What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist's main focus is preventing and treating gum disease and helping you keep your natural teeth for life. That means removing plaque and tartar through scaling and polishing, checking for early signs of gum disease and decay, applying fluoride varnish or fissure sealants where needed, and giving practical advice on brushing, flossing and diet that actually fits your routine. As a dental hygienist, I see each visit as preventive care rather than just a clean - I am looking for small changes early, before they turn into bigger problems, and helping patients build habits that genuinely stick.
Link to this answerHow often should I visit my dental hygienist?
NICE guidance recommends that recall intervals are based on your individual risk of dental and gum disease rather than a fixed rule for everyone, ranging from a few months up to a maximum of 24 months for adults at low risk (12 months for under-18s). In my own practice, most patients do best with a hygiene visit every three to six months, especially if you have a history of gum disease, smoke, have diabetes, or notice plaque building up quickly. At your first appointment I will assess your gum health and risk factors and agree a recall interval with you, then review it at every visit.
Link to this answerDoes a dental cleaning hurt?
For most patients, a routine hygiene appointment is comfortable rather than painful - you may feel some pressure, and occasional sensitivity around the gum line if it has been a while since your last visit or your gums are inflamed. If you already have gum disease, the first visit or two can feel a little more sensitive while the inflammation settles, but this usually improves quickly. I always explain each step as I go, work gently, and can offer numbing gel or regular breaks if you are anxious or have sensitive teeth, so please tell me if anything feels uncomfortable and I will adjust.
Link to this answerHow can I tell if I have gum disease?
The earliest sign of gum disease, gingivitis, is usually bleeding gums when you brush or floss, along with redness and swelling. Left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, where you might also notice gums pulling away from your teeth, persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, or teeth that feel slightly loose. Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, which is exactly why regular hygiene visits matter - I can spot the warning signs, measure your gum health with a simple probe, and start treatment before any damage becomes permanent.
Link to this answerWhat is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental therapist?
Both dental hygienists and dental therapists are GDC-registered professionals who focus on prevention - cleaning, gum health and patient education - but a dental therapist's training also covers certain restorative treatments, such as fillings and extractions in children. I am qualified and registered as both a dental hygienist and a dental therapist, so I can combine thorough preventive hygiene care with a broader range of treatment where appropriate, all within the same appointment.
Link to this answerCan I book an appointment with a dental hygienist in London without seeing a dentist first?
Yes. Since 2013 the General Dental Council has allowed patients to book with a dental hygienist or dental therapist directly, without a prescription or referral from a dentist. This is called direct access. You can book with me at Bilton Road Dental Practice in Perivale for a check-up, a hygiene clean, gum treatment or prevention advice as your first appointment. If I find something that needs a dentist, such as a cavity that needs restorative treatment, I’ll explain what I’ve seen and refer you on.
Link to this answerI’m a new patient, can I book with the hygienist in your practice in London?
Yes, I see new patients at Bilton Road Dental Practice, 56 Bilton Road, Perivale, UB6 7DH. The best first appointment is a General Hygiene Check-Up: 45 minutes and £95, covering a full review of your teeth, gums and mouth, a gum health check and an oral cancer screening, with a written summary of what I find. To book, call the practice on 020 8997 0933 or send an enquiry through this website, and we’ll arrange a time that suits you.
Link to this answerHow much does a private dental hygiene appointment cost in Perivale/Ealing?
Appointments with me at Bilton Road Dental Practice in Perivale start at £95. A General Hygiene Check-Up, a Hygiene Clean, Periodontal Maintenance and a Children’s Hygiene & Fluoride Varnish visit are each £95 for 45 minutes. An Extended Hygiene Clean is £110 for 60 minutes, and a Deep Clean (Root Surface Debridement) for diagnosed gum disease is £130 per quarter of the mouth. Before any treatment starts, you get a written plan with the proposed treatment and a realistic indication of its cost.
Link to this answerHow should I prepare for my dental hygiene or therapy appointment?
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your health, so it helps to bring a list of the medicines you take and their doses (a photo of the boxes is fine), any recent letters about your health that might be relevant, details of any previous gum treatment, and your questions written down. Tell me about any allergies, for example to latex or local anaesthetic, and whether you’re pregnant. If you’re nervous, mention it when you book or at the start of the visit: nothing is done without me explaining it first, and you can ask me to pause at any time.
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