Dental hygienists are prevention oral care professionals. Our primary concern is the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. Working with you, your dental hygienist helps you keep your mouth healthy, making an important contribution to your overall health.

Although it is not commonly considered, our mouths are connected to the rest of our body. Research studies have linked gum infections to other diseases of the body such as heart disease and stroke. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body!!

Gum disease is one of the most common human diseases. It is an inflammatory and infectious condition resulting from a build-up of bacteria called PLAQUE that collects at and below the gum line. This bacterial plaque is a soft deposit that may form on all surfaces of the teeth, the tongue and gums. Plaque can be removed with effective brushing, flossing and other home care aids. If plaque is not removed by daily flossing, brushing and regular professional cleanings by your dental hygienist, it may eventually harden into TARTER (calculus) due to the minerals in your saliva.

Without effective home care, bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) may cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) at and below the gum line. This inflammation and the formation of both plaque and calculus (soft and hard deposit) may spread to underlying bone causing periodontitis (bone destruction).

If left untreated, chronic inflammation may eventually lead to swollen bleeding gums, gum and/or bone shrinkage, infection and abscesses, pain and tooth loss. If your gums bleed, the plaque bacteria may travel through your blood stream, increasing the chances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases and premature or low birth weight babies.

• There are more that 9,000 registered dental hygienists practicing in Ontario
• As regulated health professions, we must follow the standards of practice set by our regulatory college and meet ongoing quality assurance requirements as is required by all regulated heath professionals including physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists and nurses
• As members of the dental health care team, dental hygienists have a distinct clinical and educational role in promoting good oral health
• Dental hygienists are not just 'teeth cleaners' - we also assess, plan and implement dental hygiene treatments, and evaluate individual oral care needs
• Dental hygienists provide information and advice on matters related to YOUR particular needs, such as nutrition, oral conditions, smoking cessation and the effective use of home oral care products