Regular check-ups and visits to a hygienist are necessary and are the basis of a comprehensive dental care plan. At Amsel and Wilkins in Banbury, we strongly believe that prevention is better than cure and recommend visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Regular visits ensure that problems are caught early on and treated rather easily, instead of evolving into more complex problems where drastic and costly solutions are often required. Our experienced hygienists are highly qualified and are able to spot any problems between your routine check-ups and cleanings.

What does a hygienist’s clean and polish involve?

A clean and polish treatment, also known as scale and polishing, involves a hygienist who will clean your teeth professionally above and below the gum line. A hygienist’s job is to prevent and treat gum disease, but can also demonstrate you the best ways to keep your teeth and gums free of plaque.  Plaque is a deposit that sticks to your teeth when bacteria mixes with food and saliva. If not removed properly, plaque can cause gum disease, bleeding gums, gum shrinkage and ultimately tooth loss.

During your clean and polish session, your hygienist will use special equipment to loosen plaque and wash away the debris from your mouth. Traditional scales are ideal for removing smaller deposits between teeth. Once plaque deposits are removed, your hygienist will smoothen the surface of your teeth, followed by a polish. A special paste will be applied on your teeth, giving them a shiny and healthy appearance. As a final touch, your hygienist may apply fluoride in order to prevent further decay. Fluoride is good at providing extra strength and minerals to the teeth.

Is it painful?

Our dental hygienists are expertly trained and will care for your teeth and gums gently and professionally. Generally, a hygienist’s clean and polish is not a painful procedure. With that said, if you have sensitive teeth or feel any form of discomfort or pain, then we can provide special sedation.

How can I take good care of my teeth?

As much as having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly, it is really important to establish a good oral hygiene routine at home. Your hygienist in Banbury will show you how to care for your mouth using a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss and inter-dental brushes. This way you can look after your teeth and gums and home between dental visits.

A clean and polish is a very common dental treatment which should be carried out as part of a complete oral preventive plan along with tooth brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits.

During a routine clean and polish at Amsel and Wilkins in Banbury, our experienced hygienists will assess the state of your teeth and gums and thoroughly remove all plaque deposits and stain from your teeth. Your dentist will remove hardened plaque with special equipment and polish your teeth with a paste. After a professional clean, you will get an extra-squeaky clean feeling.

Why do you need to clean and polish your teeth?

Our teeth and gums are under constant threat from the sugars present in our food, which are slowly released as we eat. When combined with plaque, food residue forms a thick bacterial film over the teeth that produces a harmful acid. Not only is plaque unattractive – if it’s not removed it can lead to serious oral complications including gum disease.

A hygienist’s clean and polish will remove all traces of plaque from your mouth and leave your teeth and gums feeling clean and smooth. This will also prevent bacteria sticking to your teeth, which can lead to the build-up of plaque and gum disease.

Does it hurt?

Cleaning and polishing your teeth is an entirely painless procedure, with many patients reporting ‘tickling’ or ‘scraping’ sensations. However, if you have sensitive gums or active gum disease, you many experience mild pain or discomfort. In that case, your dentist will use a numbing gel on the area to be treated. It is important to let the hygienist know at the time so they can help ease your pain.

Maintaining good oral hygiene

After the treatment, your hygienist will show you the best techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth. It is really essential to look after your teeth and gums between visits, as this will keep your teeth strong and healthy for longer. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily and cutting down on sugary foods and beverages, can have a big impact on your oral health in the long-term.

Children can also benefit from having their teeth cleaned and polished, since they tend to consume more sugary foods and beverages than the average adult. Our hygienist can also apply fluoride varnishes or dental sealants on their teeth to help prevent decay.