Oral Hygiene and the Dental Hygienist.

Oral Hygiene

You know that brushing your teeth everyday can help you avoid cavities. But that’s not enough to keep your teeth healthy. You may be surprised to learn that most tooth loss in adults is not caused by tooth decay – it’s caused by gum disease. Gums cover and protect the bone that supports your teeth. This bone is like a foundation that supports a building - if the foundation becomes weakened, the building may fall down, even though there’s nothing wrong with the building itself.

Similarly, if the gums are not cared for, the bone underneath can become inflection and damaged. You can lose your teeth if the bone is not strong enough to hold your teeth in place – even if you’ve never had a cavity in your life!

What is a dental hygienist?

Dental Hygienists are specially trained members of the dental team who work together with your Dentist to provide fully integrated dental care. They play an important role in oral heath, by providing individualised preventive treatment and demonstrating correct home care to patients to prevent dental disease and tooth wear.

What is the Hygienist’s role in the Dental Practice?

Hygienists perform four main functions:

1. Dental hygiene eduction tailored to the patient’s needs. This one-on-one instruction includes care for your gums and teeth, and information on dietary habits and health condition which may be adversely affecting your oral health.
2. Collaborate with your dentist to plan an oral health maintenance program, including assessment of your periodontal (gum) health, evaluation of radiographs and review of your medical history.
3. Removal of calculus deposits and stain from teeth

1. Application of decay preventing agents and recommendation of products for home use.

Why is home dental care so important?

Dental disease can be prevented. Effective home plaque control techniques help to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Such problems are less likely to progress into more serious dental aliments resulting in extensive and costly dental treatment.

Preventive dental treatment for all ages

Dental disease occurs at any age, therefore treatment and advice from Dental Hygienist will benefit all. Patients are taught how dental disease including tooth wear occurs, and how it can be prevented.
For many children, the application of dental fissure sealants to the grooves of the back teeth will prevent decay for life. In the aging population changes to general health and medications can have a direct impact on oral health of a person.
It is important that everyone establishes correct home care techniques.

Is there any discomfort?

Usually dental hygiene treatment is pain free. If you find treatment uncomfortable it is important that you discuss this with your Dental Hygienist. Various techniques are available to help.

Is it expensive?

Any prevention care will ultimately lead to savings. Depending on the type of treatment carried out and the length of the appointment, costs may vary. It is important to agree to and confirm the cost of the visit before the Dental Hygienist begins treatment.

Why doesn’t the Dentist do the work?

The Dental Hygienist has been specially trained to perform preventive treatment and maintenance of the mouth, teeth and gums. Your Dentist will refer you to a Dental Hygienist for more specialised oral care, while they provide complex restorative or cosmetic care.