01752 662929
Dental Hygienist in Plymouth
Professional tooth cleaning is needed to maintain healthy teeth and gums, remove harmful plaque and tartar, and is the only way to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.
Our dental hygienist will also remove stains from your teeth, brightening your smile.
At Mannamead Cosmetic Dental Centre in Plymouth, our dental hygienist will discuss the factors involved in tooth decay and show you the best way to keep your mouth healthy by helping you develop a more efficient home cleaning regime.
You’ll also be shown how to remove plaque successfully, cleaning all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively.
Even if you brush your teeth daily, this is not enough to prevent the gradual build-up of tartar and plaque. If left unchecked, these bacteria can cause decay, gingivitis, and tooth loss. Dental hygienists are experts in the prevention and treatment of gum disease.
We advise you to visit a dental hygienist every six months for a scale and polish.
Does visiting the Dental Hygienist hurt?
The treatment is usually pain-free. However, if you have discomfort, please tell the hygienist who can use an anaesthetic gel or injection.
Can I eat and drink normally after Dental Hygiene treatment?
Yes, although they’ll feel so clean that you won’t want to!
For 2 hours afterwards, you should avoid products that may stain your teeth, including tea, coffee, red wine, cigarettes, etc.
How much does a Dental Hygienist in Plymouth cost?
A 30-minute session with the dental hygienist at Mannamead Cosmetic Dental Centre costs £95, and £190 for a 60-minute session.
Oral Hygiene FAQ
(Looking after your teeth and gums)
What is Gum Disease?
Your gums are the foundations of your teeth. Like a house, if the foundations are not sturdy, the teeth will become unsupported over time and fall out.
The stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is when the gums around the teeth become red and swollen. The swollen gums will often bleed when you brush them.
Gingivitis can develop into an infection known as periodontitis, affecting the entire area surrounding the tooth, causing discomfort and difficulty eating.
Periodontal disease can cause the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw to be lost, making the teeth loose. If this isn’t treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
Most people will suffer from gum disease at some point in their life.
What are the main tips for good dental hygiene?
1. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day.
2. Floss your teeth at least once a day.
3. Reduce your sugar consumption.
4. Visit your dentist regularly.
Prevention is better than cure, so daily oral hygiene will help keep teeth and gums healthy. We also recommend visiting our dental hygienist at least twice a year for a check-up, scale and polish.
Over time, plaque and tartar build up around the tooth base along the gum line. Failing to remove the plaque will result in tooth decay and gum disease.
The importance of diet in keeping teeth healthy
The most important step you can take is to reduce your sugar intake. Avoid snacking between meals, when the sugar will remain on your teeth and begin damaging and decaying them.
If you try to cut out processed and ready-made food and drinks, you will go a long way to reducing your sugar intake. Snacking on cheese, fruit and vegetables and not putting sugar in your tea and coffee will immediately benefit you.
Sugar-free chewing gum after meals helps your mouth produce more saliva, which attacks the sugars and acids and helps keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
How do you keep your teeth healthy and bright?
Brushing and flossing are vital daily habits that should start in childhood. Most experts recommend brushing our teeth at least twice a day, once just before bed, but the other times can vary.
Most of us don’t feel ready to face the morning until our teeth are clean and fresh. As acids in drinks and food can damage tooth enamel when we brush, it is best to avoid cleaning your teeth within an hour of eating or drinking. Natural saliva in your mouth neutralises any acids.
How do you keep your teeth clean and mouth healthy?
Even with brushing, plaque and food particles will get trapped in your teeth. Use interdental brushes or a flossing string to floss when you clean your teeth at night.
To use a flossing string:
1. Take about 40 cm of floss and hold a small piece taut.
2. Slip it between each tooth and pull gently back and forth several times.
3. Move the flossing string along to reveal clean lengths. You might find interdental brushes more effective if your teeth are very close.
Fluoride dental mouthwashes help kill bacteria and maintain tooth health. Mouthwashes shouldn’t be used with brushing. If you clean your teeth morning and night, you might find using a capful of mouthwash after lunch refreshes your mouth.
If you can gargle, it will also help remove bacteria from the back of your mouth and throat and help prevent infections there. Once you have finished, don’t eat or drink for thirty minutes to get the full benefit.
What is the best technique for teeth brushing?
Use small circular movements when cleaning the front surfaces of your teeth by angling your toothbrush against the gum line. Repeat with the chewing surface. To effectively clean the inside surfaces, tilt the brush vertically and use the edge of the brush.
Spit out any excess toothpaste, but don’t rinse out your mouth, as this removes toothpaste residue, which protects your teeth. Try not to eat for thirty minutes after brushing.
When should you replace your toothbrush?
Toothbrushes should be replaced every two to three months. Electric toothbrushes are a matter of preference, and some people find them more effective. Electric toothbrushes will let you know if you’re brushing too hard or have spent two minutes cleaning your teeth.
You should also replace your toothbrush if you’ve recently had a cold, virus, or cold sore.
Are you ready for your new smile?
To book an appointment with our Dental Hygienist in Plymouth, call us on 01752 662929, email us at or:
Where to find us
We’re located near the city centre, convenient for public transport, or use street parking and car parks nearby.
From Plymouth city centre, up North Hill (B3250) and across Mutley Plain onto Lockyer Road. We’re roughly 100 metres from The Hyde Park public house.
Address: 7 Lockyer Road, Plymouth, PL3 4RL
