Why do I Need to see a Dental Hygienist?

To get the right advice

So many toothpastes to choose from in the shops

The most important cleaning is what you do at home to look after your teeth and gums. Dental hygienists can help give you advice on how best to look them and ensure you are doing all you can to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. They can explain everything from what is the best toothpaste to demonstrating the correct way to floss.

To maintain healthy gums

Before and after pictures of a pateint with bleeding gums and then 2 weeks after flossing and seeing the hygienist

Plaque bacteria can build up quickly along the gum line and irritate the gums. Sometimes the gums can be inflamed and bleed very easily when touched, some people may notice their gums bleed when brushing or flossing. This usually means that there is too much plaque for your gums to deal with and they need some help. This help comes in the form of having the plaque gently removed by a hygienist. The dental hygienist will also check that you are using the floss and brushing correctly. You may even find that if the gaps between the teeth are bigger then you need interdental brushes rather than floss. This photo shows the difference that can be achieved two weeks after seeing the hygienist and flossing daily

Remove tartar

Before and after picture to show the removal of tartar

Tartar or calculus forms when plaque on our teeth hardens. We produce calcium in our saliva that sticks to the plaque and calcifies it. We can’t remove tartar with a toothbrush once it has started to form. This then needs to be removed by the dental hygienist with special instruments that gently take it off. Again, tooth brushing and flossing tips and hints can help stop it from coming back. Some people who have lots of calcium in their saliva will build it up quicker than others.

Stain removal

Beofre and after haveing a polish with airflow to remove staining

Staining isn’t really harmful to your teeth, but it can be unsightly. This staining is caused by tobacco and can be polished off by a type of polishing called Airflow which gently blasts the staining away but doesn’t take away any enamel or damage the gums.

Extra health checks

Signs of mouth cancer Red and White Patches and Ulcers

Because you may see your dentist or hygienist more often than your doctor, they will be on the look out for anything else untoward. For example, they may be able to notice small painless lumps or patches in your mouth, around your face, neck and even scalp. These can then be check out and sorted quickly. The last picture is of an aphthous ulcer which will heal within two weeks. The other two pictures could be something more sinister and need to be delt with quickly.

If you would like an appointment with Chloe our hygienist you would need to have a check up first with one of our dentists. To book an appointment call New Street Dental Care on 01264301301 or email us at info@newstreetdentalcare.co.uk