A good hygienist is a true gem

[krlovesherkids777]

Just got back from a hygiene/cleaning appt. And just thankful and wanted to encourage anyone who doesn't have one yet, there are very good compassionate hygienist's out there that will really be a strong ally in your dental care. I've had some pretty horrific experiences in the past, and I think Alot of people think cleanings can be okay to be "rough on you" or "the more it hurts the better the clean" well, that is not true. There are so many options to make it not painful during the cleaning and less sensitive, that they take their time, use topical, let you hold the suction in case you need it , so many factors. And just non judgemental kind care goes so so far. I know if I can find someone you can do. I encourage you if you've endured brutal cleanings before you don't have to. Letting them know you want a gentle cleaning and have dental anxiety it goes a long way . and if they are not gentle or are harsh, you can tell them to stop . It's hard to advocate for yourself when you are nervous in the chair.. But stepping outside the comfort zone putting it out there I know has truly helped.

Anyone else have good hygienist stories /encouragements?

 

[APhobicQueen]

Oh I do!

My current hygienist D is a literal angel. I never ever thought I'd have a hygienist like her. She took one look at my poor traumatised self and decided she could work with me despite how busy she was (seriously she's popular, and back in school! So she's doing a lot.) and every day I'm thankful she did.

She is so compassionate. So so kind. And she humanises the experience. I think that's the most important thing. She talks to me and we've taken to watching Grace & Frankie together on Netflix when I'm there, like it's "our thing" in a way that gives me a sense of grounding and familiarity. She's okay with breaks. She never gets upset, and never raises her voice even when my tongue is being uncooperative lol She gives me information when I ask for it, and she praises me for the good job I'm doing in helping my mouth.

When I told her of my trauma, she was empathetic and horrified anyone could do that to another person. She was determined to help me gain back my confidence in the chair and she really has done just that.

I also encourage people to know that compassionate and good hygienists are out there! You should never be forced to to do a cleaning in abject misery or pain and yes, often the first step is advocating for yourself! I had one different hygienist to D at the practice and it wasn't a good experience. So I asked that I go back to D and the dental practice put a note on my file and did it no problem! You cannot be afraid to stand up for yourself and know that you're worth compassionate, non-judgemental, humanised care. And yes those kinds of dental professionals do exist! Sometimes it can feel hard to find, but they're there.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

APhobicQueen!!! Wow she sounds amazing and love that you watch Grace and Frankie together like its a tradition! How cool is that? ..Isn't it amazing when you find someone kind and patient? It literally just makes all the difference..!! This all is amazing !

 

[Vaidile]

I still haven't had my first cleaning, but I'm no longer freaking out about it like I was at the start of my journey. The reason it scares me more than most invasive procedures is that it's usually done without local anesthesia, and of course I've heard many horror stories how uncomfortable and painful it is. But I know from this forum that it doesn't need to be like that, and each visit I'm gaining trust that my dentist (who does the cleanings herself) will take care not to hurt me. She knows it's one of my bigger fears and has taken a lot of time to reassure me that we'll go as slowly and gently as I need, she'll use numbing cream and I can get shots in any areas that are particularly sensitive. She said during my last filling that I've been doing such a good job with my brushing lately that my mouth is already much cleaner and she won't need to be too forceful with the ultrasonic device, which was also good to hear. So by now I'm almost looking forward to it! I want to know what my teeth look and feel like without decades of plaque on them.

 

[SnowyTeeth]

Had my hygiene appointment today - go every 6 months. New hygienist but she was my favourite yet.

My dentist's hygienists used to have pictures of puppies (and good looking men) on the ceiling and you could choose a cuddly toy to hold (almost all their patients are adults). But covid meant that stuff got put away and sadly, never returned. I used to love the fluffy shark...

But the new hygienist was very kind and understanding about my long Covid and how it affects my dental health (I struggle to find the energy to do anything as well as I used to). And no topical gel or anything but cleaned my teeth gently so that it didn't matter. (I have had brutal ones in the past!) Hope she stays at the practice, as she's brilliant.

 

[APhobicQueen]

APhobicQueen!!! Wow she sounds amazing and love that you watch Grace and Frankie together like its a tradition! How cool is that? ..Isn't it amazing when you find someone kind and patient? It literally just makes all the difference..!! This all is amazing !

It is the best feeling! Honestly makes my cleanings fly right on by (which is one of my biggest fears, the length of time spent in the chair.) It truly is life changing to find someone who just treats us like we're actual human beings and not just teeth numbers.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

100%!!!!!