What is Dental Hygiene?

At Crossgar Dental Practice, our experienced dental hygienist plays a vital role in helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. Regular hygiene appointments not only keep your smile feeling fresh but are also essential in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and other common dental problems.

Whether you visit us as an NHS or private patient, our dental hygienist will tailor your care to suit your needs – from gentle cleaning and polishing to personalised advice on brushing techniques, flossing, and diet.

Smiling child brushing teeth with blue toothbrush in bathroom
Hygiene

Why is Oral Hygiene so important?

Good oral hygiene is about more than just fresh breath and a bright smile – it’s essential for your overall health and wellbeing. When plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth, they can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Seeing our dental hygienist regularly helps to remove harmful plaque and tartar from areas that brushing and flossing can’t always reach. But it’s not just about cleaning – it’s about education too. We’ll work with you to improve your daily habits and help you feel confident in caring for your smile at home.

By taking care of your oral hygiene, you’re not only protecting your teeth and gums but also reducing your risk of other health issues linked to poor gum health – such as heart disease and diabetes.

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Hygiene

What happens at your appointment

Visiting the dental hygienist is a key part of maintaining your oral health – and it’s a straightforward, comfortable experience designed to keep your teeth and gums in the best possible condition.

During your appointment, you can expect:

  • A gentle but thorough scale and polish to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains

  • A gum health assessment to check for any signs of inflammation or gum disease

  • Personalised oral hygiene advice, including tips on brushing, flossing, and using interdental brush

  • Tailored recommendations on diet and habits to support long-term oral health

If you have dental implants, braces, or specific concerns, your dental hygienist will adapt the treatment and guidance to suit your individual needs.

By attending regular hygiene appointments, you’re not only keeping your mouth clean and fresh, but also helping to prevent more serious dental problems in the future.

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A woman getting her teeth brushed by a dentist
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Hygiene

How often should you visit the hygienist?

How often you should see the dental hygienist depends on your individual needs, but for most patients, a visit every 6 months is ideal to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent issues like gum disease or tooth decay.

However, some patients may benefit from more frequent appointments – especially if you:

  • Have a history of gum disease

  • Are wearing braces or fixed dental appliances

  • Have dental implants

  • Struggle with plaque build-up or sensitive gums

  • Are a smoker or have certain health conditions that affect your oral health

During your check-up, your dentist or dental hygienist will recommend the right hygiene schedule for you. Regular appointments help to catch early signs of any issues and keep your smile feeling its best all year round.

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Hygiene

Dental Hygiene FAQs

We understand that many patients have questions about dental hygiene appointments, what they involve, and how they can support long-term oral health. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common queries we hear at the practice to help you feel informed and confident about your care.

How long does a hygiene appointment take?
Will a hygiene appointment be painful?
Do I need to see the hygienist even if I brush and floss regularly?
How often should I see the dental hygienist?
Can a hygienist help with bad breath?

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Book your Appointment Online

Whether you’re a new or returning patient, we’re here to make your dental care simple, comfortable, and stress-free.

Get in touch today to arrange your appointment or find out more about how we can help. We look forward to welcoming you to the practice.
Book an appointment028 4483 2585
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