How often to see a dental hygienist?

[smurfchops]

I have just been to a new private dental practice. Dentist just took xrays, and said I needed to see hygienist - twice - is this normal? at �60 a go it seems a bit much, but I have now been, and she wants to see me again in six months. The dentist wants to see me in a year. I do have slight bleeding of the gums but don't need any fillings or anything else thank goodness. Are they just milking it ?? Is every six months for a hygienist too often??

[JeanC]

�60 does seem a bit steep - I think mine costs about �30 a go but I'm going every three months at the moment. However, it is worth it - my teeth are fine but my gums are rubbish. I take after my mum and she didn't have a tooth in her head by the time she was in her mid thirties. Obviously I don't know how bad yours are but mine started to get worse when I was about 40 and now I have lost one wisdom tooth and have one loose tooth because of the problem. Don't be alarmed - yours probably aren't that bad! However, best to keep an eye on the situation.

[smurfchops]

Jean I must admit since I went to the hygienist and used floss every night since (instead of once every week if I remembered) touch wood my gums have stopped bleeding, I know it is important to see the dentist, but I just wondered if they were telling me to go see the hygienist too often ...

[jiggy-gb]

i go for a check up and the hygienist in the same visit every 6 months and this costs me �35 private. I think that's about the right time as even with flossing, mouthwash etc, you still get plaque build up and it needs to be sorted regularly. Your bill seems a bit steep though!

[smurfchops]

Maybe it depends on the area you live. I'm South London

[JeanC]

Yes, it could depend on the area - I'm in Kent. I think every six months is usual though if you have a problem with plaque - if you carry on with the flossing etc. you will probably see big improvements and then they might change it to one visit a year.

[alijangra]

Every six months is normal, but �60 seems expensive.

[Jules001]

I go every 3 months and it costs �40 (private). I am in NW London

[tyynikala]

Hi.
As long as you brush your teeth twice a day properly and floss once a day, there is no need to see a hygienist i think.
I've been told that some dentists especially NHS ones will try to refer you whether you need it or not for extra income...

[Kay]

�60??? Way to much! Did you have a scrape n polish sc? I paid �20 last month when I saw the hygienist. at our dentists. I hate having a scrape n polish as my teeth are sensitive and they hurt for days after. We've recently invested in a Sonicare bought off E Bay,does a brilliant job and has a "Soft Pressure" button to touch for massagin the gums hence less bleeding as the more you brush the gums the less they bleed. Kay.

[smurfchops]

Yes almost �60 to see dentist who took xrays, �60 to see hygienist for a scrape (and a chat) then a week later another �60 for a polish (and another chat). Maybe I will try elsewhere next time ... As I say, they are private after all. But not a lot of NHS about now.