Hygienists help to prevent gum disease by keeping teeth free from plaque and tartar deposits. They also teach you how to do this yourself by demonstrating effective brushing and interdental cleaning techniques. In addition, they will advise you about eating a tooth-friendly diet and offer smoking cessation tips.
The hygienist assesses your gums and looks for any swelling, redness or bleeding. In order to detect more advanced gum disease, they take measurements where the gum attaches to the tooth to check the size of any pockets that may have developed.
It’s wise to see your hygienist on a regular basis to keep your teeth and gums in great condition. Poor gum health can also negatively affect your general well-being as it has been linked to some serious health conditions, such as heart disease and strokes.