Your dental hygienist plays a vital role in keeping your mouth healthy and your smile bright. As licensed oral health professionals, hygienists have the skills and expertise to help prevent and treat dental disease. Developing a partnership with your hygienist is key for effective ongoing care.
Thorough Cleanings
Hygienists perform regular professional cleanings to remove the plaque and tartar that standard brushing misses. Using specialised instruments, they meticulously clean around and under the gums to eliminate bacteria-harbouring buildup. This disrupts disease progression and freshens the entire mouth.
Oral Exams
Each visit includes a comprehensive exam of all tissues in the mouth. Hygienists check for early signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues that may require treatment. Catching problems early maximises outcomes. Your hygienist works hand-in-hand with your dentist to monitor and improve your oral condition.
Treatment of Gum Disease
Hygienists are highly trained in treating all stages of periodontal disease. Depending on the severity, they perform deep cleanings called root planing and scaling to reduce infection and inflammation. Ongoing periodontal care helps stabilise progressive gum disease.
Oral Health Education
Hygienists offer personalised guidance on proper home care techniques for optimal oral health between visits. They explain proper brushing, flossing, nutrition, smoking cessation, and other ways you can proactively care for your teeth and gums. Implementing their advice helps control dental disease.
Stain Removal
Over time, coffee, tea, wine, tobacco and other substances can stain and discolour teeth. Your hygienist uses professional strength polishing pastes and tools to effectively buff away tough surface stains for brighter teeth.
Sensitivity Relief
If you experience discomfort from hot, cold, or sweet foods, your hygienist has methods to help relieve sensitivity. Special toothpaste, mouthwashes, and dental products aim to calm aggravated nerves and reduce pain triggers.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Hygienists regularly perform oral cancer screenings to check for any suspicious lesions or growths. They look for early warning signs and promptly refer patients to a dentist for further evaluation as needed. Early detection of oral cancer is critical for treatment success.
In Birmingham, the dedicated dental hygienist Birmingham provides personalised care to help patients practice good preventive habits for optimal oral wellness. With a dental hygienist as your health partner, you can confidently maintain a vibrant healthy smile for life.
Your dental hygienist takes a proactive, preventive approach to protecting your oral well-being. By keeping up regular visits and following your hygienist’s recommendations, you can reduce dental disease risk and safeguard your smile for the long term.
Conclusion
Your dental hygienist is not just a professional who cleans your teeth; they are a crucial partner in maintaining your overall oral health. Through thorough cleanings, oral exams, treatment of gum disease, oral health education, stain removal, sensitivity relief, and oral cancer screenings, hygienists play a proactive and preventive role in protecting your smile. The collaboration between you and your hygienist forms the foundation for effective ongoing care, ensuring that potential issues are detected early and addressed promptly.
With their expertise and your commitment to following their advice, you can confidently embrace a vibrant, healthy smile for life. Regular visits and a strong partnership with your dental hygienist contribute significantly to reducing the risk of dental diseases and promoting long-term oral well-being.