Dental hygiene in Manchester
As well as regularly visiting us for your dental check-ups, hygiene appointments should also be an essential part of your dental care. Our hygienists are qualified members of the dental team who focus on preventing and treating gum disease by promoting good oral hygiene.
Gum disease causes inflammation of the tissue that surrounds teeth. If not treated, it can lead to recession of the gums. This can cause pockets to develop as the gum moves away from the tooth and can eventually lead to loosening of the teeth. The cleaner your teeth, the less likely you are to develop gum disease. Our hygienist will not only thoroughly clean your teeth but will also show you how to keep up the good work at home.
What is dental hygiene?
Dental hygiene refers to the practice of keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease. While brushing and flossing at home are vital, professional dental hygiene involves a deep clean by a therapist or hygienist.
During these appointments, we remove plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) that a standard toothbrush simply can’t nudge. By keeping these sessions regular, you’re not just polishing your pearly whites; you’re preventing long-term issues like decay and tooth loss.
Learn why regular oral hygiene is essential for your teeth
Think of a dental hygiene appointment as a “service” for your mouth. Even the most diligent brushers can miss tricky spots. Here is why staying on top of your oral hygiene is a game-changer:
- Prevents gum disease: Removing bacteria early stops infections before they damage the bone supporting your teeth.
- Fresher breath: Persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria hiding under the gumline. A professional clean targets the source.
- Stain removal: We can remove surface stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco, giving you a naturally brighter smile without harsh chemicals.
- Whole-body health: Research suggests a link between gum health and systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes. A healthy mouth supports a healthy body!
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) often starts quietly. Many patients don’t realise there is an issue until it has progressed. Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:
- Swollen gums
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- New spaces are developing between teeth
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth or loss of teeth
What happens at a hygiene appointment?
Oral assessment
During an appointment, the hygienist will assess the health of your gums and teeth and look for any signs of swelling, inflammation, or bleeding. The hygienist may also take measurements where the gum attaches to the tooth and check for signs of oral cancer.
Scale & polish
A chief part of a hygienist’s role is to carry out a ‘scale and polish’ to remove any build-up of plaque and tartar. Plaque is the sticky layer that builds up on our teeth daily and which can harbour harmful bacteria. If allowed to accumulate, it can harden and form tartar, which can add to the vulnerability of the teeth as its rough surface will attract even more plaque. If tartar forms at the gum line, the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis) can occur, which can cause inflammation of the gums. If not treated, this can lead to more serious periodontal disease, which can go on to cause tooth loss.
During a ‘scale and polish’, the hygienist uses specially designed implements to remove tartar from the tooth surface and underneath the gum line. When all the surfaces are clean, they polish teeth with a gritty paste, leaving them feeling smooth and silky. If gum disease has progressed beyond the early stages, a hygienist can remove tartar from the root surface to smooth the area and reduce inflammation of the gum tissue. This is known as root planing (or debridement) and, as it involves deeper cleaning under the gum line, it is a procedure that may require an anaesthetic to eliminate any discomfort.
Hygiene advice
Hygienists also offer helpful hygiene advice and demonstrate how to keep your teeth plaque-free with toothbrushes, interdental brushes, and floss. In addition, they provide dietary and smoking cessation advice.
Frequently asked questions
It is a good idea to introduce your children to a hygienist as soon as possible to encourage a relaxed approach to teeth cleaning treatments and so they can learn useful tooth care techniques. Hygienists can also protect young teeth with fissure sealants and fluoride varnishes to help keep decay at bay.
Regularly visiting a hygienist will not only help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, but also protect your overall well-being because poor gum health has been linked to more serious conditions such as heart disease, respiratory infections, diabetes, and dementia.
The amount of time between appointments for visiting your hygienist is specific to each individual patient. This will be based on the condition of your teeth and gums, the speed at which you build up tartar/calculus, staining, and your susceptibility to periodontitis. For simple tartar/calculus or stain removal, a three-monthly visit is usually enough. If there is any bone loss or unstable periodontal disease present, then more frequent visits may be advised.
The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which can cause gums to separate from the teeth, creating pockets that can get infected. These pockets, over time, will deepen, the gums will continue to recede, and eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Often, the anticipation of going to the dentist or dental hygienist is much worse than the actual visit. Listening to people with past bad dental experiences heightens anxiety. However, we aim to create a calm and relaxed environment. There can be an element of discomfort, and sometimes tooth sensitivity can be experienced. We will ensure you know what to expect before any treatment. We will also be guided by you, and if you feel any pain, we will stop immediately to give you a break.
