If your dentist has recommended a trip to the dental hygienist, you might be wondering what a dental hygienist does, and what different treatments they offer from a standard dental check-up.
Poor dental hygiene has been linked to other health issues, such as heart disease, stroke and bad breath, and it can affect both your personal and professional relationships. Getting the right treatment with a qualified hygienist is essential to maintain your oral health.
Dr Joe Oliver has been working in the field of cosmetic dentistry for over 30 years, and in this time has acquired significant knowledge and experience in all sorts of conditions linked to oral health. He is well-known for his cosmetic dentistry services in Harley Street, London and Manchester.
Read on to find out more about how best to take care of your teeth and how a visit to the dental hygienist can help.
If you’d like more information, you can contact us online, call 020 7770 6441 or email info@old.theoliverclinic.co.uk.
Dentist vs Dental Hygienist – What’s the difference?
The main difference between a dentist and a dental hygienist is that dentists are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases of the teeth and gums while dental hygienists focus on cleaning teeth and providing preventive care.
Dental hygienists assess the dental state of their patients and focus primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases.
Helping Patients Improve and Maintain Good Dental Health
A dentist is trained to treat and repair the teeth, gums, and jaws while a dental hygienist is focussed on preventive dental health care to ensure your teeth and mouth remain healthy and free from needing future dental work.
What are dental hygienists and dental therapists?
Dental hygienists and dental therapists are healthcare professionals who specialise in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases. They provide preventive services such as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive measures to help maintain good oral health.
They also diagnose and treat gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral infections. Some may also perform restorative procedures such as fillings or crowns. Dental hygienists and therapists play an important role in the overall health of their patients by providing education on proper brushing techniques, nutrition advice, and helping patients to stop smoking.
What is the dental hygienist’s role in the dental practice?
Dental hygienists are an integral part of the dental practice. They are responsible for providing preventive and therapeutic oral health care to patients of all ages. They perform a variety of tasks such as cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and educating patients about proper oral hygiene.
Why Book a Dental Hygienist Appointment?
Scheduling regular cleanings can help ward off more serious oral health issues, like gum disease and tooth decay. Preventative treatments are key to keeping your mouth healthy.
Booking an appointment with a qualified dental hygienist is one of the best ways to ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong for years to come.
What are the benefits of visiting a hygienist?
Visiting a hygienist is beneficial to your overall oral health. Hygienists are trained to provide preventive care, such as cleaning and scaling teeth, checking for signs of gum disease, and providing advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene.
They can also spot early signs of decay or disease and recommend treatments or refer you to a dentist if necessary. Regular visits to the hygienist can help prevent more serious dental problems from developing in the future.
Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease affects a substantial amount of people, both in the UK and globally. It is estimated that up to 90% of the UK population is affected – although this may not be a serious case in many instances. However, it is thought that around 19% of people suffer from more severe forms of gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease, which can lead to severe issues such as pain, swelling, bleeding and even tooth loss. Thankfully, it is preventable by maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for checkups.
Maintain good dental health
Keeping your dental health in check is paramount to be able to enjoy a healthy smile. Adopting good oral hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum diseases and other oral issues.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, make sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once daily. Regular dentist visits are important to receive oral check-ups and professional cleanings. It’s also beneficial to take care of your overall health by eating healthy foods, avoiding sugary drinks and snacks, and quitting smoking.
Why is this dental treatment important?
Preventing tooth decay and loss
Attending routine visits to the dental hygienist is a great way to keep your teeth in good condition. In addition, practising oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks can help protect against tooth decay and loss.
It is important to look after your teeth and practise good dental hygiene to maintain your oral health. Neglecting this can result in serious consequences such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Early Detection of Tooth Problems
Keeping an eye on your teeth allows you to identify and fix any problems before they worsen, which also helps save time, money and pain in the future.
Technology has made it possible for dental hygienists to recognise potential issues related to teeth health before they reach a critical stage. This makes it easier for them to diagnose and avert any severe damage in time.
Prevent bad breath
Avoid the awkwardness of having bad breath by regularly visiting a dental hygienist. Doing so can prevent it from becoming a problem in the first place.
Halitosis, popularly known as bad breath, is a common issue for those who don’t maintain their oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth and washing your tongue regularly can help prevent bad breath from becoming an issue.
Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene
Keep your smile bright and healthy
A pearly white smile can significantly boost your physical appearance and can give you a confident, attractive look. A deep cleaning from a dental hygienist can do wonders for your smile, as it can reduce staining and give you back your confidence to show off your pearly whites.
Clean teeth also look brighter, adding another plus to reasons why a dental hygienist visit should be on your to-do list.
Find out more
Dr Joe Oliver is a highly respected and experienced cosmetic dentist in London and Manchester, having pioneered in this field of dentistry. He has made a name for himself as one of the capital city’s most reliable and reputed aesthetic dentists.
He has been in the field of dentistry for more than three decades now and has successfully placed 40,000+ veneers on a variety of patients, and has treated celebrities including Helena Bonham Carter, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Olivia Atwood, as well as featured on popular TV shows and in media publications.
If you’d like more information, you can contact us online, call 020 7770 6441 or email info@old.theoliverclinic.co.uk.
