Hygiene (Scale & Polish)
A hygiene appointment removes the plaque and tartar (calculus) that brushing and flossing can’t reach on their own, and polishes your teeth to lift surface staining. It’s the single most effective thing you can do between check-ups to protect your gums and keep decay at bay.
At Prem Dent, hygiene appointments are carried out by GDC-registered hygienists as part of your ongoing care, not a one-off extra.
What happens during a hygiene appointment?
Your hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler to break down plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, including areas a toothbrush can’t access. This is followed by polishing, which smooths the tooth surface and removes surface staining from things like tea, coffee, red wine and tobacco. You’ll usually leave with practical advice on brushing, interdental cleaning and anything specific to your gums.
Why gum health matters
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems in UK adults, and it’s often painless in its early stages. It usually starts as gingivitis, gums that are red, swollen or bleed when you brush, which is reversible with good hygiene care. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place and is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular hygiene visits are how this gets caught and controlled early.
How often do I need a hygiene appointment?
There’s no fixed rule that suits everyone. Many patients do well on a six-monthly interval, but if you have a history of gum disease, smoke, or have conditions like diabetes that raise your risk, your hygienist may recommend seeing you every three to four months. If your gums are consistently healthy, that interval can be longer. It’s reassessed at every visit.
Airflow: stain and biofilm removal
Airflow is a gentle air-polishing treatment that uses a stream of air, water and fine powder to lift surface staining and soft plaque (biofilm) from areas that are hard to reach, including around braces, implants and along the gumline. It’s more comfortable than traditional polishing for most patients and works well alongside your regular scale and polish, or as preparation before whitening treatment. It doesn’t replace scaling where tartar has already hardened, but it’s an effective way to keep staining and biofilm under control between deeper cleans.
Book a Consultation
Not sure when your last hygiene visit was? Book an appointment and we’ll assess your gums, clear away what’s built up, and set a recall interval that actually fits your risk.