What does a dental hygienist do?

What does a dental hygienist do?

Dental hygienists play an important role in oral health. They work closely with dentists to help you have a healthy mouth and no oral health issues. The job of a dental hygienist is to prevent dental problems. They also help patients maintain proper oral hygiene.

Dental hygienists carry out a variety of tasks. Cleaning, polishing and assessing your oral health are all a part of their role. Regular visits to a dental hygienist help prevent issues. These include gum disease, cavities and bad breath. They can also help you to improve your overall oral care routine.

Cleaning and polishing teeth

One of the main tasks of a dental hygienist is cleaning your teeth. This involves removing plaque and tartar that can build up over time. The hygienist uses special tools to gently clean between your teeth and along the gumline.

After cleaning, your teeth are polished to remove any stains and make them shine. This helps keep the teeth smooth. Smooth teeth are less likely to collect plaque.

Cleaning by a dental hygienist is a quick and easy way to keep your teeth looking and feeling fresh.

Removing tartar, stains, and plaque

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that sits on top of your teeth. This is called tartar when it hardens. If tartar builds up, it can cause gum disease as well as other oral health issues. According to data, two in three (66%) adults have visible plaque.

Tartar causes halitosis (bad breath) and gingivitis (gum disease). It is visible as a hard, crust-like coating or yellow stain.

You can only remove tartar by seeing a dentist or dental hygienist. Flossing and brushing don’t remove it. But this does remove the plaque that causes it in the first place.

A dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar and stains from your teeth. They use special tools like scalers to carefully remove the tartar from the tooth surface. This is especially true for hard-to-reach areas.

They can also help remove stains caused by diet, coffee or tobacco. Regular cleanings mean your teeth are healthier. And they’ll also be free from plaque build-up.

Helping to protect teeth

Adults experiencing a lot of tooth decay can benefit from having fluoride applied to their teeth. Dental hygienists can apply this as well as other sealants to protect teeth.

Fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel on your teeth. This makes it more resistant to decay. It prevents cavities and keeps teeth healthier for longer.

Sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the back teeth on the chewing surfaces. They help prevent cavities by sealing the tooth. This means food and bacteria can’t get stuck in the grooves. The back teeth are more likely to get cavities than other teeth due to their surfaces being pitted naturally. That’s why sealants aren’t really used on other teeth.

Assessing oral health

A dental hygienist can also check your teeth and mouth for any health issues. They’re trained to spot the signs of oral infections, gum disease and cavities. Visiting a dental hygienist means you can catch problems early.

If the dental hygienist spots anything they’re concerned about, they’ll let you know. They’ll also be able to recommend the next steps. Small issues spotted early can be treated to prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the line.

Educating patients

Dental hygienists are also educators. They are highly trained in dental hygiene education. They take the time to explain proper oral care. They’ll make sure you know the best ways to brush and floss. They may also give you tips on diet and lifestyle. You might be advised to reduce sugary snacks or quit smoking, for example.

The goal of the hygienist is to help you develop better oral hygiene. And this extends to your oral hygiene routine at home.

Book a hygiene appointment today

Ringway Dental is here to help you look after your teeth and oral health. Our experienced dental hygienists offer professional cleaning, tartar removals and fluoride treatments to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. Regular hygiene appointments can really help you prevent future dental problems. Don’t wait for issues to arise. Book your hygiene appointment with us today. Contact Ringway Dental now to schedule your visit.

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