Dentists everywhere seek to improve the health of their clients’ teeth in multiple ways. One of the best ways of maintaining your oral health is to schedule regular appointments with a dental hygienist, who will help you improve your dental care routine and offer advice and guidance on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. While some people don’t take advantage of the service that dental hygienists offer, doing so is a smart move for your oral health, as we explain below.
What does a dental hygienist do?
The primary role of a dental hygienist is to offer preventive care to all patients. During an appointment, a hygienist will professionally clean and polish your teeth, which removes any plaque and tartar that has built up since your last visit to the dentist. Following this simple treatment, the hygienist will then discuss your dental routine and offer tips and guidance on how to improve your oral health in general. This can be everything from product recommendations to dietary advice, and you can ask any questions that you may have about your teeth or gums.
Can hygienists do a scale and polish?
Hygienists regularly perform scale and polish treatments for patients. It’s actually one of the most effective ways of getting your teeth professionally cleaned and is a great treatment to book in between dental visits. The first stage of a scale and polish sees the hygienist scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth. Next, they will polish your teeth, treat any imperfections, and ensure your teeth sparkle. While you might think that brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is enough to keep them healthy, booking a regular scale and polish with a hygienist provides your teeth and gums with a much-needed boost.
What else does a hygienist do?
You can regard an appointment with a dental hygienist as a general check-up for your teeth. Just as your car needs a regular service and MOT, your teeth require regular attention to ensure they’re healthy. A hygienist is able to identify any areas of your mouth that could potentially cause you a problem in the near future. Specifically, visiting a hygienist regularly reduces your risk of suffering from gum disease, an affliction that affects nearly 50% of all adults over the age of thirty.
Why not just visit a dentist?
Dentists and dental hygienists provide different types of care. A hygienist specialises in preventative treatment, while a dentist typically treats actual issues that you have with your teeth now. It’s helpful to think of trips to a hygienist as supplementary to your appointments with dentists, and you might consider booking hygienist visits in between your dental check-ups. This is because dentists and hygienists work hand in hand and will deliver an excellent level of care when scheduled in tandem.
Book a dental hygienist appointment today
If you want to improve your oral health and want to supplement your visits to the dentist, now is the perfect time to book an appointment with a dental hygienist. You will find that your experience with a hygienist will help you improve your daily routine, and you will be able to get your teeth and gums professionally cleaned between check-ups with your dentist.