The Benefits of Visiting the Dental Hygienist

The Benefits of Visiting the Dental Hygienist

Post by : admin | 28 November 2024

Maintaining oral health is essential not just for a confident smile, but for your overall well-being. While regular brushing and flossing are crucial, visiting a dental hygienist can provide the professional care and expertise needed to keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition. Here, we outline the many benefits of seeing a dental hygienist and the services they offer to improve your oral health.

Personalized Oral Hygiene Advice

A dental hygienist provides tailored advice to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral hygiene. This includes:

• Tooth Brushing Techniques: Demonstrate effective tooth brushing technique to remove plaque without causing tooth wear and receding gums.
• Interdental Cleaning Tips: Advice on the best aid to clean in-between teeth.

Stay Updated on the Latest Products

Discuss the latest oral hygiene products. Oral hygiene products are constantly evolving, and your hygienist can guide you on the most effective options. From electric toothbrushes to mouthwashes and fluoride-based treatments, they will help you choose the products best suited to your oral health.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

One of the key roles of a dental hygienist is to educate patients about periodontal (gum) disease:

• What It Is: Detailed explanation of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to gum inflammation, infection, and potential tooth loss.
• Secondary Factors: Discuss secondary factors that cause periodontal disease, for example smoking and diabetes.
• Overall Health Implications: Discuss how periodontal disease could affect or complicate other health problems, for example heart disease. Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth—it can complicate conditions like heart disease and diabetes. A hygienist can explain these links and help you take preventative action.

Prevention and Treatment of Tooth Decay and Erosion

Tooth decay and erosion are common problems caused by sugary and acidic foods. A dental hygienist can:

• Provide Diet Advice: Give diet advice on how to reduce sugary and acidic food and drink. Learn how to reduce the consumption of harmful foods and drinks while still enjoying a balanced diet.
• Apply Fluoride Treatments: Advice on fluoride and apply fluoride varnishes to help remineralise early signs of tooth caries.

Professional Cleaning for Healthier Teeth and Gums

Professional cleanings are a cornerstone of dental hygienist appointments. This process involves:

• Removing Plaque and Tartar: Removal of plaque and hard (calculus) deposits. Unlike brushing at home, a hygienist can remove hard deposits (calculus) that accumulate over time.
• Polishing Your Teeth: Polish the teeth to remove food and drink stain. Stains from food and drink are removed, leaving your teeth looking brighter and smoother.
• Improving Gum Health: Help to change red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink. If your gums are red, inflamed, or bleeding, the hygienist can help restore them to a healthy pink and stop the bleeding during brushing.

Prevention of Serious Oral Issues

Regular visits to a dental hygienist can help prevent a host of oral health problems:

• Stop gums from bleeding when brushing.
• Prevent teeth from becoming mobile and drifting.
• Prevent unpleasant tastes and bad breath by the damaging bacteria in the mouth.

Oral Health and Your Overall Well-Being

A healthy mouth contributes to better overall health. Visiting a dental hygienist regularly can:

• Reduce the risk of systemic health issues linked to gum disease, such as heart problems.
• Help manage conditions like diabetes by improving oral hygiene and reducing inflammation.
• Provide peace of mind knowing that your oral health is under control.

When to Visit a Dental Hygienist

If you notice any of the following issues, it’s time to book an appointment:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
• Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
• Visible plaque buildup or stains that won’t go away with brushing.
• Sensitivity in your teeth or gums.

Contact Us

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment, and a dental hygienist can provide the support you need. Whether you’re looking to improve your oral health, address specific concerns, or simply keep your smile shining, our gentle hygienist is here to help.

If your gums bleed or concerned about bad breath please call us on 0208 399 4311 to make an appointment to see our gentle hygienist.