If you can’t remember the last time that you visited your dental hygienist in Essex, then consider this a sign to make your next appointment.

Offering a different kind of service from a regular dentist, your hygienist is concerned with the health and hygiene of your teeth and your overall smile. While dentists focus on the structural stability of teeth and their alignment, dental hygiene treatment looks to the protection of teeth, identifying signs of decay and deep cleaning in and around your smile.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

A dental hygienist conducts a series of checks and treatments which are designed to identify signs of tooth decay and minimise the risk of long term issues like gum disease.
Understanding that gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among clients, this service is an integral part of safeguarding your smile and preventing costly treatments later down the line.

They will work with you to create a tailored plan for ongoing maintenance and hygiene management, recommending products and ensuring that you book sufficient and regular appointments to keep on top of the health of your smile.

Does the Treatment Hurt?

A dental hygienist’s intention is not to cause any kind of pain, though there are clients who find certain aspects of the treatment uncomfortable. Typically, if you are a nervous patient, then you can let the hygienist know, and they will be sure to explain what they intend to do before doing it.

How to Prolong the Results of a Hygienist Appointment

Potential discomfort aside, the results of a successful hygienist appointment are incredibly satisfying and will leave your teeth feeling incredibly clean and well-kept.
Not only does a dental hygienist leave you with a healthier smile, but they also help to reduce the risk of you contracting gum disease by deep cleaning the teeth and ensuring that identifying any early signs of tooth decay that could lead to a lasting issue.

Following your appointment, it is recommended that clients follow a series of tips and pieces of advice to prolong that clean feeling and to protect their own oral hygiene:

• Make sure that you brush regularly using an electric toothbrush
• Replace the head of the toothbrush on a regular basis to minimise the spread of bacteria
• Avoid excessive alcohol and food and drinks with high acidity that impact the structure and enamel of the teeth
• Always floss to make sure that you dislodge any food stuck between the teeth, and keep these areas free from damage
• Rinse your mouth out after eating and drinking anything that’s not water

Your dental hygienist will be able to suggest and recommend other actions that they deem necessary, in line with the condition of your smile and how best to future-proof it against the harmful effects of tooth decay.