Dental hygienist provide educational, clinical, research, administrative and therapeutic services to support total health through preventive oral care. They work in a variety of settings including private practice, community health settings, hospitals, schools, public health clinics, state and federal health agencies, Indian reservations, and military or government facilities.
Hygienists perform multiple procedures, which include professional teeth cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from your gum line and in between the teeth. They also may clean your gums, and take X-rays of your mouth to help identify problems such as tooth decay, bone loss and other issues that the dentist can’t see with just a visual examination.
“The Role of a Dental Hygienist in Maintaining Your Oral Health
A hygienist will also review your medical and dental history, as well as your current medications. Then they will clean your teeth, using a tool to scrape away the hardened plaque and tartar that you can’t get with just a toothbrush. They may also polish and floss your teeth, as well as provide fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth.
They might also recommend special toothpaste, toothbrushes or other oral hygiene products for you to use at home. They might also give you advice on diet and nutrition, to prevent cavities and other health issues. They can also recommend that you chew sugar-free gum to stimulate your salivary glands, canceling out the acids produced after meals that cause tooth decay. This is one of the best ways to prevent decay, along with brushing your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, and using a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
