dental hygienst

Although people might not always look forward to seeing a dental professional, regular check-ups can save them a lot of pain and trouble down the road. In fact, because of the efforts of dental hygienists, many patients are able to avoid unpleasant dental procedures like root canals and fillings.

Dental hygienists are specially trained health care professionals who help prevent oral health problems and promote good oral hygiene. Using a variety of procedures, they help to maintain the dental health of their patients, and educate them about proper oral hygiene habits and techniques. Ideally, hygienists see each patient for a routine appointment every 6 months.

Hygienists begin the appointment by assessing the condition of the patient’s teeth and gums. They are always on the lookout for a wide variety of oral health problems. The most common are tooth decay and gingivitis or gum disease. A small mirror and a probe are used to check the patient’s teeth and gums for indicators of trouble, such as cavities and red or swollen gums. This process requires a steady hand and a careful eye.

Typically, hygienists can’t get enough information about patients’ dental health from a visual inspection, so they also take x-rays of patients’ teeth. X-rays reveal tooth decay that can’t be seen by a visual inspection. They also reveal any dental problems that may exist beneath the surface of the gums.

Once the examination is finished, the hygienist discusses any oral health problems that were found and shows the patient proper dental care techniques and habits that will help prevent future problems. The hygienist also reports the problem to the dentist, who will follow up with treatment.

Next, the hygienist cleans the patient’s teeth. The most common cleaning procedure is scaling, which involves scraping teeth with a sharp flat-bladed instrument to remove hard material built up on teeth. Then, the hygienist polishes the patient’s teeth to remove stains and smooth the surface of the teeth.

Other preventative procedures that the hygienist frequently performs include fluoride treatments and the application of clear plastic protective coatings, known as sealant, to patients’ teeth.

In addition to examining and treating patients, hygienists are responsible for maintaining patients’ dental health records.