What does a Dental Hygienist do?
To maintain long-lasting dental hygiene, the average adult should visit a dental hygienist every six to nine months. However, almost one-third of UK adults have never been to see a hygienist. This follows the trend of almost 50% of adults who haven’t visited the dentist within a two-year period.
The core problem associated with a lack of adults visiting the dentist is that it creates plenty of opportunity for problems with the teeth, gums and mouth to develop. A hygienist’s role is to clean the teeth and ensure the patient is staying on top of their oral hygiene. Without this, long-lasting issues can develop and cause damage and pain.
One of the many reasons why adults may not be visiting a dental hygienist is because they aren’t aware of the service that they offer. Patients do not need to be referred to a hygienist, they can simply book an appointment and take advantage of the benefits that their services provide. If you are interested in making an appointment with a professional dental hygienist, visit the Smile Aesthetics website today.
What does a Dental Hygienist do?
A dental hygienist is a specialist who works alongside the dentist to provide patients with oral hygiene care. They carry out treatments such as teeth cleaning, gum disease prevention and oral health education.
The services that dental hygienists offer are essential for maintaining good oral health. They play a vital role in the early detection of oral health problems and can provide patients with the necessary treatments to prevent these problems from developing further.
What’s the Difference Between a Dental Hygienist and a Dentist?
A dentist is trained to diagnose, treat and prevent dental diseases. They carry out a wide range of treatments, including fillings, extractions and root canals.
Alternatively, a dental hygienist is a specialist who works alongside the dentist to provide patients with oral hygiene care. They carry out treatments such as teeth cleaning, gum disease prevention and oral health education.
Services that a Dental Hygienist May Offer
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Teeth Cleaning
One of the most common services that dental hygienists offer is teeth cleaning. This involves using specialised instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque is a film of bacteria that is formed from leftover food and saliva. Individuals who don’t brush their teeth properly are susceptible to a build-up of plaque which can then calcify and become tartar.
Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque and can only be removed by a dental professional. If left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease.
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Stain Removal
Some people’s teeth are more susceptible to staining than others. This can be due to a number of reasons such as the consumption of foods and drinks that cause staining or smoking.
Dental hygienists can use a number of different techniques to remove surface stains from teeth. These include scaling, polishing and ultrasonic cleaning.
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Oral Health Education
Another service that dental hygienists offer is oral health education. This involves teaching patients about how to take care of their teeth and gums to prevent oral health problems from developing.
Dental hygienists will usually give patients advice on how to brush their teeth correctly, what type of toothbrush to use, how often to floss and the importance of a balanced diet for good oral health.
What are the Benefits of Seeing a Dental Hygienist?
There are a number of benefits to seeing a dental hygienist. Some of these include:
- Improved oral health – Regular visits to the dental hygienist can help to maintain good oral health and prevent problems such as gum disease from developing.
- Prevention of tooth decay – Dental hygienists can provide you with the knowledge and tools that you need to prevent tooth decay.
- Fresh breath – Dental hygienists can help to get rid of bad breath by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth. They can also provide you with advice on how to keep your mouth healthy and free from bacteria.
- Whiter teeth – Teeth cleaning appointments can help to remove surface stains from the teeth and leave them looking brighter.
Overall, seeing a dental hygienist on a regular basis can help to keep your mouth healthy and free from disease. It is important to remember that good oral hygiene starts at home with daily brushing and flossing. Seeing a dental hygienist should be part of your routine dental care.
How to Book an Appointment with a Dental Hygienist
An appointment with a dental hygienist should not be a replacement for regular visits and professional assessment by a dentist, however, if you are interested in cosmetic teeth cleaning and improved oral hygiene, book an appointment with Smile Aesthetics.
You do not have to be an existing client with Smile Aesthetics to book an appointment. Speak to dental hygienist Jamie to benefit from a wealth of experience and knowledge surrounding oral hygiene. Smile Aesthetics will tailor your appointment to focus on specific areas of concern or perform a general clean. To book your appointment, visit their website.