A dental office is not complete without skilled dental hygienists who play a vital role in maintaining and promoting the dental hygiene of their patients. Dental hygiene is key to optimal oral health and prevention of dental issues, and thus to complete their role, the right dental products are a must. This diverse range of dental instruments enables them to remove plaque and tartar, assess gum health, and visualize hard-to-reach areas, ensuring top-notch oral hygiene and preventive care for their patients.
We asked our very own registered dental hygienists at Frontier Dental Supply to list eight of the best dental tools for dental hygiene on the market right now. These must-have dental products are indispensable in delivering effective dental hygiene services and promoting oral health. These are the top eight essential dental hygiene products and equipment that every dental hygienist should have in their toolkit
Curettes are hand-held instruments are fundamental tools for dental hygiene care that remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from the teeth. Scalers have sharp, pointed tips for cleaning above the gum line, while curettes have rounded tips for cleaning below the gum line. Altogether, scalers and curettes are for preventative dental care, gum disease management, oral hygiene, early detection of dental issues, support for dental procedures, and much more.
Dental mirrors are small, angled mirrors that help dental hygienists visualize hard-to-reach areas inside the mouth, such as the back of teeth and the gum line. They are essential for better visibility during dental examinations and cleanings, contributing to the overall quality of care. Beyond visual inspection, dental mirrors are essential to provide accurate diagnoses, assist in dental procedures, patient education, etc., making them useful for all dental professionals.
Dental probes are slender, handheld instruments used to measure the depth of periodontal pockets around the teeth. They help dental hygienists assess the health of the gums and identify signs of gum disease. Without dental probes, it would be difficult for dental hygienists to complete many essential tasks, such as assessment, treatment, monitoring, evaluation, and focused cleaning. Thus, dental probes are one of the best tools for dental hygiene.
Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations to break down and remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and gum line. They are effective for deep cleaning and provide a more comfortable experience for patients. This tool is essential for proper dental hygiene and is indispensable to dental hygienists due to its effectiveness and numerous benefits. Ultrasonic scalers are relied on for superior plaque and tartar removal, accessibility to hard-to-reach areas, greater efficiency and time-saving capabilities, reduced risk of tooth and gum damage, effective stain removal, deeper cleaning for gum health, and much more.
Dental hygienists apply fluoride varnish to the teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and provide additional protection against tooth decay. Fluoride varnish is a must-have dental care product for dental hygienists due to its numerous benefits and effectiveness in promoting oral health. Some other benefits include reversing early-stage tooth decay, safe and easy application, reduced tooth sensitivity, applicable to all ages, and a cost-effective preventative measure.
Dental hygienists use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, isolation gowns, and protective eyewear, to protect themselves and their patients from potential infections during dental procedures. Beyond infection control, PPE is also essential to avoid cross-contamination, safety during Aerosol-Generating Procedures, and protection from harmful chemicals, among more.
Dental hygienists apply dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. Sealants create a protective barrier that keeps bacteria and food particles out of the deep grooves of the teeth. They are a crucial dental hygiene product as they are a non-invasive procedure that provides effective protection against tooth decay to maintain optimal oral health.
Dental suction units help remove excess saliva, water, and debris from the patient's mouth during dental procedures, ensuring a clear and dry operating field. This dental tool is essential for dental hygiene because they play a critical role in maintaining a clean and safe dental environment. They are indispensable for a variety of reasons, such as enhanced visibility, controlling aerosols, preventing aspiration, reducing treatment time, etc.
Dental hygienists are integral to maintaining oral hygiene and promoting overall dental health. Through their preventive care, early detection of dental issues, patient education, and various treatments, they play a vital role in preventing oral diseases and ensuring patients maintain healthy smiles. Their dedication and expertise make them an invaluable asset to any dental practice and the larger dental care community. Regular dental visits to dental hygienists are essential for maintaining optimal oral hygiene and enjoying a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
To provide comprehensive dental hygiene care and promotion of oral health, dental hygienists use a variety of specialized dental products. Their expertise in using these dental hygiene tools helps maintain optimal oral health for patients and contributes to the overall success of dental treatments. These tools, combined with their knowledge and skills, allow dental hygienists to make a significant impact on the oral health and well-being of the individuals they serve.