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Each year you make your list of important healthcare and health maintainance visits to enter into your daily planners and appointment books. It's a good plan to enter for yourself and your family members each, a visit with the Dental Hygienist.
The Dental Hygienist is a member of the team at your Dental office. The Hygienist can be a valuable resource person for you. He or she can answer your questions about helpful products available for your oral health, such as interdental brushes, antimicrobial rinses, and antiplaque agents. The Hygienist can assist you and your family as needed by teaching the correct techniques for cleaning of the teeth, tongue and gums.
Your Dental Hygienist will see you at a minimum of every six months to provide a professional cleaning; this is in addition to your visit with the Dentist. At home, continue to Brush your teeth a minimum of twice each day to remove plaque. At a minimum of once each day, continue to floss between your teeth and your gum line to prevent gum disease. Begin using a new toothbrush every three months.
The Hygienist can guide you to identify foods that you should limit as well as food choices required for healthy teeth and gums. Having healthy nutrition habits, daily cleaning of your mouth and visits to your Dental office will help you and your family to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
By Charity Francis-Munson, FNP
