What does a dental hygienist do?

A hygienist; what do they do?

A dental hygienist is a medical professional who offers an additional service that can help preserve your teeth and keep them clean. Whilst a dentist inspects teeth during appointments and carries out treatments and surgeries, a hygienist spends more time carrying out a clinical examination of your teeth, and in particular your gums.

The dental hygienist has several roles:
-    They undertake periodontalPertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth. (gum) examinations, in which they inspect the gums for disease, that if left untreated could lead to tooth loss and decayThe lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure..
-    They provide oral care and cleaning. This can include cleaning the gums and removing plaqueA soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives. or tartar build-up.
-    The hygienist will also provide advice on how to properly clean between your teeth and brush so that you can avoid decay or serious procedures in the future.
-    They can also support you with any dental implant issues.
-    The hygienist can also provide oral cancer screenings and advise you on smoking and smoking cessation.

Simply put, the dental hygienist should be a vital part of your regular oral hygiene routine. They work in close coordination with your dentist and often you will be able to book appointments on the same day. Furthermore, the hygienist can not only offer solutions to problems but can help prevent any future issues and therefore they can save you time, stress, and money in the future.

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