Hygiene Visits

Even with the best home dental care habits dental bacteria is persistent. A soft, sticky film, called Plaque, made up of bacteria and bacteria waste, can form on and around the teeth, especially at and below where the teeth meet the gums.

If left alone, plaque can mineralize into a hard, cement-like material called Tartar or Calculus. This is why it is so important that our patients come in for a dental visit with one of our hygienists every six months, about the length of time it takes tartar to form.

During your hygiene visit your hygienist first carefully inspects the condition of your teeth, then measures the depth of the gums against each tooth. This can be a first indication of Periodontitis or gum disease. She then cleans and scales away any tartar buildup on the surface and below the gums to eliminate the pockets and colonies of bacteria.

Once your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned she then polishes them to make them sparkle and to smooth any rough areas on the teeth. Polishing makes it a little more difficult for future plaque and tartar buildup to start.

Our hygienists, Robyn and Tristen, are highly trained dental professionals who are responsible for helping our patients maintain clean, healthy teeth. To become a hygienist requires a four year degree in an accredited dental hygiene school. Then, through additional testing and performance review they have taken the extra steps necessary to become Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) in the state of Idaho.

Several times during the year Tristen and Robyn attend additional training to keep current on the latest procedures and materials in dental care and to bring additional services to our valued patients. Most recently they have undergone extensive training in dental laser technology, an exciting new tool in helping our patients enjoy uncompromised dental health.