There's nothing wrong with your teeth – you brush thoroughly and eat seven apples a week – why do you need to see a dental hygienist? There are actually a whole bunch of reasons why you should be having your teeth checked over and cleaned regularly, and organising these simple appointments can be one of the most important steps in ensuring good oral health.
Nobody does it better
You may take great care of your teeth, but even with regular brushing and flossing, there are still a few things that you can't do yourself. No matter how hard you try, it's inevitable that plaque will slowly build up on your teeth. If left unchecked, this hardens into its much nastier brother – tartar. Tartar can form on your teeth and even underneath the gumline, providing a surface for even more plaque to form on top of. A buildup of tartar can lead to a variety of different conditions, ranging from cosmetic issues to more serious problems like cavities.
Tartar can only be removed by a process known as 'scaling', where your dental hygienist will use special tools to remove it from the surface of your teeth while giving your pearly whites a good spring clean. While you're visiting, you'll also have your gums, teeth and mouth checked for any warning signs of disease that may require a trip to the dentist – giving you peace of mind between checkups.
Your dental hygienist can advise you on everything from the right toothbrush to the right toothpaste.
Oral care begins at home
While an appointment is a great way to get your teeth looking spick and span, it's unfortunately a bit of a stretch to have your hygienist clean your teeth for you every day. Many people brush their teeth incorrectly or improperly, and a trip to a specialist is the easiest way to learn whether or not you actually are treating your teeth as well as they deserve.
It's not just the way that you brush your teeth either, your dental hygienist can advise you on everything from the right toothbrush to the right toothpaste, as well as identifying the areas that need attention but perhaps you hadn't considered. Every part of the mouth needs care, and if you're neglecting your tongue or cheeks, they won't thank you.
Whether you've got a buildup of tartar that needs to be dealt with or are simply ready for some feedback on how your oral health routine is going, a trip to the dental hygienist is always useful and a great way to make sure everything is still going smoothly.