Hygiene Services

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK and can be hard to detect. Disease is often insidious, progressing with little or no symptoms. Regular examinations are vital for detection and treatment planning appropriate interventions. Once stabilised, it is essential you follow a tailormade maintenance programme to maintain oral health.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK. This is partly because the symptoms can be hard to spot and can be ignored until the condition reaches a point where it can’t be cured. However, the early stages of gum disease can be treated and arrested with appropriate treatment with our dentists, therapists and hygienists.

Bacteria is attracted to plaque and tartar, so when tartar accumulates around the gum line, the bacteria causes the gum tissue to become inflamed when these tissues become under attack. Affected gums can appear red, irritated and bleed when you brush your teeth. If your gums bleed, it is one of the first signs of gum disease. We would advise you to contact us for an appointment with your hygienist as you can now book a direct access hygiene appointment without seeing the dentist first. You can do this by contacting our reception team who will arrange an appointment at your convenience.

The importance of good dental hygiene

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Prevent Tooth Decay

A low sugar diet and good dental hygiene play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Additionally, regular flossing helps clean between the teeth and along the gum line, reducing the risk of decay in hard-to-reach areas. By practicing proper dental hygiene, you can maintain strong, healthy teeth and avoid the pain and expense associated with tooth decay.

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Promote Gum Health

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for promoting gum health. Regular brushing, flossing and the use of interdental brushes help remove plaque and bacteria that can accumulate along the gum line, preventing gum disease. By keeping your gums clean and healthy, you reduce the risk of gum inflammation, bleeding, and gum recession. Healthy gums provide a strong foundation for your teeth, ensuring their stability and longevity.

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Enhance Overall Well-being

Good dental hygiene not only contributes to oral health but also has a positive impact on your overall well-being. Oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, have been linked to various systemic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. By taking care of your teeth and gums through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, you promote a healthier body and reduce the risk of developing associated health problems. Prioritizing dental hygiene is an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life.

What does a hygienist do?

Hygienists play a vital role in prevention and treatment of gum disease promoting good oral hygiene. During a hygiene appointment, they assess the health of your gums and teeth, checking for signs of swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. Measurements may be taken to evaluate gum attachment, and soft tissues checked for oral cancer signs.

A key responsibility of the hygienist is performing a thorough ‘scale and polish,’ and where appropriate, root surface debridement (a deep clean) removing plaque and tartar buildup. This process smooths the tooth surface, making it easier to maintain cleanliness and reduce plaque accumulation. The cleaning often concludes with a polish, leaving teeth shiny and smooth.

In addition, hygienists provide valuable hygiene advice, demonstrating effective toothbrushing, interdental brushes, and floss techniques. Regular visits to the hygienist help in maintaining a healthy mouth.

If you wish, you can now book in directly with one of our hygienists, without seeing a dentist first.

Why Choose Us?

We have dedicated teams of skilled clinicians who embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, within cutting-edge facilities, and are committed to your goals, providing you with the smile you deserve. Experience the difference today.

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Free Cosmetic Consultations

Discover exceptional dental care with a Free Cosmetic Consultation, tailored to your needs and delivered by skilled professionals.

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Bespoke Treatments

Experience tailored dental care personalised to your unique needs for a healthy and confident smile.

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Locally Owned

We own and operate five dental practices across South Wales making us your perfect local choice.

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Modern Equipment

Experience advanced dental care with the latest technology and patient-friendly modern equipment.

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Rated 5 Stars

Trust our top-rated dental care, backed by 5-star customer reviews, for exceptional service and satisfaction.

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Friendly Team

Experience our friendly and supportive team of dental experts and practice staff all here for your treatment journey.

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30+ Years Experience

Rely on over three decades of dental experience for expert patient care and peace of mind in your dental journey.

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Luxury Experience

Feel at ease at our dental practices, providing an inviting and comforting environment for your dental care.

Meet Our Hygienist Dental Team

Sally Hooper
Dental HygienistGDC No: 4717
Dip DH (Cardiff University, 1994)

I'm passionate and motivated in helping patients with their dental health. Encouraging them their use of daily toothbrushing and interdental cleaning....

Charlotte Walsh
Hygienist GDC No: 275819
BSc (Hons), (University of Portsmouth, 2023)

Charlotte qualified from the University of Portsmouth in 2023 with a BSc in Dental Hygiene. Before studying Dental Hygiene, Charlotte worked as a dental nurse and has over eight years experience in many different aspects of dentistry. Charlotte enjoys helping anxious patients, making them feel more comfortable throughout their appointment. In her spare time Charlotte […]...

Farzana Akhter
Dental HygienistGDC No: 295655

I spend a lot of time with patients, to educate and encourage them to maintain excellent periodontal health....

Yamini Tanoj
Dental HygienistGDC No: 282195

I help in educating patients about their oral health and the aids that help them to achieve the best results....

Cheryl James
Dental HygienistGDC No: 6740
Dip DH (Cardiff University, 2005)

I enjoy my role helping patients to maintain their teeth for life....

Patient Reviews

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The suresmile process was easier than I thought it would be .......The best part is the outcome, and the compliments I always get from people about my teeth

The suresmile process was easier than I thought it would be, I didn't mind the retainers (I thought I would) and generally forgot they were there. I looked forward to changing them every couple of weeks as I liked the feel of the new ones (again I thought it would hurt), and they had the added bonus of reducing my snacking!....

Mollie Brodie
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“As I feel safe and well cared for whenever I have visited”

I have been on this planet just shy of 50 years, and have met many dentists in my time. Today I met a new dentist, Mays. I found her quiet, yet down to earth professionalism refreshing, and I was touched by her constant concern for my welfare. The words “pleasant experience” and “dentist” rarely appear in the same sentence, however today they did. I have found every....

Paul BoschenCardiff
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"I am blown away how amazing I look"

Had Katie to do my cheek fillers and my botox. I am blown away how amazing I look, people keep telling me how good I look but they are not sure why. Katie has made me look natural, just a better version of how I look normally. The consultation was great she took great care to make sure she new exactly what I wanted, and explained in....

Stephanie ForsbrookCardiff

Is Dental Implant surgery painful?

Dental Implant surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring that the area being treated is completely numb. Patients may experience minor discomfort during the recovery period, which can be managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen analgesic medication in the majority of cases, along with good post-operative care. All of our implant patients are provided with the contact details of the treating dentist and implant co-ordinator, providing advice and care if needed, outside normal working hours.

What are the advantages of PRPs/PRGFs?

  • Stimulates cell growth and cell division, accelerating healing and regeneration in a range of treatments.
  • Reduces inflammation, swelling and discomfort after surgical procedures.
  • Reduces infection risk.
  • Helps build connective tissues.
  • Shortens recovery periods.

What does a CBCT test for?

Dental CBCT is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental  x-rays are not sufficient. Your dentist may use this technology to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a very common infection of the tissues supporting your teeth.

Can any dentist carry out root canal treatment?

Yes, all dentists have training in Endodontics (the subject that covers root canal treatment). However, some dentists choose to continue with extensive post graduate training in this field, using advanced treatments, commonly with aid of a microscope. They also perform many more root canal treatments than the average general dentist? As a result, they tend to have a significantly higher success rate across the board in both complex and simple cases. It is not uncommon for a general dentist to offer the patient the choice of having them do it or referring it to a practitioner with more training and expertise if they feel the latter will offer a high chance of success. In some cases, the general practitioner will feel that a case is beyond their skill set and refer to a suitably qualified colleague.

 

Am I entitled to free treatment?

Exemption

Patients do not have to pay any NHS dental charges for a course of treatment if, on the first day of treatment, they are:

  • Under 18 years of age
  • Aged 18 and in full-time education
  • An expectant mother
  • A woman who has had a baby in the previous 12 months

Remission

Patients do not have to pay any NHS dental charges for a course of treatment if they or their partner are currently receiving:

  • Income Support (Incapacity benefit and Disability Living Allowance does NOT count)
  • Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (Contribution-based does NOT count)
  • Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (Contribution-related does NOT count)
  • Pension Credit guarantee credit (Savings Credit on its own does NOT count)
  • Universal Credit (in the last assessment period there were no earnings, or earnings were within the allowed limit, please check at www.healthcosts.wales.nhs.uk)

Patients can be exempt from paying if they have a valid NHS low income scheme certificate HC2 for full help. Payment can be reduced if they are named on a valid HC3 certificate.

It is impotant the information you give us is contemporary and accurate.If you are unsure if you are exempt from NHS dental charges, please discuss with reception.

What’s the difference between NHS and Private?

NHS dental care will help you secure and maintain oral health provides a basic level of dental care. Fees are set by the Department of Health and will be the same with every practice with a contract to provide NHS dentistry.

The NHS does not provide any cosmetic treatments such as  tooth coloured fillings in posterior teeth, bleaching and certain types of crowns. Check-ups and periodontal care are bound by certain criteria. Your dentist is required to reassess how often you should attend. Appointments are made when available. We are contracted each year, at each individual practice, to see a number of historic patients (those that have attended for an examination within a set number of years) as well as a number of new patients. Funding of each practice varies, which also determines NHS treatment availability. We are obliged to spread that work throughout the year; this can result in longer waiting times for NHS care. Please also be aware, your examination recall for NHS treatment is determined by disease presentation at your examination visit, and is set using Welsh Assembly Government guidelines.

Private dental care at our practices provides all treatment options and will make all advanced and cosmetic treatment options available to you, giving you a larger choice of treatment options.

Our team will be happy to discuss these options with you during any consultation.

All of our dentists are committed to postgraduate education and continued professional development.

This additional experience reflects our level of commitment to high clinical standards.

Early morning and evening appointments are available for your convenience. Items requiring laboratory work will be carried out by the most experienced technicians using the best quality materials. Your treatment will be prioritised and completed as soon as possible.

All work is guaranteed within reason for 12 months, unless you have been informed by your dentist, on a like for like basis, with the exception of some private treatment which can be guaranteed for up to 5 years or longer.

Browse Similar Treatments

Take a look at our other treatments that you might want to learn more about. You can also book a private appointment for this treatment below.

Children’s Dentistry

Gentle and age-appropriate dental care for little ones. From first check-up to teaching oral hygiene habits, we create a positive and comfortable dental experience for children.

General Dentistry

Experience exceptional dental care with Cox & Hitchcock’s General Dentistry. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team offers comprehensive oral care, focusing on prevention, expert treatments, and a patient-centred approach.

Oral Surgery

Experience expert oral surgery treatments by our skilled surgeons use advanced techniques and the latest technology for amazing, painless results.

Check-ups

Our comprehensive dental check-up goes beyond the surface, meticulously examining your teeth, gums, and restorations for signs of decay or disease. We also focus on the soft tissues and surrounding areas for a thorough examination.

Root Canal

Root canal treatment relieves pain and saves natural teeth by removing infected tissue from the root canals. It is a highly skillful procedure involving the cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing of the canals to restore oral health and minimise further complications.