Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive care. Most hygienists are licensed to administer local anesthesia. Cleanings, radiographs, sealants, scale and root planing, are among some of the procedures they frequently perform.
Becoming a dental hygienist requires formal education. The most common requirement for a dental hygiene degree consists of a two-year degree after science and general education prerequisites. Courses include anatomy, oral anatomy, materials science, pharmacology, periodontology, nutrition, and clinical skills. There are also four-year and six-year degrees in dental hygiene.
Have a question about dental hygiene? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by our patients in the Lansing area about dental hygiene.
Bad Breath
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by many factors in our daily lives. It can result from the food we eat, poor dental hygiene, or other health conditions such as infections, gum disease, and diabetes.
Brushing
How many times should I brush my teeth each day?
You should brush at least twice per day, preferably after each meal.
How long should I use the same toothbrush?
A toothbrush should be used for a maximum of three months. If you have become ill, your toothbrush should be changed immediately after you return to normal health. Watch the bristles of your toothbrush, when they become frayed or tattered, change your toothbrush.
Cavities
What are cavities?
Cavities are decayed areas of a tooth. The tooth gets attacked by acid which came from bacteria in the mouth and removes minerals from the tooth structure a little at a time. Eventually the tooth gets a hole, also known as a cavity or dental caries.
What causes cavities?
The acids found in plaque can dissolve the enamel surface of a tooth, creating a hole in the tooth.
How are cavities treated?
The decayed material of the tooth is removed, and the remaining hole is filled with a restorative material such as porcelain or composite resin.
Cleanings
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
You should get your teeth cleaned professionally at least every six months. If you have health complications, such as diabetes, or heart problems, if you have lots of dental restorations, or if you have a history of periodontal disease, you should consider visiting the dentist three or four times a year.
Flossing
How often should I floss?
You should floss at least once daily.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
If your gums bleed when you floss, you are likely suffering from a mild to moderate form of gingivitis or gum disease. To correct this, you can schedule an appointment with us to discuss how you can improve your daily hygiene practices.
Gingivitis
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a mild to moderate form of gum disease characterized by swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums.
What causes gingivitis?
It is caused by the long-term effects of plaque build-up on the teeth. If plaque isn't consistently removed through brushing, it can harden into tartar and cause bacteria to build up on the gums. The bacteria, plaque, and tartar irritate the gums make them feel tender, swell, and sometimes bleed when brushing or flossing.
How is gingivitis treated?
Our dental professional will evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate treatment needed. Your brushing and flossing habits, if improved, will play a large role in curing your gingivitis condition.
Plaque
What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky combination of bacteria and food that begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes of eating.
What happens if plaque isn't removed from teeth?
If it's not removed through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar and lead to a number of problems, such as cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath, tooth abscesses, tooth decay, and possible tooth loss.
Periodontitis
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that damages the ligaments and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated it can lead to tooth loss.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Common symptoms are swollen and tender gums that bleed easily and are bright red or reddish purple in color, loose teeth, and deep gum pockets.
How is periodontitis treated?
This is done through a procedure called scaling and root planing. Several appointments may be required for completion. Treatment involves reducing inflammation and bacteria that develop under the gum line. Deep pockets may need to be surgically opened and cleaned.
In severe cases, loose teeth may need to be removed to avoid further damage to surrounding teeth. Continued treatment will include professional cleanings three or four times per year and a rigorous home oral hygiene routine.
Tooth Decay
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is caused when the acids in plaque dissolve the enamel of your teeth.
How can I prevent tooth decay?
You can prevent it by brushing your teeth at least twice daily, or after every meal, and flossing every day. Adding a fluoride regimen to your daily oral hygiene routine will help strengthen teeth.
X-Rays
How often should I get dental X-Rays?
Most dentists will perform dental X-rays once per year to reveal dental cavities that are not visible to the eye. Additional X-Rays may be needed to diagnose unemerged or impacted teeth, bone damage, or other abnormalities of the teeth and jaw.
" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "
For more information on these topics and others, contact us for a consultation today! We are committed to keeping the dental health of our patients in the Lansing, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Howell and Brighton, Michigan area as optimal as possible.
