What does the hygienist do?

Dental hygienists specialise in preventive oral care, aiming to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible.

Gum Disease

In the UK, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The hygienist will concentrate on removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, which, if not addressed, can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and possibly tooth loss.

More than 50% of individuals aged 35 suffer from various severities of gum issues. While early-stage gum disease is reversible, advanced gum disease is not. Therefore, it is essential to address gum issues promptly, and your dental hygienist will assist you in maintaining optimal gum health.

Staining

Over time, teeth can develop staining due to regular use. External stains that accumulate on the teeth cannot be removed by brushing alone. These stains are commonly caused by consuming tea, coffee, tobacco, red wine, and other strongly pigmented food and beverages. A dental hygienist possesses the expertise to remove these stains, thereby restoring your teeth to their natural whiteness.

Preventive Dentistry

A lot has changed in dentistry over the last few decades. This means that more patients are able to benefit from enjoying their original teeth for a lifetime. Dental hygienists play a vital role in this new approach to dentistry, helping you not just to keep your teeth, but also to avoid the discomfort and costs that come with repairs and replacements.

Lifestyle Factors

The hygienist may give advice on lifestyle changes which could help to improve the health of your teeth and gums, for example smoking. Smoking will have a detrimental effect on your teeth, in-creasing the risk of gum disease and staining. They may also give dietary advice on reducing the number of times you have sugary food and drink throughout the day.

Procedures

The hygienist is able to perform a number of procedures including:

• Demonstrations on effective tooth brushing techniques to remove plaque without causing tooth wear and receding gums.
• Discussions on the latest oral hygiene products.
• Advice on the best aid to clean in-between teeth
• Detailed explanation of periodontal disease.
• Removal of plaque and hard tarter deposits.
• Discussion on the secondary factors that cause (periodontal) gum disease, for example smoking and diabetes.
• Discussion on how (periodontal) gum disease could affect or complicate other health problems, for example heart disease.
• Prevention of tooth decay and erosion
• Diet advice on how to reduce sugary and acidic food and drink.
• Advice on fluoride and apply fluoride varnishes to help remineralise early signs of tooth decay.
• Polishing the teeth to remove food and drink stain.
• Helping to change red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink.
• Stopping gums from bleeding when brushing.
• Preventing teeth from becoming mobile and drifting.
• Preventing unpleasant tastes and bad breath caused by the damaging bacteria in the mouth.
• By having regular hygienist appointments, it is possible to help change red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink, prevent teeth from becoming mobile and drifting and prevent gums from bleeding when they are brushed.

In between appointments

In between appointments with our hygienists, the team at Valley Dental Practice would advise you follow our simple steps to help keep your teeth healthy:

• Use a medium toothbrush with a rounded head
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
• Brush twice daily. Last thing at night and before breakfast in the morning
• Use toothpaste with fluoride and always place the toothpaste on a dry brush
• Try to use interdental cleaning aids daily at night before brushing
• Avoid tobacco products
• Avoid excessive alcohol use

Call today to find out what our excellent team of hygienists can do for you, call Valley Dental Practice today on 01255 220322 and book your appointment now.