How Often Should You Visit a Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist is a professional who is focused on helping you keep your mouth as clean as possible to minimize the chance of dental and gum disease. Regular appointments have a significant effect on a patient’s long-term dental health and wellness, and a hygienist can identify potential issues before they become serious. Find out when you should schedule visits to see a dental hygienist at the New Haven, CT, office of Dr. Francesco Maratta.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
A dental hygienist is responsible for cleaning your teeth thoroughly at regular appointments and helping you keep your entire oral cavity in good condition. This professional will also check your teeth and gums for the early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other potential concerns. A hygienist specializes in preventative dental medicine.

How Often Should You See Your Hygienist?
The American Dental Association recommends that you see your dental hygienist at least twice per year, about six months apart, for cleanings, X-rays, (if needed), and a review of your dental history. You should add an extra visit or two each year if you have had past problems with dental decay or gum disease. Knowing that you have a standing appointment with your New Haven, CT, hygienist for a dental cleaning should motivate you to want to take good care of your teeth between visits—it feels good to get a positive report.

Make Your Hygienist Proud
Between visits, adopting simple daily dental hygiene care habits will make it clear to your New Haven, CT, hygienist that you are serious about maintaining good dental health. Keep these tips in mind:

- Spend an extra minute or so brushing your teeth to ensure that you remove all signs of food residue. Use your tongue to check the surfaces of your teeth.
- When you floss, spend sufficient time in each quadrant of your mouth completely clearing food from between the teeth and around the gumline.
- If you feel or see hardened calculus forming around your teeth, make an appointment for a cleaning as soon as it’s convenient.

Schedule Your Next Appointment
It may be time for you to see your dental hygienist for a checkup, so make the call today. Contact the New Haven, CT, office of Dr. Francesco Maratta to schedule a visit with a dental hygienist.