Gum Disease

Hygienists

THE PROBLEM:
Tartar and staining builds up on the necks of the teeth over time. This can cause gum disease.

In the past, dentists gave a scale and clean as part of a check-up. Many patients in this era of "scale and cleans" ended up with gum disease which ultimately led to tooth loss.

THE SOLUTION:
Regular visits to a hygienist. Our goal at St Albans is to maintain your teeth for your lifetime and to do this it is necessary not only to care for teeth but also maintain the gums.

It is the role of a hygienist to help you with this. Hygienists are health professionals who have graduated from an accredited school of dental hygiene, and who, through clinical services, patient education and evaluation seek to prevent oral disease, provide treatment for existing disease and assist people in maintaining an optimum level of oral health.

The Role of Dental Hygienists

• To evaluate and assess gingival (gums) supporting structures and teeth.
• To review medical history and x-ray results.
• To perform oral screening for abnormal lesions including head and neck examination.
• To perform scaling and polishing of teeth.
• To guide patient through individualized instruction.
• To advise on dietary influences, particularly pertaining to dental disease.
• To apply preventative agents to teeth and gums (e.g. Fluorides) to prevent decay and periodontal (gum) disease.