Contrary to popular belief hygienists are not beauticians! They are highly qualified clinicians working at the front line of preventive dentistry and can provide you with professional treatments to prevent and treat gum disease. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in the UK.

When you come to see the dentist, you may be prescribed to see the hygienist. Hygienists work under the prescription of the dentist providing you with an individually tailored treatment programme and oral hygiene advice, to keep you free from gum disease and tooth decay.

We like to see the prevention of gum disease as team work. You are as involved in your treatment as we are. Come along and see us and we will give you a tailor made treatment programme.

Remember that everybody should be flossing twice a day - that includes children over the age of 12 - and we recommend dental tape for this purpose.

Sometimes the hygienist may recommend the use of TePe interdental brushes (see right). Before buying some please come and see us and we will tell you which type you need (if any)  - too small and they will do no good, too large and they could cause trauma to the teeth and gums.