Dental hygienist Shepshed
Seeing the hygienist is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your oral health. Even with good brushing at home, it is easy for plaque and tartar to build up in hard-to-reach places – especially around the gumline.
Regular hygiene appointments help prevent gum disease, freshen your breath, and leave your mouth feeling cleaner than ever.
Benefits of a dental hygiene visit
A hygiene visit does more than just leave your teeth feeling clean – it helps protect your gums, freshen your breath, and keep your whole mouth healthier for the long term.
Cleaner, brighter teeth
Healthier gums
Fresher breath
Early spotting of problem areas
Help in preventing gum disease and decay
Fresh, clean, and healthy
What does a hygienist do?
Hygienists are trained to spot early signs of gum problems and carry out professional cleaning, known as a scale and polish. This removes plaque and tartar that cannot be brushed away at home, especially below the gumline.
You will also get personalised advice on how to brush and clean between your teeth more effectively, plus help choosing the right products if needed.
Does it hurt?
A standard scale and polish should not be painful. Some people feel a little sensitivity, especially if there is inflammation – but we always take things gently. If your gums are sore or inflamed, we can use numbing gel or local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable.
Who should see the hygienist?
Everyone. Hygiene appointments are not just for people with gum problems – they are great for prevention, too.
If you are noticing bleeding when you brush, bad breath, or you have had gum issues in the past, it is especially important to come in regularly.
Hygiene appointments are usually straightforward, comfortable, and take around 30–45 minutes. Here is what typically happens:
We will start by examining your gums to look for signs of inflammation, bleeding or gum disease. If anything needs more attention, we will let you know.
Using special instruments, we gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth – especially around the gumline and in hard-to-reach areas. This may include ultrasonic scalers and hand tools.
We polish the teeth to remove surface stains and leave everything feeling smooth and fresh. In some cases, we may use airflow or more advanced polishing techniques.
We will talk you through the best way to clean your teeth and gums at home – including brushing technique, interdental cleaning (like floss or TePe brushes), and any helpful products for your mouth.
The hygiene appointment procedure
Hygienist visit vs dental check-up
- Carried out by a dentist
- Checks your teeth, gums, mouth and jaw
- Looks for signs of decay, damage etc.
- May include X-rays & treatment planning
Hygiene appointment
- Carried out by a hygienist
- Focuses on gum health and plaque removal
- Removes tartar with a professional clean
- Helps manage or prevent gum disease
You might be wondering...
Is it worth paying for a dental hygienist?
Yes – hygiene appointments help prevent gum disease, freshen your breath, and keep your mouth healthier overall. They are an investment in long-term dental health, often helping you avoid more complex (and expensive) treatment later on.
How long does a hygienist appointment take in the UK?
Most hygiene appointments take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and how much cleaning is needed. We will always let you know what to expect.
Should I brush my teeth before the hygienist?
Yes – giving your teeth a brush beforehand helps us see things more clearly and makes the appointment more effective. No need to overdo it – just your usual routine is fine.
What not to do after seeing a hygienist?
Avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, cold or spicy straight after if your gums feel a bit sensitive. If you have had fluoride applied, don’t eat or drink for 30 minutes. We will give you any specific aftercare advice before you leave.
Does a hygienist appointment whiten your teeth?
Not in the same way as a whitening treatment, but it can make a big difference. Removing plaque, tartar and surface stains often leaves your teeth looking cleaner and brighter straight away.
