What Your Dental Hygienist Can Tell About Your Oral Hygiene Habits

The dental hygienists at your general dental office have been thoroughly trained on oral health, specifically the health of your teeth and gum tissues. Your teeth reveal more about you than you might think, which gives your dental hygienists an insight into your life, habits, and the way you’re caring for your teeth. Once this information is garnered, your hygienist can help you learn how to improve and maintain your oral health.

What Dental Hygienists Can Tell from Your Exam

• Oral Cancer – Your dental hygienist will check your mouth for signs of oral cancer. These signs may include abnormal lumps, bumps, skin discoloration, or open sores that can occur on the soft tissues of the mouth.
• Thumb-Sucking – A habitual thumb-sucker will often have front teeth that protrude. This can cause orthodontic problems but can also cause you to have a difficult time keeping your teeth clean or speaking properly.
• Sinus Infection – The roots of your upper teeth are positioned near the sinuses, which means that toothaches may actually be a sinus infection. A dental hygienist will be able to tell you where the problem is occurring.
• Nail-Biting – Signs of nail-biting include cracks or chips in the teeth or abnormal wear of the tooth enamel. This damage isn’t caused by biting the nail, but when the teeth crack together after biting through the nail.
• Vitamin Deficiency – Lastly, certain vitamin deficiencies can cause changes in oral health. These changes may include increased infections, longer healing times, bleeding gum tissue, and the sloughing off of tissue.

The best way to wow your dental hygienist at your next dental checkup is to make sure to practice good oral hygiene. This means you should be brushing twice a day for at least two minutes a time, floss daily, and visit your dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning and an exam.

If you believe you have a tooth infection, or to make an appointment here at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado, please contact us at one of our three locations in Colorado Springs North and Pueblo, Colorado.