The Benefits of Regular Dental Hygienist Visits

Dentists may get all the accolades for straightening, whitening, and saving teeth, but they're always backed by a team of trained dental hygienists, who you'll probably spend more time with than the actual dentist!

Hygienists know your mouth from the inside out and have seen every teeth-gritting scenario you can imagine. These professionals are there to make your visits more comfortable and more successful.

Read on to find out why regular dental hygiene visits can give you something to smile about.

A Sneak Peek Behind the Dental Hygienist Mask

If all superheroes wear some form of a mask, then perhaps a dental hygienist is at least part superhero?

Well, persons in this profession certainly perform major feats every day. Dental hygienist services are far more than just handing the dentist a specific tool.

The medical professionals who shepherd you through your dental visit perform processes such as:

• Remove plaque and calculus (NOT the math kind!)
• Apply fluoride and sealants
• Administer nitrous oxide sedation and monitor patients receiving it
• Discuss best oral health practices

It's Not Just Cavities!

So you think all you're risking by skipping dental cleanings and care are a couple of cavities and maybe less-than-white teeth. Maybe you'll listen to the professionals at Charter College, who posted a teeth-grinding list of ways poor dental hygiene can affect you in some shocking ways:

• Without regular visits to a dental office, you risk periodontitis, which can then lead to major illnesses including stroke, heart disease, premature birth, arthritis, and respiratory problems.
• Dental hygienists are masters of their trade, and they have discovered issues such as dementia, acid reflux, vitamin deficiencies, and osteoporosis just by looking inside their patients' mouths! Why not just open wide?

Something to Smile About

Whether your office matches you with a dental hygienist for the length of your time with the practice or you see a rotating collective within the office, make it a routine to ask about what's being offered. Hygienists know all about services such as:

• Teeth whitening (even if you do it at home with over the counter pastes, gums, or slick-ones, ask! Your dental hygienist professional is an expert and is here to help!)
• Deep cleaning or periodontal therapy. Yes, this can be scary, but your hygienist will ensure you are informed along the way, including with suggestions on pre-appointment painkillers or other anti-anxiety medications. But it's also so necessary. Tooth decay is not something you want to be dealing with. You get one real, permanent set for life. That's it.
• X-rays. They're not just something your insurance orders every year or so. 
• Preventative cleaning

Yeah, you can't really go it alone. Despite regular brushing, flossing, and mouth washing, we just can't get our teeth as perfectly clean as they need to be. Relax, you're in expert hands. And her hands are in your mouth.

Show Us Those Pearly Whites

Now it's your turn. Want to brag about conquering your fears of the dentist? Share your story below and be an encouragement to our readers.

Have questions or want some recommendations of dental hygienists in your area? Post and we'll serve those up faster than you can swish and spit. 

Beyond Tooth Decay, Dental Hygiene in depth

Have you visited your dental hygienist lately? The answer may depend on how highly you regarddental hygiene, but did you know that it is a very important part of youroverall health? If you do not properly care for your teeth, it can lead totooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and even major organ issues. Not brushingyour teeth at all can lead to even more serious consequences to your health.

 

Routine Cleaning

 

While many people may think that a routine dental cleaning is all about polishing the teeth to make them appear nice looking,but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, this cleaning isperformed by a dental hygienist and it is the removal of hard and soft plaque depositson your teeth. These deposits can lead to tooth decay, as well as a number ofother issues.

 

Having a regular cleaning has been just good dental hygiene.It is recommended that you have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist atleast twice a year. For some, it may be necessary to have more cleanings, asmany medications, diseases and illnesses can affect your teeth. If your dentalhygienist recognizes any inflammation or infection, there may be a need totreat it more aggressively. This is while regularly scheduled visits will keepyour teeth healthy. Being at the forefront of your dental hygiene is mucheasier to manage then to try to get in front of dental problems.

 

Other Potential Risks With Tooth Decay

 

Not only does decay affect your teeth, it can also cause variousdiseases, pancreatic cancer, heart disease and much more. This is the numberone reason it is important that you visit your dental hygienist on a regularbasis to ensure you have good dental management.

 

There have been many studies conducted, which concludes thatpoor dental care has lead to bigger health issues. The bacteria Porphyromonas Gingivalis was found in thosepatients who suffer with Alzheimer’s. It was found in their brain, but isassociated with chronic gum disease. This bacteria can reach the brain throughtwo paths. The first includes going up the nerves which connect the brain andthe roots of the teeth. The second is through the circulatory system. Whenpatients suffer with bleeding gums, they are more likely to contract this bacteria.It is easier for it to enter the blood stream, as the blood is being introducedto the mouth. While this may be a rare instance, it is still easily avoidablewith routine dental care.

 

Utilizing a dental hygienist will allow you to catch potentialissues quickly, which will lessen your chances of developing bigger health issuesdown the road. 

Beyond Tooth Decay, Why Is Dental Hygiene So Important

Visiting your dental hygienist is an important part of a good dental care plan. They can help prevent a number of issues, which can affect your overall health. You may not realize it, but dental issues can cause bigger health concerns. Your dental hygienist will watch for signs, and be able to warn you if more aggressive care is needed.

 

Cleaning

 

Your dental hygienist is the one who cleans your teeth when you go to the dentist. Not only does this help rejuvenate your teeth, it also ensures your mouth is free of dangerous bacteria. If you do not properly care for your teeth, it could lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and so much more.

 

However, not brushing your teeth properly can cause a number of other health issues. Your dental hygienist will polish your teeth, so that they look new again. But this is not all they will do during a routine cleaning. Your dental hygienist will remove hard and soft deposits from your teeth during a routine cleaning, which will help prevent bacteria and tooth decay.

 

Most hygienist recommend that you have a routine cleaning every 6 months, as this is typically the amount of time it takes for plaque to form. If issues are discovered, they may have you come in more frequently for cleanings, as there are many illnesses that can cause issues with your teeth.

 

Risk Of Poor Dental Care

 

There are many health risks associated with your dental care, and that is why it is important that you follow up with any potential issues that are found by your dental hygienist. Poor dental care can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, pancreatic cancer, heart disease and much more. Regular visits to your dental hygienist can help deter these health risks.

 

Many studies have proven the effects of poor dental care. In fact, the bacteria Porphyromonas Gingivalis was found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This bacteria happens to be associated with chronic gum disease.

 

There are two main ways this bacteria can reach the brain. This includes through the nerves which connect the brain and the roots of the teeth. The other is through the blood stream. For those who suffer with bleeding gums, they are at more of a risk at contracting this bacteria. When blood is introduced to the mouth, it is extremely easy for bacteria to enter the blood stream.

 

You should always follow up with your dental hygienist, as they are your link to good dental care. They can detect harmful bacteria, and help prevent these health concerns from developing. 

Stand Out This Summer

    Nothing touches another person more than a smile. A smile given to strangers can start new friendships. A smile given to a lonely relative or friend can uplift his spirits. A smile worn on a warm sunny day can be contagious, especially when you’re on a beach, attending a wedding or spending time with family and friends.

Yes, a beautiful smile can make you stand out this summer. A set of pearly white teeth can increase your self-confidence. You can talk to anybody – even up close and personal. You can smile at anyone or shout out loud, without worrying about bad breath.

Not confident in your smile? Find the stains on your teeth too unsightly? Does the plaque on your teeth bother you? No problem! A visit to a dental hygienist can help you.

Achieve that Perfect Smile

Why should you see a dental hygienist in Colorado when you’ve been brushing and flossing your teeth faithfully? Here are the reasons:

1.       A dental hygienist has the right set of skills. Some people are not aware that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove food particles that can damage your teeth, cause gum problems and bad breath.

2.       A dental hygienist will review the fluoride sources in your area. By now, most of us are aware of the role fluoride plays in oral care. Too little can cause tooth decay. Overexposure can cause dental fluorosis. A dental hygienist prevents both by reviewing the fluoride levels in your area’s water and recommends home treatments.

3.       A reputable dental hygienist has the right tools and equipment. And he or she has mastered their use for cleaning the entire oral cavity, thus ensuring a clean and healthy mouth.

4.       A dental hygienist puts your health at the forefront. He or she has the license to perform a variety of tasks, but is careful not to go beyond his or her scope of practice. For example, he or she will refer you to a dentist or other health professional if and when necessary.

Visit a dental hygienist in Colorado today to ensure that your smile stands out not only this summer, but the whole year through. You’ll be amazed at how many people will smile back at you!