Learn More About Oral Hygiene
At the Dental Hygiene Clinic, our mission is to educate our clients in Mitchell, ON about oral health. We answer frequently asked questions about dental hygienists, oral procedures, and common dental concerns.
What is an independent dental hygienist?
When Bill 171 was passed in 2007, it gave the public direct access to dental hygiene services and allowed dental hygienists to practice independently without the supervision of a dentist. This means more affordable preventative dental care is now offered to everyone.
Independent hygienists follow a fee guide recommended by the Ontario Dental Hygienists Association. These fees are generally 20% to 40% less than the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, which outlines the dentists’ suggested fees.
Unlike dentists, dental hygienists do not have daily emergencies, so there are no wait times. Dental hygiene offices also offer a much more relaxed, stress-free, and less hectic environment due to fewer staff members and longer appointments. Many clients appreciate this, especially those who have anxiety when visiting dental clinics.
Why should I see a dental hygienist?
Regular visits with your dental hygienist help improve your oral health. Many studies have also revealed that good dental health increases your overall quality of life. Dental exams and cleanings can prevent:
✔ Tooth Decay
✔ Gum Disease
✔ Tooth Loss
✔ Bad Breath
How much is a cleaning?
Each individual is different because the fees reflect the time that is spent on the services being provided. For detailed information, visit ODHA and view the fee guide.
Do I need regular check-ups?
Yes. Regular check-ups help you to stay on top of things. Remember that prevention is the key to a healthy mouth.
How do I maintain oral hygiene in between dental hygiene appointments?
We highly recommend you to maintain daily dental care habits in order to optimize your oral health. Some daily practices to improve oral hygiene are as follows:
✔Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
✔Floss or use an interdental aid at least once a day.
✔Chew sugar-free gum to keep saliva in your mouth, and prevent food particles from being stuck in your teeth.
✔Drink lots of water to keep things moving and ensure that your mouth stays healthy.
What is the scope of a dental hygienist in detecting a cavity?
After thoroughly assessing the oral cavity, we will evaluate all areas of the soft and hard tissues. If we detect areas of concern, we will refer you to a dentist or specialist for further diagnosis and assessment.
Can you take x-rays at your office?
We do not take x-rays at our office. If we feel you need to have x-rays taken, we will refer you to a specialist in the area or an office that is close to where you live.
What if I have a cavity?
We will gladly refer you to a network of dental professionals in the area.
Do you work with a specialist?
Yes, we work with oral surgeons, periodontists, TMJ specialists, and other dental specialists.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We book by appointment to accommodate your preferred time. If you have a flexible schedule, we can generally get you in on the same week and possibly on the same day.
What type of products do you use?
All gloves and barriers in our office are latex-free. Also, the oral products we use are gluten, aspartame, saccharin, and BPA-free.
At what age should children start coming in for cleanings?
It is recommended that clients start coming in for cleanings around age 4. This is when children are usually ready to sit in the chair and are excited about the appointment. If you think your child is ready sooner, we can always start with a “ride in the chair” and decide from there.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Your insurance will cover your visits to our office. We also allow insurance companies to pay us directly if that is a part of your plan.
When you give us your insurance information, our receptionist will call your insurance company and look into what type of coverage you have. This way, we can inform you on how often you can come in for cleanings.
Most people are allowed to have a recall exam once every 6, 9, or 12 months. However, they are often covered to come in for cleanings (scaling) every 3 to 6 months if needed.
What is scaling?
Scaling is the professional cleaning of your teeth with an ultrasonic/piezoelectric or hand instruments to remove tartar. Scaling is charged to clients in 15-minute units.
What is tartar or calculus removal?
Dental tartar, which is also known as dental calculus, is formed when plaque hardens on the teeth. This build-up creates a solid matrix of bacteria above and below the gum line.
Plaque forms when bacteria feeds on food and drink debris on the teeth. It can cause tooth decay and gum disease. When left to form dental tartar, the situation can become worse. The first stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, can quickly advance to periodontal disease and may lead to tooth and bone loss.
Tartar can also trap substances against the teeth, increasing the chances of stained enamel and discoloration. Unlike plaque, tartar creates a much stronger bond with the teeth. Only dental professionals such as a dental hygienist can remove tartar.
Having your teeth cleaned of plaque twice a year is a good initial step to preventing dental calculus. When tartar forms, having a dental hygienist remove the build-up as soon as possible helps prevent further complications.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a bacterial coating that forms on your teeth. When it is exposed the sugars and starches from your food and drink, plaque secretes acids that can eat away at your enamel, causing cavities and other dental complications.
While regular brushing and flossing can help slow the formation of plaque, it will not be completely removed. That is why it is vital to visit a dental hygienist for more thorough plaque removal.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease. It is an infectious condition that can lead to the destruction of gum tissue and bone. When left untreated, the bacteria that causes gum disease may travel through the bloodstream, increasing the chance of heart diseases, stroke, respiratory diseases, and pregnancy complications. The signs of gum disease may include bleeding or swollen gums.