Dental Hygiene

Keep your teeth and gums in tip-top condition.

Why professional dental hygiene matters

Our dental hygiene service is designed to help you prevent gum disease, stop tooth decay early, and keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Routine hygiene care goes well beyond a typical clean: it’s about identifying trouble-spots before they become major issues and equipping you with the habits and tools to maintain great oral health.

What our hygiene appointments involve

During your visit, our experienced dental hygienists will:

• Carry out a detailed gum health check, examining for early signs of gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)
• Perform a thorough scale and polish, removing surface stains and hardened plaque for smoother, brighter teeth
• Use air-polishing technology (for patients eligible) to deliver a gentle yet effective clean in hard-to-reach areas
• Provide personalised advice on at-home oral care, including the use of a recommended electric toothbrush (we often recommend the Philips Sonicare model) and correct brushing and flossing techniques
• Discuss how lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, grinding) might impact your oral health, and develop a plan to minimise risk

Private dental hygiene treatment

While a limited range of hygiene treatments are available on the NHS, most hygiene appointments are provided privately. Private sessions allow our hygienists to dedicate more time to your individual needs, using advanced techniques and equipment to achieve the best possible results. You’ll benefit from a truly personalised clean, along with expert advice tailored to your mouth and lifestyle.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for NHS hygiene support, our team is happy to explain your options before booking.

The benefits of professional hygiene care

By attending regular hygiene visits, you can:

• Reduce your risk of gum disease and the costly treatments that follow
• Keep tooth decay in check by maintaining low plaque levels
• Enjoy a fresher mouth and smoother teeth, which improves comfort and appearance
• Extend the life of dental restorations (e.g., fillings, crowns) by reducing the build-up of damaging plaque
• Gain confidence in your smile and oral health habits

Who needs it and how often?

We recommend seeing our dental hygienist at least twice a year as part of routine care, more frequently if you have:

• A history of gum disease or heavy plaque build-up
• Orthodontic appliances, dental implants or crowns
• Dry mouth, a high-sugar diet or other lifestyle factors that increase risk
• Difficulty cleaning certain areas (for example, around bridges, braces or crowded teeth)

Our hygienists will tailor your recall interval based on your individual profile to keep you in optimal oral health.

Our approach

At Clyde Munro, we combine clinical excellence with a warm, patient-centred experience. Our practices use modern technology, evidence-based techniques and friendly professionals who take time to educate and support you. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for ongoing hygiene care, our goal is to make your appointment comfortable, effective and empowering.

Before your appointment: what to know

• If you experience sensitivity or bleeding gums, mention it at your appointment and our hygienist can adjust the treatment accordingly
• Bring a list of medications (some affect gum health) and let us know if you’ve had changes in your health or diet
• After cleaning, you may experience some sensitivity – this is normal and usually temporary
• We’ll provide tailored after-care advice including recommended tooth-brushing devices, interdental tools and scheduling your next visit

Common Concerns about dental hygiene appointments 

• Concern: “My gums bleed when I brush — should I still see the hygienist?”
  Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum disease. A hygienist can remove the bacteria causing inflammation and help restore your gum health and importantly, educate you on home care to help maintain a healthy mouth.
• Concern: “I’m embarrassed about the state of my teeth.”
  Our team sees all kinds of smiles — there’s no judgement, only support. Hygiene visits are the first step toward a fresher, healthier mouth.
• Concern: “I have sensitive teeth — will cleaning make it worse?”
  We can use desensitising agents, adjust the pressure, and give you after-care tips to minimise sensitivity. Most patients find their teeth feel better after regular hygiene care.

Frequently asked questions about dental hygiene appointments

What does a dental hygiene appointment involve?
A dental hygiene appointment includes a full gum health assessment, a professional scale and polish, and personalised advice on maintaining oral hygiene at home. Your hygienist removes plaque, tartar, and stains that can’t be removed by brushing alone, leaving your teeth smoother, cleaner, and healthier.

How often should I see a dental hygienist?
Most patients benefit from seeing a dental hygienist every six months, though some may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health. If you have gum disease, implants, braces, or a history of plaque build-up, your hygienist may recommend every three to four months.

Is dental hygiene treatment available on the NHS?
No, dental hygiene appointments are private treatments and are not covered by the NHS.
This allows our hygienists to provide longer, more detailed appointments using advanced tools such as air-polishing technology, ensuring a deeper and gentler clean tailored to your needs.

Does a scale and polish hurt?
For most people, a scale and polish is not painful. You may feel slight sensitivity or pressure during cleaning, especially if you have gum inflammation, but our hygienists work carefully to keep you comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, we can adjust the treatment and use gentle techniques to reduce discomfort.

Will a hygiene appointment whiten my teeth?
A professional clean can remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, or smoking, making teeth appear noticeably brighter. However, it won’t change the natural colour of your enamel. For a whiter smile, we also offer professional teeth whitening treatments that can safely lighten the shade of your teeth.

How long does a dental hygiene appointment take?
Appointments usually last 30–45 minutes, depending on the amount of build-up and whether it’s your first visit. Your hygienist will let you know in advance if you need a longer session to achieve the best results.

Is dental hygiene suitable for children?
Yes, our hygienists can see children to help them build healthy habits early. A gentle clean and advice on brushing techniques can prevent early gum issues and promote confidence in dental care.

How much does a private hygiene appointment cost?
Prices vary slightly depending on your Clyde Munro practice location and the type of cleaning required. Typically, a private hygiene visit starts from around £60–£90. You can contact your local practice for a quote.

Can I book a hygiene appointment without seeing a dentist first?
Yes, at Clyde Munro practices, you can book a direct access hygiene appointment without needing a referral from your dentist. This makes it easier to maintain your oral health between check-ups.

What’s the difference between a hygienist and a dentist?
A dentist diagnoses and treats dental problems like cavities and gum disease, while a hygienist focuses on prevention through deep cleaning, plaque removal, and oral health education. Both work together to protect your teeth and gums long-term.