Dental Hygienist
A Dental Hygienist is specially trained in the prevention and treatment of gum (periodontal) disease (which is the main cause of adult tooth loss) and to give advice on all aspects of oral health.
Regular professional cleaning combined with your home care will help maintain a healthy mouth. A clean and healthy mouth will improve your appearance and maintain your general health.
The main role of your hygienist is centred around treating and preventing gum disease. Hygienists are specially trained to carry out scaling and polishing and will remove tartar and plaque, which cannot be removed by brushing alone. The hygienist can only see patients who have been referred to them by a dentist and they work under the dentists’ prescription but with a high degree of clinical freedom.
Your hygienist will work with your dentist to provide care tailored to your needs:
- Prevention of tooth decay and erosion. Your hygienist can discuss in detail the reasons for tooth caries and erosion and give diet advice on how to reduce sugary and acidic food. Your hygienist can also advice you on fluoride and fluoride varnishes which help demineralise early signs of tooth caries.
- Oral hygiene advice. Your hygienist can demonstrate effective tooth brushing technique to remove plaque without causing tooth wear and receding gums. Also she can show you how to clean between your teeth with floss/tape and little brushes. There are many products now available and your hygienist will recommend those that are appropriate for you.
- Tooth stain removal. Unsightly stains on teeth can be caused by smoking, coloured food and drinks, such as curries, red wine, tea and coffee which cannot be removed by simple tooth brushing alone. Your hygienist can help you to have a clean and healthy mouth by removing the stains and polishing the teeth. Clean white teeth can be a very effective way to boost your confidence to smile. It is also a standard protocol before tooth whitening is carried out .
The majority of our patients appreciate the feeling of a professional clean, as it leaves their teeth looking and feeling healthy, smooth and radiant. To get the most out of the practice, why not book your next dental examination and hygienist appointment together?
Why doesn’t the dentist do this work?
A Dental Hygienist has been specially trained to carry out this work and can spend longer with you.