“Would you like to see the hygienist?”
Dentists routinely refer patients to the hygienist knowing that a good, professional clean is great for the teeth and mouth. And that feeling of shiny freshness can make your smile that extra bit brighter.
Yet for some people the idea of a session with the hygienist may bring back bad memories of bleeding gums, sensitive teeth and even shame. Some patients may even have had a bad telling-off, and a lecture on what they should be doing to stop their teeth from all falling out. I am very aware that for some patients, seeing the hygienist is the last thing they want to do!
Your hygienist is your friend!
A visit to the hygienist is unlikely to be an enjoyable event but if I can explain why we do what we do, and how you can help, it may just make my job easier and the visit a better experience for you.
Hygienists spend all their day cleaning patients’ teeth to try to make their gums and their mouths a healthier place.
The health of our gums has a big impact on our general health. There are millions of bacteria (not the friendly ones) living in our mouth and if these take over, not only is our mouth unhealthy it can also affect our heart.
After professional tooth cleaning
Your hygienist can remove ‘bad’ bacteria in 2 ways
The first way is an ultrasonic water spray, which most patients don’t like because the water is cold and the treatment includes a free shower! This is, however, the most effective way of cleaning teeth and, more importantly, removing bacteria. The ‘bad’ bacteria live in the crevices between your gums and your teeth and they don’t like oxygen. When all that oxygen rich water gushes in, the bacteria rush out.
The second way is by using hand instruments (they look like crochet hooks!) to remove debris and ‘disturb’ the bacteria. If you are seen on a regular basis, every 3 months, this way is very effective.
What you do at home is vitally important
We hygienists don’t just nag because we enjoy it! When you floss or use small brushes to clean in-between your teeth you are preventing a build up of the debris which is a gourmet meal for those bacteria.
An electric toothbrush along with something to clean in-between your teeth, used on a daily basis, could make the difference between that horrible hygiene visit and a great hygiene visit.
And be reassured – at SpaDental your hygienist will always be kind to you! See you soon!
Additional reading