Dental Hygiene Care in Durham

we believe that great oral health starts with excellent dental hygiene. Our professional dental hygiene services focus on preventing gum disease, maintaining fresh breath, and keeping your smile healthy for life. Regular hygiene visits help protect your teeth from decay and your gums from serious problems before they arise.

Why Dental Hygiene Matters

Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach places. Left untreated, this build-up may lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation) or progress to periodontal disease, which can cause gum recession and tooth loss.

Our dental hygienists in Durham specialise in removing stubborn plaque, tartar, and surface stains that ordinary brushing can’t shift. Maintaining good dental hygiene isn’t just about a bright smile — it’s vital for your overall oral and general health.

Most patients benefit from a hygiene appointment every 6 months, but those at higher risk for gum disease, smokers, or patients with orthodontic appliances may need visits every 3–4 months. Your dentist or hygienist will recommend a schedule that best suits your oral health.

What Our Dental Hygiene Treatment Includes

Comprehensive Gum Health Assessment

Our hygienist checks your gums for signs of inflammation or early gum disease and works closely with our dentists to create a personalised prevention plan.

Scale and Polish (Professional Cleaning)

We use advanced ultrasonic and hand-scaling techniques to gently remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces and reduce future build-up.

Stain Removal & Fresh Breath Care

Lifestyle factors like coffee, tea, wine, and smoking can stain your teeth and affect breath. Our professional polishing helps reduce surface stains for a fresher, cleaner mouth.

Personalised Oral Hygiene Advice

Our hygienist guides you on proper brushing, flossing, and use of interdental aids tailored to your needs to help you maintain results at home.

Benefits of Regular Hygiene Visits

  • Healthier Gums: Early detection and prevention of gum disease.

  • Cleaner, Brighter Teeth: Removal of plaque and superficial stains for a polished finish.

  • Fresh Breath: Reduction of bacteria that cause odour.

  • Lower Risk of Tooth Decay: Removing tartar reduces the risk of cavities.

  • Improved Overall Health: Good gum health supports better general wellbeing.

  • Long-Term Savings: Prevention is more cost-effective than treating advanced dental problems.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene at Home

  • Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.

  • Floss or use interdental brushes daily to clean between teeth.

  • Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash if advised.

  • Avoid excessive sugary snacks and drinks.

  • Don’t skip your regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments.

FAQs

Is a scale and polish painful?

Most patients find it comfortable. If your gums are sensitive, we can use numbing gel or local anaesthetic for extra comfort.

How long does a hygiene appointment take?

Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on the amount of tartar build-up and the treatment required.

Does professional cleaning whiten my teeth?

It removes surface stains and makes teeth appear brighter, but it is not the same as professional teeth whitening.

Can dental hygiene prevent gum disease?

Yes. Regular hygiene visits remove the bacteria that cause gum inflammation and help prevent gum disease from progressing.

Will my gums bleed during cleaning?

Some mild bleeding may occur if your gums are inflamed, but this usually improves after consistent hygiene care.

Do I still need hygiene visits if I brush well at home?

Yes. Even the best home care can’t fully remove hardened tartar that only professional tools can reach.