Steph qualified as a dental hygienist in 1992, from Birmingham Dental Hospital where she won the 'Oral B' prize for best student. And she's provided high quality and considerate care ever since then.

She and Catherine Cousley worked together at a previous practice for many years and we're delighted to welcome Steph to the Priestgate team in 2023. In particular, Steph has a wealth of experience in treating implant patients and in using both local anaesthesia and airflow techniques.

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Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. Unfortunately, most adults have some form of gum disease (periodontitis), but it often goes undetected for many years. This causes irreversible gum and bone damage, eventually resulting in the loss of teeth. However, a dental hygienist is qualified to treat such gum disease and here’s six key benefits in seeing your hygienist regularly.

1.   Preventing Progressive Gum and Bone Loss

Periodontitis may manifest as bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth, but it may also be hidden. Fortunately, gum disease can be stopped and even reversed if caught in the early stages. Your hygienist will treat active disease plus provide a tailored brushing regimen.

2.   Cleaning Those Hard To Reach Spots

Even people with excellent oral hygiene benefit from a hygienist’s help to find hidden plaque and calculus (tartar).

3.   Preventing Bad Breath

Halitosis odours are released by bacteria living under the gum edges. Dental scaling can effectively remove this harmful material.

4.   Creating A Whiter Smile

Some external stains on your teeth, are due to tea, coffee, tobacco, red wine and other dietary factors, and can’t be removed by brushing alone. However, hygienist polishing can restore your teeth to their natural whiteness.

5.   Preventing Systemic Diseases

Poor dental hygiene is scientifically linked to the progression of heart and respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

6.   To Prevent Oral Cancer

Your hygienist is trained to screen your mouth for early signs of oral cancer, and to provide advice on risk factors for oral cancer, such as smoking and alcohol.