What is a Hygienist
The Dental Hygienist cleans teeth by removing plaque, calculus (tartar) and staining. Both adults and children can benefit from having their teeth cleaned and polished with a dental hygienist, as they can teach you how dental disease occurs and how it can be prevented. The dental hygienist can also identify the presence of gum infections and assist in treatment.
As a gum infection progresses, the bone tends to recede; the gums may or may not recede. In some cases, the root of the tooth becomes exposed, occasionally causing tooth sensitivity. Furthermore, pus may be produced, and pockets may form between the gum and tooth.
To help prevent decay the dental hygienist may also apply fluoride treatments and preventive sealants (fissure sealants) to the permanent teeth if needed.
What are the signs of Gum Disease
Since bone recession is not visible to the naked eye, and if left undetected, may contribute to tooth loss, it is important to visit your dentist for professional examinations and dental cleanings to identify gum disease.
Here are some common signs of gum disease you and your dentist can look for:
- Bleeding gums during tooth brushing or otherwise
- Sensitive, red or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted
The Dental Hygienist cleans teeth by removing plaque, calculus (tartar) and staining. Both adults and children can benefit from having their teeth cleaned and polished with a dental hygienist as they are taught how dental disease occurs and how it can be prevented.
To help prevent decay the dental hygienist may also apply fluoride treatments and preventive sealants (fissure sealants) to the permanent back teeth if needed.
Flossing does about 40% of the work required to remove sticky bacteria, or plaque, from your teeth. Plaque generates acid, which can cause cavities, irritate the gums, and lead to gum disease. “Each tooth has five surfaces. If you don’t floss, you are leaving at least two of the surfaces unclean,” “Floss is the only thing that can really get into that space between the teeth and remove bacteria.
Scaling and polishing is usually pain free. However, if you do have some discomfort the hygienist can use anaesthetic creams, or give you some local anaesthetic. It is important that you let the hygienist know at all times so they can help with your discomfort
It is recommended that you visit the hygienist with your regular dental examinations which can detect decay early
Visiting your dental hygienist can also reveal early signs of problems that are much more serious than plaque. During a cleaning or exam, it’s easy to spot signs of oral cancer, new cavities, receding gums, and even signs of anaemia or other medical problems. Since gum disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, catching it as early as possible can even lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you haven’t made professional teeth cleaning a priority, it’s not too late.