FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I’m seeing the Hygienist regularly. Why should I have to go for a checkup with the dentist?
Because it’s a legal requirement that the dentist prescribe for you the treatment that the Hygienist is to provide for you. She can’t be responsible for spotting problems as they arise. Please see the dentist at least once every 12 months, but preferably every 6 months for a really effective prevention plan.

My friend says don’t go to the Hygienist because it’s always painful, they make your gums bleed, and your teeth are sensitive afterwards. That’s right, isn’t it?
Our Hygienist is very gentle and caring. She knows what it’s like having a cleaning. She will take notice if you say you’re uncomfortable, and act on it to improve matters for you. Your friend may well have had a very neglected mouth with a delicate gum condition. In such cases, we would be treating her gently, breaking her in as it were over at least two or three appointments to ensure discomfort was kept to a minimum.

How do I know if I have gum disease?
Bite into an apple – any blood on your fruit? Blood when you brush? Teeth wobble a bit? Longer in the tooth than you were? Funny taste when you suck your gums, and we don’t mean fruit gums.

We inspect your gum health and advise you at your routine Exam appointment.

What if I don’t bother to see the dentist and insist that I carry on seeing the Hygienist? I haven’t got any toothache, after all.
We would have to advise you that your Hygienist visits cannot continue. We are obliged to act in the best interests of our patients.