When you go to your Plano, TX dentist office for your regular cleaning and checkup, you aren’t just seeing a dentist. Your dental hygienist plays a big role in your oral healthcare. They serve as a connection between you and the dentist. Hygienists have advanced education and are more than just the person that cleans your teeth.
dental hygienist cleaning a patient’s teeth
Cleans Your Teeth
Obviously, this is what hygienists are most known for. No matter how well you take care of your own teeth, there are still areas you aren’t able to clean yourself. Your hygienist uses specialized dental tools to get into hard-to-reach places. They remove plaque and tartar buildup that can cause issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
It takes specialized training to be able to wield these dental instruments. They’re educated to be able to perform cleaning services as gently and comfortably as possible. It’s easy to cause harm with delicate dental instruments. Their training allows them to perform their cleaning duties without issues.
Takes Care of Your Gums
Your teeth aren’t the only thing to worry about in your mouth. Your hygienist takes gum measurements when they’re examining your mouth. These measurements need to be accurate to assess your gum health. Comparing these measurements with previous allows us to analyze changes and catch things like gum disease early.
If you do have issues with gum disease, dental hygienists perform deep cleaning procedures to manage the disease. Scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or laser treatments may be administered depending on the severity of the disease. Your hygienist helps determine which will be the most successful option for your unique case.
Educates You and Other Patients
Patient education is a very important part of dental care. All of us need to know the proper techniques for brushing and flossing effectively. But they also have knowledge of your unique mouth and case. You may be more susceptible to certain diseases or conditions. Your hygienist keeps you updated on your condition and advises you on how you can avoid the development of these issues.
Some patients need further tools to ensure their oral health. Your hygienist recommends certain cleaning tools and can teach you how to use them. For instance, if you have braces or certain oral appliances or restorations, some extra cleaning may be required. They advise you on the best way to take care of these for optimal oral health.
Assessing Oral Health Risks
Your hygienist is one of the first people that’ll notice if there are developing problems with your oral health. They’re educated in early signs and symptoms of disease and decay, informing you if they notice these problems. Because they catch things earlier, it’s easier to treat and prevent further damage from happening.
Not everyone is at risk from the exact same dental problems. Your hygienist helps determine what ones you’re predisposed to. They’ll communicate any findings with the dentist to determine the best course of action for prevention or treatment.
Schedule an Appointment at Your Plano, Texas Dentist Office
We have a team of experienced dental hygienists to help take care of you. Call our office or schedule a complimentary consultation online.