A dental hygienist is a highly trained member of the dental team who specialises in the treatment of gum disease and provides oral hygiene instruction.
The hygienist will perform thorough scaling of your teeth to remove any plaque or calculus present, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. They will also advise you on the best ways to maintain your oral hygiene between appointments. Additionally, they will provide targeted advice to care for dental implants and teeth straightening appliances. They may also recommend smoking cessation, as smoking has a detrimental effect on dental health, increasing the risk of gum disease and staining.
How often should I see the hygienist?
The frequency of your visits to the hygienist will depend on the condition of your oral health. Initially, it may be necessary to schedule appointments every three months in order for the hygienist to manage any gum disease effectively. As long as you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine between visits, the interval between appointments can be extended to every four months and, eventually, every six months.
Benefits of seeing the hygienist.
There are several benefits to seeing the hygienist and they include:
- Demonstrations on effective tooth brushing techniques to remove plaque without causing tooth wear and receding gums.
- Discussions on the latest oral hygiene products.
- Advice on the best aid to clean in-between teeth.
- Detailed explanation of the causes of gum disease.
- Removal of plaque and hard calculus deposits.
- Discussion on the secondary factors that cause gum disease, for example smoking and diabetes.
- Discussion on how gum disease could affect or complicate other health problems, for example heart disease.
- Prevention of tooth decay and erosion
- Diet advice on how to reduce sugary and acidic food and drink.
- Advice on fluoride and apply fluoride varnishes to help remineralise early signs of tooth caries.
- The removal of food and drink stains.
- Changing red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink.
- Stopping gums from bleeding when brushing.
- Preventing teeth from becoming mobile and drifting.
- Preventing unpleasant tastes and bad breath caused by the damaging bacteria in the mouth.
Do I need to see the dentist first?
A new regulation has recently come into effect, allowing you to book an appointment with the hygienist without first seeing the dentist. However, it is important to note that a visit to the hygienist is not a substitute for seeing the dentist. Routine appointments with the dentist are still necessary, and the hygienist will refer you to the dentist if they detect any issues or if you require treatment beyond their expertise.
What should I do in between hygienist visits to improve the health of my teeth and gums?
In between visits to see the hygienist you should maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
- Be sure to change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if it becomes worn to ensure you are brushing effectively.
- Clean in between your teeth using interdental aids such as floss, interdental brushes or water flossers.
- Aim to cut down the number of sugary foods and drinks you have throughout the day and where possible limit them to mealtimes.
So why wait call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029and book an appointment with the hygienist today!
