Dental hygienists keep smiles healthy and beautiful for patients of all ages.
There is nothing like the feeling of silky-smooth, professionally cleaned teeth and the look of a newly brightened smile. From an early age, most patients have experienced the pleasure of having their teeth cleaned and cared for by dental hygienists. As the years pass, they continue to rely on twice-yearly hygiene visits to keep their smiles healthy and prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.
Dental hygienists play a significant role in the oral and overall health care of their patients. From providing personalized cleaning and aesthetic treatments to screening for disease, dental hygienists certainly have their hands full. They are the champions of preventive care, ensuring patients’ smiles remain beautifully healthy. It’s no wonder Canada celebrates their hard work every year.
This article will look at the important job dental hygienists perform every day and how they enhance and protect patients’ smiles at all life stages.
Why are dental hygienists so important?
Hygienists have the power to improve patient health and aesthetics in one sitting, by removing plaque and calculus buildup and applying preventive treatments. In doing so, they help keep teeth and gums healthy. Beyond that, hygienists also screen for oral health issues, handle X-rays, apply whiteners, and provide education on home dental care and nutrition.
How do dental hygienists benefit patients of all ages?
Oral health is more critical than most patients realize. The WHO estimates that 3.7 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of oral health disease, resulting in discomfort, chronic pain, disfigurement, and even death. The good news is that most oral diseases are preventable or treatable—and dental hygienists can play a significant role in the process.
Dental hygienists are pivotal to ensuring patients maintain good oral health. This can include providing education on common disease risk factors, such as tobacco, alcohol, and inadequate home dental care. In fact, there is a direct link between poor oral health habits and a variety of serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as well as pregnancy and childbirth complications. Fortunately, a good dental hygienist can contribute to better health and well-being at all stages of a patient’s life, from childhood to adulthood to the elder years.
Childhood
Whether in schools or dental offices, hygienists teach kids the importance of proper brushing and flossing to foster good habits that will last a lifetime. Additionally, they help monitor the growth of young teeth to identify potential problems, such as future orthodontic issues. To protect developing teeth, dental hygienists also administer preventive treatments, including fluoride varnishes, as well as dental sealants that can prevent up to 80% of cavities for two years.
Adulthood
While adults often have children and/or elderly parents to care for, they must also remember to prioritize their own oral health, since nearly 21% of adults are living with untreated tooth decay. No matter how busy they are, adult patients should continue to get regular checkups and cleanings to help prevent cavities and gum disease. At the same time, hygienists will screen for oral cancer and other issues such as unusual wear and tear due to bruxism. They will also ensure that patients are practicing proper dental hygiene at home and provide advice where needed.
Senior years
Especially as patients age, maintaining good oral health can significantly contribute to overall health and nutrition. Nearly 20% of seniors over 75 years of age suffer from edentulism and may struggle with eating a variety of nutritious foods. Hygienists can instruct elderly patients on how to continue to care for their teeth as their bodies change. For example, aging patients produce less saliva, leaving them vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria, so they need to take extra precautions. Dental hygienists can assist seniors with age-related complications by providing tailored advice and regular monitoring to help them maintain their oral health.
Conclusion: Dental hygienists are essential for patient health and well-being
Summer is over, fall is in the air, and mostly everyone is back to their usual schedules. Now is the ideal time for patients to revisit their oral health care routines, starting with a visit to their hygienist. Dental hygienists are the heroes of professional oral health maintenance and aesthetic care, keeping smiles healthy and beautiful for patients of all ages.
