A dental hygienist focuses on keeping your gums and teeth clean and healthy. They remove plaque and tartar that you cannot shift at home and show you how to look after your mouth between visits. Sometimes it is obvious when you need to book; at other times it is easy to put it off. Here are three signs that it is time to get a hygiene appointment in the diary.
1. Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of inflammation. When plaque sits along the gumline, the gums react by swelling and bleeding when you brush or clean between your teeth. It does not always mean serious disease, but it does mean your gums need attention. A hygienist can clean the areas that are causing the problem and show you how to brush and clean between your teeth effectively so that bleeding can improve. If you have noticed blood on your toothbrush or in the sink, booking a hygiene visit is a sensible next step so we can get things back on track.
2. You can see or feel build-up, or you have persistent bad breath
Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar (calculus). Tartar cannot be brushed away; it has to be removed by a hygienist with a scale and polish. If you can see a yellow or brown line near your gums, or your teeth feel fuzzy no matter how much you brush, that is build-up. Bad breath that does not go away with brushing and mouthwash can also be linked to bacteria and plaque. A scale and polish removes the tartar and gives your mouth a fresh start; after that, good home care and regular hygiene visits help keep build-up and odour under control.
3. It has been more than six months since your last clean
Many people benefit from a hygiene visit every six months, though some need to come more often and others may be fine a little less frequently. If it has been a long time since your last scale and polish, plaque and tartar will have had time to build up. Booking in before problems become obvious is one of the best ways to protect your gums and teeth. We can suggest how often you should come based on your own mouth and habits. If you are looking for a hygienist in Nottingham, we would be glad to see you at Pear Tree Dental.
What happens at a hygiene appointment
We check the condition of your gums and note any areas that need extra care.
We remove plaque and tartar with a scale and polish; the appointment is tailored to your comfort.
We give you practical tips on brushing and cleaning between your teeth so you can keep things healthy at home.
Book your hygiene visit
If any of these signs sound familiar, or you simply want to get back into a routine, book a hygiene appointment online or call us on 0115 931 2935. For more on looking after your teeth and gums, see our patient education articles.
FAQ
Q: How often should I see a hygienist? A: Many people benefit from every six months; some need more frequent visits and others less. We will recommend a recall interval based on your gums and home care.
Q: Does a scale and polish hurt? A: It is usually comfortable. If your gums are inflamed they may be a little sensitive; we can use a gentler approach and work at your pace.
Q: What is the difference between a dentist and a hygienist? A: A hygienist specialises in preventive care: cleaning teeth, removing plaque and tartar, and showing you how to look after your mouth. Dentists diagnose and treat disease, restore teeth and carry out other clinical procedures. Both work together as part of your care.
Q: Can I book a hygienist appointment without seeing a dentist first? A: Yes. You can book a hygiene visit directly. Book online or call us on 0115 931 2935.