Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene in Hadleigh, we'd love to help

The dental hygienist at Hadleigh Dental and Cosmetics Centre treats patients from all over Thundersley, Rayleigh, South Benfleet and the surrounding area. You don’t need to be an existing patient to see the hygienist.

As well as offering a full range of hygiene treatments to our current patients and members, we also accept new patients on a ‘direct access’ basis. This means that you can see our dental hygienist even if you don’t wish to join our practice or become a member.

What does a dental hygienist do?

Our dental hygienist will carry out a “scale and polish”. This is a professional-grade deep clean of your teeth. It leaves your mouth feeling fresh and healthy, and ensures your teeth are free from tartar. This helps prevent gum disease.
Our dental hygienist will identify any ‘problem areas’. After explaining them to you they’ll share tips and advice on how to manage these.
Our dental hygienist will recommend any interdental devices that you can use to get healthier teeth and gums.
Our dental hygienist will teach you about good oral health and provide tips for long-term benefits.
Our dental hygienist will help keep your teeth feeling great, your breath fresh and stop the onset of tooth decay between your trips to the dentist. It’s part of a good strategy to avoid more comprehensive treatments in the future.
When they see you regularly, a dental hygienist can spot any abnormal changes or signs in your mouth which could indicate more serious problems including oral cancer. Early detection, means your chances of recovery are significantly improved.

What is gum disease?

Plaque build-up on your teeth is sadly inevitable, no matter how good your tooth-brushing routine is. Day by day it builds up, hardens and if the tartar is not addressed, increases the chance of gum disease.

Our bodies’ defences do fight back to an extent and naturally tackle some of the plaque. However, in some cases, this natural bodily response doesn’t stop. It goes on to break down your bone and soft tissue. This can lead to one or more teeth loosening. In worst cases, a tooth could fall out completely.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Gum disease can be very obvious in some people, and in others not be apparent at all. You may not feel pain with gum disease and over time you may become blasé of the warning signs.

Gums which get increasingly irritated alter their colour, usually turning darker. You may experience inflammation and discomfort. Sometimes your teeth may appear longer or more spaced. This is because the roots have become more visible. Gums in good condition are firm to the touch and light pink in colour.

Bleeding gums is a big giveaway that gum disease is present. Healthy gums do not bleed.

During the first stages of gum disease, other signs you may become aware of are greater tooth sensitivity, an unfamiliar (metallic) taste or bad breath. This stage is called gingivitis.

Visit us as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs or are worried for any other reason that you might be suffering from gum disease. It is not possible to cure gum disease but we are able to managed it so that it doesn’t get worse.

When treating you, our hygienists will give your gums a deep clean (known as debriding). This will get rid of accumulated deposits of bacteria. They will then give you advice to assist you in looking after your gum disease over the long-term. Periodontitis which has spread beyond the gums needs specialist care and supervision. We will refer you to a periodontist if required.

Dental hygiene care for children

For parents, booking a dental hygiene appointment for your children is a fantastic chance to fully check their teeth, and reinforce the routines that they need to know to care for their teeth as they grow older.

Regular visits every six months often create good habits for life, as your offspring get used to the sounds, sights and smells of the practice. Being familiar with the dentist will help them to feel relaxed and comfortable when they visit.

Children’s teeth are especially at risk between the ages of seven and 14 as the milk teeth are replaced by adult teeth. This is due to the problem of trying to ensure your children brush for the right amount of time and in the right way, not to mention the level of sugar contained in food and drink. Our hygienist can administer fissure sealants and fluoride treatments for children as well as grown-ups who are at a greater risk of decay.

Our friendly team are experienced in making young ones and more nervous patients feel comfortable. We keep appointments as short as they can be and only use tools when absolutely required.

Extra tips for healthy teeth and gums

Watch your diet and consider how it affects your dental health. Don’t consume too much sugary food and drink, and attempt to avoid snacking during the day.
It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day. We can provide advice on interdental devices like brushes, floss and mouthwash which help clean those spaces between teeth which bacteria love.
Regularly inspect your mouth. If you spot any changes get them checked out as soon as you can.
If you are struggling to get an appointment with you dentist, we offer Direct Access Dental Hygiene Appointments.