Dental hygienists remove bacterial buildup from your teeth and gums during professional cleanings. Hygienists also educate patients of all ages on how to brush and floss properly. During an oral cancer screen, a dental hygienist can use a brush-like tool to painlessly scrape the surface of the mouth and send the sample to a laboratory for testing. They can also conduct a head and neck cancer screening using an imaging test that uses fluorescent light to detect early signs of cancerous or precancerous lesions.

Hygienists are licensed on a state-by-state basis. To earn your license, you must complete an accredited program and pass a state jurisprudence and clinical exam.

Gum Disease Prevention

Gum disease (periodontitis) is a serious dental problem that can cause irreversible damage to gum tissues and the bone supporting teeth. Independent hygienists collaborate with your Colorado Springs dentist to provide preventive care that minimizes the onset and progression of gum disease.

A hygienist can identify and treat early signs of gum disease, which typically start with red, swollen, and bleeding gums. They remove the bacteria-laden film (plaque) and hardened deposits (tartar) from the teeth, and they can also perform a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing to clean the tooth surfaces below the gum line where brushing and flossing can’t reach.

A hygienist can also recommend specific oral hygiene practices that will minimize the risk of gum disease, including brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing, as well as reducing sugary snacks and drinks. They can also offer advice on prescription antimicrobial mouthwashes that help reduce bacteria and promote gum health.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a plastic resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves of your molars and premolars to prevent tooth decay. Your dentist will paint the liquid sealant onto your teeth after cleaning and drying them, then shine a curing light to solidify it.

Your dentist will recommend dental sealants during your routine visits every six months, but you can also ask about this treatment at any time if you have concerns about your oral health. You can find more information about this preventive service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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Dental Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavities. This is why it is added to public water supplies and found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional dental treatments. Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks caused by bacteria, sugars, and plaque.

These professional fluoride treatments are applied directly to the surface of your teeth. They are available as gels, foams, and varnishes, and are commonly administered during routine cleanings or checkups. Unlike fluoride that you can buy over the counter, dentist fluoride treatments contain higher concentrations and are typically administered with a swab, brush, or dental tray so that the fluoride does not get swallowed.

These preventative treatments are important for adults and children who have a higher risk of developing cavities due to a poor diet, sensitivity, lack of regular oral care, or medication like antibiotics that can dry the mouth. While fluoride cannot remove a cavity, it can significantly slow down the progression of damage to the tooth.

Oral Cancer Detection

Hygienists are trained to recognize changes in a patient’s mouth, including the development of sores and lumps. They also help patients understand how often they should perform oral cancer screenings at home.

They may also perform a routine oral cancer screening with patients during their regular dental cleanings. This includes examining the head, neck, cheeks, lips, nose, mouth, tongue, throat and gums. They look for asymmetries, swellings, bumps, color changes and ulcerations.

Hygienists are a valuable resource in oral health care and are vital to the success of any dental office. Unfortunately, many of them have low levels of knowledge about oral cancer prevention and detection. This needs to change in order to reduce occurrences of the disease and death rates.