Why Your Smile Matters More Than You Think

Louise Dangerfield in conversation with Alice Garside – Squeaky Clean Alice

In connection with National Smile Month – 11th May to 11th June 2026

Six years ago, I found myself on a dental journey I never expected. A missed diagnosis of early-stage gum disease by my dentist quickly spiraled into a long and costly process to restore my oral health. What started as bleeding gums became a battle with chronic inflammation, invasive treatments and, ultimately, an understanding that oral health isn’t just about a nice smile it’s integral to your overall wellbeing.

Since then, I’ve become a passionate advocate for Dental Health Insurance and the power of preventative care – not just for aesthetics, but for long-term health. It’s one of the reasons I support our clients here at Parallel in making employee dental benefits more accessible.

To mark National Smile Month, I caught up with Alice Garside, Dental Hygienist, Oral Health Educator and the face behind @squeakycleanalice to dig deeper into the realities of gum health, private vs NHS dental care, and bust some common myths along the way.

Q&A: Louise x Alice

Louise: Alice, let’s start at the beginning. For those who’ve never seen a hygienist, what’s your role?

Alice: Hygienists are prevention experts – we educate patients on oral health, treat gum disease and help stop it coming back. What many people don’t realise is that you can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mouth. Inflammation and bacteria in the mouth are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even fertility issues. Our work is about protecting more than just teeth

Louise: How does NHS care differ from private in terms of what you can offer?

Alice: While both NHS and private dentists carry out a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) to assess gum health, the level of detail and follow-up care can vary depending on resources and time constraints.

In private practices, patients often benefit from a more in-depth baseline assessment as standard. For example, at the private practice I work at, patients receive a full six-point pocket chart (measuring six areas around each tooth), detailed photographs, and an iTero scan. This provides a comprehensive overview of their oral health, enabling targeted treatment plans and early intervention.

By contrast, in NHS settings, a six-point pocket chart is typically only carried out if the BPE flags a concern. While some NHS dentists do offer detailed follow-ups, the time pressures within the system can make it more difficult to deliver this level of personalised care consistently. As Alice explains, it’s not about capability—it’s about capacity and resources.

Louise: What kinds of treatments are you offering privately?

Alice: I offer Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) – it’s a cutting-edge cleaning technique using warm water, air and a fine powder to gently remove early plaque and bacteria before it turns into calculus. It’s comfortable, non-invasive and very effective.

Other hygienists may use Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal (PMPR), which smooths the teeth and encourages patients to keep things clean. But across the board, we all deliver Oral Hygiene Instruction (OHI) – essentially teaching people how to brush properly, which is more of an art than most people realise!

Louise: So let’s bust some myths… Is flossing really that important?

Alice: Absolutely! 40% of your tooth surface is between the teeth – if you’re not flossing, you’re missing nearly half the job. Bacteria tends to accumulate between the teeth (interdentally), where it begins to colonise and trigger inflammation — and once present, saliva can carry this bacteria around the mouth, spreading the problem further.

My golden rules are:
🪥 Use an electric toothbrush (invest as far as your budget allows)
⏰ Brush twice a day for two minutes
🧵 Floss daily
🩸And if you’re seeing blood when brushing, it’s not a sign to stop – it’s a sign that something’s wrong. So definitely keep flossing- ensure you remove bacteria/ so gums can heal.

Louise: What are the real consequences of ignoring gum disease?

Alice: Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, receding gums, abscesses, and links to systemic conditions like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Once it progresses to periodontitis, it’s irreversible. That’s why prevention is everything.

Louise: What’s your view on fluoride?

Alice: I recommend toothpaste with sodium fluoride, especially for adults. It strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay. If someone prefers to go fluoride-free, I suggest they focus more closely on their diet and plaque control – but it’s harder work without it.

Louise: So, why should people consider private care – especially with cost-of-living pressures?

Alice: It’s personal, of course, but I always say: “Preventative care is cheaper than treatment.” Private hygiene visits are a long-term investment in your health. And the truth is, many insurers recognise that and encourage regular visits, because they know it reduces long-term claims.

Think of your mouth like a luxury item. Every tooth is a precious stone – and dental insurance is how you protect the sparkle.

Final Thoughts

I’m so grateful to Alice for sharing her insights – she makes the science simple, and the advice achievable. If you’ve ever wondered whether a dental plan is worth it, I hope this conversation has shown just how much is at stake – not just for your smile, but for your overall health.

You can follow Alice and get more great tips at @squeakycleanalice and book in to see her at her practice in Richmond, Surrey. 

If you’d like to review your current policy or talk about how Parallel can support your team’s oral health as part of your wider wellbeing strategy, we’d love to help. Contact caroline.masterton@parallel-eb.co.uk or call us on 020 8874 1230