Hygiene appointments (also known as a scale and polish) are one of the easiest ways to ensure long-term health between your teeth and gums. Plaque will build up in hard-to-get places even if brushing is good. This eventually hardens and turns into tartar that you won’t be able to remove on your own.
What happens at a hygiene appointment?
A typical visit includes:
A basic evaluation of your gums and problem areas
Scaling to clean teeth and the gums, removing plaque, tartar (calculus) above and below the gum line
Polishing to remove surface stains and smooth teeth
Practical tips (like which interdental brush size is best for you)
Air polishing (a thin jet of air, water, and powder) may also be scheduled for stubborn staining or where there is evidence of gum disease, a deep clean. For a Dentist Bournemouth, visit //gentledentistry.co.uk/
Why it matters
Hygiene visits are more than just to make teeth feel a little cleaner. They help:
Treat inflamed gums and halitosis
Reduce the chances of developing gum disease (a leading factor in tooth loss)
Detecting problems early so they do not hurt
Supports and allows dental work such as implants, cones, and orthodontics by preventing the gums from degrading.
How often should you go?
That depends on what your risk factors are. You can go every 6-12 months, whereas if you smoke or have diabetes or wear braces, more regular visits are recommended as per your gum health history.
If you don’t know, ask your dentist or hygienist. A custom schedule is often the optimal solution.