What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
A Dental Hygienist plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth healthy - often preventing problems before they start.
More Than Just a Clean
Many people think hygienists only ‘clean teeth’, but their role is far more comprehensive.
Dental Hygienists focus on:
Preventing gum disease
Maintaining oral hygiene
Educating patients
Key Treatments Provided
A Hygienist typically carries out:
Scale and Polish: Removes plaque and tartar buildup.
Gum Health Monitoring: Checks for early signs of gum disease.
Stain Removal: Helps restore a brighter smile.
Oral Hygiene Advice: Tailored recommendations for brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning.
Why This Matters
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, but the good new is that it’s largely preventable. Regular visits to a Hygienist significantly reduce your risk.
A Preventative Approach
Rather than treating problems after they arise, hygienists focus on stopping them altogether. This saves time, discomfort, and cost in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most dental practices require a check up before they let you see a Dental Hygienist, but at London Dental Hygiene by tooth, we offer Direct Access - this means you can book a hygiene appointment without seeing a Dentist first.
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No - Hygienists focus on cleaning and prevention, while Dentists diagnose and treat issues. Hygienists cannot legally diagnose dental issues which are out of their legal scope of practice. That’s why it is always recommended to book a dental check up at least every 6 months.
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Yes - one of the many benefits of visiting a Dental Hygienist regularly is that they are trained to spot early signs of gum disease and other concerns.
More FAQs here.