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Preventive care

Dental Hygiene

A hygiene appointment focuses on cleaning your teeth and looking after your gums, with practical, judgement-free advice you can use at home.

Toothbrushes, floss and interdental brushes arranged on a counter.

What this treatment covers

During a hygiene visit, a dental hygienist or dentist removes plaque and tartar from areas that are difficult to reach with brushing alone, including along and just below the gum line.

They may check your gums for signs of inflammation and explain what they find. If you have questions about brushing, flossing or interdental brushes, this is a good time to ask.

Some people have hygiene visits alongside check-ups; others need them more often. The right interval is something to agree with your dental team.

What you may discuss with your dentist

  • Any bleeding when you brush or floss
  • Which cleaning tools suit your teeth and how to use them
  • Sensitivity during cleaning and what can be done to help you feel more comfortable
  • Habits such as smoking or snacking that can affect your gums
  • How often a hygiene visit might be helpful for you

What to expect

Every visit is different; this is a general outline.

  1. Step 1

    Checking in

    Your clinician asks about your routine and anything you have noticed, such as bleeding or sensitivity.

  2. Step 2

    Gum check

    A gentle look at your gums, sometimes including small measurements that help track gum health over time.

  3. Step 3

    Cleaning

    Plaque and tartar are removed. You can ask for a pause at any point — just agree a signal beforehand.

  4. Step 4

    Home-care tips

    Practical suggestions tailored to your teeth, with time to try tools and ask questions.

Dentists you may see

You can ask for a particular dentist when you request a visit.

  • Portrait of Dr. Priya Nair in green scrubs.

    Preventive & Cosmetic Dentistry

    Dr. Priya Nair

    Priya combines preventive care with cosmetic consultations, and is careful to talk about what is realistic as well as what is possible.

    Meet Dr. Priya
  • Portrait of Dr. Olivia Bennett in a white coat.

    General Dentistry

    Dr. Olivia Bennett

    Olivia looks after patients of all ages for check-ups and everyday care, and is known for explaining things patiently and plainly.

    Meet Dr. Olivia

Dental Hygiene: common questions

Not quite. A check-up is an examination by a dentist; a hygiene visit focuses on cleaning and gum care. Many people book both.

Mention it when you book or at your visit. Your clinician can take a look and explain what may be causing it.

Always. Let your clinician know and they can pause, slow down or talk about options to help.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal advice. Your dentist will discuss what is appropriate for you.

Talk it through

Questions about dental hygiene?

Request a visit to talk with a dentist, or call the clinic. There's no obligation to go ahead with treatment.