Dental Hygienist

What a dental hygienist does

A dental hygienist specialises in the prevention and treatment of gum disease. At your appointment, they will remove plaque and calculus (hardened tartar) from above and below the gumline using specialist instruments. A toothbrush and floss simply cannot achieve this level of clean. They will also check for signs of early gum disease, measure pocket depths around your teeth, polish your tooth surfaces, and spend time going through your home care routine with you.

Why tartar matters

When plaque is not removed thoroughly, it mineralises within 24 to 72 hours and becomes calculus, a hard rough deposit that clings to the tooth surface and provides a perfect environment for the bacteria that cause gum disease. Once calculus has formed, brushing and flossing cannot remove it. Left in place, it irritates the gum tissue, causes it to pull away from the tooth, and eventually leads to bone loss. Professional scaling removes it completely.

Air polishing and stain removal

As well as scaling, we offer air polishing: a fine jet of bicarbonate powder that removes surface staining from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco effectively and comfortably. It is also excellent for cleaning around orthodontic brackets and implants. If you want your teeth to look noticeably brighter without whitening, a hygienist visit and air polish is a great starting point.

How often should you see a hygienist?

For patients with healthy gums and good home care, twice a year is usually sufficient. Patients with a history of gum disease, those who smoke, diabetics, and pregnant women often benefit from three or four-monthly visits. Your hygienist will recommend the right interval based on the state of your gums and your individual risk factors.