Dental Hygienist Excellence at Woodbridge Hill
At Woodbridge Hill Dental Practice in Guildford, Surrey, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. Our primary goal is to help you achieve and maintain exceptional dental hygiene, ensuring you avoid the need for painful or costly treatments in the future.
The regular removal of tartar and plaque is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. After a comprehensive assessment of your oral health, our experienced dentists and dedicated hygienists will create a personalised oral hygiene care plan tailored to your specific needs.
Below, you can explore detailed information about the wide range of treatments we provide, along with answers to frequently asked questions. For further assistance or to book an appointment for dental hygiene in Surrey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist plays a vital role in helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. They provide expert guidance on establishing an effective oral health routine and demonstrate techniques for cleaning your teeth thoroughly.
To support this, dental hygienists offer a range of services, including professional teeth cleaning using advanced polishes and pastes. This process effectively removes tartar and plaque buildup that regular brushing alone cannot eliminate.
While daily brushing is essential, it’s recommended to visit a dental hygienist every six months for a deep clean. These regular visits ensure your teeth stay bright, healthy, and confident-looking, helping you maintain excellent oral hygiene in the long run.
At Woodbridge Hill Dental Practice in Guildford, Surrey, our skilled hygienists are here to support your journey to a healthier, brighter smile.
Our Friendly Team of Hygienists
The main role of a dental hygienist includes…
- Evaluating the condition of your teeth and gums.
- Cleaning and polishing your teeth.
- Teaching you how to follow a proper oral hygiene routine from home.
What to expect from your first visit to a Woodbridge Dental Hygienist
You may feel slightly apprehensive about your initial appointment with a dental hygienist. However, there’s no need to worry as we will guide you through the process.
During your first appointment, which typically lasts about an hour, your dental hygienist will assess your oral health and discuss any necessary follow-up visits. Depending on your needs, they will recommend the frequency of future appointments. In cases where symptoms of periodontal disease (gum disease) or other conditions like ulcers are detected, a prompt follow-up hygienist session in Surrey may be required.
Halitosis (bad breath)
If you struggle with bad breath, it’s important to know you’re not alone, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Halitosis, the term for chronic bad breath, is a common condition that many people experience. If it’s something you deal with regularly, discussing it with your dental hygienist can help you find a solution.
In some cases, individuals may not even realise they have bad breath. It’s estimated that two out of three adults suffer from halitosis without knowing it. The good news is that bad breath can be effectively treated and managed with the right knowledge and tools.
What causes bad breath?
Breath malodour tends to be a result of a certain bacteria, which produces sulphur, and lives within our throat and on the surface of our tongue. There are many different contributors to bad breath, including a dry mouth, sinusitis, tooth decay, gum disease, food trapping, and poor oral hygiene.
Treating bad breath
There are a number of different ways you can treat bad breath, which your dental hygienist will explain in full. This includes scraping your tongue on a daily basis, as well as using mouthwash every morning and evening. Regular dental check-ups are also a necessity. Your dental hygienist will be able to put together the right oral care plan for you. They will assess your condition and then they will give you thorough instructions to follow, as well as providing a professional scale and polish service. You will typically be advised to follow-up with another visit around six weeks later so that the condition can be evaluated to determine whether the treatment has been effective. Of course, this all depends on the nature of your condition. If your bad breath is linked to a medical cause, it is vital that your condition is diagnosed as soon as possible so that the correct treatment can be given.
Book your hygiene appointment
Hygienist appointments should be booked online.
Do you really need to see a dental hygienist?
Many people believe that brushing their teeth twice daily and maintaining good oral hygiene at home is enough to keep their teeth and gums healthy. While these practices are essential, they may not be sufficient. Only a dental hygienist can thoroughly remove plaque buildup that regular brushing may leave behind. If left untreated, plaque can combine with sugars from food and drinks, producing toxins that damage your teeth and gums, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Regular visits to a dental hygienist are also crucial in preventing gum disease and maintaining overall oral health. Hygienists can identify issues such as fractures or broken fillings early, allowing for treatment before they worsen.
Importantly, poor oral health has been linked to a variety of serious health conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Heart attacks
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Kidney disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Cancer
- Pregnancy complications
- Respiratory infections
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Cardiovascular disease
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I drink and eat after hygiene treatment?
If you did not receive fluoride as part of your dental treatment, you will be able to eat and drink as normal once the cleaning is complete. However, you should wait for at least half an hour before drinking and eating if you received fluoride treatment.
What is involved in a scale and polish?
A scaling instrument will be used so that your dentist can get rid of tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth. You may need to have at least two or more visits to your dental hygienist, if there is extensive amount of plaque or there is plaque on root surfaces requiring a deep clean.
How much does a scale and polish cost?
Please visit our Fee Section.
Can I brush my teeth after a scale and polish?
Once you have had a scale and polish, you should brush your teeth carefully while your gums are still sore. This means using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that has been designed for those with sensitive teeth. You should also wait a day before flossing.
I am a registered patient; can I see the hygienist whenever I want?
You will be able to visit a hygienist at any time that is convenient for you. You do NOT need to a referral or prescription from a dentist and you do NOT have to see the dentist. Although it is recommended you see your dentist for routine check-ups every 6 months.
Can I see a hygienist if I am not registered at your clinic?
Yes, you can. We have information for new patients on our website or you can book your appointment online now.
Will hygiene treatment hurt?
In most cases, you will not experience any pain. We make sure that our patients are fully comfortable – it is one of our priorities. However, you may experience some pain if you have a specific type of oral health issue. This will all be explained to you and you may receive local anaesthetic to full any potential pain.
Book your hygiene appointment
Contact Woodbridge Dental today if you have any queries about the dental treatments that we provide.
Our opening hours are 8.00 A.M. until 6.00 P.M., Monday – Friday, and 8.00 A.M. until 3.00 P.M. on Saturdays.
Hygienist appointments should be booked online.
Visit Us at Our Convenient Guildford Location:
Woodbridge Hill Dental Practice
49A Woodbridge Hill
Guildford, GU2 9ZD
Call us today: 01483 568584
Opening Days: Monday to Saturday