Hygienist appointments help to

• Evaluate the periodontal health during routine cleaning.
• Check for signs of inflammation and bleeding.
• Measure gently the space between the teeth and the gums with a special probe to check for any existence of gum disease or pockets.
• Measure the pockets and check for the necessity of advanced treatment.
• Monitor signs of decay and associated risk factors.
• Remove the calculus and stains which will leave you with fresher breath and a brighter smile for improved self-esteem.
• Make tailored made dental hygiene care for each patient.

The dental hygienist is specially trained in preventative dental care and treating gum disease and forms an integral part of the dental team.

During your visit to a dental hygienist, the hygienist will check your oral hygiene status, brushing techniques, and discuss with you about improvements that are required and shows you correct home care.

The dental hygienist will educate you on how to achieve good oral health and provide you with advice on diet and also advises on how to prevent decay.

• Bleeding gums.
• Painful gums.
• Loose teeth.
• Bad breath (Halitosis).
• Red and puffy gums.
• Gaps appearing between the teeth which were not there before.
• Teeth dropping below the level of occlusion.
• Receding gums.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Painful when eating.

If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, your dentist will recommend course of treatments from hygienists or hygiene specialists periodontists.

If any cosmetic treatments like crowns, veneers, bleaching, braces or complex treatments like implants are planned, good oral hygiene and healthy mouth is important and visiting dental hygienist will help to achieve the above.

A regular visit to the hygienist is recommended twice a year if you have good oral hygiene. However, if the gum disease is more advanced, your dentist will recommend suggesting to visit dental hygienist more often.