Is a visit to the dental hygienist worth it?

[MaggieFS]

I'm fortunate to have problem free teeth and able to see an NHS dentist twice a year. Two times in the last ten years I've needed additional work which I've paid for privately. My dentist has now suggested I see the hygienist for no specific reason (that she's told me). It's £62!!

I'm a little sceptical because my practice is increasingly reducing NHS appointment availability - previously I could go before work or late afternoon but those slots are now all reserved for private patients so I have to take time off work to go.

£62 feels like a lot of money and another money spinner for the practice. But this might be unfair, I just don't know enough.

Do you go to one? What do they do?

If you have problem-free teeth then going to the hygienist twice, or even once, a year can help keep them in good nick.

My hygienist essentially powerwashes my teeth with a high pressure water pick and scrapes off any extreme plaque very carefully. It's a little unpleasant but not painful. Built-up plaque can harbor bacteria which can lead to cavities (and pain + expensive fillings) from tooth decay.

I have excellent teeth, if I say so myself. I am fortunate that they are quite hard and I have looked after them by brushing 2x daily my whole life. I also was fortunate to grow up in an area with fluoridated water and now I only have 1 filling.

I have an NHS dentist place but the hygienist's fee is closer to £70 for me.

It’s worth it imo OP.

Your teeth feel lovely after a trip to the hygienist. It's worth every penny.

Yes, so much so that compulsory health insurance in my area pays once a year for children.
I was diagnosed with gum disease (teeth are fine) years ago and after treatment those visits (in addition to interdental brushes, flossing, brushing etc) have helped to keep it in check so far.

It has been standard advice to visit the hygienist every 3-6months for quite a while, OP. It can really help with gum health.

I'm on one of those dentist plan things that means I have 2 check ups and hygienist appointments each year, over last 8ish years.
Although I never had major issues before the plan thing I would find I had the odd bit of decay and possible filling. Now with regular 'looking after' I never have any issues. The hygienist also gives better pointers on where and how I should brush my problem areas than the dentist does.
Based on my plan I would say the dentist and hygienist appointment are costing about £120, so the price looks in line with that..

Absolutely worth it. I have a dental plan that pays for 2 cleanings per year. You bet they wouldn't be offering this if it didnt save them money in the long run.

Oh and just seen you asked what they do - they do a really thorough clean - any plaque or tartar is removed. Then a nice polish. You end up with super smooth teeth - I love the feeling. I think its then harder for dirt and bacteria to attach onto your teeth.
If you genuinely are fantastic at brushing and flossing every time then maybe you would be fine without it.
I know that I am not so I feel like this keeps me in check. My own brushing is wonderful in the month after a visit but I know it starts to tail off and I need that 6 month checkup to keep me on the straight and narrow!!!

Thanks everyone, very helpful. I might look into a payment plan.