Teeth cleaning
A hygiene visit helps remove plaque and hardened tartar that brushing can’t clear. The team will also show you how to clean the areas that need more attention at home.
Before
Tell the team about changes such as bleeding, sensitivity or difficulty cleaning around particular teeth.
During
The clinician checks your gum health and chooses the cleaning method that suits each area. Tell them if you have sensitive teeth or if there’s anything that would help you feel more comfortable.
After
Ask the team which brushes or interdental tools suit the spaces between your teeth and when it would be helpful to come back.
AIRFLOW cleaning
AIRFLOW uses a spray of air, water and fine powder to lift plaque and some surface stains from your teeth during a hygiene visit.
When air polishing may help
Air polishing can remove some staining from things like tea or coffee. Your clinician checks your teeth and gums first and explains whether it would help as part of your clean.
During your clean
The clinician uses the AIRFLOW handpiece to remove plaque and some surface stains. If there is hardened tartar, they may also use scaling instruments.
After your clean
Your clinician will show you which areas to focus on when cleaning at home.
Does AIRFLOW whiten teeth?
It can remove some surface stains so you see more of your natural tooth colour. Whitening uses a gel to lighten the shade of natural teeth.
Teeth whiteningWill I still need scaling?
You may. Your clinician checks for hardened deposits and uses scaling instruments where needed.
Can I book this on its own?
Ask the team when you book. They can explain which hygiene appointment suits you and whether you need an examination or gum assessment first.
Contact HighfieldAsk our hygiene team whether AIRFLOW is suitable for you and which appointment to choose.
Clinicians
FAQs
Is a hygiene visit the same as an examination?
A hygiene visit focuses on cleaning and looking after your gums. A dental examination checks your teeth, gums and mouth for problems and may lead to a separate care plan.
Adult examinationDo I have to be referred?
You can ask about direct access to see a dental hygienist or therapist first. They can advise if you need to see a dentist for a separate assessment.
Direct-access hygiene appointmentsFurther reading
A hygiene visit can remove deposits from teeth and help you clean hard-to-reach areas at home.
Which cleaning appointment?
Choose between routine, direct-access and children’s hygiene information below. Direct access is a way to see a hygienist without first seeing a dentist. If you need a dental assessment, the hygienist can advise you about arranging one.
AIRFLOW cleaning
Air polishing uses a stream of air, water and fine powder to lift surface stains and plaque. Your hygienist can explain if it is suitable and whether other instruments are needed to remove hardened deposits.
Routine cleaning and gum treatment
A routine clean helps manage deposits around the teeth. If you have gum disease, you may need a separate assessment, cleaning below the gum line and follow-up visits to check how your gums respond.