Oral Hygiene
We’re committed to preventive care. Regular oral hygiene and therapy appointments help our patients to achieve or maintain their optimum oral health.
Larger SpaDental practices have a dedicated hygiene and therapy team to offer “Direct Access” appointments. This allows you to make a private appointment to see a hygienist or therapist without seeing a dentist first.
Before you book a direct access appointment it is important that you are aware of the difference between seeing a dentist and seeing a dental therapist or hygienist, as each has a different scope of practice. Please take a moment to review the information linked in the button below. Thank you.
For maintaining optimum oral health
We believe that practising good oral hygiene at home, combined with regular visits to your dental practice, ensures your optimum oral health.
Our qualified hygienists and therapists help to lessen your risk of developing gum disease by removing plaque and tartar deposits. The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, needs to be treated to avoid tooth loss later.
The hygienist’s role may include the following:
- thoroughly assessing gums for signs of swelling, inflammation or bleeding
- carrying out a ‘scale and polish’ to remove hardened plaque and leave a shiny, smooth surface, which not only improves the look of your teeth but also deters further plaque from collecting
- removing tartar from the root surface, known as root planing, to prevent gum disease progressing
- applying fissure sealants and fluoride varnish to strengthen tooth enamel and protect young teeth
- demonstrating the most effective ways to clean and floss teeth
- advising you what to eat and drink, and offering smoking cessation tips
- if at risk, measuring where the gum meets the tooth for signs of oral cancer
The dental therapist’s role is all of the above and in addition, may include:
- fillings or extracting primary teeth
- tooth whitening (as prescribed by a dentist)
- emergency care (following a consultation with the dentist)
Please note: your hygienist or therapist does not perform a full dental examination, therefore regular appointments with a dentist are recommended.
Looking after your teeth at home
As well as regular visits to your dental practice, invest time in an effective oral hygiene routine at home to help avoid gum disease and tooth decay. Brush at least twice a day, especially before bed, for at least two minutes.
Don’t forget to clean between your teeth with floss, tape or interdental brushes. Rinsing with mouthwash can help keep teeth free from plaque, as well as freshening your mouth.
