Professional dental hygiene services in Catford, Lewisham & Southeast London. Working with you to prevent gum disease and keep your smile looking and feeling great.
Hygiene Services
Direct access
At the Penerley Road Dental Practice, our hygienists are qualified to treat patients directly – so you won’t need to see the dentist for an examination before having your teeth cleaned, or getting the advice you need. Direct access to hygiene appointments therefore saves you both time and money! If you are looking for advice on maintaining healthy teeth and gums, or want to book a scale and polish, simply give us a call and we’ll arrange a suitable appointment time. If, during your appointment, the hygienist thinks you would benefit from seeing a dentist, they will advise you accordingly.
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Hygiene services
A dental hygienist’s role encompasses professional teeth cleaning – also known as a scale and polish, which removes plaque and tartar from areas brushing can’t reach, and leaves teeth feeling smooth and shiny. In addition, the hygienist is qualified to advise on the latest techniques and products for maintaining oral hygiene at home, and help with lifestyle choices such as diet, smoking and alcohol intake.
Poor dental hygiene can not only lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, but is also linked with serious chronic dental conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers. At The Penerley Road Dental Practice, we’re passionate about preventing problems before they arise, and our hygiene team is central to making this happen. They’ll work with both you and your dentist to help keep your oral health in peak condition and your mouth, teeth and gums and free of disease.
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FAQs
Why is dental hygiene so important?
Taking care of your teeth is important for many reasons, but poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Poor dental hygiene can even lead to serious future chronic dental conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers.
What causes bad breath?
There are various causes of bad breath, and persistent bad breath can be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Potential causes of bad breath include: food, tobacco products, medications, infections, and trapped plaque. Our dental hygienists will be able to examine you and tell you more.
How can I avoid gum disease?
Good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist or your dental hygienist are the best ways to avoid gum disease or any future chronic dental conditions, including chipped teeth or gaps in your smile.
How often should I see a dental hygienist?
The frequency that you visit your dental hygienist will vary depending on a number of factors, including your current oral hygiene habits, and the current state of your teeth. Some people require less frequent trips to the dentist, while those who have had dental implants or who are at risk of chronic dental diseases or conditions may be required to visit as frequently as every third month. Regular check-ups can prevent more costly or painful visits to the dentist in the future.
What is the difference between a dental nurse and a dental hygienist?
A dental hygienist is not a dental nurse – instead, the hygienist performs tasks that dentists routinely used to carry out (and, in some smaller practices, still do), freeing up your dentist to deal with more serious problems. A dental hygienist performs advanced and independent tasks such as removing hard and soft deposits from teeth, teeth cleaning, removing tartar, plaque, and stains, and performing professional dental exams.
“I’ve been coming to this practice for 5 years and cannot speak highly enough of their quality of service and care. Lovely staff! It’s also really nice and beautiful inside.”