During the second week of April, we take a moment to acknowledge and express gratitude for the essential role that dental hygienists play through National Dental Hygienist Week. These highly skilled professionals work tirelessly to ensure that their patients’ smiles are healthy, clean, and radiant. Continue reading to learn about five major reasons why you should be thankful for your dental hygienist.

Even though life can be nonstop, it’s essential to tend to your health before anything becomes a major issue. By attending your dental checkups and cleanings every six months, you are not only keeping your smile in top condition but preventing any oral health issues from developing into something more serious. While your dentist is checking for early signs of tooth decay and gum disease, they are also looking for symptoms of oral cancer. By detecting this disease in its early stages, you can receive the necessary treatment to keep it from spreading. Read on to learn about the risk factors and symptoms of oral cancer.