Dental Hygiene

A dental hygiene appointment is focused on maintaining and improving your oral health through professional cleaning and preventive care.

Here’s a detailed look at what a dental hygiene appointment typically involves:

1. Professional Cleaning

• Scaling: This process involves removing plaque and tartar (calculus) from the surfaces of your teeth, particularly below the gum line. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar if not removed regularly.
• Polishing: After scaling, the dental hygienist polishes your teeth using a special abrasive paste to remove surface stains and smooth the teeth’s surfaces. This makes it harder for plaque to accumulate.

2. Examination and Assessment

• Oral Examination: The dental hygienist or dentist may examine your mouth for signs of oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, or other abnormalities. This examination helps in the early detection and management of potential problems.
• Gum Health Evaluation: Measurement of gum pocket depths around your teeth to check for signs of gum disease. Healthy gums usually have pocket depths of 1-3 millimetres. Deeper pockets can indicate gingivitis or periodontitis.

3. Oral Health Education

• Brushing and Flossing Techniques: Guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure effective cleaning at home. This may include demonstrations of how to brush correctly and the importance of flossing.

• Dietary Advice: Recommendations on dietary choices that impact oral health, such as reducing sugar intake and eating foods that support dental health.

4. Personalized Care Plan

• Preventive Care: Based on the examination, the hygienist may suggest preventive treatments such as fluoride applications to strengthen teeth or dental sealants to protect against cavities.
• Treatment Recommendations: If any issues are detected, the hygienist or dentist will discuss potential treatments or follow-up care needed to address those concerns.

5. Record Keeping

Documentation: Recording the findings of the appointment, including any changes in oral health, and updating your dental records. This helps track your oral health over time and guide future care.

6. Addressing Specific Concerns

Handling Issues: If you have specific concerns, such as persistent bad breath, sensitivity, or discomfort, you can discuss these with the hygienist. They can offer advice or refer you to the dentist for further evaluation.

FAQs

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