How often should I visit a dental hygienist?

Periopicker

Hi to all of you who are interested in this subject

i am indeed a Hygienist

Its is important for any patient to be aware of what is in your mouth and if you are being asked to attend 3-4 monthly the chances are its because you have GUM Disease. So the next time you go to your Hygienist ask Her/Him about your problem areas, ask them how you could improve your cleaning, 90% of GUM disease is cured by the patients cleaning if there's no bacteria there's no problem. Once you have GUM disease though your gingival attachment is not as strong as those with out so you need regular maintenance appt's, by having these regular appt your hygienist is trying to maintain a stability in your mouth where you are no longer loosing bone, Pockets depths are reduced, and bleeding is minimal.

Your average patient like myself goes every 6 months, thats because everyone has bacteria even me, and most of us need a little help on those hard to reach places like mal alined teeth, ledges on fillings and bridge and crown work.

Those patients who are lucky enough to go 1 yearly and i have a few are usually under the age of 30ty, have beautiful straight teeth, no fillings and have flossed and tepe'd all their adult life.

A hygiene appt should not be torturous, remember you do not have to see the hygienist at your Dentist we work on a Prescription from your dentist and providing your dentist is happy to sign an independent referral you can go anywhere you like. I see many patients from other practises. I also work in different Private practises and there is a large variation in Price so shop around. However i would recommend at least a 30min appt for routine hygiene treatment.

I hope this helps

Remember most hygienist are more enthusiastic about your teeth than you are.... we don't mean to be, we just love teeth.

boots_babe

I've never been referred to a hygienist, although years ago I have had the occasional clean and polish (by the dentist).

This has never been a regular thing, and I currently can't remember when I last had one (which is good as I cannot stand them, would rather have 5 fillings tbh, as to me it is like someone scraping fingers down a blackboard except inside my mouth, aarrrgh).

I've had both private and NHS dentists over the years and haven't noticed a difference between them.