Dental Hygiene Farnham - Hygienist Appointment in Surrey

Protect your oral health with expert care

Dental hygiene is extremely important for excellent oral health. Our hygienist is on hand to offer advice to help take care of your teeth and gums, helping to foster good dental hygiene habits that contribute to good oral and general health. If you allow plaque to collect in your mouth and on the surfaces of your teeth, it may harden and turn into tartar, which clings to the enamel and is very difficult to remove. Once plaque has turned into tartar, bacteria can get under the gum line and cause pain and soreness.

What is gum disease?

If plaque build-ups around the gum line aren’t removed, the gum tissues start to get inflamed. Swollen, red gums are the hallmark of the early stage of gum disease, gingivitis. The irritated gums bleed while brushing, making them vulnerable to the bacteria that are present in the mouth.

If gingivitis is left untreated and the tartar deposits are left at the gum line, the gums start to recede as a result. This leads to pockets developing between the gum and the tooth, exposing the sensitive and vulnerable tooth root. Once plaque and tartar build-up on the root, it’s much harder to remove. This part of gum disease is called periodontitis and isn’t reversible like the earlier stage. It can be managed by a dentist or periodontist through more extensive periodontal treatment.

Book a dental hygiene appointment

What happens during a hygiene appointment?

Our dental hygienist will ensure that your mouth is clean and free from plaque and tartar. We also offer tips and information about dental hygiene and provide tailor-made care programmes, which are designed to prevent oral health problems and ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.

The main part of your hygiene appointment involves a routine scale and polish. This deep clean removes stubborn tartar from all the hard-to-reach areas. This is then followed by a professional polish which leaves your teeth feeling smoother, cleaner, and brighter.

As well as a deep clean, we will advise you how to properly care for your teeth and gums. We can show you how to use interdental cleaning tools properly so you can keep up the hard work at home.

Dental hygiene tips

Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash

Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth and make them more resistant to decay. Using fluoride toothpaste will help to reduce the risk of cavities developing. Using mouthwash on a regular basis is also advisable, as it helps to remove traces of bacteria and food deposits and keep breath smelling fresh and clean. If you have children make sure that they use children’s toothpaste, as the fluoride content in adult toothpaste is too high for young children.

Brush and floss twice a day

You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, as brushing helps to remove food deposits and prevents plaque from clinging to the surfaces of the teeth. Electric toothbrushes are easier to use and remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. Always try to reach into the corners of your mouth and don’t forget to brush along the gum line. Flossing is also important because it targets the areas that are commonly missed during brushing, such as the tiny cracks between the teeth.

Clean your tongue

This may sound a little odd but your tongue actually harbours a lot of bacteria, which is a major cause of bad breath. You can use your brush to gently clean your tongue or buy a special tongue scraper.

Hygiene services at Time Dental are a staple of beautiful, healthy looking smiles, so please don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Will dental hygiene treatment hurt?

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.

How often should you go to the hygienist?

The length of time you should leave between your hygiene appointments will depend on your individual case and the condition of your teeth. Many patients book a hygiene visit alongside their dental check up, every six months, but we may advise you to come back more or less frequently than this if it suits your case.

Is it worth seeing a dental hygienist?

Yes, it is definitely worth seeing a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health by providing professional cleanings, preventive care, and education on proper oral hygiene techniques. Their expertise in cleaning teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup, and assessing gum health can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Regular visits to a dental hygienist can contribute to a healthier smile and overall well-being.

What is the difference between a dentist and a hygienist?

A dentist is a licensed healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and manages overall oral health, including performing procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. A dental hygienist, on the other hand, is also a licensed healthcare professional but focuses primarily on preventive oral care, including cleanings, scaling, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices. While dentists and hygienists work closely together to ensure optimal oral health for patients, their roles and responsibilities within the dental practice are distinct.

What are the stages of gum disease?

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.

Ask us a question...

Contact details

87 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7EN
info@timedental.co.uk
01252 723 008

Areas we serve include Guildford and Aldershot

Opening hours

Monday

8:15am - 5:30pm

Tuesday

8:15am - 7:00pm

Wednesday

8:15am - 5:30pm

Thursday

8:15am - 5:30pm

Friday

8:15am - 5:30pm

Saturday

9:00am - 2:00pm

Privacy PolicyComplaints PolicyCookie PolicyGDCCQCMade and marketed with

by Dental DesignSite last updated: February 2025