A dental hygienist is often the first person a patient will see at a preventive cleaning appointment. These professionals remove plaque and calculus from the teeth, and they also teach patients about preventive dental care. For this reason, many patients consider the entire staff, including the hygenist, when choosing a dentist.
The dentist a patient chooses should offer the following services during routine appointments:
When plaque hardens on the teeth, it turns into calculus. It is also called tartar. It cannot be removed by brushing; a professional dental cleaning is necessary. Patients often refer to scaling as "scraping" on the teeth. The hygienist may use a metal instrument or one that sprays water to remove this type of deposit.
Dental polishing removes plaque from the teeth, and it is what many patients consider the "cleaning" part of the appointment. There are fine, medium, and coarse-grit pastes available; the hygienist selects the type based on the amount of plaque and stain present. Many of the pastes contain fluoride. The hygenist also flosses between each tooth.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, it is projected that approximately 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol abuse, sun exposure, and the HPV virus. Patients should find a dentist who performs an oral cancer check at every appointment. During the soft tissue exam, the dentist will evaluate all oral tissues, the tongue, and the throat. Early detection of this type of cancer is essential in treating it successfully.
When a patient goes for a routine dental cleaning, they expect the dentist to check for cavities. This is considered a hard tissue exam. During this part of the exam, the patient and dentist may discuss any daily habits that are contributing to cavity formation. These can include drinking soda, eating sugary foods, or taking medications that cause dry mouth.
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When looking to find a dentist, patients should choose one who prioritizes preventive care. While many advances have been made in dental treatments, seeking routine care can help patients avoid many restorative services. At each preventive cleaning appointment, the patient, dentist, and dental hygienist should discuss oral hygiene aids and resources to keep the patient's mouth healthy. When there is a concerted effort among the whole team, the patient can look forward to having a healthy smile for life.
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