Confused about gum care? Learn the key differences between a periodontist and dental hygienist and who to see for specialist periodontal treatment in Ilford Essex.

When it comes to keeping your gums healthy, you might wonder: should I see a dental hygienist or a periodontist? While both professionals play an important role in maintaining oral health, their responsibilities, training, and treatment focus are very different.

In this blog, our team at Bluebell Dentistry & Aesthetics in Essex explains the difference, so you know exactly who to see and when.

A dental hygienist is a qualified dental professional who focuses on preventive care and routine maintenance of your oral health. Their main role is to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy through:

• Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar
• Gum health checks and monitoring
• Advice on brushing and flossing techniques
• Early detection of gum inflammation (gingivitis)
• Applying fluoride treatments when needed

If your gums are bleeding, inflamed, or you simply want to prevent future issues, your hygienist is your go-to support.

A periodontist is a specialist dentist who has undergone additional training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and related conditions, such as:

• Moderate to advanced periodontitis (gum disease)
• Gum recession and bone loss
• Loose teeth caused by loss of support
• Surgical treatments, such as gum grafts or regenerative procedures
• Dental implants and implant-related gum care

At Bluebell Dentistry & Aesthetics,  Dr. Robin Ratcliffe is our highly experienced specialist clinician who provides advanced periodontal care. If you have persistent gum issues, or early treatments haven’t worked, he may be the next step in your care.

Think of your hygienist as your everyday gum health coach, and your periodontist as the specialist who steps in when deeper treatment is needed.

At Bluebell Dentistry, we provide a joined-up approach to gum care. Our skilled hygiene team helps you stay on top of routine prevention, while our periodontal specialist Dr. Robin Ratcliffe is here to support more advanced cases, all from our welcoming, brand new, state of the art Essex practice.

This approach ensures you get the right care, at the right time, from the right professional.

Whether you’re seeing signs of early gum disease or have a more complex case, we’re here to help. Our friendly team will assess your gum health and recommend the most suitable care plan, whether that’s a hygienist appointment or specialist periodontal treatment.