dental hygienist in Epsom, Auckland

Dental Hygienist Cleanings

At Alpers Dental, our highly trained dental hygienists in Auckland play a vital role in maintaining your oral health and supporting your personalised treatment plan. More than just a cleaning appointment, seeing a hygienist is an essential part of preventative dental care—keeping your teeth strong and your gums disease-free.

Most adults benefit from seeing a dental hygienist twice a year, while those at higher risk of gum disease may need more frequent visits. During your hygiene appointment, your hygienist will perform scaling (removal of tartar from the gumline) and polishing (removal of surface stains), helping prevent decay, inflammation, and bad breath.

Our hygienists are also qualified dental therapists, meaning they can carry out treatments such as fillings and baby tooth extractions, using the same materials a dentist would—provided the tooth doesn’t require nerve treatment.

In addition to routine hygiene care, our Auckland dental hygienists offer:

  • Teeth Whitening – to brighten your smile and remove deeper stains

  • Fluoride Varnish – to strengthen enamel and protect against decay

  • Non-Fluoride Alternatives – for those with sensitivities or preferences

  • Fissure Sealants – to protect hard-to-reach molars from decay

  • Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy – a modern approach to managing gum disease

With a gentle approach and a focus on prevention, our hygienists help you take control of your oral health—ensuring your smile stays healthy, clean, and confident for years to come.

Why are regular teeth cleanings important?

Many oral health concerns can only be detected through a thorough examination by a trained dentist. Dental check-ups cover oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays to check for hidden issues, and professional cleanings to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other build-ups that daily brushing and flossing can’t effectively remove.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so early intervention is vital. Once gum disease has taken its toll on the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored. Gum disease can only be managed once it has taken hold. Your dental hygienist will use a small ruler to gently measure the gum “pocket” around each of your teeth, making note of areas that you can’t clean with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are used in combination with these measurements, to identify where bone recession has taken place.
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How regularly should you get dental cleanings?

Ideally, dental check-ups are performed every six months. On your first visit to the dentist, they will ask for a full health history to gain an understanding of your past and current health. From there, regular dental check-ups will be used to determine any change in your oral health and keep your teeth and oral health properly maintained.

Most dentists, recommend six months because the maintenance and cleaning provide a level of deep cleanings and preventative care that is not possible at home.

As long as your mouth is free of gum disease and heavy build-up, six months is about the average length of time for tartar and stain to accumulate to where another professional cleaning is required. For individuals with a history of periodontitis, these visits may need to be as regular as every 3-4 months.

Why are brushing and flossing important?

We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they disrupt the complex network of bacteria called biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen.

And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once. Helping and encouraging your child to make brushing and flossing a part of their habits will help them have a healthy smile throughout their life!

More Questions?

If you have more questions about dental cleanings, or if you would like to schedule an appointment or contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Alpers Dental’s primary mission has been to facilitate the provision of comprehensive preventative dental treatment to the residents of Auckland.
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