Regular appointments with a dental hygienist are crucial for maintaining good oral health. These appointments are designed to clean teeth thoroughly, as well as provide an opportunity for dental practitioners to detect potential oral problems. Once these problems have been detected, it is possible to put steps in place in order to mitigate the problems found. In addition, dental hygienists can provide personalised oral hygiene advice and instruct patients on methods of cleaning their teeth.
What can be expected from a hygiene appointment?
During a dental hygiene appointment at the dentist Wagga, a dental hygienist can clean the patient’s teeth, removing plaque and tartar build-up, which are factors that can cause gum disease, decay and cavities. They may also use dental tools and techniques to remove stains and brighten teeth, leaving the teeth feeling clean and refreshed. This is often referred to as scale-and-polish (or scaling and cleaning).
What are the benefits of hygiene appointments?
One of the key benefits of visiting a dental hygienist is that oral health problems can be detected and prevented when they are in the early stages (provided that these visits are scheduled regularly in line with the advice of the dentist Wagga Wagga). Dental hygienists can identify early signs of gum disease, cavities, and other oral problems and can provide personalised recommendations for maintaining good oral health. They may also provide preventive treatments, such as fluoride application to the teeth or dental sealants to protect teeth from possible future damage.
In addition to cleaning and prevention, dental hygienist appointments also provide the opportunity for tailored oral hygiene instructions. Dental hygienists can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques and provide advice on the use of oral care products. This can differ significantly from patient to patient because some patients have dental prosthetics, some have all of their natural teeth, and some have particular health problems that can inform what sort of practices are helpful for that individual. The hygienist can also answer questions patients may have about their oral health based on their needs.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for various reasons. Alongside appointments with a hygienist, ensuring that good dental hygiene practices are in place can promote good overall oral well-being. This means that the lifespan of the patient’s natural (or replacement) teeth may be extended due to the reduced likelihood of plaque build-up or decay. In turn, this can lower the chances of tooth loss.
How often should patients visit their dental hygienist?
It is commonly recommended that patients schedule regular dental hygiene appointments generally every six months or so to maintain good oral health. This can allow hygienists the opportunity to monitor oral health and make any necessary adjustments to the patient’s oral hygiene routine. Hygienists can also identify problems that require treatment from a dentist in Wagga and help patients understand the right level of care for their personal needs.
When considering dental hygiene appointments, it must be noted that these do not replace appointments with a dentist in Wagga Wagga. Hygiene appointments should be scheduled regularly in addition to appointments with a dentist.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
