Do you suffer from bleeding gums, tartar, or bad breath? Then a visit to the dental hygienist in Leiden may be advisable. Even if you have no complaints, professional oral care can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
At We Smile Tandartsen in Leiden, our dental hygienist focuses on preventing and treating gum problems. But when is treatment necessary and how often should you actually visit the dental hygienist?
What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist specializes in preventing and treating problems with the gums and oral health.
During a treatment, the dental hygienist can:
- Remove plaque and tartar.
- Examine the gums for inflammation.
- Clean deep spaces between teeth and gums.
- Treat early and advanced gum problems.
- Provide personal advice on tooth brushing and the use of interdental brushes.
The goal is not only to clean your teeth, but primarily to improve your oral health in the long term.
When do you need a dental hygienist?
Not everyone needs a professional dental cleaning with the same frequency. However, there are several signs that indicate an appointment is advisable.
Bleeding or inflamed gums
Do your gums bleed during brushing? This may indicate gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis.
Healthy gums generally do not bleed. Therefore, have persistent bleeding checked.
Excessive tartar
Tartar forms when plaque calcifies. Tartar can accumulate especially behind the lower teeth and around the molars.
You cannot brush away tartar yourself. The dental hygienist removes this using special instruments.
Receding gums
When gums recede, tooth necks can become visible and react more sensitively to cold drinks.
Receding gums can have various causes, including brushing too hard or periodontitis.
Bad breath
Persistent bad breath can be caused by bacteria on the tongue, between the teeth, or around inflamed gums.
The dental hygienist can help investigate the cause and provide appropriate advice.
What happens during a treatment at the dental hygienist?
During the first appointment, we assess your oral health and discuss any complaints.
Depending on your situation, the treatment consists of:
- Gum examination: checking for inflammation and, if necessary, measuring the pockets.
- Dental cleaning: removing plaque and tartar above and, where necessary, below the gum line.
- Polishing: if necessary, removing superficial stains.
- Personal advice: explanation about brushing, interdental brushes, and other aids.
For deeper gum problems, a more extensive treatment trajectory may be required.
Do you suffer from severe gum inflammation? Then also read our article on treating periodontitis in Leiden.
Is treatment at the dental hygienist painful?
A standard dental cleaning is usually well-tolerated. However, the treatment can be unpleasant if the gums are sensitive or inflamed.
When a deeper cleaning is required, local anesthesia can be applied.
Please let us know if you are sensitive or experience tension. We will take this into account during the treatment.
How often should you visit the dental hygienist?
That varies per person.
With healthy teeth and good oral care, regular professional cleaning is not always necessary. In the case of excessive tartar or recurring gum problems, more frequent appointments may be advised.
Patients who have previously had periodontitis often require aftercare every three to six months. The exact interval depends on the risk and the health of the gums.
Our dental hygienist will discuss which check-up schedule suits your situation.
What does a dental hygienist in Leiden cost?
The costs depend on the required treatment and the time needed for it.
Nationally established maximum rates apply for regular preventive oral care. Different rates may apply for extensive gum treatments.
For adults, dental hygiene care is usually not reimbursed from the basic insurance. Supplementary dental insurance may cover part of the costs.
For children up to 18 years of age, regular preventive oral care is generally covered by the basic insurance.
At We Smile Tandartsen, we discuss the expected costs in advance, and you will receive an estimate for a more extensive treatment trajectory.
Dental hygienist in Leiden at We Smile Tandartsen
Would you like to have your gums checked, or do you suffer from tartar, bleeding gums, or bad breath?
At We Smile Tandartsen in Leiden, we look at your personal oral health and advise which treatment is necessary.
Our goal is to identify problems early and keep your own teeth and molars healthy for as long as possible.
Would you like to visit? Make an appointment or read more about our dental practice in Leiden.
Healthy gums start with good daily oral care and professional guidance when necessary.
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