5 Important Things That Your Dental Hygienist Does Daily

Whenever you visit your dentist’s office, you can expect a helpful dental hygienist to get rid of any plaque and tartar that have accumulated on your teeth and gums. But cleaning your smile isn’t all that hygienists do! Their duties involve helping patients in a variety of ways for the sake of maintaining excellent oral health in the long term. Below are 5 examples of important things that your dental hygienist does every day.

1. Patient Screening

Before your dentist comes to look at your teeth as part of your dental checkup, your oral hygienist will perform a quick screening. They’ll check your mouth for warning signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues that might have started to develop without you realizing it. If they find any symptoms to be concerned about, they will report their findings to the dentist. This way, your dentist will already have an idea of what to look for when they begin their own examination.

2. Patient Education

Do you have any questions about how to take proper care of your teeth? Your dental hygienist is here to help! They’ll let you know if they find any spots in your mouth that you need to pay closer attention to while brushing and flossing, and they can give you suggestions for other steps you can take at home to protect your grin.

3. Patient Counseling

Some people avoid visiting the dentist for many years out of fear or anxiety. Needless to say, when they do finally schedule an appointment, they’re often very nervous. Dental hygienists can take the time to calm such patients down and help them relax as much as possible during their visits.

4. Aftercare Instructions

Dental hygienists sometimes give patients additional advice for taking care of their smiles after certain types of treatment. For instance, if you have scaling and root planing performed as part of periodontal therapy, your dental hygienist might give you a few instructions to follow at home to prevent any existing gum disease from growing worse.

5. Taking X-Rays and Impressions

Many dental practices take X-rays at least once a year to identify any oral health issues that normally couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. In many cases, dental hygienists are the ones who take X-rays. They are also often responsible for taking physical or digital impressions, which is important for making dental restorations that fit properly and look natural.

In short, dental hygienists play a major role in making sure that every patient can enjoy a healthy, long-lasting smile. The next time you visit the dentist’s office, let your dental hygienist know that you appreciate the care that they give your teeth!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis obtained her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at the UConn School of Dental Medicine. Since her graduation, she has completed advanced training in a variety of fields so that she can offer comprehensive, state-of-the-art care. At West Hartford Dental Group, she works alongside talented dental hygienists to provide her patients with high-quality care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Phadnis, visit her website or call (860) 236-4249.