63-65 Fleece Road, Long Ditton KT6 5JR
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
63-65 Fleece Road, Long Ditton KT6 5JR
My name is Thomas, the dental hygienist here at The Dental Connection in Surbiton, and I’m here to tell you something important – your oral health is about so much more than just brushing your teeth.
Many people assume that a dental hygienist’s job is just to clean teeth, but it’s so much more than that. My role is all about prevention – helping my patients avoid gum disease, cavities, and bad breath while keeping their smiles fresh and healthy for the long run.
If you think you only need to see a dentist in Surbiton when something goes wrong, think again! Regular visits to a dental hygienist can also save you from bigger (and more expensive) dental problems down the line.
So, let’s talk about why booking an appointment with a dental hygienist in Surbiton is one of the best things you can do for your smile!
A dental hygienist is a trained oral health professional who focuses on preventing dental problems rather than just treating them. While dentists diagnose and treat issues like cavities, infections, and damaged teeth, my role as a dental hygienist is to help you avoid those problems in the first place.
Think of us as your personal coach for a healthier smile. Our goal is to keep your teeth and gums in top shape so you don’t have to deal with painful (and costly) dental treatments later on.
So, who should you see – a dentist or a hygienist? Well, the answer is simple – both! While your dentist focuses on fixing dental issues, your hygienist helps you avoid them altogether. We are a perfect team for a long-lasting, healthy smile!
As an experienced dental hygienist in Surbiton, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference regular hygiene appointments make.
A lot of people only think about their teeth when they have a problem, but trust me – prevention is so much better (and cheaper) than cure. Here’s why you should consider booking a visit with us at The Dental Connection.
Gum disease is sneaky. In its early stages, you might not even notice it.
A little bleeding when you brush? Maybe some bad breath? Most people shrug it off, but this is the first warning sign of gum disease. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
During your appointment, I check for early signs of gum disease and remove the plaque and tartar that cause it. The sooner we catch it, the easier it is to treat – and trust me, you don’t want to wait until your teeth start getting wobbly!
Even if you’re the most dedicated brusher and flosser, some areas in your mouth are just impossible to clean properly on your own. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional.
We use special tools to gently but effectively remove built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, leaving your mouth feeling super fresh. Think of it as a spa day for your teeth – one that keeps your smile healthy and bright.
Have you ever worried about bad breath before a meeting, a date, or even just talking to someone up close? You’re not alone! Bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by bacteria lurking in plaque and tartar.
If you’ve tried mouthwash and breath mints but still struggle with persistent bad breath, a hygiene appointment might be just what you need.
I deep-clean those hard-to-reach areas where bacteria love to hide, helping you keep your breath fresher for longer.
Tea, coffee, red wine – sound familiar? These are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to staining your teeth. While at-home whitening toothpaste can help a little, it won’t remove deep-set stains the way a professional hygiene appointment can.
We use advanced cleaning techniques like air polishing to lift away surface stains, leaving your teeth looking noticeably brighter and fresher.
Most people think they know how to brush and floss properly, but you’d be surprised how many are doing it wrong! I see it all the time – people brushing too hard and damaging their gums, missing key areas, or using the wrong technique altogether.
During your visit, I take the time to show you the best way to care for your teeth at home.
Whether it’s choosing the right toothbrush, perfecting your flossing technique, or recommending the best products for your specific needs, I make sure you leave with practical, personalised advice to keep your smile in top condition.
Here’s the truth – regular hygiene appointments can save you from costly dental treatments later on. Think about it: a simple hygiene visit now can prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems that might require fillings, extractions, or even implants down the line.
I always tell my patients, "It’s easier (and cheaper) to prevent a problem than to fix one." Investing in your oral health today means avoiding expensive and painful treatments in the future.
I’ve had so many patients tell me, "My teeth have never felt this clean!" after a hygiene appointment. There’s something incredibly satisfying about that fresh, smooth feeling when all the tartar is gone, your gums feel healthier, and your breath is fresher. It’s like a mini makeover for your mouth!
If you’ve never had a professional dental clean before, you’re in for a treat. You’ll leave the clinic with a healthier and brighter smile.
If you’ve never had a hygienist appointment before, you might be wondering what to expect. Let me walk you through it!
We start with a quick assessment of your oral health. I check your gums, tongue, and soft tissues for any abnormalities, then perform a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) to assess the health of your gums. This helps me determine if there are any signs of gum disease and what level of treatment you may need.
Next, we move on to the deep cleaning – this is where I remove plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) that your toothbrush just can’t get rid of. I usually use an ultrasonic scaler, which vibrates to break up deposits while a cooling spray of water washes everything away.
If you have sensitive teeth, don’t worry! I can also use manual hand scalers, which are just as effective but take a little more time.
Once your teeth are completely clean, we move on to oral hygiene advice. I’ll check your brushing technique and recommend the best way to keep your teeth and gums in top shape at home.
Whether it’s switching to a different toothbrush, learning how to floss properly, or using interdental brushes, I’ll guide you on what works best for your smile.
Finally, we finish off with a polish using prophy paste – this helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling fresh and smooth. Most of my patients say this is their favourite part of the appointment!
As a dental hygienist in Surbiton, I get a lot of questions from patients about how to take care of their teeth and gums. So, before I wrap up this guide, let’s quickly check out some of the most common ones I hear – and my answers!
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gum inflammation, which is often caused by plaque buildup. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it could mean you have gingivitis – the early stage of gum disease. The good news? This can often be reversed with proper brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene visits.
Absolutely! Electric toothbrushes are far more effective than manual ones at removing plaque and keeping your teeth clean. They do most of the work for you and are great for people who struggle with brushing properly. If you’re not using one yet, I highly recommend making the switch!
Unlike a manual toothbrush, you don’t need to “scrub” with an electric toothbrush. Simply hold it against each tooth and let it do the work. Move it slowly along the gum line, spending at least two minutes brushing your teeth in total. I can always show you the best technique during your appointment!
Mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral care routine, but it’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing. If you use one, go for an alcohol-free, fluoride-based mouthwash to strengthen your enamel and keep bacteria at bay.
Some people benefit more from specific mouthwashes – if you’re unsure, ask me for a recommendation at your next visit.
For most people, every six months is ideal. However, if you have gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or other concerns, you may need to come in every three to four months. I’ll always advise you on what’s best for your specific needs.
There’s no special prep needed, but I do recommend brushing and flossing before you come in. Try to avoid eating right before your appointment so I can work on a clean surface. And if you have any concerns or specific questions, jot them down so we can go over them during your visit.
Yes! At The Dental Connection, we offer professional teeth whitening as part of our cosmetic treatments. If you’re interested in brightening your smile, I can talk you through the options and help you choose the best one for you.
A hygiene appointment is also a great first step before whitening, as it removes plaque and stains, making the treatment more effective.
Your smile deserves the best care, and I’m here to help you achieve it. Whether you’re looking to prevent gum disease, freshen up your breath, or simply give your teeth a deep clean, booking an appointment with a Surbiton dental hygienist is the best decision you can make for your oral health.
So, why wait? Schedule your appointment today and let’s keep your smile healthy, fresh, and bright.