Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene – healthy gums

A big part of keeping your mouth, teeth and gums healthy is through effective brushing and flossing. As well as professionally cleaning your teeth and gums, our dental hygiene team will advise you on the best way to brush and floss your teeth, and advise you on other ways to improve the appearance of your teeth, such as limiting smoking, consumption of tea, coffee and red wine.

Why should I see a hygienist for dental hygiene?

Simple, they will save your teeth!
Regular visits to a good dental hygienist in Portishead will reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and dental plaque build-up. So much so, that hygienists can often pick up the very earliest signs of tooth decay, which might mean you wouldn’t end up with a filling.

Your general health also depends a lot on eating a healthy balanced diet. Eating and drinking habits affect the health of your teeth and mouth. Sugar has recently come back into the headlines for having a significant negative impact on health. Eating and drinking foods and liquids with high sugar content in combination with the presence plaque, a soft sticky substance that consists of bacteria that feed on these sugars, can lead to tooth decay.

The bacteria produce acid waste that attacks the teeth, resulting in tooth erosion and tooth decay. If plaque is not removed, it hardens and becomes tartar, which makes the teeth feel rough and can be visible in the mouth, making any smile unsightly. It also creates an easier surface for the plaque to stick to, making the problem even worse. Only a hygienist can remove tartar once it starts to build up, but with good home oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce or prevent the build-up of tartar.

We know that gum disease is considered to be a lifestyle disease and poor gum health can increase your risk of heart, diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease, so we want your gums to be as healthy as possible to ensure that your general health is as good as possible.

How to avoid tooth decay and gum disease

Our dental hygienists in our Portishead dental practice near Bristol will not only look after your dental health, but advise you on how to brush your teeth and use interdental brushes correctly so that you can maintain your own good dental hygiene at home, this will help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

This is what our hygienist says:

“Place the bristles of the brush gently at the join between your teeth and gums, with the bristles pointing towards your gums, then brush in small circular movements.

Ensure you brush all around every tooth making sure you can feel the gentle pressure of the brush on your gums too. Don’t apply too much pressure as this may damage your gums, you are looking to clean your teeth and massage your gums.

After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse. The effect of the fluoride will work much better if it is left on the teeth.

Think of your mouth in four separate sections: top left, top right, bottom left and bottom right spending 30 seconds on each section. This will ensure you spend the recommended 2 minutes brushing your teeth.

Change your toothbrush every 3 months minimum this will help prevent gum disease and ensure your brush is working properly. If the bristles bend out of shape, replace your brush immediately. Also, purchase a toothbrush with a small head, to make sure that every tooth is cleaned.”

Want to know more about how to look after your teeth properly? Read our guide here.

Top 10 FAQs

1. What does a dental hygienist do?

A dental hygienist focuses on preventive oral health care, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Their work includes scale and polish treatments, removing plaque and tartar, giving oral hygiene advice, and monitoring signs of gum disease.

2. Can seeing a dental hygienist help prevent gum disease?

Yes, regular visits to a dental hygienist are one of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease. By professionally removing plaque and tartar build-up, your hygienist helps reduce inflammation and stop early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) from progressing into more serious conditions like periodontitis.

3. How often should I see a dental hygienist?

It’s generally recommended to see a hygienist every 6 months, but this can vary depending on your oral health. People with gum disease or those prone to plaque build-up may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every 3 months.

4. What happens during a hygienist appointment?

Your hygienist will examine your mouth, then carry out a scale and polish to remove plaque and tartar. They may also provide personalised advice on brushing, flossing, and lifestyle habits such as diet and smoking that affect your oral health.

5. Is a scale and polish painful?

Most patients find the procedure comfortable. You may feel some vibration or mild sensitivity, especially if you have gum issues. Hygienists can adjust their technique or use numbing gel if you’re concerned about discomfort.

6. How much does it cost to see a hygienist in Portishead?

Prices typically range from £80 to £150 for a standard 30-minute hygiene appointment, depending on the practice and whether additional treatments like airflow (advanced cleaning) are included. Some practices offer membership plans with hygienist visits included.

7. What is airflow cleaning and is it better than a traditional scale and polish?

Airflow is a gentle yet powerful cleaning technique that uses a mix of water, air, and fine powder to remove stains and plaque. It’s ideal for patients with sensitive teeth or braces and offers a more comfortable, thorough clean than traditional scaling alone.

8. Can a hygienist help with bad breath?

Yes, persistent bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by plaque build-up or gum disease, both of which a hygienist can address. They’ll also help you improve your oral hygiene routine to reduce bacteria that cause bad breath.

9. Are hygienist appointments covered by the NHS?

NHS hygienist services are limited and usually provided as part of a wider treatment plan through your NHS dentist. For more regular or cosmetic cleaning, many patients choose private hygienist appointments, which offer more flexibility and shorter waiting times.

10. Where can I find a dental hygienist in Portishead?

Most dental practices in Portishead offer hygienist services. Look for clinics that are GDC-registered and have positive patient reviews.

Read our CQC report.

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