Preventive dentistry focuses on preventing problems in the mouth. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Our dentists pay attention to prevention during the biannual check-up. When extra time and attention is required, you may be referred to a dental hygienist. They provide information about nutrition and oral hygiene and ensure the regular removal of plaque and tartar. This makes an important contribution to a permanently healthy mouth.
What does the dental hygienist do?
The dental hygienist focuses on preventing cavities and inflammation of the gums. They inquire about your oral care and eating habits and discuss with you whether improvement is possible. In addition, the dental hygienist removes deposits, plaque and tartar, and treats gum inflammation.
Reasons to see the dental hygienist:
- The gums bleed or feel painful (gingivitis)
- The gums are swollen or very red (gingivitis)
- There is receding gums or a poor seal between tooth and gum
- Suffering from bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Teeth start to come loose in the teeth (periodontitis)
- Dental deposits such as plaque and tartar become visible
- Difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene
- Referral from the dentist
Hoelang duurt een afspraak bij de mondhygiënist?
Although the duration varies per patient, a treatment takes an average of approximately 40 minutes. For each patient, an individual plan is drawn up based on a number of questions, a look in the mouth and a measurement.
Hoe vaak moet ik naar de mondhygiënist?
Research has shown that an appointment with the dental hygienist twice a year significantly reduces the chance of major problems with regard to oral care. However, some patients need more appointments per year. An appointment period is determined in consultation with your dentist and dental hygienist.
Worden behandelingen bij de mondhygiënist vergoed?
These treatments are not included in the basic package for adults. If you have additional insurance, a large part of the treatment is often reimbursed.
Gum problems
In addition to preventing cavities, the dental hygienist focuses on preventing gum problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
If you sometimes suffer from swollen, red or bleeding gums, you may have heard of the term gingivitis. This mild form of gum inflammation occurs when plaque is not removed (correctly). Plaque contains bacteria that produce harmful substances that irritate the gums. This happens after just 24 hours. It is important to tackle this inflammation. If nothing is done about it, it can worsen and spread to the jawbone. This condition is called periodontitis.
Behandeling van gingivitis
The treatment of gingivitis focuses on removing plaque. You can do this yourself on a daily basis with good oral care: by brushing your teeth twice a day (in the correct way) and cleaning your teeth interdentally once a day. Your dental hygienist can advise you on this. They also look at which toothbrush, interdental brushes and toothpaste are most suitable for you.
When plaque remains and hardens, you can no longer remove it yourself. This tartar must then be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist.
Wat is parodontitis?
Periodontitis is a serious form of inflamed gums. This form is characterized by the loosening of the gums from the tooth. This means that the tooth root is exposed to plaque. Bacteria that accumulate in this space then attack the jawbone, causing the teeth to eventually come loose. This condition is one of the main causes of tooth loss.
Inflamed gums do not always lead to periodontitis. This depends on the numbers and types of bacteria present in the plaque, but also on the resistance of the patient in question. In addition, it has been established that smoking greatly reduces resistance. Only the dentist or dental hygienist can determine with certainty whether you have periodontitis.
Behandeling van parodontitis
To cure periodontitis, the plaque and tartar must be removed both above and below the gums. Good daily oral care by the patient themselves is essential in treating and preventing periodontitis. A plan is drawn up depending on the severity. Sometimes referral to a periodontist is necessary. A periodontist specializes in treating periodontitis.