Dental Hygiene Leeds

Yes — in fact it’s often preferred for these cases. The fine powder used for implants and restorations is specifically designed to be gentler than the standard erythritol powder. Airflow won’t damage porcelain restorations, veneers, crowns or implant surfaces when used with appropriate settings and powder. Our hygienists adjust the protocol based on the work in your mouth.

Yes — extremely effectively. Surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, turmeric and tobacco are among the easiest things for Airflow to remove. Most patients leave with noticeably brighter teeth after a single session. It’s particularly good for patients who don’t want to whiten their teeth but would like to remove accumulated surface staining.

No — most patients find it surprisingly comfortable, much more so than traditional hand-scaling. The sensation is a cool stream of air and water on the tooth surface. Some find the taste of the powder slightly unusual but not unpleasant. For sensitive teeth, Airflow can actually be gentler than traditional methods. Nervous patients usually find it transformative.

Yes, meaningfully. Scale and polish uses hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to scrape away tartar. Airflow uses a jet of fine powder, air and water to clean the tooth surface and biofilm. It’s gentler, more comfortable, and more effective at removing the biofilm layer that causes gum disease. Modern hygiene typically combines both — Airflow for the main cleaning, targeted ultrasonic only for any stubborn tartar.

No — around 90% of cases have oral causes, but the remaining 10% stem from elsewhere: chronic sinusitis, tonsil stones, acid reflux, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and certain medications can all contribute. As part of our assessment, we’ll identify whether your case is likely oral or systemic and refer you to the appropriate specialist if needed.

Brushing alone doesn’t reach every area. Food and bacteria accumulate between teeth, below the gumline, and on the back of the tongue — all common bad breath sources. If you have gum disease, no amount of brushing will fix the problem without professional treatment. If you’re still experiencing persistent bad breath despite good hygiene, book a consultation — there’s likely a specific cause we can identify.

Mouthwash typically masks bad breath temporarily rather than fixing it. The exception is medicated mouthwashes (containing chlorhexidine or similar) used as part of a treatment protocol — these can help reduce bacterial load during active treatment. Long-term, the goal is to address the cause, not just mask the symptom.

In most cases, yes. Once the underlying cause is identified and treated, bad breath can be completely resolved. The key is proper diagnosis — too many patients waste years on mouthwashes and mints without addressing the root cause. Sometimes bad breath is a symptom of non-oral issues (digestion, respiratory) that we’ll help refer you to the right specialist for. But most cases have oral causes we can treat directly.

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Depends on your needs. For most people with healthy mouths, mouthwash isn’t essential and shouldn’t replace brushing or flossing. For specific conditions: anti-bacterial mouthwashes (chlorhexidine) during active gum disease treatment; fluoride mouthwashes for high cavity risk; alcohol-free options for dry mouth. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes for daily long-term use. We’ll recommend what’s right for you.

You need to clean between your teeth every day — whether with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser. Brushing alone doesn’t reach the surfaces between teeth, which is where cavities and gum disease most commonly start. For many people, interdental brushes (‘TePe brushes’) are easier and more effective than traditional floss. We’ll recommend the right tool for your teeth.

For most people, a good electric brush (oscillating-rotating or sonic) achieves better plaque removal than a manual brush — partly because it does the motion for you, partly because of timers and pressure sensors. That said, a manual brush used with excellent technique is perfectly effective. We’ll recommend specific products based on your needs, budget and dexterity.

More than you’d think. Common issues we see: brushing too hard (damages enamel and gums); using a hard or worn brush; scrubbing sideways rather than using circular motions; missing the gumline area (where plaque causes most harm); brushing immediately after acidic foods (damages softened enamel); not reaching the inside surfaces of back teeth; and neglecting the tongue. Most people have 2–3 of these issues without realising. Disclosing tablets make the missing spots visible instantly.

Excellent daily home care is essential — proper brushing technique (twice daily, 2 minutes, soft brush), interdental cleaning (brushes or floss daily), and potentially a medicated mouthwash during high-risk periods. Regular professional hygiene visits (typically every 3–4 months for post-periodontal patients) remove buildup you can’t reach yourself. Quitting smoking dramatically reduces risk. Managing underlying conditions like diabetes also helps.

Early gingivitis can be completely reversed with proper treatment and improved home care. Advanced periodontitis can be stabilised and prevented from progressing, but bone loss that has already occurred cannot be reversed. The key is to catch and treat gum disease early — which is why regular check-ups and hygiene visits matter so much. Once treated, ongoing maintenance prevents recurrence.

Deep cleaning below the gumline can cause some discomfort, which is why local anaesthetic is used throughout. During treatment, you’ll feel pressure but not pain. Some tenderness for 1–2 days afterwards is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers. For nervous patients, sedation is available. Most patients report the procedure is far less unpleasant than they expected.

The most common signs are bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), red or swollen gums, bad breath that doesn’t resolve, gum recession (teeth looking longer), and in advanced cases, loose teeth or pus. Many early cases have no obvious symptoms — which is why regular check-ups and professional charting are essential. If you’re concerned, book an appointment for a proper assessment.