More than clean: 7 reasons to visit your dental hygienist in 2024
Regular teeth cleaning is an opportunity to discover teeth and gum concerns early, before they become bigger problems, says Dr. Chris Goudy, owner of Fine Dentistry in Sidney.
Even the most fastidious home dental care routine can’t beat the “deep clean” that comes from a visit to your hygienist, but did you know that’s just one reason for professional cleanings?
“Along with removing any soft and hard deposits that build up over time, which helps reduce inflammation and gives you that desired sense of cleanliness in your mouth, there are many additional benefits to regular professional teeth cleaning that often get overlooked,” explains Dr. Chris Goudy, from Fine Dentistry in Sidney.
- Oral health benefits the whole body: Recent studies show that chronic inflammation in the gums is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and also has an effect on sugar control, especially in those with Type 1 diabetes.
- Early detection of decay: Hygienists spend more time in your mouth than a dentist will during a routine examination and play an important part in detecting decay which can hide under plaque or tartar and be missed on x-rays until the teeth have been cleaned.
- Deep pockets require a deeper clean: Deep pockets or periodontal pockets are spaces around the gum line that have become infected. Hygienists often detect deep pockets around a tooth that may grow with time if not cleaned completely. If a deep pocket has grown past a depth of three to four millimetres, a toothbrush, floss or mouthwash usually is not adequate for cleaning. A hygienist will use instruments to clean the full depth of the pocket so that the gums can heal around the tooth.
- Hygienists are a wealth of oral health knowledge: When it comes to the best products and techniques for home dental care, hygienists are an important piece of the oral health puzzle. After all, a great cleaning is best delivered with instructions for you to maintain your teeth at home.
“Our goal is to see you less, not more,” Dr. Chris Goudy says. “With good upkeep, your cleanings become easier with less discomfort and often bring a longer time between visits.”
- Early treatment prevents serious dental concerns later: “At Fine Dentistry we take a conservation approach to treatment with early monitoring and intervention,” says Dr. Goudy, noting that monitoring or treating problems early can often save costly fixes down the road. “A small cavity usually does not hurt but a big cavity often needs extensive treatment such as a root canal or a crown,” he explains. “Early detection, prevention and treatment is crucial in preventing these more extensive treatments.”
- Make cosmetic dentistry a priority: When you regularly maintain your oral hygiene, you can extend the life of your dental restorations, including implants, crowns, veneers, dentures and sealants. Each appointment, the hygienist will also take time to check for damage and provide or recommend repair or replacement services if needed.
- Remove bad breath: Bad breath can harm your self-confidence. You may find it difficult to interact with other people or speak in public. With halitosis, bacteria can hide under your gum line and cause your breath to smell bad. A dental hygenist can remove the bacteria that causes it and keep your breath fresh.
Having regular hygiene appointments can also diagnose and treat other systemic problems, including acid reflux.
Visit the hygienists at Fine Dentistry and see what a difference a professional cleaning can make to your oral health. Find Fine Dentistry on Fifth Street, in the heart of downtown Sidney. Call 250-656-7553 to book an appointment today or learn more at fine-dentistry.ca.