07 May Dental Hygienists: What They Do to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Dental hygienists play an important role in helping you maintain good oral health. They are the ones who make sure you leave the dentist’s office with a brighter smile and teeth that are freshly polished and tartar-free. Not only do they clean your teeth, dental hygienists can also provide non-invasive treatments that help prevent cavities and gum disease. Here’s more about what they do.
The Importance of Dental Hygienists
Your dental hygienist’s main responsibility is making sure you leave with clean and shiny teeth. However, they are also responsible for checking for decay, educating you on oral hygiene, and documenting their findings. Here are five important tasks dental hygienists do to keep your mouth healthy.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are an essential part of your twice-yearly visit to the dentist. They can safely remove any plaque and tartar buildup, which helps you maintain a healthy mouth for the next six months.
Screening for Oral Health Problems
One of the reasons your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup is to get a better look at your teeth. During a cleaning, they might spot problems like cavities, gum disease, teeth grinding, or even dental abscesses.
Non-Invasive, Preventive Treatments
Dental hygienists may also provide preventive care like fluoride applications, laser therapy, and oral cancer screenings. These preventive measures can help you fight tooth decay and gum disease more successfully, and maintain better oral health.
Dental Health History
Your hygienist will update your dental records with the date of your cleaning, any treatments they provided, and any potential problems they noticed. Their records help your dentist formulate an appropriate treatment plan and adapt your dental care as needed. Your hygienist will also take note of any sensitivities in your teeth or gums, which will make your next cleaning more comfortable.
Inform Patients on Proper Dental Care
Your dental hygienist can answer all of your questions about oral care, from choosing the right toothbrush, to showing you how to floss your teeth correctly. They can help you find oral care products you like and a routine you can stick to, so that your teeth stay cavity-free between cleanings.
Show Appreciation for Your Dental Hygienist by Scheduling a Cleaning Today
Dental hygienists have a very important job! In Arizona, they must undergo extensive training to earn their state license, and they are qualified to provide oral hygiene advice and many types of preventive treatments.
Here at Hicks Dental Group we offer the very best in dental care. From our spectacular dental hygienists to our talented dentists, our entire team is dedicated to making sure you enjoy excellent dental health. If you live in the Prescott area, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (5/7/25). Photo by Caroline LM on Unsplash