The Importance Of Visiting The Dental Hygienist

It is well known that if you want to minimise dental treatments, you should see a hygienist. Hygienists play a crucial role in cleaning the teeth; using good quality dental products can also help keep potentially expensive dental treatments at bay.

Dental hygienists are skilled at ensuring your teeth stay cleaner, stronger, and whiter for longer. Regular clean-ups and check-ups are critical for the maintenance of good oral health in the long term. Dental hygienists check for gum disease and periodontitis. The hygienist is specialized in checking for issues with the teeth and gums. Some are even qualified to perform fissure sealant treatments and tooth whitening services for patients. Hygienists are experienced and highly trained dental professionals who work closely with the dentist as part of the team at the dental practice. 

You should consider going to the dental hygienist regularly alongside regular check ups with the dentist. Your dentist and hygienist will be able to recommend how often you should attend.

What Does A Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental hygienists perform several roles:

• Removing plaque and tartar from the mouth
• Checking for oral cavities
• Gum and tissue health checks
• Tooth cleaning and polishing
• Conducting X-rays to help identify issues
• Nutrition advice
• Advice on the best way to look after your teeth e.g. flossing and brushing techniques

Let us look at some reasons why it is essential to visit the dental hygienist.

Prevention of Gum Disease:

Many adults face some form of gum disease or disorder by the age of 35 years. In the UK, several people ignore gum issues out of fear of the dentist. Many times, it goes undiagnosed. Dental hygienists help clean and maintain the health of the teeth while also ensuring that the gum health is optimum. If the gums are constantly neglected, they can cause severe issues later.

Dental hygienists can offer tailored advice best suited for your gums and help you avoid gum disease. It is also critical to get the teeth and gums checked regularly since gum disease does not cause pain and cannot be detected easily. 

Prevention of Bad Breath:

Bad breath is a result of food debris that remains stuck in the gaps between your teeth. This food mixes with the saliva, bacteria in the mouth that turns the food into acid and causes bad breath. This bacteria hides in the gum line and starts working the instant that food touches the teeth. 

It is essential to get the teeth cleaned out at least twice a year to not have constant food stuck in your teeth, plaque, and tartar build-up. Many people feel that by brushing twice a day, they can avoid bad breath and tartar. While doing this is necessary for the reduction, it is not foolproof. Dental hygienists help clean the teeth, ensure the gaps are maintained, and remove all the food debris from the gum line and in-between teeth. Hygienists also check for tooth sensitivity and cavities with the use of good quality instruments and dental equipment.

Avoid the Dentist:

Most people don’t realize that you do not need to rush to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned or for an oral check. The dental hygienist can also do the same. The dentist is excellent for identifying more significant medical concerns that the hygienist points out – like oral cancer, root canals, severe periodontitis, and more. The dental hygienist checks for all oral diseases, and only if necessary, refers you to the dentist. The dental hygienist also uses good quality dental hygiene supplies. 

Get A Beautiful Smile:

Having a beautiful smile is an excellent boost to self-confidence. A healthy smile does not depend only on how many times you brush your teeth but also on maintaining the teeth and keeping them clean. Dental hygienists help clean the teeth, whiten them, clear out any lingering plaque, tartar, and more. 

Daily habits like drinking wine and smoking can affect your oral health. Your teeth may stain and blacken. The hygienist will help clean this up, advise the best way to avoid spoiling the teeth and aid in recovery. Dental hygienists help remove any adverse effects from your lifestyle, including stains and issues due to constant consumption of sugary foods, carbs, and more. 

You should take time to make an appointment with a dental hygienist for a teeth clean-up and oral health check. Knowing that your teeth are looking good will help you smile better and improve your self-confidence.