Good dental hygiene is vitally important as it is the best way to keep your teeth, gums and mouth clean, healthy and looking at their best. It is also a vital way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and many other dental problems.

When you visit for your dental hygienist appointment, your dentist will assess the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums and advise you on any dental hygiene treatments you need.

These will most likely include cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar (a process commonly known as scaling and polishing). Tartar is hardened plaque that can irritate gum tissues and lead to tooth decay, gum disease, staining and, potentially, tooth loss.