A dental hygienist acts as a gatekeeper to the world of oral health. Here are a few reasons why you need to see a dental hygienist every six months:
Prevention
Rather than just visiting the dentist when you know something is wrong, you should try to prevent these issues by seeing the hygienist. While they’re cleaning your teeth, your hygienist will also be able to spot any potential issues, and may even be able to catch them before they get any worse. And your hygienist isn’t just checking for cavities. They can identify and address a wide range of oral health issues such as gum disease, TMJ, tooth grinding, or headaches. Hygienists can also perform oral cancer screenings.
Deep Cleaning
Your teeth may feel and appear fine, but by just brushing and flossing at home, you can’t prevent all plaque buildup. Your dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning, including plaque removal, fluoride application, polishing, and stain removal. Not only will this keep your teeth and gums healthy, it will also give you a bright, white smile!
Education
Our registered hygienist, Shannon possesses a wealth of knowledge about oral health. She will be able to educate you about proper dental hygiene, and answer any oral healthcare questions. Your hygienist can show you how to floss properly (don’t be afraid to ask, we all need a refresher once in a while!), making sure you get every little bit of debris out of there! Shannon recommends getting a water flosser to use for hard to reach areas. Her advice is to use your water flosser while you are in the shower to avoid water flying all over your clothes.
Overall Health
Early signs of many serious health issues can manifest orally. Our hygienist can spot subtle changes in your oral health that could hint at larger medical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, oral cancer, and kidney disease.