Why regular visits to the dentist and hygienist are so important

How often should you visit the dentist? At Harley Street Dental Clinic we believe you should attend regular dental check-ups at least every six months. Some patients may need to visit more frequently, particularly if you have a condition such as gum disease that needs careful monitoring, and you should always follow your dentist’s advice.

dentist-hygienistHarley Street Dental Clinic is open six days a week and the opening hours are 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 6pm on Saturdays. Late night, Sunday, and bank holiday opening are also options by special arrangement, because we know it is important to fit around your lifestyle as much as possible.

Your dentist is in prime position to spot the early signs of common problems such as tooth decay or gum disease – often before you notice any symptoms yourself. We also provide mouth cancer checks as standard as part of our general dental check-up. Mouth cancer has a high proportion of deaths per number of cases diagnosed compared with other cancers, so early detection is vital. You will be referred to a hospital consultant immediately should we find anything suspicious.

As well as visiting the dentist regularly, you should make frequent visits to the dental hygienist. When most people think about hygienists they picture professional tooth-cleaning – a scale and polish using special pastes and equipment. However, the hygienist also provides many other vital roles.

Your hygienist will show you the best techniques and equipment to clean your teeth, and will also provide dietary advice, including how cutting down on not just sugary but also acidic foods and drinks can help you to keep your teeth healthy.

We offer full hygienist services to patients of all ages at Harley Street Dental Clinic. New patients should contact a member of our friendly reception team to book an appointment.