The main reason why you need to see a dental hygienist ever every six months is to maintain optimal oral health. These sessions include comprehensive teeth cleanings and exams, using specialized tools to detect tooth decay, gingivitis, and other issues. Such appointments are key for early detection and preventing dental problems, ensuring the health of your teeth and gums. Our experienced hygienists provide gentle, reassuring care, especially for those anxious about dental visits. They perform detailed examinations, making your visit comfortable and stress-free. Trust our team’s empathy and expertise for a healthier, brighter smile.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a trained professional specializing in oral healthcare. They begin by reviewing your dental and medical history, taking into account any medications, conditions like diabetes, allergies, or anxieties you may have. This thorough review is crucial to ensure your oral care is tailored to your specific needs and to prevent any incidents during your visit. Their role is integral in providing personalized and safe dental care.
The Reasons Why You Need To See A Dental Hygienist
Professional Teeth Cleaning
One of the main reasons you should visit a dental hygienist is to get your teeth cleaned! Once your dental hygienist completes your medical history review and physical exam, the next phase is teeth cleaning. Initially, they remove plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque, a bacteria mass, grows on teeth and gums, while tartar accumulates above and below the gum line. Though plaque is typically harmless, it can turn into tartar if not removed, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, a dental hygienist’s cleaning is vital for maintaining healthy teeth and a sparkling smile! This step is essential in your oral hygiene routine.
Gum Disease Detection
Another reason visiting a dental hygienist is essential is to ensure you’re not at risk for gum disease (aka periodontal disease). This nasty infection doesn’t just mess with your gums – it can also affect your jawbone and lead to tooth loss and even more severe health problems. Luckily, a dental hygienist can check for gum disease and figure out what stage you might be in. So don’t wait – book that appointment and give your gums some love!
Stages of periodontal disease
You can learn more from Crest.com about gum disease symptoms, causes and treatments. Below is high-level information.
- Gingivitis – can be reversed
- Slight periodontal disease – cannot be reversed
- Moderate periodontal disease – cannot be reversed
- Advanced periodontal disease – cannot be reversed
Avoid Bad Breath
Bad breath is known as halitosis, caused by bacteria hiding in two places. Halitosis causes bacteria to hide under the gum line and on the tongue’s back and sides. The hygienist will educate you on proper oral hygiene and how to clean your tongue. Halitosis treatment is another reason why you need to see a dental hygienist.
Oral Cancer Screening
Dental hygienists are qualified to identify the early signs of oral cancer. An oral cancer screening is performed by looking for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Remember, the earlier it’s caught, the more likely you are to recover with only minimal treatment intervention.
Oral Health and Overall Health
Did you know that good oral hygiene can prevent heart disease, diabetes and respiratory tract illnesses? Researchers have found clear links between poor dental hygiene and these illnesses.
Spotting Tooth Decay and Other Issues
You may have decided that all you want is to have your teeth cleaned, but while your dental hygienist is busy, he or she might spot the beginnings of dental problems you didn’t know you had. That means you could even be saved extensive dental work that would have resulted if the problems were given time to develop.
Learn Proper Oral Hygiene Habits
Giving you the best advice on caring for your teeth is part of a dental hygienist’s job and training. Most adults do not brush their teeth properly, so getting a reminder of how it should be done is helpful. As for teaching your kids, a dental hygienist will have visual aids that will help kids to get a clear understanding of what they should be doing when brushing their teeth.
Tooth Whitening and Fluoride Treatments
The dental hygienist does tooth whitening or bleaching treatments in some dental practices. He or she will also help with fluoride treatments that keep teeth strong, which is especially important for children.
You Need To See A Dental Hygienist Every Six Months
With all these excellent reasons to see a dental hygienist and knowing that the treatments are non-invasive and usually completely painless, you have no real reason to avoid a visit every six months to keep yourself healthy and happy with a sparkling smile.
Schedule A Comprehensive Dental Examination
We are a Port Coquitlam Dentist proudly service patients from Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and other surrounding areas! Schedule a dental appointment today!
