Dental Hygienist Treatment
Everyone wants to have healthy teeth and gums and achieving this aim always begins with paying close attention to maintaining good dental hygiene. Failing to do this can lead to all kinds of conditions which range from tooth decay to gum disease as well as bad breath, or halitosis as it’s sometimes known.
There are also a number of more positive reasons to maintain dental hygiene in that you can automatically be more confident knowing that your breath is fresh and your smile is sparkling.
We also see our role as being able to clean your teeth professionally, and far more effectively than most people can manage by brushing alone. Another important part of our service is being able to offer the best advice on the best techniques to clean and floss your teeth to maintain the highest levels of dental hygiene and prevent the build-up of plaque and other harmful deposits.
Fighting plaque
Plaque is the bacteria that naturally builds up in our mouth and which can form a film on our teeth and around the gum-line. Unless it’s removed it can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
There are actions you can take yourself to control it and these include brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes twice a day and using dental floss at least once a week. Rinsing with mouthwash can also be effective, as well as chewing sugar-free gum after meals.
One benefit of choosing us for your dental care is that our hygienists are allowed to treat patients without the need for a referral from a dentist. So if you feel that all you need is a thorough clean then you simply have to arrange it.
All are also highly trained and experienced. So if they spot any signs that a more thorough investigation or treatment is needed, they will refer you to one of our dentists.
Prevention is always better than treatment
Remember, if we want to have healthy teeth and gums that need the minimum of attention from dentists, it all starts with good dental hygiene – and prevention of dental decay is always better than treatment.
Hygienist FAQ
What services does a dental hygienist provide?
Hygienists are qualified dental professionals who are experts in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. Their main role is to professionally clean teeth and to educate patients about the best way to maintain dental health. They can also take X-rays and impressions of teeth, seal fissures and provide fluoride treatments. Working with a dentist, they can also provide a teeth whitening service.
How long is an appointment with a hygienist?
A first appointment can last up to an hour as the hygienist needs to make a full assessment of your dental health. Subsequent appointments are generally between 30 and 45 minutes.
What’s the difference between a scale and polish by a hygienist and one by a dentist?
Hygienists generally will have more time to spend with you. So, although the actual scaling and polishing will be the same, they will also be able to show you how to brush your teeth more effectively and some may even offer advice on eating more healthily and giving up smoking.
Miles more smiles.
