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A Third Of Us Never See The Hygienist!

2018 April 6
by admin

Recent statistics show that around one in three of us are not doing enough to avoid gum disease.

Do you see the dental hygienist at Alexandra Dental Care on a regular basis? If not, you may be one of the 33% (or thereabouts) who lack this important aspect of oral health care. Perhaps too often seen as an ‘add on’ when it comes to looking after your teeth, visiting the dental hygienist should be seen as an essential and regular part of your professional dental care.

Nearly all dental practices, including our own, will have at least one dental hygienist. Arranging an appointment is straightforward and a standard treatment appointment usually lasts approximately 20 minutes, although may be more should this be needed.

So, what happens when you see the hygienist

Questions

First of all, our hygienist will ask you a few simple questions about your home oral care to see if there are any immediate improvements that could be made. These may include questions such as how often and when you brush your teeth, what type of toothbrush you use i.e. manual or electric, what toothpaste, whether you floss and what, if any, mouthwash you use. You will also be asked about your medications and whether they have changed recently.

Examination

Your mouth will then be examined and any gum recession measured. This is not uncomfortable at all and is important to ascertain how healthy your mouth is … or isn’t.

Descaling

Using a sonic implement, the hygienist will clean your teeth by ‘shattering’ any hardened bacteria (plaque) that has accumulated on the teeth and gum line. A manual descaling in the spaces between your teeth may also be carried out.

Professional cleaning

Following the descaling, your teeth will be cleaned with a high speed brush. This helps to remove any remaining bacteria from the teeth and gum line and also removes some staining from the surface of your teeth, helping to give them a brighter appearance.

Education

Our Ashby and Burton patients will also be advised on ways in which they can improve how they look after their teeth. This is not a judgemental exercise but an encouragement for patients to do all that they can to have clean and healthy teeth and gums, avoiding problems such as periodontitis.

Whilst seeing the dentist twice a year is very important, you shouldn’t miss out on the additional benefits that seeing a dental hygienist can bring. If you are one of the 33% who do miss out, why not call Alexandra Dental Care today on 01283 216347 and give your oral health a significant boost.

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