Dental hygiene treatment includes professionally cleaning the teeth for the patient. This is usually called scaling and polishing. However, perhaps our most important role is showing the patient the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque.
The dentist also plays an important role in treating gum disease.
The important role of the Dental Hygienist
Gum disease is the main reason for tooth loss and we take the treatment of this very seriously. Our Dental Hygienist has three main roles:
- Removing calculus (tartar) from teeth - this is done by a technique called scaling and polishing.
- Treating gum disease (also known as 'gingivitis' or 'periodontal disease') - this is caused by plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria. If left untreated your gums will start to swell and bleed and will ultimately result in tooth loss. Tooth loss is not through age - it is because of gum disease.
- Teaching patients good oral hygiene techniques - individually tailored to specific needs.