Re: Does anyone here,

On the recommendation of two friends, I have just bought myself a battery toothbrush too.
It took me some getting used to, but I'm getting there.

Like Twink, I also use the different size Tipee interdental brushes, or sometimes the little plastic ones, whatever I fancy buying at the time.

I am lucky really, because I had one filling about 3 or 4 years ago, but I can't remember having any for many years before that one.

I go for check ups every 6 months, but will only see the hygienist on alternate visits - so once a year.

The dentist charges £21.60 for a check up.

The Hygienist charges £59.10

BUT, if I book them both together, I only pay the £59.10 and the dental check up is included in that.

Re: Does anyone here,

The hygienists are trained to do what they do, but are self employed and that is why the cost of seeing them is so high. The dentists are happy to have them, because they do some of the work dentists used to do, so it makes their lives easier.

If dentists of the past had taught patients the correct way to clean their teeth, very few of them would need a hygienist.... but they all want to make a good living & work less so they recommend seeing a hygienist.

Removing plaque from around the bottom of my teeth was all they ever needed to do for me, and since I have used my new system, I have never had a plaque build up because I remove what causes it on a daily basis.

Re: Does anyone here,

I can't afford a Hygienists, but then again I also haven't been to the Dentist for 15 years, the last time I went I didn't have anything done.

Re: Does anyone here,

Are you talking about the Phillips Airfloss? Retails at £99.

I have something very similar but it also has a water tank so can force water between the teeth too. I'd thoroughly recommend it - and note that small Phillips items have a two year guarantee!

Hygienists are able to deep clean between the gum and the tooth and I doubt there's any gadget or toothbrush that could do the same.

Re: Does anyone here,

I have never heard of a hygienist!

However it sounds like what my dentist does anyway but then my dentist is self employed (as they all are here). When ever I go for my annual dental checkup the dentist always cleans my teeth - the visit usually costs about $90/$100 (£45/£50).

Re: Does anyone here,

My dentist gives them a scale and polish as part of my 6-monthly check-up. Whole thing costs about £18 twice a year. Why pay more?
I don't see the need for a further hygienist if my teeth pass their M.O.T., which they usually do