If you live or work in or around central London then you may be looking for a dentist Soho who offers dental hygiene appointments. You may be aware that you haven’t attended the dentist Soho for a while and so you would like to book back in with us here at PS Dental Care. Perhaps you know you are due to have a routine hygiene appointment in the future and you are looking for somewhere convenient for you where you can schedule this. Whatever has led you to your search for a dentist Soho, we are here to help!
What does a dental hygiene appointment look like?
An appointment with our dental hygienist here at PS Dental Care will most likely begin with a visual examination of your mouth, during which your practitioner will check for signs and symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. We will assess how much plaque build-up there is on your teeth and therefore what level of cleaning they will need. We will also identify any additional risk factors.
Following this we will carry out a thorough clean of your teeth and gums, utilising dental tools in the process of doing so. This is generally referred to as scaling (which involves removing plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth) and polishing (buffing your teeth to remove surface stains). If any debris remains after scaling and polishing your hygienist may use other tools to remove this.
Our hygienist’s role is to help educate you about maintaining good oral hygiene routines, such as explaining how to brush and floss properly. We may offer advice about diet, and habits such as smoking and how these can interact with your oral health. We can also provide you with information about stopping smoking.
It's important to understand that an appointment with your dental hygienist is not usually a substitute for a regular dental check-up with your dentist. These hygiene appointments are specifically focused on cleaning and maintaining your oral health, as well as identifying and treating gum disease.
What is good dental hygiene?
The foundations of good dental hygiene are regular brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps to remove bacteria and plaque from your mouth and teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist is likely to recommend the use of toothpaste that contains fluoride as this can help to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent decay.
Flossing is also an important aspect of maintaining good dental hygiene. It helps to remove debris (including plaque and bacteria) from between your teeth and along your gum line, where it is difficult to reach using only a toothbrush. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can also help kill bacteria and freshen breath. We would be more than happy to discuss toothpastes and mouthwashes which we would recommend when you come in to visit us.
In addition to these at home practices, it is important to regularly visit your dentist for check-ups and hygiene appointments. In doing so, your dentist is given the opportunity to identify and treat any potential issues. Hygiene appointments allow for professional cleaning which can remove plaque and tartar that you may have missed at home.
A healthy diet can also play a role in maintaining good dental hygiene. Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of decay, while a diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D can help to promote strong, healthy teeth. We would be delighted to discuss this further at your appointment.
How can I get in touch?
For additional information about the treatments which we provide, or to book an appointment here at PS Dental Care you can contact us through our website, by telephone, or by popping into the practice. We look forward to seeing you!