Is it Essential to See a Dental Hygienist?

What are dental hygienists? Are they different from dentists? When do you see one?

Dental hygienists are registered, and qualified dental care professionals focused on preventive dental care. Their predominant role is to professionally remove plaque and tartar (scale and polish) from the teeth and to educate you on the best way you can keep your teeth, gums, and the other structures in your mouth healthy.

Dentists can also clean your teeth of course, but dental hygienists are specifically trained to perform hygiene therapies, motivate you to take good care of your teeth, and considerably take longer time in cleaning and giving advice. Hygienists work with your dental team to provide you with the dental care that is specific to your needs. Many dentists delegate the specific duty of cleaning your teeth to a dental hygienist because of their expertise in this part of your dental examination. It also allows dentists to concentrate on other procedures that require their expertise.

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Dental hygienists are professionals who graduated from an accredited and recognised dental hygiene program. Dental hygienists are usually found to be a part of a dental team. According to the Dental Board of Australia and Dental Council of New Zealand, dental hygienists should have an established and structured professional relationship with a dentist, someone they can refer to or clinically supervise them on procedures if needed. Some dentists and dental clinics also permit their patients to book an appointment directly with the dental hygienist without the examination or referral from their dentist.

Aside from practising in a private dental office, dental hygienists also practice in a variety of settings like schools and universities, research institutions, correctional institutions, hospitals, and community clinics.

Dental hygienists perform the following procedures and therapies:

Conduct a basic periodontal examination or BPE. Perform and interpret dental x-rays.
Provide advice on how to take care of dental implants and apply fissure sealants (and other topical treatments) on each tooth.
Get dental impressions.
Perform oral cancer screening, so stop smoking!
Educate the patient on smoking cessation, gum disease, overall dental care, etc.
And of course, professional cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions to a Dental Hygienist

How essential is flossing?

Yes, dental hygienists know how difficult it is to motivate people to floss. Basically, when people don’t floss, it puts them at risk for two things: cavities and gingivitis. Flossing removes dental plaque build-up, which can lead to cavity formation and gingivitis. Floss once a day for at least two minutes. Most people do it before going to bed at night.
How many times should you brush your teeth?

According to the Australian Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day (morning and night) for two minutes each. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three to four months when you see that the bristles are worn out and frayed.
Should I brush my tongue? Are there any benefits?

Oral bacteria love to settle, and party on the rough peaks and valleys found on the surface of your tongue. You’ll be unhappy to know that your tongue has more bacteria on it than your teeth do. These bacteria can cause bad breath and transfer themselves to the surfaces of your teeth and gums to cause disease. So, don’t forget to brush your tongue after brushing your teeth.
Is mouthwash a good idea?

A mouthwash complements flossing and brushing your teeth. It shouldn’t replace them. There are different types of mouthwash. You use a mouthwash to fight tooth decay before you brush your teeth. Don’t use it after brushing because it washes away the fluoride (from the toothpaste) left on your teeth. Use mouthwash twice a day before brushing your teeth. DO NOT swallow your mouthwash.
Should I chew gum after a meal?

Chewing gum after a meal increases the flow of your saliva by 10 to 12 times. The increased salivary flow counters the effects of acids in the food you eat. These acids can destroy the enamel of your teeth. Your saliva also adds proteins to the surfaces of your teeth and protects them against erosion. Choose sugar-free chewing gum, of course.
Manual or electric toothbrush? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Advantages of using an electric toothbrush
- Removes more plaque and decreases the incidence of gingivitis.
- An electric toothbrush with a built-in timer ensures that you brush your teeth adequately.
- Some people claim that they focus on brushing their teeth better when they use an electric toothbrush.
- Your children may enjoy and become motivated in brushing their teeth using electric toothbrushes.
- People suffering from limited mobility like those with arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome can benefit from using an electric toothbrush.

Disadvantages of using an electric toothbrush include the cost and that some people don’t like that vibrating feeling in their mouth.

The advantages of using a manual toothbrush are short and simple. They’re widely available and affordable. You can find them in almost every convenience store. Any convenience store that doesn’t sell them should be called an inconvenience store. Disadvantages include the lack of a built-in timer and that you can sometimes brush too hard (especially when you’re in a hurry) and hurt your gums.

Visit your dental hygienist regularly at least twice a year. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the farther apart your visits become. Dental hygienists are essential members of your dental team. They work closely with your dentist with the same goal of keeping your teeth, gums, and oral cavity healthy.