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The hygienist's main role is to provide professional cleaning of the teeth
for the patient. This is usually called scaling and polishing. However,
perhaps their most important role is the education of the patient in the
best way to keep the teeth free of plaque. Our hygienist's work closely
with the dentist's and Nurses to provide care tailored to your needs.
A clean and healthy mouth will improve your appearance,
help you keep your teeth and give you fresh breath. Poor gum health is now
known to be related to heart problems later in life.
The training of the hygienist is centred around preventing dental disease (Gum
disease and tooth decay). Carefully removing the deposits that build up on
the teeth (tartar) and teaching you how to prevent it reforming again, will
go a long way to slowing the progress of gum disease. By discussing your
diet and recommending other preventive measure your decay rate can also be
reduced. Remember prevention is free - you do it yourself!
Children can benefit from having their teeth polished and being shown how to
brush correctly. Techniques learned as a child will be used throughout life.
The hygienist can also apply fluoride gels and solutions to help prevent
decay. The permanent back teeth can also benefit from having the fissures
sealed. This is done by applying a special plastic coating to the biting
surface soon after they erupt into the mouth.
Adults can also benefit from preventive measures such as the application of
fluoride. They can also have anti-bacterial gels and solutions applied under
the gum to kill the bacteria causing gum disease. Another very important
part of the hygienists work, is the regular instruction and advice on home
care. The hygienist may also suggest giving up smoking as this will reduce
staining. Recent research has also shown that smokers have more gum disease
and lose more teeth than non-smokers. As with children, Adults can also benefit
from the application of sealants to the deep fissures of the teeth. This
will prevent decay starting in these areas.
Some dentists will carry out this type of work. However, many now recognise
that the hygienist has been specially trained to carry out scaling and polishing
and can spend longer with you. They and our Nurses are also expert at teaching
you how to look after your teeth and gums. Often the hygienist will spend
a number of appointments getting the gums healthy ready for the dentist to
restore the teeth with crowns and fillings?
.... more
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What Is The Hygienists Role In The Practice? 
