Dental Hygiene · Smith's Wood · Castle Bromwich
Healthy gums. Healthier you.
Regular visits to our dental hygienist are one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term oral health.
GDC-registered hygienists · New patients welcome
The role of our hygienists
What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist is a GDC-registered dental professional who specialises in preventative oral healthcare. Their primary focus is on helping patients achieve and maintain healthy gums and teeth through professional cleaning, assessment, and personalised oral hygiene education.
Hygienists work as part of your wider dental care team — focusing specifically on gum health, plaque management, and the long-term prevention of dental disease. In many cases, regular hygiene appointments are the single most effective way to prevent tooth loss in adults.
GDC regulation
All dental hygienists at Castle Bromwich Dental Care are registered with the General Dental Council and work within the scope of practice defined by the GDC. They are qualified to provide preventative treatments, oral hygiene instruction, and in many cases can see patients directly without a dentist referral.
What we provide
Hygiene services at Castle Bromwich Dental Care
Our hygiene appointments are thorough, personalised, and focused on your long-term oral health.
Scale and polish
Professional removal of hardened calculus (tartar) and plaque deposits that cannot be removed by brushing alone, followed by polishing to smooth surfaces and remove staining.
Gum health assessment
A thorough assessment of your gum tissue using periodontal probing to measure pocket depths and identify any signs of gum disease at the earliest possible stage.
Oral hygiene instruction
Personalised, practical guidance on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and lifestyle factors that affect your gum and tooth health.
Periodontal treatment
Where gum disease is present, root surface debridement (deep cleaning) removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline — the primary active treatment for periodontal disease.
Fluoride application
Professional fluoride varnish or gel treatments can be applied to strengthen enamel and help prevent decay.
Dietary and lifestyle advice
Guidance on diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other factors known to impact oral health.
Understanding gum disease
The stages of periodontal disease
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK and is largely preventable.
Gingivitis
The earliest and most common stage. Gums may appear red, swollen, or bleed when brushed. Fully reversible with treatment and improved home care.
Early to moderate periodontitis
Infection spreads below the gumline. Bone and supporting fibres begin to be damaged. Manageable but not reversible.
Severe periodontitis
Significant bone loss around the roots. Teeth may shift or become very loose. Specialist periodontal treatment may be required.
Bleeding on brushing is one of the most common early signs of gum disease and should always be assessed by a dental professional. Do not dismiss it as normal.
Recommended frequency
How often should you see the hygienist?
There is no single answer that applies to everyone. The appropriate frequency depends on your individual gum health, risk factors, and response to treatment.
| Patient profile | Typical recommendation |
|---|---|
| Healthy gums, low risk | Every 12 months |
| Moderate risk or early gum disease | Every 3–6 months |
| Active periodontal disease or high risk | Every 2–3 months |
| Orthodontic treatment (braces / Invisalign) | Every 3–4 months |
| Implant maintenance | Every 3–6 months |
| Pregnancy | More frequent during pregnancy |
Your hygiene appointment
What to expect
Medical history review
Your hygienist will review or take your medical history at each visit, as certain medical conditions and medications can affect gum health.
Gum health assessment
Periodontal pocket depths are measured around each tooth. Bleeding on probing, recession, and mobility are also noted.
Plaque and calculus removal
Specialist hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers are used to remove hardened calculus from above and, where necessary, below the gumline.
Polishing
Teeth are polished using a professional-grade paste to smooth surfaces and remove surface staining.
Oral hygiene instruction
Specific, practical guidance on improving your home routine — including brushing technique and interdental cleaning.
Preventative treatments
Fluoride varnish or other preventative applications may be recommended based on your individual risk profile.
Review and recall scheduling
Your hygienist will discuss findings with you and recommend an appropriate recall interval based on your risk level.
Frequently asked questions
Explore more
Related treatments
Learn more about other treatments that patients often consider alongside this one.
Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch with our friendly team to arrange a consultation at a time that suits you.
Castle Bromwich Dental Care · Castle Bromwich, Birmingham