The Modern Dental Hygienist

Today’s dental hygienist is far better trained than the hygienist of the past. Hygienists should be on the lookout for the formation of pockets under your gums caused by periodontal disease. Periodontal disease caused by bacteria and some genetic factors cause the gums to pull away from the teeth causing these pockets which trap bacteria that leading to inflammation (bleeding gums) that spreads and starts to eat up the bone around your teeth. If this is caught early, simple deep cleanings with increased flossing can stabilize this condition. Most dental hygienists now have training in local anesthetic techniques so that they can painlessly perform periodontal deep cleanings commonly known as scaling and root planning.

 If you have consistent pocketing that stubbornly won’t improve then a new therapy called Perio Protect is incredibly effective. Custom trays are created with gaskets that go around each tooth. A peroxide gel is placed in the tray and seated in your mouth for 15 minutes per day (easy to do while showering and dressing so no extra time needed!) The trays force the gel under your gums and kill the bacteria on a DAILY basis versus every 3 month cleaning as usually needed for patients with periodontal disease.

 Like most disease, early diagnosis is critical in controlling periodontal disease. The modern hygienist also routinely does an oral cancer check throughout your mouth looking at your cheeks, the floor of your mouth and your tongue for any signs of lesions that should be biopsied.

 Hygienists should also be offering fluoride treatments to adults, especially if you are decay prone or have any gum recession (common as we get older) which exposes the roots of your teeth past where the enamel ends. The roots are 700% softer and more prone to acid attacks leading to decay. Professional fluoride application is best absorbed right after a cleaning. Fluoride makes your teeth more acid resistant, which is why it is the active ingredient in toothpastes.

 Dental hygienists can also apply professional desensitizing agents to teeth which are cold sensitive, usually also from gum recession and root exposure. They can also apply sealants to the biting surface grooves of back teeth where 80% of decay forms if the grooves are starting to soften (pre-decay)

 Expect more than just a cleaning from your hygienist and a more comprehensive preventive approach to taking care of you.

 For more information, you can contact Dr. Michael Krochak at

drk@nycsmilespa.com

NYC Smile Spa

30 E. 60th St., Rm 1201

New York, NY 10022

(212) 838-2900

Relax and smile!