Maintain a beautiful smile with clean and healthy teeth

The role of a dental hygienist is to keep your gums and teeth clean and healthy to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in the U.K.

Just as our dentists encourage a preventative approach, so do our dental hygienists.

Some patients don’t understand why they must see a hygienist in addition to seeing the dentist. Your hygienist will focus on your oral hygiene and by helping you to keep your teeth and gums clean, this may mean the difference between costly and preventable treatments in the future.

Signs of a poor oral hygiene include:

  • Bleeding gums when you brush
  • Stained teeth
  • Furry tongue
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Tooth decay
  • Receding gums
  • Infections

Regular appointments with your dental hygienist will deal with any of these issues and help prevent them from occurring in the future. Our hygienists welcome patients from Dunstable, Houghton Regis and throughout Bedfordshire.

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Which dental hygiene services are available at Dunstable Dental Practice?

Our dental hygienists at Dunstable Dental Practice offer the following services to ensure your mouth, teeth and gums remain healthy:

Scaling and polishing

Plaque bacteria will develop on and around your teeth in places that are difficult to reach with a typical toothbrush. If left, this will harden to form tartar and can only then be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

If plaque develops near your gum line, this can lead to gum disease. Your hygienist will remove the tartar with a special dental tool and then polish your teeth which smooths the teeth to a lovely shine.

Treat gum disease

The first sign of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gums may appear red or swollen and they may bleed when you brush your teeth. If your hygienist spots signs of gingivitis, they will clean the gums and help prevent it from developing further.

The second stage of gum disease is called periodontitis. The gums start to recede, and pockets may develop which can cause teeth to become loose.

If caught early on, your hygienist will treat periodontitis with a thorough oral clean and a plan for you to follow at home. You may be given a course of antibiotics.

Hygiene and lifestyle advice

Your hygienist can provide tips and show you the most effective way to brush, floss and use interdental toothbrushes if required.

Your hygienist will also give good advice about other factors which affect your oral hygiene including diet, smoking and your general health.

Benefits of seeing a hygienist in Dunstable

Patients from Sewell, Dunstable and throughout Bedfordshire are choosing to see a dental hygienist because:

 

  • Hygienists help your teeth, gums and mouth look and feel their best
  • A good oral hygiene prevents problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath and possible tooth loss
  • Your hygienist will give your mouth and teeth a thorough and deep clean which is more effective than brushing - giving you a noticeably brighter smile
  • Hygienists work with you to prevent gum disease – the number one reason for tooth loss

FAQ's for Hygienist

Does the NHS cover a visit to the hygienist?

Yes, the NHS does cover a visit to your hygienist, but like other general dentistry services, you will be required to pay a contribution. A simple scaling is included within Band 1 of the NHS. More complex treatments for gum disease may fall within Band 2.

How often should you see a dental hygienist?

In most cases, we recommend that you see a hygienist every 6 to 12 months. If any issues arise, your hygienist may want to see you more regularly.

Should I use mouthwash as part of my oral hygiene?

Mouthwash can help in the fight against plaque, but it should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing.

Our Reviews

Sue H.
Staff very friendly, informative and helpful
Debbie G.
Always great service from the receptionist ladies knowledgeable and calm with everyone. We see the best dentist in town Danyal makes it a pleasure to come to the Dentist. We’ve been seeing her for several years now and couldn’t go anywhere else.
Chris R.
I visited the dentist yesterday and, as always, was treated in a very friendly and efficient manner by the reception staff. Treatment by Mr Shah was excellent, he showed knowledge of my rare disease and made allowances for my requirements.
Lura & A.
I had a great experience at the dental practice. The dentist was very friendly, professional and caring. Everything was explained clearly, and I felt comfortable throughout my appointment. I highly recommend this dentist. Thank you for the excellent service
Jacqui H.
I was met by very friendly reception staff, this put me at ease straight away. My dentist was wonderful, professional and eased my concerns in a friendly manner.
Mike P.
Very good
A B.
Good dental clinic, all family goes there.Very nice, clean and professional.They have a very light touch.
SNK
All staff are friendly and efficient. Adam is the best dentist I have ever had. I am a VERY nervous patient and he is kind, gentle and empathetic.
Laine M.
Really happy with the service. The staff were friendly, professional and made me feel very comfortable. Highly recommend!
Charles H.
I was seen on time. Inspection completed. Explanation given about result of an operation and description of my general dental health.
Brian W.
Having lost a piece of my tooth, no pain but a concern that it may fall apart, I was booked on to a non emergency appointment a week later where I was assured that the tooth was stable and could be repaired. This will be reviewed at my check up in August where we will make our final decision. Thank you.
Kathleen W.
Excellent care from hygienist. Did a brilliant clean and explained everything clearly. Best hygienist I've been to in years. Absoutely delighted with my teeth
Tracey
A very nervous patient due to so much dental work which was found to be not needed many years ago. Dunstable dental practice are very considerate to my nervousness and I get through my treatment by being asked if I’m ok all the way through. Wouldn’t want to change.
Deanne C.
Mr Shah and the Dunstable Dental Practice team are professional, personable and very trusting. I wouldn't go to any other Dental Practice.
Steve B.
another good positive visit
Peter T.
Excellent service
Monika G.
Five stars, as always. I normally see Adam, who is absolutely brilliant, and I really like seeing the same person each time. Unfortunately, he wasn’t in this time and I just wanted to make sure everything was okay, so I saw Dr Tana instead. Ms Tana was lovely and reassuring, and made the whole experience quick and easy. I’ve seen her before a few years ago, and she was just as lovely this time. The receptionists were also very helpful, from booking the appointment to arriving at the practice. Thank you!
Nettie F.
Always had a great service here...
Amina
Had a hygiene appointment today.Sifila and Asma both did a great job! Kind, patient would definitely recommend
Helen D.
Cant thank Heena enough ,as always the best dentist and the dental nurses are great too.The reception team are really nice as well.
Yasmin B.
Adam Mulji is a great dentist, always make you at ease and explains everything before continuing.
Luena C.
A very positive experience. The dentist was patient and caring, and explained everything during the treatment. I felt safe and well looked after. I would definitely recommend.
deL R.
Great experience from start to finish. Adam was professional, friendly and made me feel completely at ease throughout my appointment. He explained everything clearly and was very gentle. I would definitely recommend Adam and the practice!
Sarah R.
Highly recommend this dentist, as always Ms Tanna is fantastic.
dave C.
I have always found the practice to be helpful, friendly and very professional and they go beyond your normal expectations