Why You’re Losing Out by Skipping theHygienist

…and it’s not just about bad breath

The Cost of Doing Nothing

You wouldn’t wait for your car engine to seize up before changing the oil, so why do so

many people wait for their gums to bleed before seeing a hygienist?

Here’s the deal: regular hygiene appointments aren’t just about a polish or fresher breath.

They’re one of the most important (and overlooked) steps in preventing serious dental and

general health issues. And when you skip them, you’re not just saving £60… you could be

setting yourself up for a bill 10 times that, or worse - losing bone, teeth, and your smile.

The Silent Build-up: Plaque, Calculus, and Regret

Most dental diseases start painlessly. You won’t feel the buildup of plaque. You won’t feel

your gums quietly detaching from your teeth. But you’ll feel the regret later.

A hygienist doesn’t just clean what you can see. They remove hardened plaque

(calculus) that builds up below the gum line, places no toothbrush or floss can reach.

“Even the best brushers miss up to 40% of tooth surfaces, especially under the gum line.

That’s where inflammation starts and once it progresses, it’s irreversible.”

— Dr. Shazia Iqbal, Consultant Periodontist

Once calculus builds up, it creates a rough surface that bacteria cling to. That bacteria

fuels inflammation, and that’s what eats away at the bone holding your teeth in place.

Money Talks — The £££ Cost of Delay

Let’s do the maths.

• Hygiene appointment: ~£70

• Advanced gum treatment: ~£200–£400

• Gum surgery or implant: £1500+

  
  

Saving £70 every 6 months might feel smart… until you’re shelling out thousands fixing

what could’ve been prevented.

“We often see patients who haven’t had a hygiene visit in years, needing deep cleaning or

even tooth removal. Prevention is always more affordable than treatment.”

— Natasha Patel, Dental Hygienist & Therapist

Time Is Not On Your Side — And Neither Is Biology

If you think gum disease is only a concern for the elderly, think again.

Stress, pregnancy, diabetes, poor sleep, certain medications — all of these can make you

more susceptible to gum problems. Busy parents? High cortisol levels and inconsistent

routines. Young adults? Coffee, sugary snacks, energy drinks. Retired adults? Dry mouth and

declining immune function.

Your hygienist isn’t just polishing teeth. They’re actively monitoring your risk factors.

“The mouth is a mirror to the rest of the body. Many patients discover signs of systemic

conditions, like diabetes or even autoimmune diseases through their gum health.”

— Dr. Farid Akhtar, Restorative Dentist

It’s Not Just About Teeth

Gum disease isn’t just a dental issue. It’s been linked to:

• Heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Low birth weight & premature births

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Cognitive decline in older adults

  
  

There’s also the social cost: bad breath, stained teeth, and receding gums can impact your

confidence in interviews, social settings, and relationships.

“Poor gum health has ripple effects both biologically and psychologically. I’ve seen

patients who avoided smiling in photos for years. One hygiene program changed that.”

— Holly Birch, Dental Hygienist

The “But I Brush!” Brigade

We hear this a lot:

“But I brush twice a day!”

“I floss after meals!”

“My teeth don’t hurt!”

That’s great, but brushing alone doesn’t remove tartar. Once it hardens, only professional

instruments can remove it.

Analogy:

Brushing without seeing a hygienist is like washing your face but never taking a proper

shower. Eventually, stuff builds up.

What You Can Do Today

Taking action doesn’t have to be dramatic. Just:

• Check when your last hygiene visit was

• Book in, even if just for a check

• Ask your hygienist about your personal risk factors

• Set a recurring calendar reminder (or link it to a birthday, seasonal change, or haircut)

  
  

Bonus: develop a rapport with your hygienist. They're your gum’s best friend.

A Small Habit, a Big Difference

In a world where we obsess over skincare, fitness, and even haircuts, dental hygiene is still

an afterthought for many. But it’s the foundation of your health, your smile, and your

confidence.

So next time you’re tempted to skip the hygienist, remember:

You’re not just saving time or money, you might be losing something far more

valuable.