Cannon Street Dental & Implant Centre
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
What does gum disease look like?
For starters, they are red and swollen, and often bleed easily when brushing or flossing. You might notice persistent bad breath, receding gums that make teeth appear longer, or pockets forming between your teeth and gums.
If left untreated, gum disease progresses to more serious symptoms, including loose teeth and even tooth loss. According to the World Health Organisation, 90% of adults worldwide will develop some form of gum disease in their lifetime. The bigger problem is that poor oral hygiene is linked not only to dental problems but serious systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even complications during pregnancy.
Regular visits to your dental hygienist in London are essential in preventing these cascading health effects. Beyond the fresh feeling after a cleaning, these appointments play a critical role in maintaining both your smile and your overall well-being.
A dental hygienist does far more than just clean your teeth. These highly trained professionals are specialists in preventive dental care with extensive qualifications in oral health maintenance. They are experts in detecting early signs of dental problems before they become serious issues.
During your appointment, a dental hygienist will:
Many people don’t realise that dental hygienists are trained to spot the early warning signs of a host of systemic diseases that show symptoms in the mouth.
It’s clear that your oral health is not something to be taken lightly.
How often should you visit a dental hygienist? Dental professionals recommend scheduling hygienist appointments every six months, even if your teeth feel fine.
Regular professional cleanings reach areas that your toothbrush and floss simply cannot access. The hidden spaces between teeth and below the gumline harbour bacteria that, left untreated, lead to inflammation, infection, and eventually tooth loss.
These twice-yearly visits help maintain oral health by preventing the buildup of plaque—that sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. This then hardens into tartar (dental calculus), which cannot be removed by brushing and requires professional intervention.
Yes, the cost of preventive care is significantly less than treating advanced dental problems. A simple dental cleaning appointment costs a fraction of what you might spend on root canals, crowns, or implants if problems are left untreated.
When plaque remains on teeth for more than 48 hours, something interesting happens: it transforms into tartar (also called calculus). This isn’t your everyday dental problem. Tartar forms when minerals from your saliva—like calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate—deposit into the soft plaque, creating a rock-hard shell that firmly bonds to your tooth surfaces, kind of like a barnacle on a boat.
No amount of brushing or flossing at home can remove tartar once it forms.
That minty fresh toothpaste and your trusty toothbrush? They’re simply no match for tenacious tartar’s concrete-like structure. This mineralised layer clings stubbornly to your teeth and can even develop below your gumline, completely out of reach of your home care routine.
Only the specialised tools and skilled hands of a dental hygienist can safely break up and remove these hardened deposits without damaging your teeth or gums.
What exactly happens during a professional dental cleaning? Understanding the process can help ease any anxiety you might feel about your appointment.
Your dental hygiene treatment session typically begins with a thorough assessment of your current oral health. The hygienist will examine your teeth and gums, looking for areas of concern.
Finally, your hygienist will provide personalised recommendations for improving your home care routine based on their observations during your cleaning. This might include suggestions for more effective brushing techniques, interdental cleaning tools, or products specifically suited to your oral health needs.
The advantages of maintaining regular appointments with your dental hygienist extend far beyond just having cleaner teeth.
Regular dental hygiene treatments significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. By removing plaque and tartar regularly, hygienists help prevent the bacterial infections that lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.
Early detection is another crucial benefit. During your cleaning, hygienists can spot the first signs of dental issues when they’re still easily treatable. Catching a small cavity or the early stages of gum disease can save you from more extensive and expensive treatments down the road.
Bad breath (halitosis) often stems from bacteria living in the mouth. Professional cleanings remove these bacteria along with food particles and debris that contribute to unpleasant odours.
Professional cleanings also remove many surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other foods, helping maintain a brighter, more confident smile without the need for whitening treatments.
How does oral health affect your body? The connection between oral health and general health is significant.
Poor oral health has been linked to serious medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Regular hygienist visits help reduce inflammation and bacterial load in your mouth, potentially lowering your risk for these systemic conditions.
To get the most from your dental hygiene treatment in London, consistency is key. Follow these practical tips:
Your smile is too important to neglect. Regular visits to a dental hygienist in London provide benefits that extend far beyond clean teeth—they help protect your overall health and well-being for years to come.
At Canon Street Dental, our experienced teeth hygienists are dedicated to providing gentle, thorough care that fits your individual needs. By scheduling your regular dental cleaning appointments, you’re making a smart investment in both your smile and your health.
With regular professional care and good home habits, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your lifetime. Book your next hygienist appointment today and take the first step toward optimal oral health.
020 8075 7106