Visits at the Dental Hygienist

Dentists and dental hygienists alike have long recited the importance of getting your teeth cleaned every six months. It is thus a no brainer that dentistry is a significant and lifelong art that you should always invest in.

However, research suggests that the rise for dental check-ups in the UK has only grown by 20% over the past 40 years! In fact, almost half of Brits still do not attend checkups every 24 months.

Dental hygienists are just as responsible as dentists for tailoring beautiful smiles around the world. A dental hygienist plays a patent role within the healthcare industry to provide top-notch dental services to patients and educate the masses about the importance of proper oral prophylaxis.

What to expect at the dental hygienist

Visiting a dental hygienist comes with a set of benefits and goodwill for your mouth. Armed with the correct props, dental hygienists can determine the health status of your oral cavity.

Eliminates plaque, tartar or stains
Prior to any procedure, dental hygienists are often inclined to check for any tartar or plaque on your teeth. This tells a lot about one’s attempt at maintaining appropriate oral hygiene. Tartar or dental calculus are hard deposits appearing on the teeth surfaces due to failed oral hygiene practices and can only be removed professionally.

Your dental hygienist can determine the presence of tartar and will seek out for scaling or cleaning of teeth with the help of non-invasive specialised instruments. Do not attempt to remove them at home!

Polishes the teeth surfaces
If you are an advent coffee drinker or happen to indulge in a smoke or two every day, it is no wonder that you start developing yellow staining on your teeth that do not come off with regular brushing. Instead, they require appointments for professional teeth cleaning.

Stained or yellow teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, so seeking proper cleaning as soon as possible is a smart move. Your dental hygienist will help you brighten your dull smile.

Help maintain the health of the gums
A mouth with poor oral hygiene becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that compromises the health of the gums. Gums if swollen, red, tender or bleeding can be an indication for early gum disease known as gingivitis. If left untreated, this can cause severe tissue and bone loss. This can even go as far as causing tooth loss altogether.

If your gums are weak and infected, you may also develop bad breath. With proper dental cleaning, your dental hygienist ensures that you are rid of all these problems.

Offers personalised oral hygiene instructions
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for you. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day are some of the ways you can help your mouth fight off bacteria and diseases. Your dental care professional often customises a plan that best suits your abilities. According to your needs, your dental hygienist makes sure to give you oral hygiene instructions that are most appropriate and helpful for you.

Demonstrates effective tooth brushing techniques
A dental hygienist makes sure to demonstrate the most effective and efficient way for you to brush your teeth. From toothbrushing techniques to the use of interdental brushes and tongue blades, your dental hygienist has you covered and ready to take on the harmful bacteria of your mouth!

Provides dental health education about tooth care and diet
One of the prime reasons for decaying, dirty or unhealthy teeth is the excessive intake of sugary food. Your dental hygienist makes sure you understand the dietary impact on your oral health and helps you make valuable changes in your dietary regimen.

Takes prophylactic measures to help prevent tooth decay
Dental hygienists are expected to apply prophylactic or antibacterial materials like fissure sealants or topical fluoride on the teeth surfaces of the patients in order to prevent tooth decay.

Oral cancer screening
Lesions in your mouth might go unnoticed by you but your dental hygienist can verify whether you have something to worry about or not. Early signs for oral cancer can be tricky to uncover but with the right dental equipment, you are able to discover such symptoms earlier and get treatment swifter.

So what’s the verdict?

Is it worth visiting the dental hygienist after all?

The warning bells might not be ringing for you or your teeth but you could be wrong and there is only one way to find out! Visit your dental hygienist once every 6 months and be relieved at your discovery. They are constantly working to help solve your dental issues and create patient education and awareness.

If you are in dire need of getting your teeth checked, you should consider visiting the dental hygienist and maintaining proper oral hygiene at your own time. Book your appointment now!