why does my dentist want me to see the dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists work together with dentists to provide the best possible care for your dental health. Together they assess, plan, implement and evaluate preventative oral procedures based on individual needs. A dental hygienist is a registered dental professional who focuses on preventative oral health. During your appointment your overall dental health will be examined by both dentist and the dental hygienist. Together they will assess your teeth and gums plus evaluate radiographs (x-rays) to plan oral health treatment and maintenance program. Dental hygienist will perform a thorough scale and polish of your teeth carefully removing the deposits of plaque, tartar and staining. This will enable the dentist to do a comprehensive examination of freshly cleaned teeth. At the end of the appointment a remineralizing treatment (in most cases concentrated fluoride) will be applied on your teeth to make them more resistant to caries, erosion and sensitivity.   Dental disease can be prevented through effective oral hygiene, use of fluoride and good diet choices. Dental disease can occur at any age, therefore a treatment and advice from a dental hygienist can benefit everyone.  You dental team can assist you in maintaining healthy teeth and gums for life!