Routine annual dental check-up is the norm. We go to the clinic for review usually once a year having made an appointment. Once the check-up is done to rule out supervening pathologies, and if the dentist sees fit, the dental hygienist at Clínica Ilzarbe performs an oral hygiene. Do you really know what is the function of the dental hygienist? How can he/she help you?
What is the role of the dental hygienist?
The role of the dental hygienist is very important in the dental practice team in all areas, especially in the field of periodontics and peri-implant diseases. The competence of the dental hygienist is increasingly broad, from direct communication with the patient, to clinical management, dental office management and patient loyalty. Their participation is much more active with the patient, which allows them to establish a relationship of trust and thus be able to help patients in the prevention of oral pathologies.
What is oral hygiene for?
Both caries and periodontal periodontal disease are diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria present in the oral environment and it is only possible to eliminate them with the mechanical action of brushing and the practice of rinsing with antiseptics. Even if we brush very well and use dental floss and mouthwashes, with the passage of time accumulations appear on the surface of the teeth that are called plaque, which soon calcify and form the “tartar“which is a very hard sediment that can only be removed by professional cleaning in the dental office.
What tips can we follow for good dental hygiene?
The tips for good dental hygiene are as follows:
- Brush your teeth three times a day, for at least two minutes, always after meals.
- The toothbrush should be more or less soft depending on the characteristics of the patient’s mouth. It can be electric or manual.
- The use of irrigators, dental floss, mouthwash or interdental brushes can also help.
- Do not smoke, eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary drinks.
- Change the brush every three months.
- Visit the dentist every six months to one year.
The dental hygienist will always advise you on the best toothbrush for your mouth.
How often should oral hygiene be performed?
We recommend four to six months in periodontal patients and once a year in all other patients. An oral cleaning is very important, as it helps us to eliminate bacteria and prevent diseases such as caries or gingivitis.
What do we observe in an oral cleaning?
In a cleaning the hygienist can observe the amount of plaque accumulated, if there is inflammation of the gums, gingivitis, bone loss and we can also diagnose cavities. Finally, the hygienist teaches and explains the brushing technique that best suits each patient.
Are there any side effects of a dental cleaning?
There are no side effects and therefore the cleaning procedure is not harmful to enamel or dentin. dentin. In some cases it may cause a slight sensitivity in the following days, as there are areas of the tooth that are left in the air and bare of tartar, but this sensation disappears shortly after. Discover all the information about the dental hygienist by our hygienist Fina Herreros. If you need a dental cleaning… ¡Get in touch with us!
