A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who works along with a dentist to help patients maintain healthy gums and teeth. Their job focuses on cleaning and examining the patients’ teeth to prevent future oral health problems. They explain dental problems to the patient before they develop. While dentists diagnose and perform complex procedures, dental hygienists concentrate on assessments, cleaning, and patient education.
Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations in your area for a good dentist with excellent dental hygienists. You should feel comfortable and relaxed at your dentist’s office. After arriving at your dentist’s office, you need to check in. Bring your identification and insurance card to present during check-in. You will also need to update your medical history and list any medications once a year. Your dentist needs to know your medical history because certain health conditions and medications can affect your oral health and influence treatment decisions. Your oral health needs to keep up with these dental visits every six months.
At your dental appointment, the hygienist will begin the appointment with a detailed visual inspection of your mouth. The hygienist will look for gum inflammation, cavities, plaque buildup, and signs of oral diseases. Next, your hygienist will also check your tongue, cheeks, and throat for abnormalities, which can help detect serious issues like oral cancer.
These are the steps taken by the hygienist during your professional cleaning:
- X-rays: X-rays are taken once a year before the cleaning. X-rays are used to check for bone loss, cavities, or impacted teeth.
- Initial exam: After taking your X-rays, your hygienist will check your teeth and gums and document their condition.
- Scaling: The hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler or a hand tool to remove plaque from the tooth surface. This process should not be painful if your gums are healthy.
- Polishing: To remove stains and clean your teeth, polishing paste is used with a rotating brush.
- Flossing: Flossing will clean the difficult-to-reach areas in between the teeth.
- Fluoride treatment: Fluoride treatment is usually optional. This treatment strengthens your enamel and prevents cavities.
Educating their patients is the hygienist’s responsibility. They teach patients how to floss, properly brush, and care for their teeth based on their needs. Other responsibilities are updating patient records, reviewing medical histories, and collaborating closely with the dentist. If a patient has braces, dentures, or dental implants, hygienists show patients cleaning techniques to avoid complications. Preventive information truly helps patients of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, to maintain healthier mouths at home.
Reach out for support
If you have any questions about your cleaning, please talk to your hygienist. In a regular dentist’s visit, expect a professional teeth cleaning and a check-up by your dentist to look for bone loss, cavities, or impacted teeth. Expect a discussion with your dentist about your visit and a treatment plan, if needed. Please contact our office if you have any questions or for an appointment.
Related Article: How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?