A dental hygienist provides preventive treatment that keeps your teeth and gums healthy between dentist check-ups. At Pure Smiles in Fulham, our hygienists examine your teeth and gums, carry out professional cleaning including air polishing, and advise you on how to improve your daily oral care routine at home.
A hygienist visit is not only for people with dental problems. It is a preventive appointment designed to remove plaque and tartar build-up before they cause gum disease or tooth decay.
When you visit a dental hygienist at Pure Smiles, your appointment follows a structured process designed to assess, clean and protect your teeth and gums.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Visual examination | The hygienist checks your teeth and gums for signs of plaque, tartar, inflammation or early gum disease |
| Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) | Each tooth is assessed with a periodontal probe to measure gum pocket depth and identify areas of concern |
| Professional cleaning | Air polishing removes plaque, staining and tartar from tooth surfaces and between teeth |
| Oral hygiene advice | Personalised guidance on brushing technique, interdental cleaning and product recommendations |
| Treatment plan | Notes are shared with your dentist, and any further treatment is recommended if needed |
The hygienist uses air polishing at Pure Smiles, which combines water, air and a fine powder to gently remove plaque and surface staining. This method is more comfortable than traditional scaling for most patients and produces excellent results. learn more
Regular hygiene visits offer benefits that go beyond what daily brushing and flossing can achieve on their own.
A hygiene appointment is not a replacement for seeing your dentist. It is a complementary visit that focuses specifically on cleaning and prevention, while your dentist handles diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions.
Most patients benefit from seeing a dental hygienist every six months, ideally scheduled between their regular dentist check-ups. This frequency is sufficient for the majority of people to stay on top of plaque build-up and maintain healthy gums.
Some patients may benefit from more frequent visits — for example, those with a history of gum disease, heavy staining or orthodontic appliances. Your hygienist or dentist at Pure Smiles will recommend the right interval for your needs. learn more
You do not need a dentist referral to book a hygiene appointment at Pure Smiles. Our hygienists welcome both existing patients and new visitors at our two Fulham locations: 257 New Kings Road, SW6 4RB and 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH.
Call 020 7736 6276 to book your appointment. learn more
No. You can book a hygiene appointment directly at Pure Smiles Fulham without a dentist referral. However, if the hygienist identifies any issues that need treatment, they will refer you to the dentist and share their clinical notes.
Most patients find hygiene appointments comfortable, particularly with air polishing which is gentler than traditional scaling. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let your hygienist know and they can adjust their approach.
A typical hygiene appointment at Pure Smiles takes 30 to 45 minutes. This includes the examination, professional cleaning and oral hygiene advice.
A dental hygienist specialises in preventive care — cleaning teeth, removing plaque and advising on oral hygiene. A dentist diagnoses and treats dental conditions such as cavities, infections and structural problems. Both roles are essential for maintaining good oral health.
