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

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

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

Farzana Akhter
Dental HygienistGDC No: 295655

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

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 […]...

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....

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....

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

How much does laser treatments cost?

The cost of the laser procedure will depend on case complexity and management. Simple single tooth gum recontouring is from £85, while frenectomies are from £295. You will need a full assessment prior to any costing for any laser procedure.

How soon can I be treated?

Our waiting times for an NHS examination and treatment appointments, for new and historic patients, vary. Our reception team will happily update you on current waiting times.

The NHS contract funds a set amount of dental activity for the year and we are obliged to deliver this evenly over the twelve months.

The level of NHS funding provided  is not high enough to enable us to meet the demand for NHS care that exists.

These factors lead to long waiting times to access NHS care.

Private care can be provided at all times with a minimal wait.

Your dentist will be happy to go through all available options including that of accessing some treatment options on a private basis alongside an NHS course of treatment.

Is root canal treatment always successful?

With all procedures there is a possibility that it may not work. This applies to root canal treatment as well as any other treatment. There are a variety of reasons why it may not work. some of these reasons include but are not limited to:

Failure to adequately disinfect, leaving bacteria in the canal system, resulting in recurrence of infection.

Failure to instrument all the canal system.  In some teeth the root canals can be incredibly small (often as small as one tenth of a millimetre across or even smaller). Dentists who carry out a lot of root canals usually utilise high powered magnification to help them find and treat such small canals.

Failure to fill and seal the root canals adequately, allowing bacteria from the mouth to reinvade the root canal system and set up infection again.

Inappropriate instrumentation technique that does not allow for adequate disinfection and sealing of the root canals.

Severe fracture of the tooth leaving remnants that cannot be fixed again.

If the dentist feels there is a significant risk of treatment failure, possible causes will be discussed, so you can make an
informed decision regarding treatment.

Is a CBCT scan needed for root canal treatment?

We only recommend a small field CBCT scan for the most complex of root canal treatments, and where traditional 2-D radiographs fail to give us the all the information we need.

What are the current NHS fees?

There are four NHS charge bands. From April 2024 to March 2025, the costs are as follows:

Band 1: £20.00

This includes an examination, diagnosis, preventive care
and planning for further treatment.

Band 2: £60.00

This includes all necessary treatment covered by the £20.00
charge PLUS additional treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment and extractions.

Band 3: £260.00

This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by
the £20.00 and £60.00 charges PLUS crowns, dentures and bridges.

Urgent treatment visit: £30.00

Patients not requiring a full course of treatment but instead
receiving urgent care will pay a standalone charge of £30.00.
If necessary, it will include X-rays and any treatment necessary
to prevent significant deterioration of the presenting condition or to address severe pain.

NHS Treatment Fees

How does the Waterlase work?

What is a Dental Implant?

A Dental Implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It serves as a stable foundation for attaching prosthetic teeth, offering a durable and natural-looking solution.

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