The role of a hygienist is an important one. They not only clean teeth so that damaging plaque and tartar are reduced and removed, they also educate their patients so that they can continue their home oral hygiene routine to an acceptable standard.
Many people are unaware of how they can best care for their own personal oral health needs and this is where bespoke treatments and education can help. It is all well and good understanding how to brush and floss, but some people need additional care, as well as different kinds of toothpaste and toothbrushes, and may need to visit their dentist more frequently.
For most people, checking in with their dentist and having a full mouth clean should occur every six months. This gives the dentist an opportunity to inspect the mouth for any signs of tooth decay and also allows the professional cleaning the mouth to ensure the mouth is free from disease.
Should a patient present with symptoms of gum disease, they will be assisted and educated in ways of managing it. There have been several links made between gum disease and heart disease, and many other dental treatments cannot go ahead if the severity of gum disease could cause an issue.
Managing this disease is beneficial for the overall health and well-being of the patient. They can enjoy a healthier smile free from pain or discomfort, their overall health is less compromised and they can be more confident with strong teeth and healthy gums.
What does a cleaning routine look like?
In a practice, a specifically trained dentist or hygienist has a number of different tools that they use to scrape away the plaque and tartar that is cemented firmly onto teeth. They use tools to get in between teeth to remove food debris and under the gums slightly where bacteria can build up, as it is often missed by brushing alone.
Using special pastes, a polish can then remove extrinsic staining on the teeth; brightening and whitening them.
As mentioned before, education is critical to this role and there will be time put aside where the professional and the patient can discuss together any issues that have arisen during the appointment.
If a patient has any questions or concerns about the health of their mouth, they are always invited to bring these up, so that they can be answered and fears can be alleviated. A plan of action should be put in place, not only for future visits to the dental practice, but for a home oral hygiene routine that is bespoke and effective for that patient’s specific needs.
Only in this way can progress be made towards the health of a person’s mouth. A healthy, clean mouth is generally more attractive and the teeth whiter. This is a cost effective way to whiten teeth without the need for sometimes damaging teeth whitening strips or treatment.
By using the right toothpastes and toothbrushes, patients can work slowly over the months between appointments on maintaining their current level of health or even improving upon it. These professionals are non-judgemental and simply care for the well-being of each and every one of their patients.
