same as professional whitening, which actually changes the underlying colour of your tooth enamel. If you’re interested in making your teeth significantly whiter, we’d need to arrange a separate whitening treatment. That said, many patients are pleasantly surprised by how much brighter their teeth look after a thorough professional clean, particularly if it’s been a while since their last hygiene appointment.

Your gums are the foundation that supports your teeth. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it develops silently without obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time you notice bleeding, bad breath, or loose teeth, significant damage may have already occurred. Additionally, research increasingly shows links between gum disease and serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Regular hygiene appointments allow us to detect and treat gum problems early, before they cause irreversible damage.

At minimum, you need a good quality toothbrush (manual or electric; both work well if used correctly), fluoride toothpaste, and something to clean between your teeth, either floss or interdental brushes. Electric toothbrushes with small oscillating heads are particularly effective for most people. Interdental brushes are generally more effective than floss for cleaning between teeth, though you may need different sizes for different gaps. Some patients benefit from additional products like mouthwash, tongue scrapers, or water flossers. Your hygienist will assess your individual needs and make specific recommendations during your appointment.

Hygiene appointments are included in our membership plan at £23 per month. For non-members, individual hygiene appointments are competitively priced. Contact us for current fees.

Yes. Our hygienist provides professional deep cleaning to treat and manage gum disease. For advanced cases, we work alongside our dental team to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Airflow polishing uses a fine jet of air, water, and powder to gently remove stains and plaque from teeth. It is faster and more comfortable than traditional polishing methods.

Some bleeding can occur if gums are inflamed, which is a sign of early gum disease. Regular hygiene visits help reduce inflammation and bleeding over time as gum health improves.