Healthy gums protect your teeth, your implants and, research suggests, your general health. Our dental hygienists near Stroud clean thoroughly and gently, and show you how to keep your mouth healthy between visits.
Our dentists and our hygienists work together. Every dentist here encourages patients to see our hygienists, Kerry Braithwaite or Katherine Griffiths, for regular hygiene visits, and refers implant patients to them every 3 months.
Dental hygienist appointments
- Hygiene appointment: £90 for a full 30 minutes with Kerry or Katherine, or £110 with a dentist. Scale and polish, gum check and personal advice.
- Extended hygiene (45 minutes), £120 with Kerry or Katherine, or £145 with a dentist. For heavier build-up or implants.
- Air abrasion stain removal, £20 extra. A gentle powder-and-water spray that lifts tea, coffee and wine stains. Air abrasion is offered by Kerry Braithwaite and Dr Nikki Izadi. On busy dentist and hygienist days the equipment may be in use in another surgery, so please tell reception before your appointment that you would like it, so it can be ready for you.
- Gum (periodontal) treatment, £120 per quarter of the mouth, with local anaesthetic if needed.
- Implant maintenance. Careful cleaning around implants to keep them healthy.
- Diet and home-care advice. Included in every visit.
Dental plan members receive two or four hygiene visits a year included. See plans and fees.
See our hygienist-therapist directly
Since 2013 the General Dental Council has allowed patients to book a dental hygienist or therapist without seeing a dentist first. This is called direct access. It is a simple, routine way to look after your mouth and gives you peace of mind between check-ups.
Book directly with Kerry Braithwaite (Dental Hygienist and Therapist, GDC 152813). Choose the first appointment that suits you:
- New patient examination plus hygiene on the same day: a full examination with one of our dentists, followed by a hygiene appointment with Kerry (£120 examination plus £90 hygiene).
- Direct access first appointment with Kerry (£120): an oral health check and hygiene clean with Kerry, with a dentist's examination booked for a later date.
Kerry works within her scope of practice and will refer you to one of our dentists, with your agreement, for anything that needs a dentist, such as diagnosing new problems on X-rays, crowns or extractions. Tooth whitening always needs a dentist's prescription.
Natural products for home care
These are products our hygienists often suggest. Your hygienist will show you which sizes and which toothpaste suit your mouth, because the right choice depends on your gums, your risk of decay and any fillings, crowns or implants. These links open the makers' own websites in a new tab. You can order Gutology toothpaste from our shop: it is £14.50 a tube, plus £5.50 postage per order. Other products are bought direct from the makers using the links above.
- Gutology hydroxyapatite toothpaste. The toothpaste we use and recommend in the practice: a fluoride-free mineral toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, which its maker describes as kind to the natural bacteria (microbiome) in your mouth. There is also a children's version. Fluoride toothpaste remains the standard, evidence-based way to prevent tooth decay; we offer fluoride-free options if you ask, and explain the trade-off. We have a referral arrangement with Gutology and receive a small commission if you buy through us; it does not affect the price you pay.
- TePe interdental brushes. Small brushes for cleaning between your teeth and around implants and bridges. Your hygienist will measure the right size for each gap. Also sold on TePe's UK online shop.
- TePe GOOD toothbrush. A soft toothbrush made from 96% plant-based plastic (sugarcane handle, castor-oil bristles), for patients who want a lower-impact brush.
- Georganics hydroxyapatite toothpaste. A natural toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, a mineral similar to the one in tooth enamel. Available with fluoride or fluoride-free, and in children's versions.
- Kingfisher natural toothpaste. A British natural toothpaste with simple plant-based ingredients, including fluoride-free flavours such as fennel and mint.
We are not paid to recommend any of the other products listed.
About fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste is the NHS's standard advice for preventing decay, especially for children and anyone with a high risk of decay. If you would prefer a fluoride-free toothpaste, talk to Kerry first: she offers fluoride alternatives and will explain honestly how to protect your teeth with your choice.
Who does this treatment here
- Kerry Braithwaite (Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy, qualified 2008; GDC 152813): hygienist and therapist. Gum disease, white fillings, oral cancer checks, fluoride alternatives, gut-health and diet advice, and jaw (TMJ) massage (£90 per 30 minutes), with an optional follow-up bite and jaw check with Dr Nikki Izadi (£110, 20 minutes, Wednesdays), then a two-week pain diary and a £55 review. Former Royal Navy dental nurse.
- Katherine Griffiths (Dental Hygienist; GDC 4959): hygiene and gum care on alternate Thursdays.
Who you will see
Kerry Braithwaite (usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday) or Katherine Griffiths (alternate Thursdays), £90 for a full 30 minutes with Kerry or Katherine, or £110 with a dentist. See who to book with for every treatment.
Prices: see our price list for hygiene and gum treatment, or the full fees and plans.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the hygienist without seeing a dentist? Yes. Under direct access you can book with our hygienist-therapist Kerry Braithwaite without seeing a dentist first.
How much is a hygiene appointment? £90 for a full 30 minutes with Kerry or Katherine, or £110 with a dentist. Air abrasion stain removal, with Kerry or Dr Nikki Izadi, is £20 extra; please tell reception before your appointment.
How often should I see the hygienist? Your hygienist will recommend how often, usually every 3 to 6 months depending on your gum health. Patients with implants should come every 3 months.
Related treatments
Book your appointment
Call 01285 821220 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or book a consultation, check-up or hygiene appointment online. We are at The Estate Barn, Miserden, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 7JA, in the Cotswolds: about 15 minutes from Stroud, 20 from Cirencester and 25 from Cheltenham, with free parking.