What Does A Dental Hygienist Do?

Lots of people know to visit the dentist, but a surprising amount of people don’t visit a dental hygienist in between their appointments. Could this be because some of our patients aren’t aware of what a dental hygienist does for their teeth, and what benefit they can bestow upon your dental health?

Here’s what to expect from your dental hygienist appointment, and why you should think about booking one today!

An appointment with one of our dental hygienists ensures we care for your mouth, gums, and general dental wellbeing. You could see your dentist whenever you notice issues with your teeth, but your dental hygienist wants to see you for regular maintenance appointments to keep your overall dental health in tip-top condition.

Identifying problems

We help you identify any potential problems, areas for concern, and what you’re doing right to keep you informed and in-the-know about your dental health. We help you spot tooth decay, where sugar and bacteria and eating away at your teeth, causes for concern and warning signs of potential problems, and pay special attention to the development of gum disease.

Gum disease

Most adults in the UK have some form of gum disease in varying severities. The symptoms you need to look out for are receding gums, bleeding when brushing, inflammation, and swelling. It can become very serious very quickly if left untreated, eventually leading to tooth loss, which is a shame because it is easily prevented with the right care. Your dental hygienist is specially trained to spot the warning signs and will provide expert advice on how best to fight gum disease. This will include cleaning techniques, further appointments, professional treatments, and even products that will be beneficial to you.

Lifestyle advice

Regular brushing and flossing will work wonders for your oral health. At Arnold Dental Centre in Nottingham, our dental hygienists are trained in preventative dental care meaning they far prefer to prevent a problem than treat it when it occurs. This isn’t to say we won’t support you if a problem does develop, but that our team does everything in its power to make sure it doesn’t in the first place. Certain lifestyle choices affect our dental health, which your dental hygienist will advise against. We’ll help you understand which foods and drinks to cut back on and how smoking could be impacting your dental health.

Visiting the dentist is introduced to all of us from such an early age. We teach our children to look after their teeth, always brush before bed, and not to eat too many sweets, but we don’t readily address gum health. Your dentist pays special attention to your teeth, but your dental hygienist is trained to pay special attention in particular to your gums and daily care. Their job is just as important when preserving your dental health, because they advise and inform on daily care and the impact your lifestyle or choices may be having on your teeth and gums.

If you haven’t visited one of our brilliant dental hygienists recently, or ever before, then what are you waiting for? Our team can’t wait to meet you at our Nottingham dental practice. Enquire online or speak to a friendly member of staff today on 0115 9200571.