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

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
Simon W.
Always really nice hear and thorough in there explanations of the treatment.
Peter R.
Broke a tooth on Monday 24th August and a large piece came away. Left me with extremely sensitive pain. To make matters worse, I was travelling abroad the next day. I called the Dental Practice and they very kindly gave me an appointment straightaway and by 11.30am my dentist had repaired the tooth with a new white filling and built up the broken area. I cannot thank them enough, the pain has gone and they were so professional and friendly. Thanks to everyone at Dunstable Dental Practice.
RONALD
A wonderful Practice Everybody so friendly and helpful The Dentist was GREAT!!! in all respects What else can I say?
Anna N.
I would highly recommend Dr Adam Mulji. He is an excellent dentist who is professional, caring and genuinely takes the time to listen and understand any concerns. I have always felt completely comfortable and well looked after during my appointments. Adam explains everything clearly, is very patient and makes what can sometimes be an anxious experience feel much easier. The care and attention to detail are exceptional, and I always feel confident that I am in very good hands. Thank you, Adam, for your kindness, professionalism and excellent care. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for a fantastic dentist.
Siobhan R.
Efficient and friendly as always
Joanna S.
Highly recommend Dunstable Dental Practice and Mr Mulji. His kindness, knowledge and exceptional care provided exactly what my child needed, while completely reassuring us both throughout the process.
gary W.
Quick painless visit no issues. Staff polite and friendly as always.
Philip H.
Have been a patient for many years. Always helpful and pleasant staff. Appointment times are always on schedule.
Luiza C.
Great practice with friendly staff and dr Tanna always patient to answer all my questions and a positive attitude making my children feel confident and comfortable about the check ups
Kian S.
Wonderful practise. I enjoyed my dentist and his very friendly team