Hygienist
Our Services
It is important to maintain hygiene visits every 6 months to control the build-up of stubborn hardened plaque around and in-between the teeth. This kind of build-up is also referred to as calculus or tartar. It requires removal by a professional with specialised tools. Calculus forms naturally from the minerals in our saliva. Calculus is rough and hard, and is the perfect breeding ground for more plaque to stick to and grow.
Coming for hygiene visits every 6 months allows you to stay on top of your oral hygiene, making it easier to prevent more severe (and expensive!) issues with your teeth. It stops issues such as
decay, cracks, and wear from forming or progressing, before they get worse and cause greater problems for your mouth.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists are dental clinicians that have undergone specialised education about oral hygiene and preventative maintenance of your mouth. You can think of a hygienist like a professional teeth cleaner. Their cleans are gentle and thorough, and leave your teeth feeling smooth and fresh.
Why should I see a Hygienist instead of my regular Dentist?
Hygienists are like the first line of professional defence for your teeth. They practice 'preventative dentistry', meaning the prevention of silent-growing issues such as decay and gum disease. Although dentists are more than capable of performing cleans at your hygiene visits, generally we prefer to allocate cleans to our hygienist. Essentially, having a hygienist allows us to see you faster. It allows us to create more space in our dentist's days to see more complex issues. Christine has been our Hygienist for 17 years. With this experience, you know you'll be in great hands for your professional clean.
You will be getting a very thorough clean for the same cost as seeing a dentist.
What happens if calculus is left on the teeth?
If calculus is not properly cleaned off by a professional, such as a hygienist or dentist, it will continue to accumulate and build upon itself. Calculus causes bad breath, and leads to gum disease, gum recession, tooth decay, and bone loss.
The longer it is left on the teeth, the more difficult it is to remove, and the worse the consequences are for your mouth.
What happens in a Hygiene visit?
At your hygiene visit, you will be welcomed by Christine, our dental hygienist and have a discussion about your oral health routine. You will have a discussion about what you are currently doing, and what we recommend for you.
Then your teeth and gums will be assessed before commencing a thorough clean and polish.
Suggestions will be given for certain areas that may need more attention, both professionally and at home. This personalised advice may be updated at each visit, due to changes in health or lifestyle, as well as updated information on oral health products.