Going to the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is essential for maintaining good oral health. While the dentist examines your teeth and treats any issues, the dental hygienist focuses on preventive care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Visiting a dental hygienist for regular cleanings and checkups provides many benefits.
Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
The most important reason for regular dental hygienist visits at a dentist Corbridge is to prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. The dental hygienist removes the plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. If the plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. The bacteria in the tartar continue to grow and damage teeth and gums.
The dental hygienist uses special instruments to thoroughly clean above and below the gum line. This disrupts the bacterial colonies and removes their food source. A professional cleaning gets rid of more plaque and tartar than you can remove on your own. Preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar helps avoid cavities, gum recession, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
Catch Dental Problems Early
Regular dental hygienist visits allow early detection of developing dental health issues. The hygienist examines your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and other oral tissues. They feel for abnormal lumps or bumps that could indicate oral cancer. The hygienist can spot the early signs of tooth decay or gum disease and treat them before they become serious. Early intervention prevents the need for extensive and costly restorative dental procedures.
Your hygienist also takes dental X-rays to check for issues between teeth that cannot be seen during a visual exam. X-rays show cavities, bone loss from gum disease, oral cysts, and other problems while they are small and easier to treat. Detecting dental issues in the early stages prevents complications like tooth loss and the spread of infection to other teeth.
Remove Stains and Whiten Teeth
Regular professional cleanings also provide cosmetic benefits by removing stains on your teeth. Food, drinks, smoking, and medications can cause surface stains and discolouration. A standard cleaning scrubs away these stains, brightening your smile. For deeper stains, the hygienist may use power tools such as an ultrasonic scaler. This breaks up stubborn stains and calculus for a thorough cleaning.
You can also request teeth whitening at your dental hygiene visit. The hygienist applies a concentrated peroxide-based bleaching gel and uses a special light to whiten your teeth by several shades. Whitening is faster and more effective at the dentist than using over-the-counter kits at home. A bright white smile boosts your confidence.
Learn Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Your dental hygienist also provides oral hygiene education to keep your mouth healthy between visits. They teach you the proper techniques for daily brushing and flossing. The hygienist explains how to get to hard-to-reach spots where plaque hides. They may recommend products like electric toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, antimicrobial mouth rinses, and flossing tools.
The hygienist can show you how to brush and floss correctly in person. They observe your oral hygiene technique and offer tips for improvement. Learning good oral care habits prevents issues that require treatment later on.
Investing time in preventive dental hygiene now helps avoid extensive, painful, and costly dental procedures in the future.
