4 Reasons To Visit Your Dental Hygienist

You probably already know that it’s important to visit your registered dental hygienist for regular cleanings. During these cleanings, your hygienist will remove plaque, clean your teeth, and check for any potential problems with your teeth and gums. However, many patients end up skipping hygienist visits because they feel like they’re unnecessary, and only visit the dentist if they think there’s a problem with their teeth or gums. Here are some reasons going to visit your dental hygienist may be more important than you think!

1. Prevention

   Rather than just visiting the dentist when you know something’s wrong, you should try to prevent these issues by seeing the hygienist. While they’re cleaning your teeth, your hygienist will also be able to spot any potential issues, and may even be able to catch them before they get any worse.

And your hygienist isn’t just checking for cavities. They can identify and address a wide range of oral health issues such as gum disease, TMJ, tooth grinding, or headaches. Hygienists can also perform oral cancer screenings.

2. Deep Cleaning

   Your teeth may feel and appear fine, but by just brushing and flossing at home, you can’t prevent all plaque buildup. Your dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning, including plaque removal, fluoride application, polishing, and stain removal. Not only will this keep your teeth and gums healthy, it will also give you a bright, white smile!

3. Education

   A registered dental hygienist possesses a wealth of knowledge about oral health. They will be able to educate you about proper dental hygiene, and answer any oral healthcare questions. For example, many people floss improperly. This can be a real problem as the incorrect flossing technique often means food just gets further embedded in the gums. Your hygienist can show you how to floss properly (don’t be afraid to ask, we all need a refresher once in a while!), making sure you get every little bit of debris out of there!

4. Overall Health

   Early signs of many serious health issues can manifest orally. Your hygienist may be able to spot subtle changes in your oral health that could hint at larger medical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, oral cancer, and kidney disease.

You should never underestimate the importance of seeing a registered dental hygienist! Hygienists do far more than just assist the dentist. They play an incredibly important role in you oral and overall health. Why not book an appointment with your hygienist today!