Regular hygiene appointments help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath by removing plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t. At Dream Smiles Dental, we offer scale and polish, Airflow stain removal, and specialist gum care to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Keep your smile healthy and bright – book your hygiene appointment today!
Why have a hygiene appointment?
Expert care – our hygienists specialise in oral health treatment, and are best placed to look after your gums.
Prevent gum disease – remove bacteria irritating your gums to look after your oral health and prevent disease and tooth decay.
A brighter smile – professional hygiene treatment can brighten your smile, freshen your breath and boost your confidence.
Early detection – we can spot and treat the mild symptoms of gum disease before it can turn into a more serious issue.
What is gum disease?
Plaque buildup around the gums can cause gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. This leads to red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing – but it’s reversible with good oral care and professional cleanings.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that trap bacteria. This can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
The good news? Gum disease is preventable! Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups keep your gums healthy. If you notice any symptoms, book an appointment – we’re here to help.
What does a dental hygiene appointment involve?
At the start of your hygiene appointment, we make sure you are feeling comfortable, relaxed and ready to begin. We ask you about your oral hygiene routine at home and if you have any areas of concern you would like to tell us about. We also ask about your overall general health. We prioritise trust and communication with every patient.
The main part of your appointment is a thorough scale and polish treatment, which removes stubborn plaque and tartar from all areas of your mouth. This deep clean is combined with a professional polish to leave your teeth feeling smoother, cleaner and brighter.
To help you achieve optimal oral health, we give you personalised advice on how to properly care for your teeth and gums. This includes showing you how to use interdental cleaning tools properly to keep up with an excellent cleaning routine at home.
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We offer a range of hygiene appointments to suit your needs:
Scale and polish – a routine clean to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains.
Airflow therapy – a deep clean using water, air, and powder for stain removal and fresher breath.
Periodontal cleaning – a more intensive clean for patients with gum disease to target bacteria below the gum line.
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.
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.
Gum disease has been linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can reduce your chances of developing serious health concerns.
While professional hygiene cleans can help remove surface stains and make your teeth look brighter, they are not as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments. If you’re considering teeth whitening, your dentist can guide you to the best option for a brighter, whiter smile. Learn more about our whitening treatments.
A scale and polish removes plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can’t reach. This helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Regular hygiene appointments also keep your smile looking fresh and bright.
A scale and polish has two steps:
Scaling – a hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth and gum line using special tools.
Polishing – your teeth are cleaned and buffed to remove stains and leave them feeling smooth and fresh.
Airflow therapy is an advanced cleaning treatment that uses a mix of water, air, and fine powder to gently remove stains, plaque, and bacteria. It’s great for deep cleaning, especially for people with braces, implants, composite bonding or stubborn staining from tea, coffee, or smoking.
A standard scale and polish is usually painless, though some people may experience mild sensitivity, especially if they have gum disease or sensitive teeth. To ensure your comfort, our hygienists can adjust the treatment as needed. We also use warm water for a gentler, more comfortable experience.
Yes! It’s actually recommended during pregnancy because hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and prone to gum disease (pregnancy gingivitis). A gentle hygiene clean helps keep your gums healthy and reduces the risk of complications.
A typical scale and polish appointment takes 20–40 minutes, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup. If you’re having a more in-depth clean, like Airflow therapy, it may take a little longer.
