As Croydon residents, we are surrounded by wonderful places to eat, drink and indulge.
If you are in Croydon and wondering how to keep your teeth and gums in good form whilst enjoying all the tasty foods and drinks accessible to us, you are not alone. At Mayfield Dental, our hygienist hears the same question often, and we love helping our neighbours look after their smiles.
Whilst it’s easy to “forget” to brush your teeth in the evenings and neglect basic oral hygiene, there are some common questions we get asked a lot and want to unpack here in this guide of common dental hygiene questions by patients who live here in Croydon.
How Often Should I See A Dental Hygienist?
It’s not uncommon for us to see patients who haven’t been to the dentist in a very long time. But whilst that time passes, your teeth can slowly decay and deteriorate when you are not looking after them. Routine dental hygiene appointments are essential for your oral health.
Most people in Croydon benefit from seeing a dental hygienist every six months, but this can vary depending on your gum health, whether you smoke, or if you’re managing conditions like diabetes.
As a note, if you have noticed bleeding gums or a buildup of plaque, don’t wait, please either contact us or book a dental hygiene appointment today
What Happens During A Hygiene Appointment?
Dental practices have a lot to offer when it comes to treatments and advice. We get asked a lot by patients of whether they should go for a dental check up or a hygiene, often times we find ourselves walking through what patients can expect from a dental hygiene appointment. This would typically include:
- A deep scale and polish to remove tartar and stains
- A friendly check on your gums and overall oral health
- Leaving the clinic with a cleaner smile
- Oral health care advice on your brushing and flossing techniques.
How Do I Know if I have Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be something that’s not so obvious to you straight away. But there are ways to identify if you have it or not. I do have to say that if you have the following symptoms below then it’s important not to ignore.
Routine hygiene treatments can help prevent gum disease. The good news is that if you have symptoms and they are fairly recent, we can help you strengthen your gums and ensure your teeth are in good health.
Contact us for a dental hygiene appointment in Croydon if you have:
- Gums that bleed when brushing
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Swollen or tender gums
I know it can be overwhelming and this could even make you a little nervous but we are here to help. Read more on how we work with nervous patients here at Mayfield Dental.
Should I Floss or Use Interdental Brushes?
We hear this debate all the time in our practice.
For most Croydon smiles, interdental brushes are more effective than floss, but it depends on the spaces between your teeth. We’ll guide you on what works best for you during your appointment.
How Can I Reduce Bad Breath?
Self-conscious about bad breath? It’s not about the amount of mints and gum you can chew to cover it up. A thorough clean from your hygienist removes bacteria that cause odours, especially in hard‑to‑reach places.
Tip: Don’t forget your tongue, a tongue scraper or brush can make a huge difference.
What Products Should I Use at Home?
Shopping in a supermarket can be overwhelming. You see so many varieties of toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes and more. But what is right for you? I’ve got a few pointers for you to consider when you are shopping for oral health products and we also recommend this to patients who come and see us here at Mayfield Dental.
- Soft-bristled electric toothbrush
- Fluoride Toothpaste
- Interdental brushes suited to your gaps
- Alcohol-free Mouthwash
How Long Should I Brush and What Technique Should I Use?
It’s a simple formula. Brush two times a day for two minutes. But it doesn’t stop at whizzing your toothbrush around your mouth.
The key is to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use small circular motions. If you use an electric toothbrush then gently move your brush along. It’s important not to be too harsh with it. The bristles on your brush can make your gums bleed and harm them.
Can a hygiene appointment whiten my teeth or remove stains?
A hygiene visit removes surface stains from tea, coffee, or smoking, making your smile instantly brighter. For deeper whitening, we can talk you through safe, professional options right here in Croydon.
At Mayfield Dental, we’re proud to care for the Croydon community. Whether it’s your first hygiene visit or you’re a regular, we’ll help you keep your smile healthy and confident.