Hygienist – At St Andrews dental practice we have two hygiene therapists who specialise in gum health. You may be referred to see a hygienist by your dentist if you require gum treatment or you may wish to book directly.
They will assess the health of your gums, professionally clean your teeth, monitor and help you prevent periodontal (gum) disease, offer dietary advice and smoking cessation. Most importantly they will give you advice on how to improve and maintain your daily routine. They will recommend the best ways to keep your teeth and gums clean using the latest cleaning techniques that are appropriate to your needs and lifestyle.
Regular hygiene visits and following the advice that you are given are critical to maintaining a clean healthy teeth and gums. It prevents bleeding gums, gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. The latest research even shows a link between gum disease and other health conditions including heart disease, osteoporosis and the risk of getting dementia. The dentist or hygienist will advise you on how often you need to go depending on your individual needs and current oral health.