A Revolutionary Step in Preventive Dentistry
At Optimal Dental Health, located near Baker Street in London, we are committed to offering our patients the very best in advanced, holistic dental care. That commitment has led us to invest in one of the most powerful tools in modern preventive dentistry: the phase contrast microscope. In fact, we are proud to be one of only two dental practices in the UK to offer this technology.
We sourced our Motic Europe phase contrast microscope because we believe that seeing is understanding, and when it comes to your oral health, understanding is the first step toward prevention and healing.
Why Your Mouth’s Bacteria Matter
Every mouth is home to a unique ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, known collectively as your oral microbiome. While some of these microbes are harmless (or even beneficial), others can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other systemic health problems if they are allowed to thrive unchecked.
Traditionally, dentists could only assess the health of your gums and teeth by visual examination and X-rays. But these methods do not reveal the full picture of what’s going on at a microscopic level. This is where the phase contrast microscope changes everything.
What is a Phase Contrast Microscope?

A phase contrast microscope is a sophisticated optical instrument that allows us to see live bacteria in your plaque sample without staining or killing them. Unlike a standard microscope, it uses a special optical technique that enhances contrast in transparent specimens, meaning we can see tiny living organisms moving, feeding, and multiplying in real time in your dental hygiene appointment with our hygienist Brooke Shipp.
This live view is invaluable. It gives us a direct, instant insight into the type and activity level of bacteria in your mouth. We can see whether you have aggressive, harmful bacteria that cause gum disease, or whether your oral microbiome is in a healthy balance.
How We Use the Phase Contrast Microscope at Optimal Dental Health

Plaque Sample Collection
Our dental hygienist in London will start by gently taking a tiny plaque sample from your teeth or gums. This is a quick, painless process.
Live Microscopic Examination
The sample is placed under our Motic Europe phase contrast microscope, and we view the microorganisms in real time.
Patient Education
You get to see what we see on a screen right in front of you. This can be eye-opening, many of our patients are surprised to watch bacteria actively moving around on the screen. It makes the connection between oral hygiene and gum health much more tangible.
Tailored Dental Cleaning Plan
Based on the bacteria present, our hygienist can determine the type and frequency of professional dental cleaning you need. This personalised approach ensures we target the root cause of gum inflammation rather than just treating the symptoms.
Benefits of Using a Phase Contrast Microscope in Dentistry
- Early Detection of Gum Disease
By spotting harmful bacteria before they cause visible symptoms, we can take preventive action and protect your gums. - Personalised Treatment
Your cleaning schedule is based on the actual condition of your oral microbiome, not just a generic time frame. - Motivation
Seeing your own bacteria live under the microscope is a powerful motivator for better oral hygiene habits. - Holistic Health Link
Research shows that oral bacteria are linked to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. Monitoring your oral microbiome can contribute to better overall health.
Why We Chose the Motic Europe Phase Contrast Microscope
We selected our microscope from Motic Europe because of its exceptional clarity, precision, and reliability. This equipment is trusted in research laboratories around the world, and now it’s available right here in central London, exclusively at Optimal Dental Health for dental patients.
Who Can Benefit from This Treatment?
Almost anyone can benefit from a phase contrast microscope dental analysis, but it is especially valuable if you:
- Have bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum sensitivity
- Have a family history of gum disease
- Want to take a preventive approach to dental care
- Have systemic health concerns linked to inflammation
- Have undergone repeated gum treatments without lasting results
Why This Service is Rare in the UK
Although widely used in cutting-edge dental practices abroad, the phase contrast microscope is still virtually unknown in UK dentistry. We are one of only two practices in the UK offering this diagnostic tool, and the only one in London.

Book Your Appointment Near Baker Street
Our holistic dental team at Optimal Dental Health takes pride in combining the latest technology with a gentle, patient-focused approach. If you want to experience the difference that a phase contrast microscope plaque analysis can make for your dental health, we invite you to book an appointment today.
We are conveniently located near Baker Street, London, making us easy to reach from Marylebone, Regent’s Park, and surrounding areas. If you’re looking for Phase contrast microscope dental analysis London, book your biological dental hygiene appointment with us today. Call us on 020 3921 1000 or email our team at hello@optimaldental.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can book a direct access appointment online here.
Optimal Dental Health – Where advanced science meets holistic care.
See your bacteria. Understand your health. Protect your smile.


