Even the most advanced electric toothbrush can’t reach every corner of your mouth, which is why regular professional care is essential to detect and prevent oral problems before they require extensive treatment.

Gum disease (gingivitis) is a widespread condition that, while easily treatable in its early stages, can develop into periodontitis if neglected. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease where the supporting bone around your teeth can be lost. This can lead to gum recession, tooth mobility, and ultimately, tooth loss. In fact, gum disease remains the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK. Maintaining healthy gums is crucial to prevent both the onset and progression of this condition.

What Happens During a Hygiene Appointment?

Our hygiene appointments last between 30 to 45 minutes, tailored to your individual needs. During these sessions, your hygienist performs a thorough examination of your gums and the surrounding supporting structures. Any areas showing signs of inflammation or disease are identified early so that appropriate measures or referrals to specialists can be made promptly.

Your hygienist will provide a professional dental cleaning, removing plaque, tartar, and stains to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. They will also offer personalised oral hygiene demonstrations, tailored cleaning programmes, and ongoing advice to ensure you maintain optimal oral health between visits.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT): A Modern Approach to Oral Hygiene

One of the most effective and popular treatments offered by our hygiene therapists is Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) — a cutting-edge, gentle, and virtually painless protocol for removing dental biofilm and stains.

What is Dental Biofilm?
Dental biofilm, often called plaque, is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms continuously on your teeth and gums. While invisible to the naked eye, biofilm is the main culprit behind gum inflammation and dental decay. If not regularly and thoroughly removed, this biofilm hardens into tartar (calculus), which firmly adheres to tooth surfaces and can only be removed professionally.

How Does GBT Work?
GBT uses state-of-the-art technology combining a targeted airflow device with a gentle powder called “Airflow.” This powder is fine, slightly abrasive, and flavoured, ensuring a comfortable and fresh experience.

• The Airflow device sprays a controlled jet of warm water, compressed air, and the fine powder onto the teeth and gums.

• This combination gently removes biofilm, tartar, and surface stains caused by lifestyle factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking.

• The treatment effectively cleans not only visible tooth surfaces but also hard-to-reach areas below the gumline, between teeth, and along the soft tissues — including the tongue, cheeks, and gums.

This method is much gentler than traditional scaling and polishing techniques and helps reduce discomfort and sensitivity often associated with professional cleaning.

Additional Benefits of GBT

• Oral health assessment: Your hygienist evaluates the health of your gums and surrounding tissues to monitor progress or detect early signs of disease.

• Tailored oral hygiene advice: You’ll receive personalised tips and cleaning techniques designed specifically for your oral health needs.

• Improved gum health: Removing biofilm reduces inflammation and bleeding, promoting healthier, stronger gums.

• Aesthetic improvements: Airflow removes stubborn extrinsic stains, leaving your teeth looking brighter and cleaner.

Collaborative Care for Gum Disease

Gum disease can impact not only your oral health but also your confidence and quality of life. That’s why we take a team-based approach to treatment. Our patients benefit from the combined expertise of their hygienist, dentist, and when necessary, a periodontal specialist. This collaborative care model ensures a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.