Dental Hygienist 

A dental hygienist is specially trained in the prevent and treatment of gum (periodontal) disease, which is the main cause of adult tooth loss and to give advice on all aspects of oral health.

Treating and preventing periodontal disease

• Detailed explanation of periodontal disease
• Oral hygiene instruction
• Removal of plaque and hard (calculus) deposits.
• Discuss secondary factors that cause periodontal disease, for example smoking and diabetes.
• Discuss how periodontal disease could affect or complicate other health problems for example heart disease.
  
  

Prevention of tooth decay (caries) and erosion

• Discuss in detail the reasons for tooth caries and erosion.
• Give diet advice on how to reduce sugary and acid food and drink.
• Advice on fluoride and apply fluoride varnishes to help remineralise early signs of tooth caries.

Help you to have a clean and healthy mouth

• Polish the teeth to remove food and drink stain
• Help to change red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink
• Stop gums from bleeding when brushing
• Prevent teeth from becoming mobile and drifting
• Prevent unpleasant tastes and bad breath by the damaging bacteria in the mouth.