Our hygienist’s key aim is to prevent and treat gum disease, which is now one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
After recent changes in dental legislation, ‘Direct Access’ means our fully trained and competent dental hygienists and dental therapists can see you without first having to see a dentist. So, you don’t need to be referred by your dentist, have a dentist’s prescription or even be registered with Abbey Mead.
Regular visits to a dental hygienist are an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health. At Abbey Mead Dental & Implant Clinic, our team help you detect any potential issues before they become serious problems, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy and fresh.
Seeing a dental hygienist regularly provides several key benefits:
Hygienists are trained to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly, reaching areas that are hard to clean with regular brushing and flossing.
Hygienists remove harmful plaque and tartar build-up that can’t be removed with brushing alone.
After your appointment, you’ll leave with a noticeably fresher, cleaner smile.
Regular hygiene visits help prevent gum disease (periodontal disease) by keeping your gums healthy and free from infection.
Your first hygienist appointment at Abbey Mead Dental & Implant Clinic will begin with an initial oral health check-up. They will assess your teeth and gums to look for any signs of problems or areas that need extra attention.
The next step is the scaling procedure. During this part of the appointment, your hygienist will use special tools, such as scalers and curettes, to gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gum line. These tools are specifically designed to reach areas that may be missed during regular brushing.
Next, they will give your teeth a thorough polish using a gentle air polisher to remove any superficial stains. If any decay or gum issues are identified, your hygienist may apply fluoride or antibacterial gel for extra protection.
Prevention is always better than cure. By identifying early signs of tooth decay or gum inflammation, your hygienist can address potential issues before they worsen. In addition to cleaning, your hygienist will provide a complete analysis of your overall oral health and offer tailored advice on maintaining the best oral hygiene routine.
Your Tavistock hygienist will get to know you and your needs, offering personalized guidance on everything from diet to proper brushing and flossing techniques.
If you haven’t had a professional cleaning recently, it’s time to book a visit with one of our experienced hygienists. Regular hygiene visits will help maintain a healthier smile and prevent future dental problems.

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“I've been a coming here for many years, but recently their approach with my 7 year old autistic foster child has been exceptional. After an appointment where he had two small fillings he said...”
“I recently had a new registration appointment for an hour with Dr Richard Aldridge With my somewhat complex dental history I found him to be outstanding in his attentiveness, understanding and professionalism. He coped...”
“rapid response to an acute dental problem - saw me less than 2 hours after I phoned, and very thorough assessment and treatment.”
“My husband and I visited to see Nicole, one of the hygienists. She was and is very professional and explained everything. Highly recommended.”
“Great service from Dr Richard Aldridge and the staff . Treated with empathy. From Glenn Williams - saw Richard a few days ago, great treatment, everything explained in detail. Also,the front desk staff give...”
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“I haven’t been dentist for over 15 years but when I broke a tooth I had no choice. Really friendly service, made me feel relaxed and comfortable. Surprisingly teeth are good just need broken...”
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