Dentist hygienist visit

[Jam291]

… so I have previously posted about amazingly getting an NHS dentist after waiting 7 years- I also have quite severe dental phobia.
I have a hygienist appointment booked in for this Thursday and I’m absolutely bricking it to say the least.
I’ve never had an hygienist appointment before, and I’m really scared.

My teeth are a bit worn, had three years of severe morning sickness from start to finish in pregnancies, I always brush my teeth twice a day but don’t always floss.

Is it going to hurt?
Can this hygenist visit do anymore damage to my teeth? I’m worried it’s going to like break a tooth or rip out a filling.

Has anyone got any input, my mind is currently on over drive over it all. To the point of cancelling which I really don’t want to do deep down!

I wear headphones if that helps
If you want them to stop just put your hand up, and tell them before you're nervous
It's basically just scraping any buildup off then polishing your teeth clean so won't damage them. Mine does it by hand with a scraper or with a water thing, I don't like the water so she does it by hand for me
If they use water then the assistant person has a little suction thing

They will probably ask you about brushing/flossing etc as well

I know exactly how you feel. Just waited 18 months to have a tooth out under sedation!

Why don't you tell the hygienist when you get there what you are worried about, and I'm sure they will be able to reassure you.

It’s not going to damage your teeth but help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. My last visit to the hygienist was great, she was lovely and really helped me to relax, no pain whatsoever. You will feel a lot better once you’ve been.

It can be a little uncomfortable but they will ask you to signal them if it is.
If you are scared of dentists, focus on how regular hygienist appointments will reduce your need for dental work.

They will poke at you but your mouth will feel so incredible and your teeth witll be sparkly white! Tell them it's your first time

I'd say it's more sensitive than painful. My hygienist is actually a dental therapist and can do fillings too and she's very good.

No one would go to a hygienist if it was going to damage your teeth or rip out fillings! They may do some scraping or apply a bit of pressure, and there may be some scraping or cracking noises at points, but it’s not as alarming as it sounds and nothing will break! It’s not the most comfortable experience in the world, there is some poking and prodding but it shouldn’t be acutely painful. I find it leaves my gums and mouth a bit tender for a day or so afterwards but nothing a paracetamol doesn’t fix.

I am massively anxious about all things dental and medical and often need sedating for procedures but I can tolerate the hygienist reasonably well. I find it helps they can always stop - it’s not like a filling or root canal with a point of no return, it’s just cleaning so if you find something painful or upsetting raise your hand and ask them to stop for a moment. Often there’s a workaround or something else they can try - for example I can’t handle the water jet thing on certain teeth but they clean those areas manually for me.

Go and try it and see how it goes - you’ll kick yourself for cancelling. You’ll probably find it’s completely ok.

Your teeth are going to feel super clean afterwards! It can be a bit mildly uncomfortable and the scraping sound can sound a bit concerning when you are not used to it. They're likely to ask what toothbrush you use etc. and give you advice brushes, flossing, Myer dental brushes etc. my hygienist is saving my teeth tbh, I was TERRIFIED in my youth and didn't go for years. Paying the price now, quite literally, but I now to to hygienist every three months and it's totally worth it.

You could try taking a paracetamol before you go. This might minimise the discomfort.

Wear headphones and listen to music. It REALLY helps.

I also found watching YouTube "dentist phobia" hypnosis videos a few times before my appointment worked well.

Hygienist visits are easier than dentist visits as you know the worst thing they can do is scrape your teeth. That's it. No chance of drilling!

Use sensitive toothpaste as much as you can before the appointment, as they use cold water and it can feel a bit bracing if you have sensitive teeth.

I had a dental phobia that led to my avoiding dentists for 10 years, now I have to go to the hygienist every 3 months. It's honestly fine. I treat myself to a Starbucks afterwards for being so brave, lol.

It is horrible, but the feeling of walking out with such clean teeth is SO WORTH IT!

I refuse to let mine use the water power thing, my teeth and my nerves can’t bear it, so she does hand tools only which doesn’t spike my heart rate as much. Despite always using sensodyne I can’t cope with the sensitivity that the water brings on. Definitely ask them to stop using it if you find it too difficult to bear, and switch to hand scaling instead.

Regular 3 monthly hygienist visits keep my teeth immaculate and great. If it’s your first time it will be longer than following appointments, you’ll be fine. My advice going forward after it would be invest in the interdental sticks and the waterpik water glosser, they are amazing used twice daily. You’ll never need to use mouthwash again, as my dentist says it’s an absolute waste of time and money.

My hygienist puts some anaesthetic gel on my gums before doing anything, as I’ve got really sensitive teeth and gums. It definitely helps.

I’m a right scaredy-cat about the dentists but as long as you let them know you’re worried/nervous, I’m sure they’ll be as gentle as possible with you.