Healthy gums, brighter teeth
Professional dental cleaning that removes what brushing misses - protecting your gums, freshening your breath, and keeping your smile looking its best.
About the treatment
What is a hygiene appointment?
Even the most diligent home brushing routine leaves some plaque and tartar behind. Over time this build-up hardens and becomes impossible to remove with a toothbrush alone. A professional hygiene appointment uses specialist tools to clean your teeth thoroughly - above and below the gumline - in a way that home cleaning simply can't achieve.
Beyond the clean itself, we'll assess the health of your gums, look for early signs of gum disease, and give you personalised guidance on how to care for your teeth at home. Prevention is always better - and cheaper - than treatment.
Regular hygiene appointments are one of the most effective things you can do for your long-term oral health, and your long-term general health.
Why it matters
The benefits of regular professional cleaning.
Prevent gum disease
Plaque and tartar are the main drivers of gum disease. Professional cleaning removes the build-up that brushing alone can't reach.
Fresh breath
A thorough clean removes the bacteria responsible for bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling cleaner and your breath fresher.
Stain removal
We remove surface staining from tea, coffee, wine, and tobacco to restore the natural brightness of your teeth.
Protect your overall health
Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Good gum health is good general health.
Confidence
Clean teeth and healthy gums give you genuine confidence to smile - and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your mouth is in great shape.
Personalised advice
We won't just clean your teeth - we'll show you how to maintain the results at home with tailored brushing and flossing guidance.
Your appointment
What to expect during your clean.
- 1
Gum health assessment
We measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth to assess your gum health and identify any areas of concern before treatment begins.
- 2
Ultrasonic scaling
We use an ultrasonic scaler to efficiently remove heavy calculus (tartar) build-up from the surfaces of your teeth and just below the gumline.
- 3
Hand scaling
Finer hand instruments are used to clean carefully between teeth and in any areas the ultrasonic scaler can't easily reach.
- 4
Polishing
We polish your teeth using a fine paste to remove surface staining and give your teeth a smooth, clean finish that feels great.
- 5
Oral hygiene advice
We'll demonstrate effective brushing and interdental cleaning techniques tailored to your mouth, and recommend any products that may help.
- 6
Review schedule
We'll recommend how frequently you should have hygiene appointments based on your gum health - typically every three to six months.
Who is it for?
Who benefits from a hygiene appointment?
Everyone can benefit from professional cleaning. It's particularly valuable if you have:
- Routine maintenance cleaning
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Persistent bad breath
- Heavy staining from tea, coffee, or tobacco
- Pre-treatment preparation (before whitening or implants)
- Post-implant maintenance
- Pregnancy (increased gum sensitivity)
- Diabetic patients with higher gum disease risk
Book your clean
Start with healthy gums
Book a hygiene appointment today. It's one of the most important things you can do for your long-term dental health.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
How often should I have a hygiene appointment?
Most people benefit from a professional clean every six months. If you have a history of gum disease or are at higher risk, we may recommend appointments every three to four months. We'll advise you at your first visit.
Is scaling and polishing painful?
For most patients it's comfortable, though you may feel some sensitivity, particularly around areas of gum inflammation. If your gums are particularly sensitive, we can apply a topical anaesthetic gel to numb the area.
Will my teeth be noticeably whiter after a clean?
A professional clean removes surface staining, which can make teeth look brighter. It won't change the natural shade of your teeth - for that you'd need a whitening treatment - but most patients are pleasantly surprised by the difference.
My gums bleed when I brush. Is that normal?
Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation, often caused by gum disease. It's one of the most common reasons patients come for a hygiene visit and it's very treatable. Please don't ignore it - book an appointment and we'll get it under control.
Is a hygiene appointment included in my Denplan?
This depends on your Denplan plan type. Most Denplan plans include at least one hygiene appointment per year. Please check your plan documentation or ask us when you call.
Ready to meet your new dental team?
Same-day appointments available · Denplan members welcome