{"id":598,"date":"2025-02-20T09:50:01","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T14:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/?p=598"},"modified":"2025-02-20T15:26:42","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T20:26:42","slug":"dental-hygienists-preventative-practioners-approaching-health-holistically","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/dental-hygienists-preventative-practioners-approaching-health-holistically\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Dental Hygienists Are Key to Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

As an assistant professor in 911爆料网\u2019s Fones School of Dental Hygiene<\/a>, I\u2019ve realized that many people \u2014 patients and students alike \u2014 have only a surface-level understanding of what a dental hygienist does. The reality is our role extends far beyond \u201ccleaning teeth.\u201d By carefully observing a patient\u2019s oral cavity, we uncover insights that often surprise those in our chair.<\/p>\n

Take the tongue, for example. In traditional Chinese medicine, the tongue is a key diagnostic tool. Its shape, texture, and coatings can provide clues to a range of health conditions. Similarly, in dental hygiene, our training allows us to interpret the oral cavity as a window into overall health.<\/p>\n

Dental hygienists can uncover fascinating details about a patient\u2019s habits, lifestyle, and even systemic health during a routine intraoral examination. For instance, we can determine:<\/p>\n