Even if you brush and floss well, some areas of your mouth are just harder to keep clean. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up—especially around the gumline and between teeth. That’s where professional hygiene appointments come in. At Switch Dental in Lower Hutt, our hygienists provide expert cleaning, gum care, and tailored advice to support long-term oral health. Whether you’re managing gum disease, staying on top of things, or just love that freshly cleaned feeling—we’re here to help.
Plaque forms on your teeth every day, and once it hardens into tartar (calculus), no amount of brushing will get it off. Tartar buildup can lead to bleeding gums, bad breath, bone loss, or worse—wobbly teeth that may eventually need to come out.
Think of hygiene visits like servicing your car or maintaining a house. If done regularly and on time, everything lasts longer and works better. It’s far easier—and more cost-effective—to prevent problems than to fix them after they’ve snowballed.
Even if you’ve recently had a filling or another type of dental treatment, hygiene appointments give us the chance to check under the hood and keep things ticking along.
Your appointment will be tailored to your needs. It might include:
- A gentle but thorough clean using both ultrasonic and hand tools
- Polishing to remove surface stains and smooth the teeth
- Gum health assessment (especially if you’ve had periodontal issues in the past)
- Optional fluoride application (if your risk of decay is high)
- Personalised home care tips only if you want them—no lectures here
Our hygienists also work closely with your dentist. They’re an extra set of eyes on your overall oral health, helping us catch things early and stay proactive.
Most cleans are comfortable—but if you haven’t had one in a while, your gums might be a bit sensitive at first. To help with this, we offer:
- Numbing gel (Oraqix) that numbs the gums during your clean
- Local anaesthetic, if needed, to make the experience as easy as possible
We’ll talk you through it and adapt the appointment to suit your comfort level.
Everyone is different. We’ll recommend a hygiene schedule based on your oral health, lifestyle, and any risk factors.
As a general guide:
- Low-risk: Every 12 months may be enough
- Moderate to high-risk: Every 6 months helps prevent progression
- Active gum disease: May need more frequent care while stabilising
A professional clean can remove surface stains and make your teeth look brighter—especially if you’re a coffee, tea, or red wine drinker. But if you’re after a more dramatic result, you may want to explore professional whitening.
Why It’s Worth It
Hygiene visits aren’t just about clean teeth. They’re a simple, low-effort way to:
Prevent costly dental work later
Keep your breath fresh
Spot gum or bone problems early
Feel great about your smile
Like any good maintenance, the benefits show up over time—in fewer problems, fewer surprises, and better long-term outcomes.
