At TwentyOneDental, we take preventive dental hygiene care extremely seriously. Our Dental Hygienist and clinical team are trained to diagnose and treat gum disease, so that small problems don’t become big ones
Bleeding gums are not normal – they are a sign of gum disease. The good news is that gum disease is preventable and can be treated if caught early enough.
There has been a great deal of research on gum disease and how it affects your general health. Recent research has shown that gum disease is linked to Heart disease and Diabetes and possibly other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Over half the population suffer from gum disease, so if you have any of the following signs, it’s important to get checked
- Bleeding gums when brushing or even whilst eating
- Red, swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Spaces appearing between teeth
- Loose teeth or teeth moving position in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks
See a dental hygienist without having to see a dentist first. Click below to book an appointment with with Direct Access*
If the hygienist advises you see a dentist, it is because they feel that it is in the interests of your health, it is outside the scope of what they are allowed to do, or they are uncertain about treating you without further advice.
There are very rare circumstances when a hygienist cannot start treatment and before they are prepared to continue, they may insist that a dentist assesses your condition first. These may relate to your medical history and general health or the condition of your mouth.
A hygienist is not responsible for the overall health of your mouth and regular visits to the dentist is still required.
SCOPE OF WHAT A DENTAL HYGIENST DOES AND CANNOT DO:
- A hygienist can provide oral hygiene advice, remove stain, tartar, bacterial deposits and other debris
- In relation to gums, the hygienist can advise you on the progression of gum disease, but more advanced conditions need to be assessed by a dentist
- hygienist then continues treatment under the prescription of the dentist
- A hygienist cannot provide a full dental examination
*Dental hygienists cannot diagnose or give the prognosis (the likely outcome) of diseases such as decaying or broken teeth, or prescribe antibiotics, painkillers or any other drugs to alleviate symptoms. A visit to a hygienist is not a substitute for a full dental examination.