Dental hygienists use their problem-solving skills to identify and treat oral diseases. They also educate patients on preventive techniques like brushing and flossing. In addition to routine oral health screenings, dental hygienist take x-rays of your mouth to spot problems like cavities and gum disease. They also review your medical history, including any medications you take. A dental hygienist can help you prevent oral cancer by identifying signs and symptoms, such as white patches on your lips or inside your mouth that bleed easily and don’t heal in two weeks. Other signs include sores that numb the mouth and throat, or pain in your jaw, mouth or neck that doesn’t go away.

Hygienists perform routine oral health screenings for cavities and gum disease and report their findings to the dentist. They also review medical and dental histories and administer x-rays.

Oral cancer

Dental hygienists are trained to recognize the signs of oral cancer. It’s a serious disease that affects the lips, tongue and inside of your mouth. It can be life-threatening if not treated early. Most forms of oral cancer begin in the squamous cells that line your gums, cheeks and tongue. However, it can also start in the minor salivary glands, the roof of your mouth or the area behind your wisdom teeth.

Gum disease

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that build up on the teeth in a sticky film called plaque. Over time, plaque can harden into a calcified deposit called tartar. Infections from the plaque and calcified tartar damage gum tissue, causing it to become swollen, red, and bleed easily. Gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of developing chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease, such as stroke from blocked arteries.

Hygienists can treat gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, with proper brushing and flossing habits as well as regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and calcified deposits. In addition, some patients benefit from medicated treatments such as antimicrobial mouthwashes and antibiotic rinses. These treatment options can reduce the bacteria that contribute to the disease and prevent it from progressing to periodontitis, which is harder to control. Gum disease has also been linked to other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is a major dental problem, but it’s preventable. Dental hygienists perform teeth cleaning and oral exams to identify problems. They may also take x-rays to spot hidden tooth decay or abscesses. They apply precautionary treatments like fluoride and sealants to help prevent cavities from forming or to reverse damage that’s already there.

Early tooth decay is reversible, as saliva deposits minerals back onto the enamel, but as decay advances, it can cause pain and sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks. If the decay reaches the centre of the tooth, it may require a root canal to remove infected tissue and restore the tooth. Hygienists encourage people to brush their teeth at least twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste and regular visits to the dentist. They can also advise on diet and recommend mouthwashes that contain fluoride. In addition, they can advise people on giving up smoking, which has been linked to gum disease and tooth loss.

Dental sealants

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings that we apply to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, especially those with deep grooves and pits which are more prone to tooth decay. Made of a safe plastic resin material, they fill in these grooves to create a smooth surface that prevents bacteria and food particles from settling in, thus reducing the risk of cavities.

It is a painless and quick procedure, usually done during a routine checkup. Before applying the sealant, we will clean and dry your teeth. Then we will put an acidic etching solution on the chewing surfaces to roughen them up, so that the sealant can bond with the enamel. After rinsing the gel off and drying your tooth again, we will paint on the sealant. A special curing light is used to harden the sealant and ensure it will effectively protect your teeth.

Sealants can last 5-10 years, but they need regular maintenance to remain effective. Brushing your teeth regularly with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and avoiding biting on hard objects are key to keeping them intact.