Seeing the Dental Hygienist at Ebenezer House

Hygienists have been specially trained to help you look after your teeth and gums. You may need a number of appointments to get your mouth to a good level of health that you can easily maintain.

During your visits to our hygienist she will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove sticky plaque film (Biofilm), and staining from the teeth using a GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy), then the hard deposits of calculus. This system uses warm water and a fine plant based powder to remove the biofilm & staining from your teeth comfortably, giving the patient a more relaxed visit to the hygienist that older techniques may have given in the past.

Your hygienist will also show you how to remove the plaque on a daily basis with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and how to clean between your teeth with ‘interdental' brushes, floss or tape.

There are many oral health care products you can get, including specialist toothpastes, electric or ‘power' toothbrushes, and mouthwashes. Your hygienist will recommend those that are best for you.

Your hygienist can also help you by looking at your diet, and by making some recommendations for you to consider.
We recommend that you follow simple steps to help keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush your teeth first thing in the morning and for a second time later in the day, usually in the evening after your last food and drink
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t rinse it away, just spit out the excess
• Clean between your teeth using Floss, Tape or small brushes
• Use a mouthwash if the hygienist recommends it, she will discuss which type will suit you best  
• Visit your dental Hygienist regularly, as often as they recommend

You can do a lot to help yourself and the hygienist, as you are the one who looks after your mouth in between visits to the practice and your daily care makes all the difference.

Chewing sugar-free gum for 10 minutes after meals can also help to prevent tooth decay. Chewing gum makes your mouth produce more saliva, which cancels out the acid produced in your mouth after drinking and eating.

After your appointment with the hygienist you will be armed with new efficient ways to look after your dental health during your ‘at home routine’, and together we can keep your mouth in tip top condition!