Dental hygienists are specially trained to work with the dentist in giving care to patients .
They play an important role in dental health care and are mainly concerned with gum health , showing people correct home care and applying protective materials to the teeth and gums .
The hygienist’s main role is to professionally clean the teeth for the patient . This is usually called scaling and polishing . However , perhaps their most important role is showing the patient the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque . Plaque is a soft, sticky white / yellow build up around the teeth which can cause dental decay and bleeding gums unless it is removed regularly. It can also cause bad breath (halitosis).
Hygienists also give advice on diet and ways to prevent dental decay . The hygienist will work with your dentist to provide care tailored to your needs .
Not all practices have a hygienist, however , more of them now offer this as part of the service to patients , using part time and full-time hygienists . Hygienists can now work when a dentist is not there , as long as the patient has been seen by the dentist and the treatment is prescribed for the patient .