The Dental Hygienist
What is a Dental Hygienist?
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A dental hygienist is a paramedic who is trained at HBO level and who works within oral care. The profession of the dental hygienist is regulated in the Individual Healthcare Professions Act (BIG Act). This BIG Act entered into force in 1997. The BIG Act is a quality act and aims to promote and monitor the quality of the professional practice. The law also protects the patient against incompetent and careless actions by healthcare professionals. The area of ​​expertise for the dental hygienist is defined by law. The title of dental hygienist is a title protected by law and may only be used by those who have the dental hygienist diploma. The training requirements are also regulated by law.
What does a dental hygienist do?
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The tasks performed by the dental hygienist are primarily aimed at prevention; prevention of dental caries (cavities in the teeth and molars) and gum disease. In addition, the dental hygienist also performs curative tasks (i.e. aimed at healing), such as treating gum disorders as well as gingivitis and periodontal disease.
An assessment of your personal oral situation is performed, and it is examined whether oral abnormalities are visible and, if so, how they can be treated together with you. If necessary, the dental hygienist will make dental impressions, X-rays and conduct bacterial examination for a more complete picture.
Dental hygienists will also provide information about how to keep your mouth fresh and healthy. For instance, how can diet, smoking and abnormal mouth behaviours (such as thumbs) on teeth affect the overall mouth health, alongside how do gum disease and cavities develop. Certain diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can also affect the quality of the teeth and gums, or vice versa.
Dental Hygienist will also Performs a professional dental cleaning. Plaque, tartar and deposits are removed and your teeth are polished, resulting in a smooth and clean feeling. Severe gum problems, which require cleaning under the gums, can be anesthetized.
The professionals can also apply protective agents. Consider, for example, fluoride. In the case of children, Dental hygienists also apply a coat of lacquer to molars when needed. Such a lacquer layer is called a sealant. This layer protects the molars against the formation of holes.
Dental Hygienist can advise you on responsible teeth whitening. There are some risks associated with whitening your teeth. It is therefore important to do this responsibly. Your dental hygienist can advise you on this based on your situation.
When do you go to the dental hygienist?
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You go to the dental hygienist to get and keep your teeth and gums healthy. We advise you to visit the dental hygienist at least once a year for a healthy, radiant and fresh mouth. Children are welcome from the breakthrough of the first tooth. This can prevent cavities at a very young age and thus pain and invisible damage. A visit to the dental hygienist is also a good idea when you are pregnant. You are more prone to inflammation in your mouth during this period. Some diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can also affect the quality of the teeth and gums, or vice versa.
A visit to the dental hygienist is recommended when
your gums are inflamed (bleeding gums)
- the gums recede
- cavities appear regularly
- tartar and/or deposits develop
- there is a bad taste and/or breath
- you have systemic abnormalities such as diabetes, rheumatism, etc.
- there are many mouth problems in your family
- teeth and/or molars become loose
- oral care is a problem for whatever reason
If you are committed to preventing problems in your mouth, expensive recovery treatments are not necessary. In addition, a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body. With the right preventive approach and support, everyone can age healthier with their own teeth. Isn't that worth the investment?
