Hygienist
The main job of a dental hygienist is to give you the advice and ability to maintain healthy teeth and gums at home.
Plaque and tartar builds up on the teeth when brushing and flossing has not removed all the bacteria. When plaque remains on the teeth for a long period of time, it can harden. Minerals can become present in saliva and this is then known as calculus (or ‘tartar’).
The hygienist will remove these build ups to allow you to clean your teeth effectively. The presence of plaque and calculus can cause gum disease, resulting in bleeding and swollen gums. This in turn can lead to receding gums and loss of the bone support around the teeth, which can result in tooth loss.
You will also get advice on smoking and other habits that can make the problem worse. The hygienist works very closely with dentists to ensure your dental health is taken care of.
