We have an incredible team of dental hygienists at Umi Clinic in Petersfield, near Guildford and Godalming in Surrey and Havant in Hampshire, ready to deep clean your teeth and gums. They will also give you advice on brushing, flossing and maintaining a healthy smile, for life. Teeth that are regularly professionally cleaned means healthy gums and helps keeps your breath fresh.
Umi Clinic Dental Hygiene Appointment
Your appointments typically involve several steps to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.
- Review of Medical History: Your dental hygienist will start by reviewing your medical history, including any medications you’re taking and any changes in your health since your last visit. This information helps us understand your overall health and how it may impact your oral health.
- Oral Examination: The hygienist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, checking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They may use a small mirror and probe to inspect your teeth and gums carefully.
- Professional Cleaning: Your dental hygienist is fully trained to clean your teeth professionally. This involves removing plaque and tartar build-up from the surfaces of your teeth, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that may be missed during regular brushing and flossing.
- Scaling and Polishing: If there’s significant tartar build-up on your teeth, the hygienist may perform scaling to remove it. They’ll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and give them a smooth, clean feel.
- Education and Advice: At Umi we encourage all our staff to go that extra mile. We want all our hygienists to play a crucial role in educating patients about proper oral hygiene techniques. You will get tips on brushing and flossing, we will recommend oral care products, and offer advice on maintaining good oral health habits at home.
Periodontics
Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum or periodontal disease which is the biggest cause of tooth loss and is linked to weak immunity and heart disease. The good news is if you keep on top of your dental hygiene there is a very good chance you will avoid teeth and gum issues from ever starting. If you do develop gum problems our dental hygienists will be able to advise and treat you.
Some people are hesitant or afraid of the dentist or hygienist because they have been unable to look after their teeth and gums and have chronic dental problems. Even if you have not been for some time, never stay away due to be embarrassed or worry. You will find Umi Clinic in Petersfield a warm and non-judgemental environment where we particularly welcome nervous patients. The sooner you are able to address your gum problems the better, we can help you get your dental health back to where it needs to be.
Dental Hygiene & Periodontics FAQs
It is generally recommended to visit the dentist for a cleaning every six months, but your hygienist may suggest more frequent cleanings if you have certain risk factors for oral health issues. Regular hygiene appointments can lead to the early detection of dental problems, potentially saving you from more extensive and costly procedures in the future.
Yes, we have direct access hygienist appointments available at our clinic in Petersfield, Hampshire, where you can book your appointment for a clean and polish, even if you are not registered with us.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. You can prevent plaque build-up by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks.
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that can be removed with brushing and flossing. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional during a cleaning.
Bad breath can result from poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, or certain foods. To combat bad breath, maintain good oral hygiene, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid strongly odorous foods. If bad breath symptoms persist, please consult your dentist.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Treatment may include professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery. Gum disease can generally be avoided with good brushing habits and regular hygiene appointments.
Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of gums which, when left untreated, can progress to more serious stages of periodontal disease, such as periodontitis. A dental hygienist with periodontal experience can diagnose, treat and help prevent gum disease from getting worse.
Periodontal treatment is the treating of diseases and conditions that affect the gums, including periodontal disease and gingivitis.If gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, more extensive treatment becomes necessary to address the problem. Typical periodontal disease treatments include scaling and root planning, which is deep cleaning of the teeth below the gum line. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line while root planing smooths the tooth root which helps the gum reattach to the tooth. In advanced cases, your dentist or periodontist may also recommend gum surgery.
When plaque accumulates in areas between the teeth, if it is not properly removed through efficient oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, the gums become inflamed. Irritated gums can lead to gum recession and eventually tooth loss in the later stages of periodontitis. Other factors that can cause gum disease include smoking, certain medications, hormonal changes and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Yes, you can. For significant and long-lasting results, professional teeth whitening performed by your dentist is recommended. Once you have had your teeth professionally cleaned you may wish to lighten their shade with whitening – visit our teeth whitening page for more information.
