What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental hygiene check ups aren’t just there to inconveniently fill up your diary. If your dentist has recommended you go and see the hygienist and you’re wondering why, it’s worth understanding what a dental hygienist does first.

Dental hygienists are a key part of the dental team, offering preventive care and patient education. But their role extends beyond cleaning teeth; it demands a thorough understanding of all dental procedures and excellent knowledge of dental health.

Your dental hygienist specialises in maintaining and promoting your oral health – a thing that lots of us take for granted until it’s too late.

Let’s take a look at how dental hygienists work, how often you should see one, and what sorts of things you should be doing for optimal oral health.

If you’d like to see one of the expert dental hygienists at Vogue Dental, you can book an appointment online or by calling 020 3758 7800.

Are dental hygienists dentists?

Dental hygienists are not dentists, but they are qualified dental professionals who work closely with dentists to provide patients with comprehensive treatment.

A hygienist helps with teeth cleaning in hard-to-reach places and works with you to prevent issues such as dental decay and periodontal disease.

How can a dental hygienist help you?

As well as deep cleanings to help keep your mouth healthy, your dental hygienist will let you know what to do to steer clear of needing future dental treatments.

Some of the main ways your hygienist will help you include:

Teeth Cleaning

Hygienists will remove plaque and food particles from your teeth using special dental instruments. This can significantly reduce your risk of dental decay and gum disease.

Patient Education

Get essential tips on proper oral hygiene practices and dietary advice. You can also learn why regular visits to your hygienist are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Dental Procedures

From fluoride treatments for preventing tooth decay to applying dental sealants, hygienists perform various procedures that contribute to your overall dental care.

Collaboration with your Dentist

Hygienists work alongside your dentist to develop a tailored treatment plan for your specific needs.

How often should you have a dental hygiene appointment?

It’s beneficial to see the dental hygienist at least once a year for a basic periodontal examination. The hygienist will offer thorough teeth cleaning to remove plaque before it has a chance to build up.

Some patients may benefit from twice-yearly visits if they have more plaque build-up or teeth which are harder to clean.

Reasons to see the dental hygienist

Your dental hygiene appointment is more than just a cleaning; it’s an opportunity for early detection of potential issues like periodontal disease or other medical conditions that could affect your overall health. You will also come away equipped with the knowledge of how to take care of your oral health.

In extreme cases, issues with your mouth can lead to serious complications for your overall general health. An infection of the mouth could result in brain and heart problems if left untreated. In rare situations, a serious untreated dental infection could even be fatal.

What to expect at your appointment

During your dental hygiene appointment, our hygienists will carry out the following procedures:

– Conduct a comprehensive hygiene assessment

– Scale the teeth to remove plaque and tartar

– Offer ultrasonic cleaning

– Perform essential oral health checks for mouth cancer screening and gum disease/periodontal disease screening

– Conduct any necessary advanced teeth health checks, such as a tooth decay examination using our intraoral camera

-Give you a personalised oral health care regime for you to follow at home

How to keep your dental hygiene in check

What you do at home plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health in between hygiene appointments.

Some basic guidelines you can follow include:

• Brush your teeth morning and night using fluoride toothpaste
• Floss regularly
• Change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 months
• Don’t forget to clean your tongue as well as your teeth

Book a Dental Hygienist Appointment

Book your dental hygiene appointment online or by calling 020 3758 7800. We are an all-under-one-roof dental practice, making managing your dental appointments that little bit easier.