When it comes to managing our oral health and hygiene, regular dental appointments are a must. Not only can the dentist spot signs of potential occlusion issues early, but they also offer treatment plans which include aligning, whitening, and general dental enhancements.
Oral hygiene, however, is dealt with by another specialist. The dental hygienist is a specialist that is often grouped together with regular dentistry, despite the two specialists offering very different services. Let’s take a closer look at the role of a dental hygienist and how hygienist appointments differ from standard check-ups.
How Does a Dental Hygienist Appointment Differ from a Dental Appointment?
A dentist will look at the layout and stability of teeth. A dental hygienist looks at the health of your gums, asks questions about your oral hygiene routine, and will often perform a deep clean around and between the teeth to remove plaque and prevent build-up.
The key difference between the two appointments lies in what they look at. A dental appointment tends to include a thorough examination of the teeth and a discussion around potential treatments that will retain the life and vibrance of your smile. A dental hygienist appointment is more of a routine cleaning, which covers preventative care and the provision of advice on how to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
How Often Should I See a Dental Hygienist?
The truth is that many patients think they’re better at maintaining oral health than they are.
Brushing alone is not enough, with hygienists discussing flossing and other preventative techniques as part of each appointment. Typically, the hygienist will perform a deep clean using specialised tools which break down and remove plaque and other build-up and will offer advice on how to prolong the extra-clean results at home.
The hygienist will advise on how often they want you to schedule appointments, with most encouraging patients to schedule an appointment every 6 months or so. Those with significant oral health issues may be asked to book appointments more regularly, sometimes as often as once every 2 or 3 months.
Signs I Need a Dental Hygienist Appointment
Because the work of a dental hygienist is focused on preventative measures as well as deep cleaning and oral hygiene maintenance, it’s important not to leave too long between appointments.
Seeing a hygienist regularly is the best way to avoid needing more severe treatment. If you haven’t seen a hygienist in a while, consider this a sign to book your next appointment and get back on track with your oral health and hygiene check-ups.
Having said that, being able to recognise the signs of underlying issues is important, with patients urged to see a dentist and hygienist if they have toothache, inflammation in the gums, visible plaque and build-up around the teeth, and persistent bad breath.
To book your next appointment, give us a call!