Dental Hygienist Excellence at Woodbridge Hill
Here at Woodbridge Hill Dental, we firmly believe in the adage that prevention is better than cure. Our primary goal is to assist you in maintaining optimal dental hygiene to alleviate concerns about potential painful or costly treatments.
Regular removal of tartar and plaque is essential for preserving the health of your teeth. Our team of experienced dentists and dedicated hygienists will develop a personalized oral hygiene care plan tailored to your specific needs following a comprehensive evaluation of your overall oral health.
Below, we will provide detailed information about the treatments we offer and address frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment for dental hygiene in Surrey or if you require further information.
What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist plays a crucial role in educating you on maintaining a healthy smile, ensuring adherence to a proper oral health routine, and teaching you how to effectively clean your teeth. They also offer various services and treatments to support this objective. These services include professional teeth cleaning using advanced polishes and pastes to eliminate tartar and plaque buildup. While proper brushing is essential, it may not adequately remove these deposits alone. Hence, it’s advisable to visit a dental hygienist every six months to maintain a bright and confident 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 experience bad breath, it is definitely worth mentioning this to your dental hygienist. There is nothing for you to be worried or embarrassed about; this is something that many people suffer from. It is known as halitosis when it is a chronic problem, i.e. it is something you experience all of the time. Your dental hygienist will be able to give you the knowledge and tools to treat the condition.
Of course, there are a lot of people who suffer from bad breath and don’t realise it. In fact, it’s believed that two out of three adults have bad breath and don’t know it! However, this is something that can easily be treated and managed, and so it is certainly worth speaking to your dental hygienist about.
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 individuals may assume that seeing a dental hygienist is unnecessary if they brush their teeth twice daily and maintain good oral hygiene practices. However, while this is essential, it may not suffice. Only a dental hygienist can effectively remove plaque buildup. If left untreated, plaque can combine with sugars from food and drinks, leading to severe damage to gums and teeth. In some cases, tooth removal may be necessary due to the toxins produced by this bacterial layer.
Seeing a dental hygienist is also critical to prevent gum disease. Your dental hygienist will also be able to spot any fractures or broken fillings, meaning he or she can treat them before they get worse. If that wasn’t enough, there are a number of health issues that have been linked to poor oral health. This includes:
- 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