20th October 2025

Woodlane Dentistry, Sonning Common

Even the most diligent brushing and flossing can only do so much. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, bacteria find places to hide, and stains from tea, coffee, or red wine can dull your smile. That’s where professional hygiene care at Woodlane Dentistry in Sonning Common truly makes the difference.

A hygiene visit isn’t just about cleaning your teeth it’s a vital part of keeping your mouth, gums, and even your overall health in top shape.

What Happens During a Professional Hygiene Visit?

When you visit one of our friendly hygienists, you’re getting far more than a quick polish. Our hygiene appointments are designed to be thorough, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.

Here’s what to expect:

Oral Health Assessment
Your hygienist begins by examining your teeth and gums to check for signs of plaque buildup, gum inflammation, or early gum disease (gingivitis). They’ll note any problem areas and may measure your gum pockets to monitor gum health over time.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling)
Using gentle ultrasonic and hand instruments, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar (calculus) that can’t be brushed away at home. This step is key to preventing gum disease and keeping your teeth smooth and clean.
Air Polishing for Stain Removal
For many patients, we now use AirFlow polishing, an advanced treatment that combines a fine jet of air, water, and gentle powder to lift away surface stains and biofilm. It’s ideal for removing marks from tea, coffee, wine, or smoking, and it leaves your teeth feeling exceptionally smooth.
Fluoride Varnish Application
After cleaning, your hygienist may apply a fluoride varnish to help strengthen enamel and protect against future decay. This treatment is especially useful for patients with sensitivity, early enamel wear, or a higher risk of cavities.
Personalised Home Care Advice
Every smile is different. Your hygienist will recommend the best techniques and tools for you from interdental brushes to tongue cleaners so you can maintain your results at home.

The Benefits Go Beyond a Cleaner Smile

Professional hygiene visits are one of the best ways to protect your teeth and gums long term. Here’s why:

1. Prevent Gum Disease

Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and bleeding. Left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss. Regular hygiene care helps stop this process before it starts.

2. Keep Your Breath Fresh

Bad breath (halitosis) often comes from bacteria that thrive in hard-to-clean areas. By removing this buildup and cleaning below the gumline, hygiene visits leave your mouth feeling and smelling fresher for longer.

3. Protect Your Enamel

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, helping to prevent acid wear and decay. Our hygienists use professional-grade fluoride treatments to provide added protection that regular toothpaste can’t match.

4. Brighten Your Smile

Air polishing is one of the quickest ways to lift stains and restore natural brightness, without the need for whitening gels or bleaches. It’s gentle, comfortable, and gives instant results.

5. Support Your General Health

There’s growing evidence linking gum health to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications. Keeping your gums healthy supports not just your smile but your overall wellbeing.

Modern Hygiene Technology at Woodlane Dentistry

At Woodlane Dentistry, we combine experience with advanced technology to make your hygiene visits more effective, and more comfortable, than ever.

Our AirFlow system is particularly popular with patients who dislike traditional polishing pastes or have sensitive teeth. It’s quick, gentle, and can even clean around dental implants and braces safely.

We also use digital tools to track gum health over time, allowing us to spot early changes and tailor your care plan. This proactive approach means fewer surprises, and fewer dental emergencies, down the line.

How Often Should You See the Hygienist?

For most patients, we recommend a hygiene visit every six months. However, some may benefit from more frequent appointments, especially if you:

Have a history of gum disease
Smoke or vape
Have dental implants or braces
Suffer from dry mouth or take certain medications
Drink a lot of tea, coffee, or red wine

Your dentist or hygienist will advise on the best schedule for your needs.

Confidence Starts with a Healthy Smile

There’s something special about that freshly cleaned feeling after a hygiene visit, smooth teeth, minty freshness, and the confidence of knowing your smile looks its best. But beyond the sparkle, professional hygiene care is one of the most important investments you can make in your oral health.

At Woodlane Dentistry, our caring team in Sonning Common takes the time to make your experience relaxing, informative, and effective. Whether it’s your first visit or part of your regular routine, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy for life.