Most people know they should visit the dentist every six months for a check-up – but to keep your oral health in the best possible condition, you should see your hygienist just as regularly.
Your hygienist plays a vital role in future-proofing your teeth and gums – but how exactly do they do this? We explore everything you need to know below.
Prevention is always better than cure
When it comes to your oral health, we aim to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. This task is a joint effort – you need to make sure you’re brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and using interdental brushes.
But personal dental care alone isn’t enough to keep your mouth free of disease and decay. Bacteria love to grow in the crevices between our teeth; even the best quality tooth and interdental brushes only reach a fraction of these areas.
We’re committed to giving you the most thorough, professional dental care possible. Regular dental examinations form a large part of this – they enable us to check for mouth cancer and diagnose other potentially severe conditions early.
But what role does your hygienist play in keeping your mouth healthy and happy?
Here’s what hygienists can do to help
Dental hygienists play a vital role in preventing complex oral health issues. They also help you avoid expensive restorative treatment later in life.
Hygienists perform a range of treatments that aim to reduce plaque and tartar around your teeth. These are the root causes of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Occasionally, poor dental hygiene can even cause infection, heart disease and other conditions.
Bacteria thrive for several reasons: the overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks, irregular brushing, and lack of flossing, to name a few. A crucial part of every hygienist’s job is providing personalised oral health and diet advice, helping you develop healthier habits.
What treatments do hygienists offer?
Scale and polish
The most popular treatment that hygienists offer is scale and polish – this involves scraping stubborn plaque deposits from around your teeth and gums before polishing your teeth to smooth the surface and remove stains.
A thorough clean is the only way to remove tartar – this hardened form of plaque gathers around your teeth and gums and eventually causes gum disease. Your hygienist must remove it before it causes long-lasting damage.
Fissure sealants and fluoride applications
Other hygiene treatments that promote the prevention of tooth decay are fissure sealants and fluoride applications. Hygienists often use fissure sealants to treat child patients. They protect trapped food and bacteria from entering the molars, as it will eventually cause decay.
Fluoride applications strengthen your tooth enamel, preventing erosion and decay caused by acidic foods like lemon and tomatoes.
What is the difference between a hygienist and a therapist?
Dental hygienists are qualified to perform all the preventative treatments listed above. Dental therapists can also carry out procedures like extracting baby teeth, attaching crowns to baby teeth, and filling or restoring adult teeth.
How long is a hygienist appointment?
Around 30 to 60 minutes, although the length of your appointment depends on the condition of your teeth. It is likely to take longer if you have lots of stubborn plaque and tartar.
Where can I get professional hygiene treatment in South West London?
At Ten Dental, we have two skilled hygienists called Raquel and Sophie. They both have years of experience maintaining their patients’ mouths. Plus, they help people understand how their general and oral health go hand in hand.
If you are looking for expert hygiene treatment in South West London, why not visit one of our state-of-the-art practices in Balham, Clapham, and Wandsworth? Our friendly team would love to meet you!
Contact us today to improve the health and appearance of your teeth.