Dental Hygiene Services at Thousand Smiles

Healthy teeth and gums rely on more than just daily brushing. Plaque, tartar, and stains can still build up in areas that are difficult to reach at home, increasing the risk of gum disease, decay, and even tooth loss. At Thousand Smiles, our dental hygiene team provides comprehensive care to help patients maintain fresh, clean, and attractive smiles. Regular hygiene appointments also reduce the need for complex treatment in the future, saving you both time and discomfort.

Benefits of Professional Dental Hygiene

Visiting a hygienist offers more than just a brighter smile. Some of the main advantages include:

Prevention of gum disease by removing plaque and tartar before they cause long-term damage.
Cleaner, fresher breath through deep removal of bacteria and food particles.
Whiter-looking teeth thanks to the removal of surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, or smoking.
Personalised oral health advice tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
Support for overall health,since gum health is linked to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Keeping up with hygiene visits is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your natural teeth.

Ready to book your hygiene session? Call us today on 020 3773 2280 to schedule your appointment.

020 3773 2280

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your visit will begin with an assessment of your teeth and gums. The hygienist will check for signs of gum inflammation, plaque build-up, or early decay. Following this, treatment usually includes:

Scaling to remove hardened tartar and plaque from around the gumline and between teeth.
Polishing to smooth the tooth surface and lift everyday stains.
Stain removal treatments such as AIR-FLOW therapy for stubborn discolouration.
Preventive fluoride application in cases where extra protection is recommended.
Tailored home-care guidance on brushing, flossing, and diet to keep your mouth in the best condition between visits.

If gum disease or other concerns are identified, your hygienist may refer you to one of our dentists or a periodontal specialist for further treatment.

The Cost of Hygiene Treatment

The price of a hygiene session varies depending on the type and length of treatment you need. A routine scale and polish is typically the most affordable option, while more advanced cleaning or stain removal therapies may be slightly higher. At Thousand Smiles, we provide clear pricing before any treatment begins, and we can combine hygiene appointments with regular dental check-ups for convenience.

If you are considering AIR-FLOW therapy or additional cosmetic cleaning, our team will explain the cost clearly so you can make an informed decision.

Aftercare and Home Maintenance

Professional cleaning is only part of the picture. Maintaining the results at home ensures longer-lasting benefits. We recommend:

Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
Using interdental brushes or floss once a day.
Avoiding rinsing immediately after brushing, as this can wash away fluoride.
Brushing your tongue gently to reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
Reducing frequent consumption of sugary foods and acidic drinks.

Your hygienist will also demonstrate brushing techniques tailored to your teeth and gum condition, ensuring you get the best results from your routine.

Who Should See a Dental Hygienist?

Everyone can benefit from hygiene treatment, but it is especially important if you:

Have a history of gum disease.
Smoke or regularly drink coffee, tea, or red wine.
Wear braces, dentures, or dental implants that require extra cleaning.
Suffer from persistent bad breath.
Are planning cosmetic treatment such as whitening, veneers, or implants.

Most patients are advised to attend hygiene appointments every six months, though some may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health.

Alternatives and Complementary Treatments

While hygiene appointments are focused on cleaning and prevention, patients may also consider:

Teeth whitening for chemical lightening of the tooth shade.
Restorative dentistry such as fillings, crowns, or implants if damage has already occurred.
Periodontal treatment for advanced gum disease requiring deeper cleaning or surgery.

Hygiene care often forms the foundation of these treatments, ensuring your mouth is in the healthiest possible condition before moving forward.

AIR-FLOW Therapy Explained

AIR-FLOW therapy is a highly effective stain removal technique that combines water, compressed air, and fine powder particles. It reaches areas that traditional scaling cannot and is particularly useful for patients with deep staining caused by coffee, wine, or smoking.

Unlike whitening, AIR-FLOW does not change the natural shade of the teeth but restores them to their clean, original colour by removing surface stains. Many patients choose to have AIR-FLOW before whitening to improve results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I see a hygienist?

Most patients benefit from a visit every six months. Those with gum problems or heavy staining may require more frequent sessions.
Is the treatment painful?

Scaling and polishing are generally comfortable. Some patients may feel mild sensitivity, but our hygienists work gently and can use local anaesthetic gel if necessary.
What is the difference between a dentist and a hygienist?

Dentists focus on diagnosing and treating oral health problems, while hygienists specialise in cleaning, prevention, and patient education. Both roles work together to protect your smile.
Can children see a hygienist?

Yes. Early hygiene appointments help children learn good habits and prevent issues from developing later in life.

Book Your Hygiene Appointment

Keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy is the foundation of a confident smile. Thousand Smiles offers a full range of dental hygiene services, including routine cleaning, preventive treatments, and advanced stain removal.

Call us now on 020 3773 2280 or email info@tsmile.uk to book your appointment with our friendly hygienist team.