What Is A Dental Hygienist And Why Should I Go To One?
A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who specialises in preventing gum disease and taking care of your overall tooth / gum health. A dentist makes a diagnosis and deals with problems (for example by carrying out fillings or crowns) whilst a hygienist helps you maintain the everyday issues that, left unchecked could lead to more extensive dental work later. For a Dentist Bournemouth, visit Gentle Dentistry.
A hygiene appointment often includes:
A thorough periodontal assessment (evaluating for bleeding, or redness of the gums)
Scaling / Removal of Plaque and Calculus (Tartar)
Polishing to remove surface staining
How to brush your teeth information, clean between the teeth and use floss or interdental brushes
Advice tailored to implants or braces; crowns and fillings; sensitive teeth
If needed, they can schedule a further review by a Dentist Bournemouth.
Hygiene appointments are not required for everyone to visit as often, but many people will benefit especially if they:
Bleed from their gums, have bad breath or receding gum lines
Have had gum disease before
Smoke or vape
Have diabetes (keeping gums healthy may be harder to maintain)
Have large fillings, crowns, implants or orthodontic treatments
Stain easily (Tea, Coffee, Red Wine)
How often should you go?
This varies. Some may benefit from a 6 monthly visit and others may need monthly attendance to normalise gum issues.
Put simply: if you want to prevent gum disease, and keep your mouth fresh - a hygienist is one of the best preventative appointments available.
