A dental hygienist removes soft and hard bacterial buildup called plaque and calculus from teeth and gums, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. They also expose and process X-rays, and apply cavity-prevention agents like fluoride treatments or pit and fissure sealants.

High school courses in health, science, math, and chemistry can help prepare students for an associate degree program in dental hygiene. Other qualifications include problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, and excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Oral Cancer Screening

With high mortality rates, cancers of the head and neck are a serious concern. Routine screenings help detect and diagnose early stages of these diseases before they become more serious.

During an oral cancer screening, your dental professional will visually examine your face, mouth, jaw, lips, tongue, gums, cheeks and roof and floor of your mouth for any asymmetries or swellings. They may also feel (palpate) your head and neck for any masses or lumps.

In addition to a visual examination, your dentist may use a special tool that coats lesions in a blue dye. This allows the dental professional to more easily identify and distinguish between normal and precancerous cells. They may also perform a brush biopsy to determine whether an abnormal lesion is cancerous. This involves scraping cells from the lesion with a toothbrush and examining them under a microscope. Often, this is the only way to determine if a lesion is cancerous or noncancerous and if it is in its earliest stages.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants protect teeth by creating a protective barrier that keeps food particles and bacteria from getting into the grooves and pits on back teeth. Sealants help reduce the risk of cavities and can save time and money in the long run, preventing the need for more extensive treatments such as fillings or crowns.

The process of applying sealants is quick and painless. Our Leavenworth dentist will begin by cleaning and drying the tooth to be treated, then dabbing it with an acidic gel that roughens the surface slightly for better bonding. A curing light is then used to harden the sealant material. Once the sealant is in place, it creates a smooth surface that prevents plaque and acid from damaging the enamel of the tooth. Typically, children will receive sealants on their permanent molars and premolars once they have erupted, but adults can also benefit from this preventative treatment. The sealants can last several years with regular care and checkups.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the outer coating of teeth called enamel. It has been proven that people who live in areas with higher levels of naturally occurring fluoride in their drinking water have fewer cavities than those in low-fluoride areas.

Hygienists can administer a topical fluoride treatment in the form of gel, foam or liquid. This is usually recommended for children to help them avoid early cavities. It can also be applied to the back teeth, which have deep grooves and pits where food particles and plaque can hide.

The hygienist may also apply dental sealants to the back teeth. This is a protective coating that helps to prevent the occurrence of cavities by sealing off these deeper grooves and pits from food, plaque and bacteria. This is a safe and effective preventive measure that can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 43 percent. It is recommended by both the ADA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The hygienist will test your home’s water for minerals and fluoride content before applying any treatments.

Oral Health Education

As part of their job, dental hygienists educate patients about oral health and the role it plays in overall wellbeing. This education can help prevent cancer and other diseases associated with poor dental hygiene.

Hygienists can teach adults how to brush, floss and schedule regular checkups to prevent cavities and gum disease. They can also teach children to develop healthy habits early on, setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

To do these important jobs well, a dental hygienist must be detail-oriented and have strong communication skills. They interact with patients, dentists, hygienists and other members of the dental team on a daily basis, so they must be able to explain complex topics in ways that everyone can understand. They must also be able to work in close proximity to others and use tools with precision. Most dental hygienist programs require students to complete pre-requisite college courses in disciplines like the sciences and communications.