Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Dr. Susan Anderson, Program Director, Dental Hygiene Program at Hodges University
As an adult, we have 32 teeth that together make up our smiles, and help us enjoy life. February is Dental Hygiene Month, and your dental hygienist is a key in helping you keep your smile through your life.
The American Dental Association recommends getting your teeth cleaned regularly, and the frequency can be determined when you visit the dentist’s office. Generally speaking, most people should have their teeth cleaned every six months. Most health insurance plans cover that, and it’s a benefit you should use. Getting your teeth cleaned helps prevent problems like tooth decay, cavities, gum tissue erosion, and gum disease, for starters. These problems can lead to early tooth loss.
Of course, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth goes a long way in maintaining a healthy mouth, but even that isn’t enough to prevent problems. A dental hygienist is professionally educated and trained to look for any problems.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned offers many benefits, including:
• The prevention gum disease
• The prevention of tooth decay
• The removal of tooth stains like coffee
• The removal of plaque, which contributes to bad breath
• The early detection of oral health issues, like oral cancer
The need for consistent dental care is a challenge. For example in Lee County alone:
• 54.4% of residents believe there is moderate to major problem with oral health
• 24.1% of children have not been to a dentist/received dental care in a year
• 38.5% of adults have not been to a dentist/received dental care in a year
• Major reasons: access, cost and education aboutoral health
To help make dental care more accessible and affordable, the Hodges University Dental Hygiene Clinic opened January 30. Patients will receive oral health screenings, preventative dental cleanings and, if needed, digital x-rays. Dental cleaning prices start at $30 for children up to age 16, and $40 for adults. X-Rays range from $15 to $40. Future services will include periodontal scaling/root planning, fluoride treatments, and tooth sealants.
Starting in February, the Hodges University Dental Hygiene Clinic will be open on Mondays from 1:30-5:30 p.m.; and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (239) 938-7787. For questions or more information, you can email the clinic:
hudental@hodges.edu
HODGES UNIVERSITY
239-938-7744 | Hodges.edu
*2020 Community Health Needs Assessment Report, Lee County
