Professional cleaning and tailored prevention advice at Highfield Dental Clinic, Edgbaston.
A professional clean removes what brushing cannot reach, and the advice that comes with it helps keep your mouth healthier between visits.
A hygiene appointment is a professional clean carried out by a dental hygienist or therapist. Hardened deposits, known as tartar or calculus, cannot be removed by brushing at home, and they provide a rough surface where more plaque collects.
Your hygienist removes these deposits from above and just below the gum line, polishes the teeth to remove staining, and reviews how your gums are responding. Just as importantly, they show you how to clean more effectively at home.
Due a professional clean in Birmingham? Our experienced hygiene team will leave your mouth feeling fresh and show you how to keep it that way.
A 40-minute appointment allows time to clean thoroughly and talk things through. It usually involves:
Your hygienist will tell you if anything needs your dentist’s attention and how often you should return.
Most of the work happens at home. Brush for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, spit rather than rinse, and clean between every tooth daily with interdental brushes or floss. Your hygienist will show you the right size and technique for your mouth.
Diet matters too. It is how often you have sugary food and drink rather than the total amount that drives decay, so keeping sugar to mealtimes helps. If you smoke, stopping is one of the most effective things you can do for your gums, and we can point you towards local support.
It depends on your gum health and risk factors. Many patients are seen every six months, while those with gum disease or a higher risk may benefit from every three or four months.
Most patients find it comfortable. If your gums are inflamed or your teeth are sensitive, tell your hygienist, who can work more gently or use a numbing gel.
Polishing removes surface staining from tea, coffee, red wine and smoking, which often makes teeth look brighter. It does not change the natural shade of your teeth, which is what whitening does.
Bleeding usually indicates inflammation caused by plaque. It is a sign to clean more thoroughly rather than to stop. If bleeding persists, book an appointment so we can assess your gums.
Yes, we offer children’s hygiene appointments designed around younger patients, focusing on prevention and building good habits.
