It’s important to get to know your dental hygienist. You may typically think of your hygienist as the person who cleans your teeth but she is also the one who will monitor your oral health, take x-rays when appropriate and in some cases she will administer local anesthetic before a dental procedure.

If you take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing every day having them cleaned should be a breeze. However, if it’s been awhile since your last dental appointment there may be the need for some additional scraping. When plaque is left to collect on your teeth it calcifies into a hard substance known as tartar. Tartar is more difficult to remove.

The incidence of oral cancer seems to be on the rise. Studies have previously shown that heavy tobacco and alcohol users were at high risk but recent research indicates that non-smokers and teetotalers are also susceptible. Many oral cancers are first detected during a routine exam by a dental hygienist. Hygienists are trained to recognize extraoral changes that may indicate a problem. They are also skilled in the use of an intraoral camera which can detect changes inside the mouth. Early diagnosis is crucial to successful treatment so be aware of any differences in your oral health and tell your dental hygienist about them asap.

Meet Erica, dental hygienist for Rippe Dental Associates, on the website. The entire staff at Rippe is concentrated on the care and comfort of their patients.