Visiting the hygienist

What does a dental hygienist do in a practice?

Tonia our dental hygienist

Dental hygienists are specially trained to work as part of the dental team, to give care to patients. they are mainly concerned with preventative treatment and in treating gum disease. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth by removing plaque and tartar (scale and polish). The most important role they undertake is in showing you the best way to clean your teeth to prevent the need for any further intervention and treatment.

Hygienists also give advice about diets and preventing tooth decay.

Can a hygienist help prevent gum disease?

This is what hygienists training is all about. This will do a lot to slow the progress of gum disease carefully remove the hard deposits (calculus) that build up on the teeth and teach you how to prevent them coming back.

By talking to you about diet and recommending preventative measures they can help you to keep up a routine that will slow down tooth decay. Regular visits and advice will help keep your mouth healthy.

What does the hygienist do in the practice?

You can do a lot to help yourself and the hygienist as you are the one who looks after your teeth. Your hygienist will show you how to remove plaque with a toothbrush and flouride toothpaste. They will also show you how to use interdental brushes, floss or tape.

There are many care products you can get for your teeth including electric toothbrushes, mouthwashes and your hygienist will tell you which is best for you.

We recommend you follow three steps:

• brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day using a flouride toothpaste
• cut down on sugary foods and drinks
• visit your hygienist regularly

Cutting down the amount of sugar in your diet, and the number of times you eat during the day can reduce decay. Your hygienist can help you by looking at your problem and making recommendations for you to consider.

Contact us now to book your appointment. At Confident Orthodontics you do not need a dentist’s referral to see a hygienist.

We can now book you in to see a hygienist on a Saturday morning!

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