Dental hygienist - is this normal??

[HappyMum123456]

I have a private dental plan and I moved to a new practice around 2 or 3 years ago, only because my dentist of many decades was retiring and the new one is more convenient.

I often require fillings and other treatment which is all covered in the (very expensive) plan.

My issue is with the 6 monthly hygienist appointments (which are separate to my normal checkups with my dentist). I expected this would be for a regular scale and polish. But no....these appointments are truly horrific and humiliating. She starts by measuring my plaque and bleeding score and compares this to my previous readings. I'm quizzed on my use of a "bottle brush" and expected to explain myself and my dental hygiene habits. If that wasn't bad enough, I then have the humiliation of having to sign a contract/treatment plan to promise I'll do better for next time.

Is this normal?? I had nothing like this with my previous dentist. They just advised where I needed to focus my brushing etc. Today she was especially brutal with my teeth and gums once she'd established my bleeding/plaque scores were worse than last time. She demanded to know why this had happened.

I'd change dentists if it was simple - but last time I moved I needed a load of treatment to get some kind of dental fitness certificate.

I realise this probably makes me sound like I have dreadful teeth (I really don't) and that I'm a complete lightweight (I'm not). I just wondered if this was normal. I very nearly cried during my appointment today and my mouth still feels so sore and bruised.

@FiveTreeHill I know what a hygienist does I just don't understand why anyone would defend a really unpleasant bedside manner.

Are you Shannon the hygienist?? Because you sound remarkably like her.

There's really no need to be unpleasant, I had enough of that yesterday 🙄

Thanks again for all the lovely messages and great advice (not so much the rude ones.....there's always a couple who can't help themselves🙄).

I've just ordered an Oral-B iO - an upgrade from my regular electric Oral-B - thanks to the PP for the recommendation. And I'll stick with my floss and bottle brushes for now but I'll aim to be more diligent.

I've checked with my husband and daughter and I definitely don't have stinky breath and I'm pretty sure my oral hygiene isn't terrible (but obviously could be better).

I go for a six monthly check up, I've never sought or been offered a hygienist appointment. Is this something everyone should have?

@Alainlechat
Not necessarily. It depends on what the examination findings are with your dentist.

I have the hygienist tomorrow.. I clicked at the wrong time!
The first hygienist was just okay, it’s a different one tomorrow so a bit wary. Sorry you had a crappy time OP.

No if you clean effectively and have no gum disease you should never need to see a hygienist.
Congratulations you are one of only 34% of the UK population who cleans their teeth effectively.

I've never had gum disease or any cavities and still see a hygienist once a year as it's included under my dental plan.

I don’t “need” to see one, it’s part of my insurance package and I like having the polish! It feels nice.

I’m 46 without a filling or any treatment- nothing wrong with my cleaning but I do have a couple that are very close together and the hygienist can get to the bits I can’t. But it’s not entirely necessary.