Your dentist isn't the only dental health professional you might need to see as part of your oral care routine. Practices also employ other practitioners, such as hygienists.

In some cases, dentists might recommend that you make an appointment with their hygienist after a routine check-up or as part of a dental treatment plan. Why might you need to see a hygienist?

You Need a Scale and Polish

If you haven't kept on top of your dental hygiene routine, then your teeth might have plaque and tartar coatings. If you don't brush plaque off your teeth, then it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is too hard to come off with brushing; however, it can damage your teeth and gums if you don't remove it.

So, your dentist might want you to book a hygienist's appointment to have a scale and polish treatment. This is basically a deep clean.

Your hygienist has tools that can clean even hardened tartar off the teeth. At the end of the process, your teeth and gums will be in much better shape and less likely to develop problems.

You Need Certain Treatments

Dental hygienists don't just clean patients' teeth. They can also do some dental treatments. For example, hygienists sometimes take X-rays, apply fluoride varnishes and put on fissure sealants.

In some cases, your dentist might want you to see a hygienist as part of a complex treatment. For example, if you have gum disease, then your dentist might want you to see your hygienist in between your check-ups to make sure that you are keeping on top of the problem.

You Need Preventative Advice

If you have recurring problems with your teeth or gums, then your dentist might want to evaluate your oral care routine. Sometimes, people have similar dental problems over and over again.

For example, say you have repeated problems with tooth decay. You have to have fillings on a regular basis. Your dentist will try to work out why you need so many fillings and what you can do to prevent them from happening.

It's useful to see a hygienist here. They offer preventative care services and advice that could break your cavity cycle.

For example, they can help you establish a more robust and effective dental care routine. They can check your brushing and flossing techniques. They can also recommend products to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. If your problems are related to your diet or lifestyle, then they can recommend changes you might want to make.

To find out more, contact a dental practice. 

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