My kids and I have all had a great experience at Dr. Harrell’s office. The whole staff is friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Every detail was explained in advance so I knew exactly what to expect. I would confidently recommend Dr. Harrell and his staff to anyone.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and at Clinton Harrell DDS, we want to celebrate the unsung heroes of your oral health—our amazing dental hygienists, LaReina and Rachel! They’re the ones who partner with you to keep your teeth sparkling and your gums healthy. A healthy smile in Vancouver starts with the great care they provide.
But what happens when you’re not in their chair? Below are some of the most important things they wish all their patients knew. These five tips can make a huge difference in your oral health and help you get the most out of your dental visits.
But first, call our office today at 360-450-5253 to schedule your next dental checkup.
1. Flossing Isn’t Just for Cleaning
You’ve heard it a thousand times, but flossing is truly essential. It’s not just about getting food out from between your teeth. The real benefit of flossing is that it breaks up and removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up along the gumline.
If left there, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional cleaning. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease, so flossing daily is your best defense against it.
2. We’re Not Judging You
It’s a common fear—people worry their hygienist is judging them for not flossing enough or for a not-so-great cleaning routine. Let’s put that fear to rest. Our hygienists are not here to scold you— they’re here to help.
They are your allies in dental health. Their goal is to educate you, answer your questions, and give you the tools you need to take better care of your teeth. They see themselves as your coaches, cheering you on every step of the way.
3. Your Diet Really Matters
You probably know that candy and soda are bad for your teeth, but our hygienists want you to think about this in a new way. It’s not just about what you eat; it’s about how often. Snacking frequently throughout the day, even on “healthy” foods, can expose your teeth to acids and sugars more often, increasing the risk of cavities.
Our hygienists recommend you stick to scheduled meals and drink plenty of water to give your teeth a break. This is a simple, effective way to help maintain a healthy smile in Vancouver.
4. Your Tongue Needs Attention, Too
Most people focus on brushing their teeth, but they often forget about their tongue. Brushing your tongue is a simple step that can help reduce the bacteria in your mouth, which can improve your breath and lead to a cleaner feel.
Your hygienist recommends you gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth to get rid of odor-causing bacteria.
5. Professional Cleanings Are Key
Even with the best at-home care, professional cleanings are non-negotiable. Our hygienists have special instruments to remove tartar and check for issues that you can’t see on your own.
During a cleaning, they also examine your gums for signs of disease, check for oral cancer, and can catch small problems before they become big ones. This preventive care is the foundation of a healthy mouth and can save you from more invasive procedures down the road.
This National Dental Hygiene Month, we want to give a huge thank you to our incredible hygienists at Clinton Harrell DDS. They are dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping you. We encourage you to take their advice to heart and make your oral health a priority every day.
Ready to see what a difference a great cleaning can make? Call us today at 360-450-5253 to schedule your next appointment and keep that healthy smile in Vancouver shining bright! You can also request an appointment online if you prefer.