Who Is a Dental Hygienist, and Can They Help With Gum Disease
Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin
Dental hygienists are the unsung heroes of your dental team, playing a vital role in maintaining your oral health. But what exactly do they do, and can they help with gum disease?
How Dental Hygienists Fight Gum Disease
Dental hygienists are licensed oral healthcare professionals specifically trained in preventive dental care. They work alongside dentists, focusing on gum health and disease prevention.
One of their key responsibilities is to assess your gum condition during regular examinations. This involves thoroughly inspecting signs that might indicate gum disease, such as inflammation, bleeding, and pockets (spaces) between your teeth and gums.
They also perform professional teeth cleanings, which remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line - areas often missed by brushing and flossing alone. Plaque is a sticky film teeming with bacteria that can irritate gums and lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe gum infection that can damage the bone supporting your teeth.
Dental hygienists might do scaling and root planing if the gum disease worsens. This means they clean deep into the teeth and roots to eliminate bacteria. This makes the teeth smooth and stops more damage without needing surgery.
After cleaning, your hygienists will help keep gums healthy using fluoride treatments and sealants. Fluoride strengthens teeth and fights decay, while sealants protect molars from plaque buildup.
They can teach how to brush and floss correctly, suggest oral care products, and advise on eating well for oral health. These professionals also keep track of patient oral health is improving. By doing regular check-ups and cleanings, they can see if preventive measures are working well and spot any fresh problems.
Regular dental cleanings and professional guidance from your hygienist can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease. If you are already experiencing symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums, they can work with our dentist to develop a treatment plan to manage the disease and prevent further complications.
Dental hygienists are the unsung heroes of your dental team, playing a vital role in maintaining your oral health. But what exactly do they do, and can they help with gum disease?