What does a hygienist do?

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What does a hygienist do?

Here at Hello Dental Colchester we have 2 hygienists who work alongside our dentists to provide patients with oral hygiene advice and care to improve and maintain your oral health. One of the common questions we are asked is ‘what does a hygienist do?’ As every patient is different so is every appointment. Firstly, they will assess your mouth, find out what you are doing in terms of cleaning your teeth, and examine you for signs of dental disease, such as gingivitis. Once this examination is complete, they will work together with you to make a cleaning plan that is easy for you to continue at home. Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. It occurs when plaque or bacteria accumulates at the gumline. It is completely reversible through a good level of oral hygiene and the hygienist will help you to achieve this. If the plaque on your teeth is left for a long period of time it will calcify and turn into calculus, once this has gone hard you cannot remove this with a toothbrush. This is where the hygienist comes in, to remove this for you. We use a water scaler that works using ultrasonic waves to break up the calculus into smaller pieces, we then use the suction to take away the calculus with the help of water. This will then make it easier for you to clean at home and make your mouth feel a lot healthier. Advice we may provide you with here in Colchester is what the best type of toothbrush is best to use, advice on any interdental cleaning aids such as floss or interdental brushes and give toothpaste advice. We can help advise if you are suffering from sensitivity or a dry mouth along with other oral conditions. A common misconception is that hygienist ‘just clean your teeth’ this is not the case, we are there to advise and encourage good oral hygiene at home. Yes, we do clean your teeth for you, but this is to aid improved cleaning at home for you to improve your overall oral health. Think about it this way – if any other part of your body was bleeding, you’d try to stop it, with a little tweak in your oral hygiene routine we can stop your gums bleeding too.

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"From the first moment I contacted Hello Dental I felt reassured and peaceful. My initial phone call to enquire about registering, and to explain my fear of dentists was met with such kindness and helpfulness. I came away from the conversation feeling like I had…"

S.Connell

"I’m so pleased with my teeth after having braces put on. I’m always smiling and I feel confident smiling, showing my new beautiful teeth off. Thank you so much, Neel."

H. Gooch

"Hello Dental is a thoroughly well-run practice, with friendly, attentive staff all maintaining very high standards of dental care. The best I have found."

J.C

"My second time with the laser and I can’t thank Neel enough for his supportive and encouraging attitude. Not only have I been needle free for all my treatments, but I can also honestly say I haven’t felt the slightest discomfort. I would have fallen…"

H. Cansdale

"6 months ago, I decided to try PRGF – Micro-needling combined with plasma on the recommendation of the practice to improve my skin. I have fair skin which is quite difficult, and sensitive, but also prone to breakouts and enlarged pores. I found the treatment…"

F.C

"I was referred to Hello Dental when my previous NHS dentist retired. I cannot express how delighted I am with the results and only regret not having come along sooner! From the start, it felt like a Rolls Royce service at Hello Dental, the practice…"

Sophie Davey

"I first went to see Neel after he came highly recommended by a colleague, and I was looking for someone to fix some poor work I had previously done through the NHS. The fact that Neel is still my dentist after 5 years is a…"

Darrell

"I have had a fear of the dentist my whole life. I recently had root canal treatment with Neel and can honestly say “it was a piece of cake”. He explained everything, was so patient with me and best of all, there was absolutely no…"

G. Shadbolt

"I came in a nervous wreck, but the time I spent with Neel was a good experience. Very patient, gentle, and understanding. Everyone was helpful, and friendly and will definitely be coming back for my treatment."

L. Bowen

"Everytime I visit Hello Dental I leave feeling positive, which after past experiences with previous dentists is amazing. The team are so helpful and considerate"

J. Mail

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Michelle Cannon

21:16 09 Dec 22

Been with this practise for some years. Always see Helen. Brilliant dentist. Always thorough and makes you feel at ease. Dental assistants are friendly, kind and gentle. Top class dentists and staff. Highly recommend.Mrs cannon

AMY WHITE

21:08 24 May 22

I’m extremely anxious about going to the dentist and it’s taken me years to even sit and have treatment. I had a great dentist in London so finding the right practice for me in Colchester was so important as I’m finally able to get through it. Hello Dental are brilliant! Everyone puts me at ease and I am always in control. They are kind, welcoming and take my phobia seriously. Thanks so much for taking care of me and enabling me to get the treatment I need!

Lizzie Fitch

13:04 29 Apr 22

This is by far the BEST dentist I have EVER been to! Helen is amazing, knowing I’m not a big fan of the dentist she is so gentle and explains everything before she does it. The girls in the surgery are absolutely lovely! I feel like I’ve gained 5 sisters every time I walk in there! always having a giggle! Got themselves a customer for life ☺️

Julia Gant

09:15 29 Mar 22

Best dentist I have been too, everyone is so friendly and very helpful. They all have a lot of knowledge, I no longer dread going to the dentist.

Stacy Barnard

16:32 28 Mar 22

I have been going to hello dental for a few years now and I must say you get what you pay for, the service is exemplary and all the staff are so polite and friendly. I never really liked going to the dentist because of previous experiences but I trust them 100% and would highly recommend them. Also the clinic is so clean which is something I always look for! So if you are looking for a dentist this is definitely the place to go.

David Ambrose

11:42 24 Mar 22

If you're looking for a kind, calm and supportive dentist Hello Dentist are brilliant. After having a very poor experience with my last dentist I was very reticent at attending the dentist again but Hello Dental understood were non critical and have helped me to regain confidence in the dentist profession. If you are anxious about attending the dentist then is highly recommend this dentist.

Leanne Churchyard

13:07 23 Feb 22

I started using Hello Dental three years ago after a bad experience with a previous dentist.They have been outstanding.The reception staff, are always incredibly helpful and polite. The dental team always take their time to listen to you and explain any treatment fully.You are always provided with a written quote for any work which needs to be undertaken, which I really like.

Nicole Gooby

19:15 01 Jan 22

I have nothing but great things to say. The whole team are lovely and helpful. I would recommend to anyone 😀

tayo agoro

18:41 11 Nov 21

Great Team as a whole. Right from the receptionist team to the dentists, everyone is fantastic. This team makes the fear of a dentist a myth. Always smiling and alway willing to help.

Lesley Ellis

17:19 25 Oct 21

Everyone in the team is so kind , caring and friendly. They will listen to you and help ease any fears you may have. Highly recommend this practice

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What does a hygienist do?

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