While caring for teeth goes back to 3500, it was mostly about brushing and flossing. When dentists realised tartar and plaque need a different and deeper clean cutting away your gums was just one of their solutions! And lidocaine was only developed in 1943. It took five years after its invention before reaching the market. Penicillin only arrived in 1928. It was only in 1995 that removing and controlling anaerobic bacteria was seen, thank goodness, as the better option to cutting away gum tissue!

The history of the Dental Hygienist

In 1907, dentist Alfred Fones of Bridgeport, trained his cousin, Irene Newman, in dental hygiene for a year. She was the first in the field to work in a clinical setting and was known as a dental nurse. Fones went on to establish the first dental hygiene program in the USA in 1913 and changed the job title from dental nurse to dental hygienist. Irene Newman was the dental hygienist licenced in 1917. The impact of dental hygiene has been thought to have led to Bridgeport having fewer deaths for a large city during the 1918 influenza pandemic. By 1952, all fifty states in America had licensed dental hygienists. But they were all white women!

A bizarre twist of the Civil Rights movement

As a result of the civil rights movement, the American Dental Hygienist Association lifted its admissions restrictions to any ‘race, colour, or creed’. But it wasn’t until 1964 that men were allowed to train.

In 1950, dental hygienists made up only 2 percent of the dental profession. Now, that ratio is 50 percent.

4 Benefits of seeing your dental hygienist regularly:

• Preventing dental diseases: Removing plaque and tartar prevents caries a.k.a. cavities, as well as gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Clean teeth and gums reduce the risk of painful and costly oral problems in the future.
• Improving dental aesthetics: The health of your mouth and teeth, as well as removing coffee, tea, red wine and other pigmented foods and beverages stains from your teeth, contributes to a whiter, brighter smile.
• Avoiding bad breath: Bad breath, a.k.a. halitosis, is unpleasant for both you and anyone you’re with. It can erode your confidence and your social life! A dental hygienist is your best friend in this regard. Their skill and expertise will eliminate the accumulated nasty bacteria that are responsible for your bad breath. Afterwards, your mouth will have that lovely fresh, often minty, clean feeling. Result? An increase in confidence.
• Preventing systemic diseases: Remember Bridgeport in 1918? Ongoing studies show that oral health is closely related to general health. Which makes sense, bacteria getting into your bloodstream is not only going to make you feel off-par but will create havoc inside your system. A trip to the dental hygienist vs heart disease and diabetes. Which would you prefer?

Make an appointment today to visit your dental hygienist to ensure your teeth have a much a longer ‘shelf-life’! Contact us on 0508 TEAM DENTAL and make an appointment today.