If you have never been to the dentist before, then you likely don't know what to expect. When you go into the dentist for a regular checkup, you will likely spend most of your appointment with the dental hygienist. They are certified to do a variety of jobs to help them ensure that all of your necessary dental needs are met. Here are 3 things that a dental hygienist will do for you during your very first dental checkup. 

1. Take Dental X-Rays If Necessary

One of the first things that a dental hygienist will do for you when you arrive is take your dental x-rays. While this doesn't happen during every single dental cleaning, it's going to be done at this appointment because it is your very first one. During this process, the dental hygienist will place a protective shield over your body and then proceed to have you bite down on special pieces of plastic with x-ray film inside as they take multiple x-rays of your teeth. This process is quick and painless, and simply involves you holding still while the x-rays are taken. 

2. Clean Your Teeth

The next thing that the dental hygienist will do for you is clean your teeth. During this process they are going to carefully use their dental tools to clean between and around each of your teeth. As they are doing this, they will be inspecting your teeth to see how healthy they are and how healthy your gums are. They may offer you brushing or flossing tips as well if they happen to see any problem areas. Next, they will use a special dental toothbrush to carefully brush all of your teeth. Lastly, they will place a fluoride treatment on your teeth to help keep them clean and healthy. 

3. Take Notes as the Dentist Examines Your Teeth 

After your teeth have been cleaned, the dentist will then come in to examine your teeth. They will be looking at the x-rays taken to see if there are any cavities present. Then the dentist will orally examine all of your teeth for surface cavities. As they do this, the dental hygienist will be taking notes on your dental chart of anything that the dentist may say regarding cavities, potential cavities, broken or chipped teeth, receding gums, etc. This is very important because these things must be documented so that they can be monitored or so that appointments can be made so to fix them.