10 Signs You Should Visit a Dental Hygienist

Taking care of your oral health helps promote overall health. Contrary to popular belief, losing teeth is not a natural process of aging. Prevention is key to keeping your teeth for life and visiting a dental hygienist will prolong and maintain the health of your gums and teeth. Here are some signs and symptoms which may indicate it is time for you to see a registered dental hygienist.

1. Bleeding or swollen gums

Bleeding gums is a sign of inflammation that requires treatment. Inflammation occurs when bacteria irritate the gums; causing bleeding, swelling, pain and sometimes heat. Dental hygienists will provide appropriate treatments to promote healthier gums.

2. Accumulation of tartar/deposits on teeth

Our self oral care at home is not sufficient to remove all plaque and debris inside our mouth. Overtime, plaque and debris harden and become tartar or calculus. At this point, professional dental cleaning which may include scaling and root planing performed by a certified dental professional can efficiently and safely remove the deposits. Dental hygienists are trained dental professionals who are skilled at removing tartar/calculus.

3. Bad breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath can be embarrassing and affect our social well being. Bad breath caused by foods such as garlic and coffee are temporary and usually subside. Chronic bad breath indicates a deeper issue related to oral disease or systemic health. It is vital to visit a dental professional to rule out oral disease and receive necessary treatments.

4. Stained/ discoloured teeth

Foods and drinks such as coffee, wine, berries and chocolates as well as tobacco use can cause external staining of the teeth. Dental hygienists are trained to remove these extrinsic stains using proper tools and techniques such as polishing. After extrinsic stains are removed, an in-office teeth whitening procedure using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide may be performed to remove more intrinsic teeth staining. Teeth whitening may not be suitable for all individuals and an assessment is needed prior to determine if the treatment is ideal.

5. Toothache

A toothache can be painful and treated if identified early. However, if left untreated, more complicated or radical dental procedures such as root canal, crown or extraction may be needed. Visiting a dental professional such as a dental hygienist at regular intervals for proper treatments or referrals can prevent unnecessary procedures or costs in the future.

6. Teeth sensitivity to cold, hot or pressure

Teeth sensitivity can affect our nutrition when we cannot chew or consume certain foods/drinks. Teeth sensitivity may be caused by acidic intake, exposed roots or second layer of teeth, clenching/grinding habits or other dental causes. When identified, teeth sensitivity can be mitigated or treated with the appropriate dental procedures such as desensitizing techniques.

7. Dry mouth (Xerostomia)

Our saliva naturally cleans the mouth; a decrease in flow of saliva puts us at risk for cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Causes of dry mouth or xerostomia can range from Sjögren's Syndrome, thyroid disease, but most commonly from the side effects of consuming medications. A dental hygienist may help patients create a tailored treatment plan to alleviate the discomfort associated with dry mouth and create a healthier environment in the mouth.

8. Pain/sores on the soft tissues in mouth

You may or may not notice sores or lesions in the mouth as they can be painful (symptomatic) or painless (asymptomatic). Routine check up of the oral cavity for lumps, bumps or new lesions is crucial for oral cancer detection and prevention. Dental hygienists can also educate patients on self evaluation of oral cancer at home.

9. Crowded teeth

Whether you have or have not undergone orthodontic or teeth straightening treatment, crowded teeth may develop anytime. Aesthetically, crowding of the teeth can decrease one’s self esteem but more importantly crowding can impact the function of your teeth such as speech, chewing and how your teeth fit together. Furthermore, crowding makes self oral hygiene routine such as brushing and flossing difficult, resulting in increase buildup of bacteria in hard to reach areas.

10. Jaw pain/ headaches

Do you find yourself clenching your teeth during the day due to stress? Are you waking up with a sore jaw or headaches? You may have clenching or grinding or parafunctional habits. These habits can lead to the wearing of tooth structure, losing of past restorations such as fillings/crowns, headaches and jaw problems such as locking, clicking and pain.