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Hygiene & prevention

Hygienist & Airflow

Healthy gums are the foundation of everything else in dentistry. A regular hygiene visit is the single most effective thing you can do for your mouth, and one of the most satisfying.

from £113 30–45 minutes Every 3–6 months
Reception and entrance at Shirland Dental Practice

What happens at a hygiene appointment

Your hygienist or therapist checks your gums for any signs of inflammation, removes the hardened plaque, called tartar, that brushing cannot shift, and polishes away surface staining. You leave with teeth that feel smooth and look brighter, and with specific advice on the spots you are missing at home.

Airflow is an upgrade to the traditional polish. A fine jet of warm water, air and gentle powder lifts coffee, tea, wine and tobacco staining from every surface, including between the teeth and around braces or implants. It is quicker, more comfortable and gives a visibly whiter finish.

The waiting alcove at Shirland Dental Practice, with floral wallpaper, white panelling and a round brass mirror
The alcove where you wait.

Direct access: no need to see the dentist first

You can book straight in with our hygienist without being referred by a dentist. Many patients come purely for hygiene visits between check-ups, or before an event when they want their teeth at their best.

Why patients choose Shirland for hygienist & airflow

Book directly, no referral needed
Removes tartar and staining brushing cannot
Airflow for a gentler, brighter clean
Fresher breath, healthier gums
Personal advice on brushing and interdental cleaning
Evening and weekend appointments

What to expect

1

Gum assessment

A quick check of your gum health and any bleeding or pocketing, recorded so we can track improvement over time.

2

Scale and Airflow

Ultrasonic scaling removes tartar; Airflow lifts stain. Numbing gel is available if your gums are tender.

3

Advice you can use

Two or three specific things to change at home, with the right brushes and interdental sizes for your mouth.

FAQs

Hygienist & Airflow: your questions answered.

How often should I see the hygienist?

Every six months for most people. If you have gum disease, wear braces, smoke or build tartar quickly, every three to four months keeps things stable.

Does a scale and polish hurt?

It should not. If your gums are inflamed they may be tender the first time; we can use numbing gel and the discomfort reduces as your gums get healthier.

What is the difference between Airflow and whitening?

Airflow removes surface staining to reveal your natural tooth colour. Whitening changes the colour of the tooth itself. Many patients do Airflow first and then decide whether they want to whiten.

Related

Often considered alongside hygienist & airflow.

All treatments
From£250

Gum disease treatment

Bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth? Deep cleaning and a maintenance plan to stop gum disease in its tracks.

Explore gum disease treatment
From£250

Teeth whitening

Enlighten and custom home whitening, safely supervised by a dentist. The only whitening with a guaranteed result.

Explore teeth whitening
From£86.63

Dental check-ups

A thorough examination with digital x-rays, oral cancer screening and a clear, costed plan. Open seven days a week.

Explore dental check-ups
Get in touch

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