It is important that you visit your hygienist Richmond on a regular basis to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy and free of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
It is recommended that everyone visits the dentist at least twice a year, more often if necessary and if possible. Dental hygiene appointments are also crucial for maintaining good dental health. The hygienist Richmond should also be visited every six months; however, there are several factors to take into consideration, for example your dental hygiene practice and how well you are looking after your teeth. Patients with good oral health and a good dental hygiene routine will probably need to attend only once every 12 to 24 months, whereas those with an ongoing dental health problem will require more frequent visits. For example, patients with recurring gum disease or excessive tooth decay may need to visit as often as every 3 months.
Who needs to visit the dentist more often?
Your diet and lifestyle choices also affect how often you need to visit the hygienist Richmond. If you have a sweet tooth, you will be more likely to have increased plaque and tartar on your teeth and should visit the hygienist more often. Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease and other dental complications therefore it is important that you visit both the dentist and hygienist more frequently in comparison to non-smokers. Other patients who need to visit the hygienist more regularly are those with a greater genetic predisposition to gum disease. Despite good dental hygiene at home, some patients are more likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease is characterised by bad breath and red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If left untreated, eventually this can result in tooth loss. If you have a family history of gum disease or periodontal disease, it is important that you visit your dentist and your hygienist more regularly to maintain good gum health and prevent early tooth loss.
What happens at the hygienist?
A hygienist appointment usually lasts around 30-40 minutes, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums. Your hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, removing any plaque and tartar from the teeth. They will polish the teeth, removing any extrinsic stains so that your teeth are clean and white. They will also check your teeth and gums for any issues and advise you on the best way to maintain a good dental hygiene routine at home.
If you suffer from gum disease you may require further cleaning. This includes removing tartar from below the gum line to the root of the tooth. This is known as root planing and scaling and may require several visits in order to complete the treatment. It is more extensive than a traditional scale and polish and used to treat gum disease and prevent it from worsening.
Speak to your dentist and hygienist today and book an appointment sooner rather than later. Find out how well you are currently looking after your teeth, and have your teeth professionally cleaned so that they are white and healthy; your breath will be fresh and your gums will be strong. Find out how to look after your teeth better at home so that you can enjoy a healthy happy smile for life!
