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Dental hygiene
A dental hygiene appointment focuses on the health of your teeth and gums. It is designed to remove plaque and tartar, support gum health, and help prevent common dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
At Harley Private Dental, hygiene care is delivered with a gentle, considered approach, tailored to your individual needs and comfort.
What is a dental hygiene appointment?
A dental hygiene appointment involves professional cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and surface staining that cannot be removed with brushing alone. It also includes an assessment of gum health and personalised advice to help you maintain good oral hygiene at home.
Regular hygiene care plays an important role in protecting long-term oral health.
Why is dental hygiene important?
Good oral hygiene helps reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. It also supports the success of other dental treatments by maintaining a healthy foundation.
Dental hygiene appointments may help to:
- Reduce plaque and tartar build-up
- Support healthy gums
- Prevent gum disease and inflammation
- Improve breath freshness
- Maintain a clean, polished feel to the teeth
Who is suitable for a dental hygiene appointment?
Dental hygiene appointments are suitable for most patients and are recommended as part of routine dental care. They may be particularly beneficial if you:
- Experience bleeding gums
- Have a history of gum disease
- Are undergoing orthodontic or restorative treatment
- Wish to maintain a clean, healthy smile
Your dentist or hygienist will advise how often hygiene appointments should be scheduled based on your individual needs.
What happens during the appointment?
A typical dental hygiene appointment may include:
- Assessment of gum health
- Removal of plaque and tartar
- Polishing of the teeth
- Advice on brushing, flossing, and oral care techniques
Appointments are carried out carefully and at a pace that prioritises comfort.
What results can I expect?
Following a hygiene appointment, many patients notice:
- Cleaner, smoother teeth
- Fresher breath
- Improved gum comfort
- Greater confidence in maintaining oral health
Ongoing results depend on regular hygiene visits and good home care.
Aftercare and ongoing care
After your hygiene appointment, you’ll receive advice tailored to your oral health needs. This may include guidance on brushing techniques, flossing or interdental cleaning, and recommended products.
Regular hygiene appointments, combined with daily home care, help maintain healthy teeth and gums over time.
Personalised care starts here
A consultation gives us time to understand your needs, explain your options clearly, and plan care that’s right for you.
Spread the cost of your treatment
We offer finance options through Chrysalis Finance to help make treatment costs more manageable. This allows eligible patients to spread the cost of treatment over time with clear, structured repayments. Finance is available at a representative 14.9% APR, subject to status and approval.
Our finance calculator provides an indicative example of how treatment costs may be spread into monthly payments based on a 14.9% APR. Simply enter the estimated treatment cost and select a repayment term to view a guide price. Figures shown are for illustration only. Final repayment amounts will be confirmed following consultation and finance approval.
Using the calculator does not commit you to treatment or finance. It is designed to help you understand your options clearly, without pressure. Full details, including repayment terms and eligibility, will always be explained before you proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Practical guidance to help you understand our care, treatments, and what to expect.
How often should I have a dental hygiene appointment?
For many patients, hygiene appointments are recommended every six months, though this may vary depending on gum health and individual needs. Your clinician will advise on a suitable schedule.
Will a hygiene appointment be painful?
Most hygiene appointments are comfortable. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity, particularly if gums are inflamed. Your hygienist will work gently and adjust the approach to your comfort.
Does a hygiene appointment whiten teeth?
A hygiene appointment removes surface staining and leaves teeth feeling cleaner and brighter. It does not change the natural colour of the teeth. If whitening is desired, this can be discussed separately.
What should I do after my hygiene appointment?
You can usually return to normal activities immediately. You’ll be advised on maintaining good oral hygiene at home and when to schedule your next visit.
Our wonderful team
Our team includes experienced general dentists and clinicians with specialist skills. Together we deliver a wide range of treatments under one roof.
Our other treatments
Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth while maintaining oral health and function. Treatments may include whitening, composite bonding, veneers, and aesthetic restorations designed to create natural-looking, balanced results.
General dentistry
General dentistry covers routine and preventative dental care, including examinations, hygiene appointments, fillings, crowns, and monitoring of oral health. The aim is to maintain healthy teeth and gums, identify issues early, and reduce the need for more complex treatment.