There’s nothing quite like that freshness you feel after a deep clean! But the benefits of visiting our experienced dental hygienist in South Wales go well beyond what you can see, taste and feel.
Frequent appointments are vital for spotting and preventing oral health issues, as well as learning more effective cleaning and flossing techniques that will help to protect your mouth in the longer term.
Read on to discover the many advantages of seeing our dental hygienist in Bridgend or contact us directly to book your next session!
If you want to keep your teeth and gums in the best condition for as long as possible, we highly recommend visiting our dental hygienist every 6 to 12 months (and more frequently if you are experiencing any ongoing issues or have any pressing concerns).
Doing so will help you:
- Prevent gum disease. Early-stage disease (aka gingivitis) can often be reversed with routine cleanings, and frequent appointments with our hygienist can also help to slow down the progress of periodontitis, which, if left unchecked, can lead to tooth loss and other complications
- Reduce the risk of tooth decay. During your session, we will remove much of the plaque that’s built up on your teeth, so this sticky film of bacteria can’t contribute to cavities. We can reach the areas that are difficult to clean thoroughly at home
- Keep your breath smelling fresh. Bad breath – or halitosis – is often caused by a build up of bacteria in the mouth, which we can remove periodically to leave you with a cleaner mouth and much more confidence in your smile!
- Detect any early signs of dental problems and wider health issues. Our hygienists are trained to look for the signs of cavities, gum disease and oral cancers. If they spot anything that doesn’t look right, they can arrange for further investigations to be carried out ASAP
- Clean your teeth more effectively yourself. We appreciate the importance of education here at Pen Y Bont Dental, so we’ll use this opportunity to teach you how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques, and recommend any products we think will benefit you
- Maintain a whiter, healthier smile! Regular hygienist visits will help to remove any lingering stains caused by tea, coffee, or smoking
What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist?
A dentist diagnoses and treats oral health conditions, performs restorative work like fillings, extractions, and crowns, and provides overall dental care. A dental hygienist, on the other hand, focuses primarily on preventive care, performing cleanings, assessing oral health, and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
What happens during a dental hygienist appointment?
During a typical appointment, our hygienist will assess your oral health, check for signs of gum disease, measure gum pockets, and perform a thorough clean to remove plaque, tartar, and stains. They may also apply fluoride or sealants and provide advice on brushing and flossing techniques so you can learn how to clean your teeth and gums more effectively in between appointments.
Does seeing a dental hygienist hurt?
For most people, a dental hygiene appointment is painless. Some may experience mild discomfort, especially if there is significant tartar buildup or gum sensitivity.
Can I eat and drink normally after my appointment?
You shouldn’t need to refrain from eating or drinking after your session with our hygienist, although for about 4 hours or so, you may want to avoid consuming anything that might heighten the temporary teeth sensitivity that you are likely to feel after a deep clean, such as hot drinks or particularly cold foods.
Will seeing a dental hygienist help to
whiten my teeth?
Our hygienist can help to remove lighter stains and discolouration, and advise you on the food, drink, products and habits to avoid if you want to keep your teeth looking brighter for longer. However, for the best results, we recommend speaking to our team about our specialist teeth whitening treatments.
