Dental hygienists perform multiple procedures to prevent dental disease, the most common being professional teeth cleanings. Hygienists also take and develop dental x-rays and apply cavity-prevention treatments, such as fluoride. Patients that are well-informed and educated about their oral health are more likely to follow through with treatment plans, make necessary lifestyle changes, and ultimately improve the quality of their lives, dental hygienist are often the main providers of patient education and are experts in teaching oral health care.

Dental hygienists with a bachelor or master’s degree may teach dental hygiene, work in public health or manage dental practices and health care facilities.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancers that are caught in the earliest stages have the highest five-year survival rates. Routine screenings allow hygienists to identify early symptoms of cancer, which can include lumps or sore areas inside the mouth or throat. Detecting these abnormalities also allows for prompt referral for further testing, and enables early treatment. In addition, routine oral cancer screenings can prevent the loss of function that often accompanies advanced oral cancer and can reduce the risk of severe side effects from treatment.

While there are several methods of oral cancer screening, the most effective approach includes a visual examination of the lips, tongue and mouth with a bright light and palpation of neck lymph nodes for enlargement. This is known as a Visual Oral Examination (VOE). Other models of screening include house-to-house visits, opportunistic screening at dental practices and integrating oral cancer screening with general health screening in workplaces. However, poor compliance with invitational screening programs attenuates the benefits of such efforts and low adherence to referral for further investigation of screen-positive findings detracts from their usefulness.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents tooth decay (dental caries) by strengthening and protecting the hard, protective outer layer of each tooth known as enamel. It also helps fight acid-producing bacteria that produce plaque, a sticky substance that erodes teeth and gum tissue.

Hygienists apply topical fluoride treatments to patients’ teeth in the form of gels, foams or varnishes – most often during dental cleanings and check-ups. These professional applications contain higher concentrations of fluoride than toothpaste and mouthwash, which means they provide quicker and more effective protection against tooth decay.

Hygienists may also create impressions for custom-fitted plastic trays that patients use to apply supplemental fluoride at home. This is an excellent option for children and adults who are at a higher risk of developing cavities. It is especially recommended for children up to age 16 because their teeth are still growing and developing. It’s also an excellent preventive treatment for people who have crowns, bridges or braces, as the additional fluoride can help protect the exposed tooth enamel.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a great preventive measure that creates an additional layer of protection for teeth. The protective shield covers the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and pre-molars) to help prevent food particles, plaque, and bacteria from getting into the deep grooves and pits that cause tooth decay.

It’s virtually impossible for a toothbrush to reach the deep grooves and pits of the molars and pre-molars. These impenetrable areas are predisposed to bacterial build-up and can lead to tooth decay.

To apply sealants, we first isolate the tooth by placing a rubber dam or cotton rolls around the affected area. The tooth is then cleaned and dried thoroughly to ensure the sealant adheres correctly. The dental expert applies a liquid sealant to the chewing surface of the tooth, which flows into the deep grooves and pits to create an extra barrier against bacteria and food debris. The process is quick, painless, and can be completed in under an hour.

Patient Education

Patients can learn a great deal from their hygienists, including how to properly brush and floss their teeth, the benefits of using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, and the importance of healthy diets in maintaining good oral health. Hygienists also help patients understand how different dental procedures are performed and what to expect during their treatments.

Additionally, hygienists help patients to create and maintain a personal dental history by discussing their past dental experiences, medical and oral hygiene histories, as well as any other information that might be relevant to their care. This helps to promote patient education and ensures that a hygienist can provide the best possible care for each patient.