By Mike Willson 
All too often, patients assume that going to see the dentist and booking to see the hygienist are one and the same. But despite both appointment types tending to happen in the same practices, the differences end there.
Your dentist is the specialist who looks at the structure of your teeth, their alignment, and overall health. Your dental hygienist is the one responsible for your oral health and hygiene, taking steps to prevent the buildup of plaque and the development of further issues like gum disease.
With that in mind, here are three signs that it’s time to book your next dental hygiene treatment in Essex.
1. You’re Overdue a Deep Clean
While there are things that you can do at home to protect your smile and promote healthy teeth and gums, even the best brushing can’t achieve the kind of deep clean that dental hygienists specialise in.
Each dental hygiene appointment consists of a thorough clean, which aims to remove any plaque to avoid buildup, thereby reducing the risk of gum disease and other issues developing. These appointments also involve an examination to identify any early signs of potential disease or dental health issues, to ensure quick and effective treatment.
Because dental hygiene treatment is most effective with regular appointments, any patient who hasn’t had a recent hygienist appointment is considered overdue for a deep clean.
2. You Need Some Advice on Maintaining a Healthy Smile
Each dental hygienist appointment consists of a deep clean, examination and check-up, and the provision of bespoke advice. Dental hygienists are trained in offering personalised support to each patient, helping them to achieve a healthier and brighter smile, with a large portion of each appointment dedicated to the provision of this advice.
If you or your family struggle to prioritise dental health and hygiene, securing an appointment can be a good way to ask for advice and seek support in how best to clean your teeth and maintain a healthy mouth. A hygienist can also advise on the early signs of issues like gum disease, so you know what to look out for and the steps to take to minimise long-term issues.
3. You Want to Keep Dental Costs Down
While booking a dental hygienist appointment, on top of your regular dental check-up, might seem like an extra expense, in actual fact, everything your hygienist does will save you money later down the line.
The role of a dental hygienist is to take steps, recommend actions, and help prevent the development of dental diseases, many of which lead to high treatment costs if allowed to settle. Securing a dental hygiene treatment may come with its own price tag attached, but the long-term savings of managing your oral health and hygiene are huge.
Don’t delay! Book your appointment with an Essex hygienist today, and put a healthy smile first.