If a patient wishes to avoid gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, early tooth loss and staining, then they should consider going to have their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year unless advised otherwise.
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What is an Oral Hygienist?
A hygienist is specifically trained and has all the specialised tools and equipment necessary to ensure that teeth are kept clean, healthy and free from disease. Their role is different to a dentist’s in that they work more on preventive care rather than restorative.
There are two key services that this professional provides to their patients, namely:-
- Cleaning away any food debris that is hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing, and
- The removal of plaque and tartar which can otherwise not be removed with at-home products.
Why Do You Need to Visit an Oral Hygienist?
Many diseases of the mouth can go unnoticed for a long time as they do not present visually or physically until the concern is quite advanced.
Over time such concerns can cause lasting damage to a person’s teeth and gums so it is important to ensure that they are seen by both a dentist and a cleaning professional who will be able to work together to maximise the chances of a patient having healthy teeth for life.
Preventive care is a major concern for all dental health care professionals and patients alike, so time will always be put aside during every treatment consultation to ensure that patients have a chance to discuss their daily cleaning routine and their lifestyle habits so that they can be given advice where needed.
Whilst scaling and polishing their patient’s teeth, these considerate and understanding professionals will also enjoy taking the time in giving bespoke advice, rather than the standard brush and floss twice a day for maximum results recital.
Professionals know that these days, such advice tends to go through one ear and out the other, having it been drilled into them from an early age.
Bespoke, considered advice gives modern-day patients all the information they need in order to maintain a healthy mouth that will reward them for many years to come.
It can be difficult understanding what each individual needs to ensure they are doing their best, and this is where a professional’s expertise really comes to shine.
A lot of people are unaware of what kind of toothbrush would be best to clean their teeth in the best possible way. They know that there are soft, medium and hard bristled toothbrushes, toothpaste to whiten teeth and others that claim to remove stubborn plaque and tartar.
By discussing what is important to the individual, dentists are able to explain what style of toothbrush and toothpaste would give their patients the best results and are the healthiest for them.
Those with sensitive gums should steer clear of hard-bristled toothbrushes and it is important to pay attention to the ingredients in toothpaste as this will aid in keeping teeth strong and healthy.
When last did you visit your oral hygienist? Do you go twice a year to have your teeth professional cleaned?