A dental hygienist specializes in prevention & treatment of dental disease. This is important not just for your dental health, but for your general health as well. Recent research has demonstrated there is an association between poor dental health and certain systemic diseases such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Patients with diseased gums release significantly higher levels of bacterial components into the bloodstream where they can travel to other organs in the body. The mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during chewing.
Your dentist will treat dental disease, such as dental caries (decay) for example by restoring a tooth using filling materials or crowns. A hygienist’s role is to try to prevent the progress of all types of dental disease.
She can do this by employing a number of techniques:
Treatment of gingivitis (swollen gums) by scaling and polishing
Treatment of periodontal disease (more advanced gum disease) by deep cleaning techniques
Diet advice suitable for your requirements and lifestyle
Oral hygiene instruction tailored to your needs
Application of Fluoride and other strengthening agents to the teeth
Removal of surface stains and unsightly marks from the surfaces of your teeth
Our hygienist will take the time to ensure your mouth is at optimum health by doing all of the above and more, using gentle cleaning techniques; under local anaesthetic where necessary.