Clean, white teeth and healthy gums are a great reflection of a person, and a radiant smile helps win the sympathy of those around you. To achieve this, regular brushing is important, but it must be complemented with thorough oral care.
Today, there are many products and tools available that allow you to care for your teeth at home. However, not even the most meticulous home hygiene can replace professional dental treatment.
A dental hygienist or dentist can show you the correct brushing technique, advise you on gum care, and recommend the most suitable procedure based on your individual needs.
In this article, we’ll reveal the key benefits of professional oral hygiene and why regular visits to a dental hygiene clinic are truly worth it.
Dental Hygiene as Both a Cosmetic Procedure and Preventive Treatment
Oral hygiene is often seen as an optional, cosmetic care routine for teeth, gums, and the mouth—an addition to regular dental check-ups. Many people consider it a cosmetic treatment with little impact on oral health. However, the opposite is true. While dental hygiene certainly has cosmetic benefits, its primary purpose is to prevent and treat various oral diseases. If you want to keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible, you should visit a dental hygienist at least twice a year in addition to regular dental check-ups.
The main advantage of professional oral hygiene is its ability to effectively remove tartar, plaque, and pigment stains from areas that are hard to reach with a regular toothbrush. The cleaning is also significantly more thorough than what can be achieved with at-home care. Moreover, visiting a dental hygienist is the best way to prevent gum inflammation—a condition affecting nearly 90% of the population, which often leads to periodontitis. Untreated periodontitis is a serious disease that can result in tooth loss, even in younger people. If not addressed early, the consequences of periodontitis are irreversible. That’s why, in addition to regular check-ups with your dentist, it’s highly recommended to see your dental hygienist at least twice a year.
What to Expect During a Professional Dental Hygiene Appointment
A dental hygienist will thoroughly clean stains from your teeth and remove plaque and tartar. In addition to achieving a radiant white smile and eliminating bad breath, this procedure is a preventive treatment against tooth decay, gum inflammation, and periodontitis. The hygienist will also explain and demonstrate the correct brushing technique, outline proper daily oral care, and recommend the most suitable tools for maintaining your oral hygiene at home.
The frequency of visits to a dental hygienist depends on the condition of the patient’s teeth and gums, as well as their oral hygiene habits. In general, dentists consider a visit once every six months to be sufficient. In cases of problematic teeth or inflammatory gum diseases, visits every three months are not uncommon. On the other hand, individuals with excellent oral health may only need to visit once a year.
With regular check-ups and proper oral care, dental hygiene procedures are not painful. In fact, many people find them to be a pleasant experience, as they are taking proactive steps toward maintaining their health and appearance. However, if the teeth and gums are in poor condition, they may be more sensitive, and the treatment could feel uncomfortable.
How often should you visit a dental hygienist
The frequency of visits to a dental hygienist depends on the condition of your teeth and gums, as well as your individual needs. In general, dentists recommend a visit every six months. However, for patients with problematic teeth or gum disease, visits every three months may be necessary. On the other hand, those with excellent oral health may only need one visit per year.
With regular check-ups and proper oral care, professional dental hygiene should not be painful. In fact, many people find the procedure pleasant, as it helps them care for both their health and appearance. Teeth and gums in poor condition may be more sensitive, and the treatment might feel uncomfortable, but it should never be truly painful.
Determining the ideal age to begin dental hygiene can vary, but it’s best to start early. For children, it depends on the development of their teeth and their mental maturity. For teenagers and adults, regular dental hygiene appointments are highly recommended.
The cost of dental hygiene varies based on the treatments provided and is typically listed in the price list of the dental clinic or hygiene practice.
To maximize the effects of your dental hygiene treatment, it’s recommended to avoid consuming strongly pigmented foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, red beetroot, or certain spices) and to refrain from smoking for several hours after the procedure. It’s also best to avoid hard foods (like nuts) that might irritate the gums. If possible, try not to eat at all for a few hours. If you’re hungry, choose soft foods such as soups, sauces, purees, yogurts, or other mushy meals.