HYGIENISTS ARE NOT JUST ANOTHER PRETTY FACE

This year marks the 50TH anniversary of the Canadian Dental Hygienists’ Association

In honour of all the hard-working registered dental hygienists across our country, here are a few myths we’d like to dispel.

Donna of McLeod Dental Care

Myth: We are just another pretty face.

Fact: Although it’s true we are a good-looking lot, we also have brains. To become a dental hygienist, one must first be accepted into an accredited college.The competition is tough, with far more applicants than available slots.Receiving a degree is only one part of the journey.

We also must pass rigorous provincial written board exams along with written and clinical regional exams.  Yearly we are required to keep a professional portfolio including 25 hours of updated courses.

Myth: We love to nag people about flossing.

Fact: What we love is to complement those who do floss on a daily basis. The first sign of periodontal disease (bone loss around teeth) is gingivitis. Gingivitis is bleeding, swollen and infected gums caused by bacteria. With only brushing, bacteria are allowed to settle in between the teeth and make new colonies consisting of millions of little germs that excrete acid onto the teeth and bury into the gums. Your gums are skin. If the skin on any other part of your body was swollen and bled from the slightest contact, you’d do everything you could to take care of that infection. Do the same for your mouth by flossing daily to prevent infection and decrease the chances of getting a cavity between the teeth. Live by the mantra “healthy gums do not bleed.” (By the way, don’t lie to us and tell us you floss. We aren't fooled!)

Kristy Lee of McLeod Dental Care

Myth: What happens in the mouth stays in the mouth.

Fact: Your mouth is the portal to your body. The bacteria that cause plaque in the mouth are the same bacteria that clog arteries and lead to heart attack and stroke. Research by the Mayo Clinic has shown that people with gum disease are twice as likely to die from heart disease and three times as likely to die from stroke. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are more likely to deliver a premature baby. Gum disease can affect glucose levels of diagnosed diabetics, and can even place one at risk for becoming diabetic. Gum disease increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as head, neck, pancreatic and kidney cancer. Research has also found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Myth: We love to inflict pain.

Fact: We strive to give you the best treatment we can in the time allowed and truly try to make it as comfortable as possible. You can make a difference in the comfort of your appointment by brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and by flossing at least once per day. People with healthy mouths usually look forward to and enjoy their appointments. Really!

Myth: We just clean teeth.

Fact: Scraping tartar build-up off teeth and nagging about flossing are just two of our important tasks. In a day’s work, we also review medical history, assess for periodontal disease, screen for oral cancer, provide oral hygiene instructions, take radiographs to look for abnormalities, suggest products that improve individualized care, educate, administer anaesthetics  answer questions, increase comfort, decrease anxiety, place sealants, apply fluoride, all while having a personalized conversation.

Some days we go to schools to demonstrate proper oral hygiene to children or provide dental screenings.

We volunteer for various programs. We learn about the latest research, technologies and products.

And, yeah, we clean teeth. 

McLeod Dental Care has 14 Registered Dental Hygienists on staff and is proud of their dedicated, caring and hard working team.