The demand to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist has increased rapidly in recent years. More and more people are recognizing the value in seeing a dental hygienist to help maintain good oral health and overall systemic health (whole body health).
Even people with meticulous brushing and flossing routines still benefit from seeing a dental hygienist. No matter what products you’re using or how thoroughly you brush and floss, bacterial deposits can still build up in hard-to-reach places (especially under your gums). Plaque, (the furry feeling you get; which is bacteria on your teeth) eventually hardens into tartar (which is more like concrete). You need special instruments and trained expertise to get your teeth completely clean.
Typically, your dental hygiene appointment will include a full mouth assessment of your teeth and gums. We will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Next, we will complete a thorough cleaning of your teeth; removing all bacterial deposits on your teeth and under your gums. We will also advise you on how to maintain good oral health and discuss any further treatment you may need. We are experts in home tooth care and can revise your oral health techniques and suggest products that may help.
Here are my 5 main reasons why it is important to see a dental hygienist regularly:
- Healthy gums
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is gum disease is treatable. Preventing and treating gum disease is a hygienist’s top priority. Your dental hygienist will completely clean your teeth and gums, taking off any hard or soft deposits that have accumulated, initiating the healing process, and encouraging strong healthy gums. - Fresh breath
Nobody wants bad breath. Most of the time, bad breath is caused by bacteria accumulating under the gumline and in hard to reach places. Anaerobic bacteria are responsible for the foul smell, and while brushing or mouthwash may help initially, if you want fresh breath for longer than a few minutes, you need to visit a dental hygienist. - A whiter smile
Food, beverages, tobacco, and lifestyle factors can cause staining on your teeth. Thankfully these extrinsic stains can easily be removed by your dental hygienist. Some ‘whitening’ toothpastes can actually damage your teeth, leaving them more prone to staining than before. Seeing a dental hygienist can make your teeth whiter than they were before, as well as ensuring the best and safest products are used.
- Early warning detection
Apart from cleaning your teeth and gums, your hygienist also checks for early decay, faulty fillings, infections, and especially oral cancer. If oral cancer is detected early, it can be cured. - Improved confidence
A healthy, clean mouth and a great smile does wonders for your confidence. The best thing about seeing your dental hygienist regularly is that we give you the information you need, which if you follow, may mean you have a healthy mouth and may not need to see us that often anymore. I always say, ‘’the more effort you put in at home, the less you need to see us!’’And lastly… seeing a dental hygienist regularly makes you less likely to need a filling or have a tooth removed as problems can be caught and treated early. This means you actually save money – not to mention pain, stress and inconvenience! Prevention is always better than cure, so if you are due to see a dental hygienist, don’t delay any longer – contact us for a dental hygiene appointment today.