Question 1

What is a dental hygienist?

Accepted Answer

A dental hygienist is an independently qualified clinician focused on preventive oral care: cleaning teeth, removing tartar, treating gum disease and advising on oral hygiene. Where a dentist mainly repairs what is already damaged, a hygienist works to stop it getting that far.

Question 2

What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist?

Accepted Answer

A dentist treats cavities, carries out root canal work and places crowns and fillings. A hygienist focuses on prevention: professional cleaning, tartar removal, gum treatment and teaching good oral care. The two complement each other — we report our findings back to your dentist so your care stays joined up.

Question 3

How often should I see a dental hygienist?

Accepted Answer

For most people twice a year is enough. If you have gum problems, if you smoke, or if you have diabetes, three to four times a year may be sensible. At your first visit we agree the right interval together — it is not a fixed rule but depends on what we find.

Question 4

Is dental hygiene covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Dental hygiene falls under supplementary dental insurance rather than the basic Dutch policy, so it does not come out of your policy excess. Whether and how much you get back depends on your cover. We invoice according to the Dutch Healthcare Authority tariffs; a treatment is billed as a sum of codes, see the tariffs on our treatments page. Check your cover with your insurer beforehand.

Question 5

What happens during a teeth cleaning?

Accepted Answer

We start by looking: the condition of your teeth and gums, and where deposits have built up. We then remove tartar and plaque with ultrasonic and hand instruments, polish away staining and finish the teeth smooth. Where useful, a fluoride treatment follows. We finish with advice tailored to your situation. The appointment lasts about 45 minutes.

Question 6

Does a cleaning hurt?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. You will feel pressure and vibration, and with sensitive teeth or inflamed gums it can be briefly uncomfortable. We work gently and can use anaesthetic if that makes it easier. Always say when something hurts — we will adjust or pause.

Question 7

What does a gum treatment involve?

Accepted Answer

In a gum treatment — periodontal therapy — we clean below the gum line, where the bacteria causing inflammation and bone loss take hold. We first measure pocket depth to establish how extensive the problem is, treat accordingly, and reassess once it has healed. This appointment lasts 80 minutes.

Question 8

How long does an appointment take?

Accepted Answer

A cleaning, preventive check-up, introduction and tartar treatment take about 45 minutes; children&rsquo;s hygiene about 40. A gum treatment takes 80 minutes. Slots in the online diary are ninety minutes apart, leaving time after each appointment to prepare the treatment room for the next patient.

Question 9

Can I eat and drink straight after treatment?

Accepted Answer

After a routine cleaning you can eat and drink immediately. If you have had a fluoride treatment, wait about half an hour. After a gum treatment we suggest waiting a couple of hours, eating soft food and avoiding hot drinks for the first few hours.

Question 10

Where is the practice?

Accepted Answer

The practice is at Sloterweg 1160 in Amsterdam Sloten, 1066 CV. There is free parking at the door and it is easily reached from Amsterdam West, Nieuw-West and Badhoevedorp.

Question 11

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

The practice is open on Wednesdays, from 08:30 to 17:30. There are six slots a day: 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00. We are closed on other days. Booking online, however, is possible around the clock through the diary on this website.

Question 12

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

The quickest way is the online diary on this website: choose a treatment, a Wednesday and a time that is free. You see immediately which times are still available and receive an email confirmation straight away. You are of course welcome to call or email instead, particularly if you are unsure about anything.

Question 13

Can I cancel or move my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours beforehand, by phone or email. For cancellations within 24 hours, or if you do not attend, we may charge for the reserved time — it was held for you and can no longer be offered to someone else.

Question 14

Which languages do you speak?

Accepted Answer

Fati Soltani speaks fluent Dutch, English and Persian (Farsi). This website is available in Dutch and English. Everyone is welcome, whatever their language or background.

Question 15

I am frightened of the dentist. Can I still come?

Accepted Answer

Certainly. Many patients here first walked in with real reluctance. We take our time, explain what we are going to do before we do it, and agree a stop signal — raise your hand and we stop. A first appointment can also just be an introduction, with nothing treated at all.

Question 16

Can I bring my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We treat children from a young age, calmly and with age-appropriate explanations. Getting used to it is fine: sometimes a first visit is just sitting in the chair and looking at everything. We involve parents in brushing at home, because that is where the difference is made.

Question 17

I am pregnant. Can I have my teeth cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it matters more than usual at that time. Hormonal changes make gums more sensitive and quicker to become inflamed. A professional cleaning is safe during pregnancy. Do let us know beforehand so we can take your position and comfort in the chair into account.

Question 18

My teeth are sensitive. Can I still be treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sensitive teeth are common and very treatable. We use gentle techniques and adapted instruments, and can use anaesthetic. We also look at the cause, because sensitivity can often be reduced considerably by changing brushing technique or toothpaste.

Question 19

Do you treat patients with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, everyone is welcome. We adapt the treatment to what works for you and take the time needed. Please get in touch beforehand so we can prepare properly and schedule extra time if required.

Question 20

What is the best way to brush?

Accepted Answer

Twice a day, for two minutes, with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush. Hold the brush at about 45 degrees against the gum line and make small, unhurried movements — do not scrub hard, as that damages gums and enamel. Clean between the teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes. Do not rinse with water afterwards: that washes the fluoride straight away. Spit, and leave it.

Question 21

Which toothbrush should I use?

Accepted Answer

A manual and an electric brush both work well, provided you use them correctly. An electric brush does make good technique easier, and many models warn you when you press too hard — the most common mistake by far. Always choose soft bristles and replace the brush every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay.

Question 22

Do I really need to floss?

Accepted Answer

Your toothbrush does not reach between your teeth, and that is exactly where cavities and gum inflammation often start. So clean there daily, preferably before bed. Many people find interdental brushes easier and more effective than floss; we measure which size fits you during your appointment.

Question 23

Which foods are good for my teeth?

Accepted Answer

How often you eat matters more than what you eat. Every time you eat or drink, the acidity in your mouth rises and enamel comes under pressure. Keep to around seven eating moments a day and drink water in between. Dairy, nuts and vegetables are helpful; soft drinks, fruit juice, sweets and sticky carbohydrates are best limited.

Question 24

How do I prevent tartar?

Accepted Answer

Tartar forms when plaque is left in place and hardens with minerals from your saliva — faster than most people expect. You prevent it by removing plaque daily: brushing twice and cleaning between the teeth once. Once it has hardened you cannot remove it yourself; it has to be taken off professionally.

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