A question for dental hygienists?

Question

I had my first visit to one today and the expeience was not a pleasant one. She was extremely vigourous with the scraping, so much so she made my gums bleed (a lot)...at times it felt like my teeth were going to crack...then she pushes those little brushes back and forth with such force they were full of blood...

When flossing she pulled it way up into the gumline as to hurt..

I dont have any residual discomfort, so I assume she didn't do any damage but I dont think I could face another visit..

I would be interested to get hear from any dental professionals out there; also anybody that wants to share their experience.

Answer 1

i always use my hygienist,i always leave her chair with a sparkling mouth, she exactly does the same as your  hygienist, my gums also bleed but i know  she has done my teeth well

Answer 2

I got my tooth pulled today, was great!

Answer 3

Your teeth must have been just covered in plaque, you gums where bleeding because they are almost getting infected.  A properly cleaned mouth will not have these problems.

Answer 4

okay you probably have gigabytes so that was problably the reason you bled so much.

Answer 5

I would change doctors or something. Tell your hygenists & he'll take care of it

Answer 6

Bleeding gums are a symptom of Gingivitis or gum disease. A deep clean (below the gum line) is painful but necessary since Gingivitis can cause bone loss and result in loose teeth and extractions. If you wish to avoid similar cleans in future try brushing at least twice daily, using Corsodyl mouthwash and either floss or use inter-dens brushes.

Answer 7

Hi!!  I am a registered dental hygienist.  I would assume since you haven't been to a hygienist before you could have some signs of gingivitis (bleeding when flossing, brushing or during cleanings, inflammation, redness, build up of plaque deposits, etc).  Are you a daily flosser?  Brush more than once a day?  If not these could be your real culprits to your uncomfortable visit to the hygienist.  However, I am not saying she can't have a heavy hand adding to the discomfort as well.  Make sure you oral hygiene habits are up to par and see how the next visit goes.  Make sure to visit her at least twice a year.  If you still feel she is being too aggressive point this out to her by saying I am a little sensitive in there or something like that.  If she doesn't take the hint switch to someone else.

Best wishes and happy flossing!!

I wanted to add:  Think of your cleaning as a competition for your mouth.  If it hasn't been training at home (proper brushing and flossing)  it is going to not perform well at dentist office.  Just the same as if you try to run a 10 mile marathon on a whim without training.

Answer 8

I think they do more harm to teeth than good, i hate going.