Hygienist
The essential route to a clean, healthy mouth

My dentist cleans my teeth at the end of every appointment – why should I see the hygienist instead?

Hygienist appointments give you access to the gold standard of gum care – it’s a longer appointment dedicated to the care of your gums. Our hygienists are experts at helping you achieve the healthy mouth you want. By understanding how to control the plaque that leads inflammation, bad breath and gum disease we can stop future gum disease and decay in its tracks.

Does my bad breath mean I have gum disease?

Not always - but it can be a sign of gum disease and you should have it checked out by our dentist and hygienist team. It may be that we just need to help you understand your mouth better and identify areas of hidden plaque you are missing when cleaning. Alternatively, it could be signs of periodontal disease with bone loss that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. This can require more intensive therapy to restore your oral health.

What can the hygienist do to help me get rid of the staining on my teeth?

Our prevention and plaque control appointments will involve cleaning the hard plaque and staining from your teeth. We can help you understand the causes of staining that may reduce the chances of it returning.

We also offer Airflow which can remove the more awkward stains with thorough and targeted stain removal.

I’ve been told I have gum disease. Does this mean all my teeth are going to fall out?

If they’re left untreated, your teeth can become loose and eventually fall out or cause you pain, so early diagnosis is important through regular dental check ups. Even if you’ve been told you have gum disease, it’s not the end. Treatment and help to achieve a really good clean every day at home can stop further bone loss.

Is there more than one type of gum disease?

Yes – the most common is gingivitis. This is caused by leaving plaque on our teeth and gums that leads to inflammation. Bleeding gums can be a sign of this. If caught early and with the right help from our dental health experts, we can get you back to the healthy mouth you want.

However, if left untreated, this can progress to periodontal disease with shrinkage of the bone that holds your teeth in place. Over time, teeth can even become loose and painful and at that point, there is often little that can be done to save them. Regular visits to the hygienist is the first step in preventing this happening to you.

Can I avoid getting gum disease?

When it comes to gum disease, prevention is definitely better than cure! Removing all the plaque, from all your teeth, every day is the way to keep your gums healthy. Your East Park Dental Hygienist in Northampton can give you all the advice you need and show how to achieve this.