10/05/2026
🦷 October is National Dental Hygiene Month!
A healthy smile is about more than having clean teeth. This month, Burkett Dentistry is highlighting the everyday habits—and the dental professionals—that help keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
So, what does your dental hygienist actually do?
During your hygiene visit, your hygienist may:
🪥 Remove plaque and hardened tartar that brushing and flossing can’t remove on their own
🦷 Check your teeth and gums for changes or areas of concern
📏 Measure around your gums to help monitor for signs of gum disease
📸 Take necessary X-rays to help your dental team see what can’t be seen during a visual exam
✨ Polish your teeth and help remove surface stains
💬 Discuss brushing, flossing, and other home-care techniques based on YOUR individual needs
🔎 Help identify changes that may need to be evaluated by your dentist
Why are regular hygiene visits so important?
Plaque builds up on our teeth every day. When plaque isn’t adequately removed, it can harden into tartar (calculus), which generally requires professional instruments to remove. Regular dental visits also give us an opportunity to monitor your oral health over time instead of waiting until something hurts.
And remember—healthy gums matter, too! Redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding gums can be signs that your gums need some extra attention.
💗 Throughout October, we’ll be sharing simple tips and helpful information to make taking care of your smile a little easier.
📅 When was your last dental cleaning? If it’s time for your next visit, contact us to get scheduled. We’d love to see your smile!