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Level 1,
Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins St, Melbourne

What does a dental hygienist do?


Dental hygienists don’t just clean your teeth!

We hygienists focus mainly on maintaining optimal gingival (gum) health and prevention of dental conditions like decay and erosion.

what do dental hygienists do

In preparation for this, we first assess each person’s individual needs and potential areas of risk. If need be, we will help tailor your home oral health care home regime to suit your needs.

Also, your needs may change over time, or new products might come onto the market that better suit your needs, so we address such things at every visit.

As part of your individual assessment, we also evaluate your current gingival (gum) condition and screen for oral abnormalities (for example, cancer).

How we differ from your dentist

At Smile Solutions our dentists and hygienists have a great working relationship. Our dentists will check for caries (dental decay), monitor current restorations, examine your occlusion (how your teeth bite together) and try to identify the potential for any future problems. Our hygienists focus on your periodontal (gum) health and prevention of future dental problems.

Why should you visit the hygienist regularly?

Over time people build up calculus (tartar) on their teeth – both above the gum line; and below, in the natural pocket surrounding each tooth. Unfortunately, unlike dental plaque, this cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, so a professional clean is needed. If calculus is left over a period of time, especially below the gum line, it can cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).

This condition is reversible with a periodical professional clean and good oral care practices at home. In some people, untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, where the supporting tissue around the tooth and the underlying supporting bone can be destroyed.

Your hygienist will detect and inform you of any periodontal disease present and will either offer treatment or refer you to a periodontist (a specialist in gum treatment) for assessment.

At Smile Solutions, we have dental hygienists, dentists and specialist periodontists all working together under the one roof for your convenience.

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