Dental Hygienist Near Me
Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is the key to great dental hygiene. Unfortunately, simply brushing on a regular basis isn’t enough. Every now and then, you’ll need to visit a qualified dental hygienist for a formal cleaning. These cleanings can help eradicate plaque and tartar buildup, thus keeping you from developing detrimental gum diseases and cavities.
Ready to find a dental hygienist near you? Simply browse dental hygienist near me on the map below and find a list of qualified dental hygienists in your local area. Need a bit more information on dental health? Read on for facts, trivia, and more.
Dental Hygienist Near Me – Find it on the Map
Dental Hygienist Near Me – Dental Hygienist Trivia
What does a dental hygienist do?
Dental hygienists are different than dentists but do bear a good deal of the basic workload in a dental office. So what exactly does a dental hygienist do everyday? A dental hygienist is primarily tasked with cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing basic preventative dental care. They will also take x-rays and educate patients on brushing habits and ways to maintain their overall oral health. Most dental hygienists work in a dental office or a dental chain. Few will work in oral surgery centers. Half of all dental hygienists work just part time rather than full time. To become a dental hygienist all you really need is an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. A bachelor’s degree is not required, making it a very cost effective means to a great career. Typically, the program will take three years, though some can complete it in as little as two. All states require that dental hygienists be licensed, though the actually requirements may vary. The great thing about being a dental hygienist is that you come out of the program with little to no debt, can earn the certificate at a community college, and will often start with a salary of around $68,000. As you search dental hygienist near me, consider just how much a hygienist really does.
A dental hygienist can help keep your smile bright and healthy!
Is a dental hygienist a doctor?
If you’re searching dental hygienist near me, then you may be wondering if a dentist and a hygienist are the same thing. Here’s your answer: they are very different. Dentists will come in to diagnose any problems, repair teeth, examine x-rays, prescribe medicine, perform procedures, and do fillings for cavities. A hygienist generally comes in before a dentist and helps take x-rays, clean teeth, and assess any issues. They will then relay that information to the dentist to help make a better diagnosis and save some time. Dentists get paid a lot more than a hygienist, but since you will see both at any dental visit, your cost at the dentist’s office is usually high. Due to the nature of what both workers get paid, the overall operating costs, and the costs of materials, dental work can definitely put a pinch on your pocketbook.
Dental Hygienist Near Me – Dental Hygienist Facts
A Gum Disease Epidemic?
Gum disease is no joke and it’s only getting worse in the United States. One reason to always get regular cleanings after searching dental hygienist near me is to help ward off major diseases such as gingivitis and gum disease. It is believed that around 75% of the population suffers from some stage of periodontal gum disease. Here’s the thing- our mouths are full of bacteria. No matter how well you brush, bacteria finds a way to thrive in the mouth. These bacteria, along with the mucus that readily exists and other particles, form a very sticky and colorless plaque on the teeth. Brushing and flossing help to get rid of plaque, but without the right brushing habits, some plaque can remain and harden. Hardened plaque forms “tartar” that regular brushing cannot clean. If left untreated, this can easily turn into gum disease.
Getting over the flu? Replace your Toothbrush!
Getting a cold or the flu is inevitable, but did you know you are supposed to replace your toothbrush after you have an episode of flu, cold, or another viral infection. Probably not. Consider the reason why as you search dental hygienist near me. According to researchers, notorious microbes from these viral illnesses can actually implant themselves on your toothbrush bristles leading to re-infection. So if you’ve been sick in any capacity, you may want to replace your toothbrush to avoid getting sick all over again.
Soda and Oral Hygiene
Everyone loves a bubbly glass of soda pop every now and then, but it may not be the best thing for your teeth. Research shows that people who drink more than three glasses of soda each day boast 62% more tooth decay, fillings, and tooth loss than those who simply drink water or other unsugared beverages. If you drink soda daily or even sugary juices or iced tea with sugar, then you should always drink them through a straw. While its not good to indulge in these beverages if you can avoid them, using a straw will help to ensure that the sugar doesn’t linger on your teeth. It’s also key to brush your teeth right after drinking these things to avoid any future problems.
