Are you looking for a professional dental hygienist in Amsterdam? A healthy mouth is the basis for a radiant smile and your overall well-being. At Scheldebuurt Dental Practice in Amsterdam South, we understand the importance of good oral care. That’s why in this comprehensive guide, we answer all the important questions about oral health and what our dental hygienists can do for you.
What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist is a college-educated oral health professional who specializes in maintaining and improving your oral health. Unlike a dentist, who is primarily concerned with whole teeth and complex treatments such as fillings, the dental hygienist focuses primarily on prevention and keeping your teeth clean.
At Scheldebuurt Dental Clinic, our dental hygienists perform a variety of treatments. For example, they thoroughly remove tartar, treat gum disease and provide a professional dental cleaning. In addition, they play an important role in providing valuable advice on your daily oral care.
Important duties of the dental hygienist:
- Perform thorough dental cleanings
- Removing tartar above and below the gums
- Gum treatments for optimal gum health
- Advise on brushing and flossing techniques
- Educate about nutrition and oral health
- Taking preventive measures to avoid problems
Tartar removal: why is it so important?
Tartar is hardened plaque that you can no longer brush away on your own. It occurs when plaque remains on your teeth for more than 48 hours. Then plaque hardens due to minerals from your saliva, turning it into a hard, rough layer. This layer is often in places that are difficult to reach when brushing, such as between the teeth, under the gumline or behind the molars.
How do we recognize tartar? Tartar is usually the same color as your teeth, so it is often not visible. However, it can also give your teeth a yellow or brown discoloration. In addition, tartar feels rough when you run your tongue over your teeth.
The effects of tartar: Failure to have tartar removed can lead to several problems. For example, tartar causes gingivitis because bacteria accumulate near the gums. It also increases the risk of cavities and can lead to bad breath. In the long run, untreated tartar can even lead to gum disease and bone breakdown.
How do we remove tartar? Our dental hygienists can remove tartar in several ways. The most common method is scraping away tartar with special dental hooks. We also use ultrasonic equipment where the tartar is vibrated loose by a high vibration frequency with cooling water. For the removal of incipient tartar and plaque, we can also use the Airflow method, which involves hot water, ultrafine powder and air pressure.
After removing tartar, we polish your teeth with a special brush and polishing paste. This makes the teeth extra smooth, making plaque less likely to re-attach.
Dental cleaning at the dental hygienist: what to expect?
A professional dental cleaning is more than just tartar removal. It is a complete treatment where your dental hygienist thoroughly cleans and checks your entire teeth.
The course of a dental cleaning:
First, the dental hygienist checks your teeth and gums for any problems. Next, they thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth, including those areas that are difficult for you to reach yourself. Then they polish your teeth to make them extra smooth. This makes plaque less likely to grow back.
In addition, you will receive personalized advice on your brushing technique and daily oral care. The dental hygienist will show you what you need to pay extra attention to and provide tips on using aids such as toothpicks, brushes or a water flosser.
How often should you see the dental hygienist? We recommend a dental hygienist appointment every six months. This means visiting twice a year for a professional dental cleaning. However, the dental hygienist may also recommend coming more or less often, depending on your personal situation. For example, are you especially prone to tartar or do you have gum disease? Then you may need to visit more often.
Gum treatment: healthy gums are essential
Healthy gums are the foundation for strong teeth. That’s why our dental hygienists pay close attention to the health of your gums.
When do you need gum treatment? There are several signs that indicate gum disease. For example, red or swollen gums can indicate inflammation. In addition, bleeding gums while brushing is a common sign. In addition, receding gums, bad breath or loose teeth can indicate more serious gum disease such as periodontitis.
How does gum treatment work? During gum treatment, the dental hygienist cleans your teeth extra thoroughly, especially around and below the gumline. In the process, they remove all the bacteria and tartar that cause the inflammation. Then they polish the tooth surfaces to make them smooth. This frees the gums from harmful build-up and helps the gums recover.
In addition, our dental hygienists offer comprehensive advice on oral hygiene at home. They will teach you proper brushing techniques, provide tips on flossing and sticking, and advise on the use of special mouthwashes. They will also inform you about preventive measures to avoid new problems.
How do you prevent tartar and gum disease?
Prevention is better than cure. While a visit to the dental hygienist is essential, there is much you can do yourself to keep your mouth healthy.
Daily oral care:
- Brush twice a day: brush in the morning and at night for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Use an electric toothbrush: It is more effective than a manual toothbrush at removing plaque
- Clean between your teeth: Use toothpicks, brushes or floss daily to clean areas your toothbrush cannot reach
- Brush at the right time: Do not brush immediately after eating acidic products, but wait about 30 minutes
Watch your diet: Your diet has a major impact on your oral health. Therefore, limit sugary drinks and snacks because sugar causes plaque. Moreover, it is better to drink a glass of soda in one sitting than to sip on it throughout the day. Rather, choose water and healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits or nuts.
Regular checkups: Unfortunately, even with perfect home care, tartar cannot always be prevented. Therefore, we recommend coming in for a checkup and professional cleaning semi-annually. This will ensure that any problems are detected and treated at an early stage.
Is a dental hygienist painful?
Many people wonder if a visit to the dental hygienist is painful. The good news: for most people, a dental cleaning is virtually painless. If you visit the dental hygienist regularly and have little tartar, you will usually hardly feel anything.
However, the treatment can be a little more sensitive if there is a lot of tartar present or if you have inflamed gums. Our dental hygienists always work carefully and take the time to put you at ease. In addition, they use special techniques and instruments to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.
Do you have very sensitive teeth or are you nervous? If so, tell your dental hygienist. They can take extra account of your sensitivity and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
What does a visit to the dental hygienist in Amsterdam Zuid cost?
The cost of a visit to a dental hygienist varies depending on the specific treatments needed for your oral health. The Dutch Healthcare Authority sets the rates annually, making them the same at all dental practices.
Reimbursement by your health insurance: For children up to 18 years of age, the costs of the dental hygienist are fully reimbursed by the basic insurance. This means that parents do not have to worry about additional costs for their children’s oral care.
For adults, the oral hygienist is not included in the basic insurance. However, most supplementary dental insurance policies do offer (partial) reimbursement for treatment by the dental hygienist. It is therefore wise to take out supplementary dental insurance.
Would you like to get a comprehensive understanding of rates and specific costs? We invite you to contact our dental office in Amsterdam South. Our expert team is ready to provide you with all the information you need.
Difference between dental hygienist, dentist and prevention assistant
Within oral health care, different professionals work together to keep your teeth healthy. But what exactly is the difference?
The dentist: A dentist has the most extensive training and keeps an eye on the entire set of teeth. In addition, the dentist performs complex treatments such as placing fillings, crowns and root canal treatments. The dentist also checks for cavities and other dental problems.
The dental hygienist: A dental hygienist is college-educated and specializes in prevention. This makes the dental hygienist the go-to person for removing tartar and treating gum disease. In addition, the dental hygienist educates about proper oral care and preventive measures. You can learn more about the dental hygienist here.
The prevention assistant: A prevention assistant has an MBO education and can also remove tartar and perform dental cleanings. However, a dental hygienist has more extensive training and more specialized knowledge, especially in the area of gum treatments.
Tips from the dental hygienist for a healthy mouth
Our experienced dental hygienists are happy to share their best tips for optimal oral health:
Tip 1 – Invest in a good electric toothbrush A quality electric toothbrush removes more plaque than manual brushing. Preferably choose a model with a timer and pressure gauge.
Tip 2 – Don’t forget the spaces between your teeth Many people brush their teeth well, but forget about the spaces between them. However, cavities and gum disease often occur precisely between the teeth. Therefore, use interdental brushes, toothpicks or floss daily.
Tip 3 – Replace your toothbrush regularly Change your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months. A worn toothbrush does not clean as effectively.
Tip 4 – Watch for bleeding gums Bleeding gums while brushing is not normal. This often indicates an incipient gum infection. Therefore, do not brush gently, but rather more thoroughly. Does the bleeding persist? If so, make an appointment.
Tip 5 – Use fluoride toothpaste Fluoride makes your teeth stronger and helps prevent cavities. Therefore, always choose toothpaste with at least 1450 ppm fluoride.
Why choose Tandartspraktijk Scheldebuurt in Amsterdam Zuid?
At Scheldebuurt Dental Practice, professionalism and personal attention are paramount. Our experienced dental hygienists understand the importance of good oral health and strive to meet your dental needs with care.
What makes us special?
- Experienced professionals:Our dental hygienists have years of experience and continue to develop continuously
- Modern equipment: We work with the latest techniques for optimal comfort and results
- Personalized approach: every mouth is unique, which is why we offer customized treatments and advice
- Clear communication: You always know where you stand, both in terms of treatments and costs
- Pleasant atmosphere: With us you will feel welcome and at ease
- Centrally located: Our practice in the Rivierenbuurt of Amsterdam Zuid is easily accessible
Whether it’s preventive care, a thorough dental cleaning, gum treatment or personal oral hygiene advice, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care.
Make an appointment today
Are you experiencing gum disease, need tartar removal or are in need of a professional dental cleaning? Enroll yourself (and your family) at our practice, or contact us for more information.
At Scheldebuurt Dental Practice in Amsterdam South, we are always ready with personal attention and expert advice for a healthy and radiant smile. Take the first step towards a healthy mouth today and make an appointment with our experienced dental hygienist.
Your oral health deserves the best care. Choose professional oral hygiene at Tandartspraktijk Scheldebuurt in Amsterdam Zuid.