We all know what a dentist does, but how much do you know about dental hygienists? Here’s why you should see yours regularly, especially if you wear a brace.

Should I see a dental hygienist, and what do they do?

Absolutely yes! Dental hygienists are an important part of the dental team. They treat children and adults, promoting healthy teeth and gums.

A dental hygienist can also give dietary advice and smoking cessation, helping you to have a healthy lifestyle. Their in-depth knowledge allows them to prevent and treat gum disease and will tailor oral hygiene advice to each patient based on their wants and needs.

They remove plaque and stains from your teeth which is especially important if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment allowing your teeth to move smoothly into alignment.

What happens at a dental hygiene appointment? Firstly, the dental hygienist will ask some lifestyle questions. They will carry out an oral cancer screening, then assess how healthy the teeth and gums are. The plaque and stains present on your teeth will be skillfully removed.

The dental hygienist will tailor oral hygiene advice with demonstrations ensuring you are able to do them at home.

How often should I see a dental hygienist? Once you have been assessed by a dental hygienist they will be able to recommend what recall is best for you.

If you generally have healthy teeth and gums, usually a 6-month recall is sufficient. However, if you have gum disease or are undergoing orthodontic treatment then a 3-month recall may be recommended.

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