Beautiful, clean teeth are vital for confidence. At Wathen Road Dental Practice, direct access to dental hygiene appointments ensures professional care is easily accessible, without the need to see a dentist first.
The Importance of Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, with dental hygienists focusing on identifying and treating gum disease while preventing further dental issues.
Understanding Plaque Buildup
A primary responsibility of dental hygienists is educating patients on effective plaque removal techniques. Plaque, a combination of saliva, food particles, and bacteria, accumulates on teeth surfaces. Bacterial action within plaque can contribute to gum disease, resulting in symptoms like receding gums, gum bleeding, and tooth loss.
Tartar Removal and Scaling
Plaque can harden into tartar, requiring specialized hygiene equipment for removal. Dental hygienists expertly employ this equipment to eliminate tartar and clean teeth both above and below the gumline, a process known as scaling and polishing. This procedure is integral to ensuring the success of dental treatments like crowns and fillings.
Teeth Polishing and Fluoride Application
Both children and adults benefit from teeth polishing, a service provided by dental hygienists. Additionally, they can apply fluoride varnish to help prevent tooth decay.
Preventive Advice and Education
Dental hygienists offer valuable advice on diet and oral care practices to prevent future tooth decay. This includes guidance on proper toothbrushing techniques, the use of fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and interdental brushes for effective home care between dental visits.
Maintaining Dental Hygiene
By adopting proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing correctly and reducing sugary intake, individuals can significantly enhance their dental hygiene routine.
Dental Hygienist FAQs
Tartar is hardened plaque that forms on teeth surfaces due to the mineralization of plaque. Unlike plaque, which can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, tartar requires professional dental cleaning to remove.
It’s generally recommended to visit a dental hygienist for a professional cleaning every six months. However, the frequency may vary based on individual oral health needs and the recommendation of your dentist.
Scaling and polishing is a dental procedure performed by hygienists to remove tartar buildup and polish teeth surfaces. This process helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and promotes overall oral health.
Yes, dental hygienists can apply fluoride varnish to teeth surfaces as part of preventive dental care. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against tooth decay.
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, using fluoride toothpaste, and limiting sugary foods and drinks can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Dental hygiene treatments such as scaling and polishing are generally not painful. However, some individuals may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during the procedure, especially if there is significant tartar buildup or gum inflammation.
Yes, regular dental hygiene appointments are important for children to maintain their oral health and prevent dental problems. Dental hygienists can provide preventive care, fluoride treatments, and educate children about proper oral hygiene habits.
