What is a hygienist ?

Dental hygienists are specially trained to work with the dentist in giving care to patients. They play an important role in dental health care and are mainly concerned with gum health, showing people correct home care and applying preventive materials to the teeth and gums.  Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss.  

What is the hygienists role ?  

• The hygienist’s main role is to professionally clean the teeth for the patient. This is usually called scaling and polishing.

• However perhaps their most important role is showing patients the best way to keep their teeth free of plaque. The hygienist will work with your dentist to provide care tailored to your needs.
• Dental hygienists can also take dental X-rays. The dentist will use these to help to diagnose problems and decide on their possible treatment. Our hygienist,  has had all the necessary training to do this and holds the relevant certificate.

• Hygienists are also trained to carry out fissure sealants if requested to do so by the dentist.

Does every practice have a hygienist ?  

No.  We do however because we feel that a hygienist offers a valuable service  to our patients.  

Why is this treatment important ?

 The hygienist will help you to keep your mouth , gums and teeth healthy. This in turn will improve your appearance, keep your breath fresh and reduce the need for further dental treatment.  

How can a hygienist prevent dental diseases ?  

• Carefully removing the deposits that build up on the teeth (tartar) and teaching you the best way to prevent it from forming again, will go a long way to slowing down the progress of gum disease.

• By discussing your diet and recommending other preventive measures, your tooth decay can also be slowed down.

What other help can be given to adults ?  

• Adults can also benefit from having fluoride treatments

• Adults can also have anti-bacterial gels and solutions applied under the gum to kill the bacteria which cause gum disease

• The hygienist can give advice and regular instruction on how to care for your teeth at home.

• The hygienist may also suggest giving up smoking as this will reduce staining and improve your health in many ways. Recent research has also shown that smokers have ore gum disease and loose more teeth than non-smokers.

What help is available for children ?  

• Children can benefit from having their teeth polished

• The hygienist can also apply fluoride gels and solutions to help prevent tooth decay if asked to do so by the dentist.

• The permanent back teeth can also benefit from having the biting surfaces sealed. This is done by applying a special plastic coating to the biting surface soon after they come through.

• (See section on Pit and Fissure Sealants )

Why doesn’t the dentist do this work ?  

Some dentists do carry out this type of work. However many now recognise that a hygienist has been specially trained to carry out scaling and polishing and will be able to spend more time with you for this treatment. They are also expert at teaching you how to look after your teeth and gums. Often the hygienist will spend a number of appointments getting the gums healthy and ready for the dentist to restore the teeth with crowns and fillings.  

Will the treatment hurt ?  

Scaling and polishing is usually pain free. However if you do have any discomfort the hygienist can use anaesthetic creams or give you some local anaesthetic.  

What can I do to help the hygienist ? 

You can do a great deal to help yourself and your hygienist as you are in control of your mouth between visits to the practice. The hygienist will have shown you how to remove plaque with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You will also have been shown how to clean between your teeth with floss, tape or little brushes. There are many oral care products now available including specialist toothpastes, powered  toothbrushes and mouthwashes. The hygienist will recommend what is best for you. We also recommend that you follow three simple steps to help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.  

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
2. Cut down on how often you have sugary snacks and drinks
3. Visit your dentist about every 6 months.

Cutting down on the amount of sugar in your diet and the number of times you eat during the day can help to reduce decay. The hygienist can help you by looking at your decay problem, your diet and by making some recommendations for you to consider.

• 1.Brush at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste which also contain triclosan with copolymer or zinc citrate.

 

• 2.Toothbrushes

Manual: a small headed brush with round ended filaments, a compact, angled arrangement of long and short filaments and a comfortable handle.

Powered brushes with an oscillating/rotating movement can be more effective than manual brushing but is not a quicker way to clean your teeth but can produce better results.

• 3. Mouth rinses containing chlorhexidene help to reduce plaque and gum health but do cause removable staining. Other mouth rinses are less effective but do not cause staining.

 

• 4. Interdental cleaning in addition to normal toothbrushing with brushes etc. as advised by us helps to keep gum disease at bay.

  We hope that this helps you when working out what to do with your and your families teeth and gums. 

Naturally we do need to see you here at the practice every 6 months or less depending upon your needs and can do lots more things to help you avoid and reduce problems.

We hope that you can now stay even more trouble free! 

© Harbour Dental Practice Telephone 01270 762186