As a preventative measure, we are advised on the necessary precautions we need to follow for the upkeep of our dental hygiene. But what does dental hygiene entail and why is it so pivotal to follow cleaning best practices and techniques?
The role of our hygienist in Richmond is to keep your teeth and gums clean and free of plaque build up, not just for the sake of keeping your teeth white and sparkly, but also to avoid the onslaught of the gum disease gingivitis and more severe periodontal issues.
Consult with one of our team members today at Sheen Dental if you have concerns that your gums and surrounding tissues are in jeopardy.
What does a hygienist do that a dental practitioner does not?
They work together closely, but a hygienist in Richmond specialises in preventative dentistry, treating gum diseases, removing plaque build up and providing advice on how to keep infections and diseases at bay through improving your diet and in the way you brush and floss your teeth. A dentist, on the other hand, fills cavities and extracts teeth, but is not responsible for deep and intensive cleaning - that is the job of your hygienist.
Often, it is the case that with the right qualifications, a dental hygienist can do the work of a dental practitioner and vice versa.
What else can a dental hygienist do?
Apart from administering preventative treatments, a hygienist can also perform cosmetic dentistry - teeth whitening, under the orders of a dentist. Teeth whitening is non essential and will not improve your dental health, but it might better your quality of life, in that having white, stainless teeth helps you build self-esteem and confidence.
A hygienist is also involved in the application of fluoride gel under the gums to kill the bacteria which cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Signs you might have problem gums
Do you have red and inflamed gums that bleed easily? One cause might be that you are brushing your gums too hard, but in all likelihood, these could be the early signs of gingivitis. Another symptom you might notice is uncharacteristically bad smelling breath that consistently stinks even after brushing your teeth.
The cause of gingivitis is plaque build up that has hardened into tartar. If left untreated, gum disease progresses into periodontitis, which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, resulting in bone damage, tooth loss and a changed facial appearance.
The work of a hygienist is to remove plaque from places hard to reach, and prevent the previously mentioned gum issues from happening in the future by teaching you how to brush and floss your teeth correctly. They can advise you on how to better your diet for a healthy and problem free mouth.
Advice from a hygienist
Our top dental hygienist will do their utmost to help prevent an array of illnesses by cleaning your teeth and removing plaque, and if you already have a disease like gingivitis, return your gums to a normal, healthy state.
That said, there are ways to keep your mouth and gums in check yourself by:
Brushing your teeth twice a day (once at night) with fluoride toothpaste
Cut down on sugary food and drinks
Visit your dentist and oral hygienist regularly.
Ashamed and concerned about your unsightly, red gums? Make an appointment with us, and we can get them back to looking and feeling healthy whilst providing handy tips on how to keep them that way!