I’m a dental hygienist... go on then ask away..

[Heatherjayne1972]

Been a hygienist over 20 years
In lots of different practices

@noenergy
Sometimes we use a water jet type of tool in surgery to flush out between and below the gum
That would help to remove plaque bacteria which is what makes breath smell
At home you could use a water pik
Similar idea
But Yes might help

@TitsalinaBumSquash ah I see. Sorry to hear that. Ds has a genetic disorder, not CF though. I guess I will find out at upcoming ct if he has bronchiactasis. I'm always a bit confused by the term 'lung disease' as they seem to use it so broadly.

Can you please outline your daily oral hygiene routine. ( How many times you brush/ floss, which toothbrush do you use, and when - before/ after meals. ) Etc

Also the bottle brushes- do you use 1 and then chuck it away or can you wash and reuse them? They are quite expensive ( for me , anyway) and wondered which ones are the most value for money.

@tedx
So I prefer a Braun oral b electric brush The small round head is best
Best to brush before breakfast and at least one other time in the day ideally before bed tho
On a dry brush I would just use whichever fluoride toothpaste I have- I stick with a main brand

The tepee brushes are best
Used in a daily basis. Put toothpaste on it and push between each gap ten times Ignore blood if any
Rinse and reuse until it’s broken/ bristles fall out / too bendy

You’re correct tho they are pricy - it’s one my commonest complaints

Thank you.

Also, when do you use the teepees. Is it after youve your toothbrush or random time during the day or several times during the day?

Also, another stupid question, do you rinse the teepees brush out after using between each tooth?! Or just at the end?!

So there are no rules with the tepee
You can do it when you brush -although I’d tepee first then brush or if it’s easier do it at a totally separate time
Whatever works best for you
I would do the ten brushes in the gap then rinse tepee before moving on to the next gap And yeah rinse at the end otherwise you’ll leave plaque on the tepee

Great thread thanks so much for doing it. I see my dentist every 6 months and each time I go he tells me how well I look after my teeth (floss daily, elec toothbrush and also use home trays to whiten them now and again) however when I go to book next app the receptionist always books the hygienist first and sometimes I don't even realise it until I get there and they say 'oh you're in with x first then dentist in 15 mins'. I wouldn't mind but it's another 40 pounds and don't actually think I need it (maybe annually yes, but not each time).

Clearly I just need to say next time I book that I only want to see the dentist but that sounds a bit tight! Is it a bit naughty that they book me in without always telling me?

Most toothpastes make my gums peel - why is this?

@user
I think you should raise this with the dentist at your next check up. You don’t have to have a hygienist appointment or you can request
yearly
@whatfresh. Could you be allergic to something in the paste ? Or could be medicine related or maybe you have an oral condition which needs addressing. Run it past your dentist

I think an allergy is likely. It didn’t happen when I used Duraphat ( I think that’s its name).

For people who can't afford professional teeth whitening, which home kit would you recommend, if at all?

Do you think a lot of NHS dentists are dodgy?!

Everytime I have treatment mine spaces it all out to make the most money imo. If I go in on an emergency appointment I'm usually given just antibiotics on that. A further appointment is given for treatment, say extraction and fillings I need are done on another appointment which is like 8 weeks ahead as apparently they're booked up... Luckily I get free dental but I've spoken to many friends and family who've had similar experiences hmm

@tedx the only people who are allowed to do teeth whitening are those dental professionals with an appropriate dental qualification
The GDC (our governing body) can and do prosecute for this
Personally I wouldn’t trust anyone else either online or not. Not worth it if it goes wrong

@momo18. Nhs dentist are fully qualified and competent but are restricted in time as they have so many people to see to and what the nhs pays for
Its normal to be given antibiotics or temporary treatment then asked to rebook- we do that in private practice too
We really are booked up. It’s not a ploy to make you wait

My own dentist has several thousand people on their books

How do you stop the Tepee brushes from bending? The only ones I can fit into most of my gaps just bend all the time.

I’m in my 40s and still have a couple of baby teeth. The second teeth never came through and have since disintegrated in the gums. I’ve managed to hold on to them but I’m now getting pains. If they come out what can I do? I don’t want gaps hence why I’ve put up with the pain!

@ferrier. Have you got the correct size. Maybe get your own hygienist to check. If you have Bend it so it’s at a right angle or maybe try out the long handled tepee It’s a common complaint

@strawberrisc
If teeth are removed gaps can be filled with a denture a bridge or implants. Best to chat through your options with your dentist as it depends on your bone structure budget and expectations

Anyway of getting properly white teeth ever again?

@hellobuddy
Bleaching will get them white but make sure the person who does it had the appropriate dental qualification. It’s illegal in the U.K. for anyone unqualified to administer tooth whitening
You could look into teeth veneers
Have a chat with your dentist They know your mouth and can advise

The red ones fit in some gaps and generally stay unbent for longer. The pink ones fit in most of the rest but bend within a few gaps. Some of the front teeth I can't seem to get anything inbetween except floss. I also can't get the very back teeth with anything except floss.
I don't like my hygienist! She's the most patronising person I've ever met which is a shame as I love my dentist. Hence asking you!

Great thread. I have learnt a lot at the grand age of 44.

Hi
Don’t know if you are still around but my dd is thinking of doing dental therapy at uni. Do you enjoy your job and what are the potential earnings? Are you able to raise salary by e.g. cosmetic whitening/Botox.
I’ve heard it’s the best bits of dentistry without the extra stress

Hi Heather

Thank you for this great thread. Can I ask you if you have heard that drinking sparkling water is bad for your teeth as it's acidic?

I used to hate it but since I had kids I drink it all the time. (Don't drink juice or sugary drinks.) My dentist hasn't moaned yet...

Are the electric flossers worth buying? I can’t use floss no matter how much I try and I thought I might get one. Was gonna ask my hygienist at my appointment in nov but seen as your here lol. Thanks

@raaaasss anything fizzy even fizzy water is bad for teeth It’s not the sugar content it’s the carbonation process to make it fizzy that brings the ph level right down ( The lower the ph the more acidic)
Cola for example has a ph of around 2. Similar to battery acid. Dissolves the teeth from the outside in
Same thing with fruit juice alcohol and energy drinks
Best drinks are milk plain still unflavoured water or tea without sugar

@jellybears I’m not keen on electric flosses tbh

I don’t think they’re efficient enough yet - sorry. No I wouldn’t recommend sometimes the patient is using floss and/ or tepees as well

@teenageromance. The job has many good points flexibility of hours for example. It doesn’t have to be a 9-5
Some therapists work on the nhs but will probably earn less
A private practice would give a higher income but depends on the pay structure of that business
Eg some of us are paid per hour And some per patient ( so no pay if patient cancels or doesn’t turn up)
Some of us are self employed and others employed There’s quite a range

It’s quite a stressful job actually Not knowing exactly how much pay coming in. Having to run to time. Being accountable to the principle dentist Having to keep up with the ongoing training
Dealing with nervous patients Some patients can be very ‘challenging’ ( rude) And there’s a huge toll on us physically - neck back and shoulder issues are rife

It’s a great job in many ways.

But extremely stressful