Your dental hygienist is a skilled dental assistant who knows their way around oral health. When you get your teeth cleaned, your dental hygienist does more than floss and clean your teeth, they also check your mouth for signs of decay and other dangers. Here are give things your dental hygienist knows about your health just by looking in your mouth.

If you smoke or chew

Smoking and chewing is a habit that leaves signs of use in your mouth. Your dental hygienist can tell if you smoke or chew by the stains on your teeth and the irritation present in your gums. If you do smoke or chew, your dental hygienist will give you advice for brushing and flossing to help you keep your oral health in good condition.

If you don't floss

If you don't floss on a regular basis, tartar builds up on your teeth and your gums become infected and irritated. When your dental hygienist flosses your teeth, they can tell if you don't floss if your gums are especially sensitive to the floss and bleed easily. Your dental hygienist will show you flossing tips to help you keep your flossing regime more regular.

If you use whitening agents

At-home whitening agents for your teeth can have an adverse effect on your teeth and gums, staining gums a paler color and making your tooth enamel weaker or even rough in texture. If you use an abrasive toothpaste, your dental hygienist can figure this out as well by the texture of your teeth and their exterior. Your dental hygienist will give you advice for keeping your teeth whiter, including recommending professional whitening treatments by the dentist.

If you have acid reflux

Acid reflux causes acids to come up the back of your throat, which are not only irritating and painful to your throat, but harmful to the backs of your teeth. The heavy acids wear away tooth enamel, which your dental hygienist will identify as they clean your teeth. If you do have acid reflux, you need to drink lots of water to help keep the acids from affecting your tooth enamel.

If you don't brush regularly

Even if you don't have any cavities, your dental hygienist will be able to tell quickly if you don't brush on the regular. Plaque and tartar give away poor hygiene attempts. You can keep your smile healthier and more attractive by following your dental hygienist's advice for keeping your smile clean and healthy.