5 Questions to Ask Your Dental Hygienist on Your Next Visit

 Your dental hygienist is a crucial member of your oral health team. More than providing professional routine cleanings, they are your guide to helping you maximize your dental well-being.

Partnering with your hygienist can ensure that you maintain optimal oral health and take a proactive approach to preventive care. Here are five questions to ask your dental hygienist during a dental visit.

1.    How can I improve my oral health?

Even if you see the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings close to home, six months is still a long time for unhealthy habits to creep up. Perhaps you’ve been giving your bottom teeth less time and attention while brushing. Maybe you could use a refresher on how to floss correctly. You can count on a dental hygienist to teach you the proper techniques.

Your hygienist can also discuss other factors contributing to your oral health, such as changes in your medical history or diet. Dental hygienists take continuing educational courses to stay current in dental care, and they’ll usually have new information for you at each visit.

2.    What Do My Symptoms Mean?

Suppose you have some nagging tooth sensitivity but might not think it’s severe enough to worry about. Perhaps it concerns you, but you’re too nervous to bring it up.

Some slight discomfort could become severe if you don’t address it. It’s always a good idea to bring up any issue, such as swelling, bleeding, pain, or frequent canker sores. Talking with your dental hygienist about it might prevent the need for an expensive procedure later.

3.    What Products Should I Use?

Your hygienist will have opinions on what toothpaste, mouthwash, or toothbrush works best. They can help narrow your options if all the available products confuse you. If you have a particular dental, such as tooth sensitivity, your dental hygienist can steer you toward the right product to meet your needs.

Selecting the right toothbrush is something your dental hygienist can help you with. Depending on the dental care you’re receiving, you may need a different type of brush than the one you typically use. For example, if you wear traditional braces, your hygienist will probably tell you you’ll need a narrow, round-tipped brush to navigate the wires.

4.    Am I Showing Signs of Gum Disease?

Staying ahead of gum disease and gingivitis is always a good idea. Many patients begin to show signs of gum disease but can’t detect them on their own. A good hygienist will automatically look for any symptoms when performing your routine cleaning and check-up. However, it never hurts to show that you’re being proactive about gum disease.

5.    What Areas of My Teeth Am I Missing When I Brush?

Brushing at least twice a day is a great habit to keep up, but it’s easy to miss some areas of your mouth when brushing at home. However, frequently missing these places can allow excess tartar to build up, leading to possible decay.

Besides inquiring about the areas you’re missing, you could also ask which ones you should focus on more during brushing. Your hygienist can suggest those areas that need more attention, especially if they’re typically hard to reach, like the back teeth or the space on the inside of your teeth facing your tongue.

More Than Teeth Cleanings from Your Cincinnati Hygienist

Your local dental hygienist is an excellent provider to lean on when you have questions or need clarification on how to maintain your daily oral care. The hygienists at Beckham Square Family Dental are highly skilled professionals dedicated to your oral health. In addition to performing thorough dental cleanings, they’re happy to offer personalized advice for your specific needs. Schedule your next appointment with us by contacting our office today.