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A visit to the dentist’s these days may also involve a visit to the dental hygienist, but what exactly does the hygienist do? The main role is to professionally clean the teeth for the patient. They do this by using techniques known as scaling and polishing. This is essentially removing plaque and more specifically tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing.
Perhaps more importantly they can offer advice on preventing dental decay and show the patient the best way to prevent the build up of plaque in the first instance. By working in tandem with your dentist they can develop and dental hygiene plan that will reduce the risk of dental complications in the future.
Dental hygienists are professionally qualified and it is now increasingly common that your dental practice will have its own hygienist. They are often able to spend longer with you than the dentist as it is usually possible to book their services by the hour. Also they aren’t subject to the same caseload as the dentist.
Dental hygienists are also now able to take x-rays which has helped them diagnose problems and suggest possible treatments. They can also apply fluoride treatments to teeth to help keep them healthy and strong. Hygienists are also fully trained to offer advice in smoking cessation. Smoking is very bad for the appearance of teeth and can also be responsible for causing gum disease. The hygienist can offer advice on how best to clean teeth if you smoke and assist you if you are trying to give up.
The dental hygienist can be a crucial weapon in the war against tooth decay and gum disease. They can clean your teeth, advise you on the best way to clean your teeth yourself and assist the dentist to solve any problems that may arise. See if your London dentist has a hygienist and make an appointment today.