Cosmetic, Implant and General DentistryTeeth Cleaning
A professional clean, carried out by our hygienist at our Luton practice, removes the plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing at home can't fully shift, particularly around the gumline and between teeth, where a toothbrush struggles to reach properly.
Inside a Hygiene Appointment
Using specialist instruments, your hygienist removes tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth surface and below the gumline, then polishes the teeth to leave them smooth and less prone to fresh plaque sticking. The appointment typically takes around 30 minutes and costs £80. See our Fees page for our full price list. Most patients find it comfortable, with only mild sensitivity for those with more sensitive gums.
How Often Is Often Enough?
Most patients benefit from a hygiene appointment every six months alongside their regular check-up, though your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you’re prone to tartar buildup, have a history of gum disease, or wear fixed braces, which make some areas harder to clean at home.
Why It Matters Beyond a Fresher Feel
Beyond leaving your teeth feeling noticeably cleaner, regular hygiene appointments are one of the simplest ways to catch early gum disease before it progresses to something requiring more involved treatment. Left untreated, plaque buildup around the gumline is one of the most common causes of gum disease, so this appointment is as much preventative as cosmetic.
Hygiene fees
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Hygiene appointment | £80 |
1. What happens during a professional teeth cleaning?
Our hygienist uses specialist instruments to remove tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth, including areas below the gumline that a toothbrush can’t reach, then polishes your teeth to leave them smooth.
2. How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Most patients benefit from a hygiene appointment roughly every six months, alongside their regular dental check-up. Your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you’re prone to tartar buildup or have a history of gum disease.
3. Is teeth cleaning painful?
Most patients find hygiene appointments comfortable. Some people with sensitive teeth or gums may notice mild, temporary discomfort during the appointment, which your hygienist can usually manage by adjusting their approach.
4. What's the difference between a dental check-up and a hygiene appointment?
A check-up is when your dentist examines your teeth and gums for decay, damage, or other issues. A hygiene appointment is focused specifically on professionally cleaning your teeth. Many patients book both for the same visit.
5. Can teeth cleaning remove stains?
A hygiene cleaning can improve the appearance of some surface staining as tartar and plaque are removed, but it isn’t a whitening treatment and won’t change the underlying shade of your teeth. Ask us about teeth whitening if that’s your main goal.
6. Will teeth cleaning make my teeth whiter?
It may leave your teeth looking a little brighter by removing surface staining, but it doesn’t change the natural colour of your enamel the way a whitening treatment does.
7. How much does a hygiene appointment cost?
A hygiene appointment at our Luton practice is £80. See our Fees page for our full price list.
8. Do I need a referral from my dentist for a hygiene appointment?
No — you can book a hygiene appointment directly with us, whether or not you’re already a patient at our practice.
9. Can teeth cleaning help with bad breath?
Removing plaque and tartar buildup can help with bad breath in some cases, particularly when the cause is related to gum health. Persistent bad breath can have other causes too, so it’s worth mentioning to your dentist if it continues.
10. What can I do at home between hygiene visits?
Brushing twice daily, cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and limiting sugary foods and drinks all help keep plaque buildup down between appointments. Your hygienist can show you techniques suited to your teeth specifically.