Question:
I am 47, see my dentist regularly, brush twice a day with an electric
toothbrush and floss once daily.
My dental hygienist insists that I come in every three months for
cleaning, rather than every six months (insurance only covers two
cleanings per year). At each visit, she begins by taking the little
metal probe and literally stabbing it into my gum (I'm generally sore
for two or three days afterward). All through the cleaning, she
comments that "there is a lot of bleeding" and that I have "advanced gum
disease". During my regular brushing and flossing, I have never seen
any bleeding or even "pink in the sink" as the commercials say.
I am beginning to wonder if I am being snowed. My next visit is coming
up next week, and I am really dreading it. Last time, when she began to
polish, she dropped the polisher inside my lip and gave me a cut that
hurt for about a week afterward.
Any advice?
Answer:
You can't let it ride if you truly don't trust the hygienist.
Furthermore, if I had a hygienist dropping instruments in patients'
mouths, I'd want to hear about it.
I think you should feel comfortable about bringing your concerns to his
attention.
Ask the dentist (privately of course) to clean your teeth personally .
And give your reason(s) for this request.
Truly advanced periodontal disease may require the services of a Periodontist.
(gum specialist).
