Ice Cream Designs

One of the most asked questions by adults and children is the origin of the toothbrush. There are several schools of thought on when the real toothbrush was created, but you need to look far into the past for the first evidences of oral hygiene.

The Chinese were believed to create the first real toothbrush, or a device that was used to clean teeth, but it was much different than the ones that we are used to today. These first toothbrushes, crafted in the 1400s, did not use nylon for bristles, or plastic for the handles. They were crafted from bamboo, one of the most common plants from that area. The bamboo formed the handle for people to hold on to. Attached to this handle was a set of bristles, which were crafted from the tough hair of the Siberian wild boar. The hairs used came from the back of the neck of this animal. This is the toothbrush associated with having been the ancestor of the one that we use today.

However, there is evidence that there was another form of the toothbrush dating up to 3000 years before the birth of Christ. Due to this, the history of the toothbrush proves that this device is one of the oldest still used by man, only truly outdated by the wheel. This form of the toothbrush was found within pyramids of the Egyptians. These toothbrushes were crafted from a stick. Unlike the Chinese version of the toothbrush, the end of the stick was flayed so that the fibers of the wood were more soft. This stick was then rubbed against the teeth to serve as a form of oral hygiene. This form of the toothbrush did not become far spread as the Chinese version.

The Chinese version of the toothbrush spread to Europe, where the Siberian wild boar took the brunt of the growing popularity of the invention. The only downside to the hairs of the Siberian wild boar was the fact that it was very rough on the gums. On account of this, some people began to use the hairs found on the backs of horses to craft the bristles on their brushes, as this was much easier on their gums and teeth. Despite the added softness of the horse hair bristles, the boar hairs were more commonly used, as horses were too valuable to Europeans during this period of time.

The boar hair toothbrush continued to be used until the early 1900s. In 1937, nylon was created in the Du Pont laboratories by Wallace H. Carothers. This invention forever changed the history of the toothbrush, as well as every other device that required a fibrous material, including ropes. In 1938, Nylon became the sign of modernization, from the creation of nylon stockings to Dr. West’s first nylon toothbrush. This brush was called Dr. West’s Miracle Toothbrush. Even with this breakthrough in the toothbrush, it wasn’t until World War II that Americans began to take oral hygiene more seriously. This was a direct result of the war. This influence spurred on the development of better toothbrushes.

Toothpaste & Whiteners

Another aspect of toothbrush history that should be taken into account is toothpaste and other whiteners. These are usually used with the toothbrush in order to make certain that the teeth and breath were acceptable. The concept of toothpaste and mouth washes is pretty old – almost as old as the Egyptians toothbrush. The earliest known toothpaste was created by the Egyptians. It was said to contain a drachma of rock salt, two drachmas of mint, one drachma of dried iris flowers and 20 grains of pepper. This was then crushed and mixed together to form a powder. When mixed with saliva and applied to the teeth, it would help whiten and clean your teeth. When experimented with by an Australian dentist, the mixture worked far better than anything else created until the twenty first century. The only downside was the fact that it caused his gums to bleed.

In the 18th Century, the next recorded version of toothpaste occurred. This mixture called for dragon’s blood, cinnamon and burn alum. This mixture tends to be more of an amusement for many scientists, as there is no proof that “dragon’s” existed. What may have really been considered to be dragon’s blood is unknown.

The 19th Century saw a lot of innovations to toothpaste, although many of them would be repulsive compared to what we are used to today. Charcoal, for example, was used to clean teeth. Most of the toothpastes of this time were powders that became a paste when introduced to saliva. A lot of these different toothpastes were designed to both clean teeth and give the user better breath. This is where the modern idea for toothpaste came of, and one of the turn points in the history of toothpaste. The combination of these pastes and the toothbrush worked to ensure that there was a higher chance of cleaner and healthier teeth and gums.

It wasn’t until the 1900s that toothpastes evolved to be more modern. Colgate, and many other toothpaste companies, worked to design toothpastes that tasted good while providing the means to clean teeth while not causing gums to bleed. Many ingredients are now used in toothpastes, with Fluoride being one of the most common. There are a wide variety of “herbal” toothpastes as well, which do not contain this component. Each of these types are designed to fit the needs and wants of every type of person out there. This high level of choice is the primary evolution of toothpastes. While only a few were available as early as the Egyptian days, now there is something for everyone.

The combination of the toothpaste and modern toothbrush gives everyone the oral hygiene and dental health that they need to be able to have the sparkling teeth that is desired by so many. This combination also helps prevent the loss of your teeth later in life, so that dentures are not required as early. The history of the toothbrush and toothpaste shouldn’t be looked down upon, as the options used back then were no where near as pleasant as the types available today.

By: Rebecca Blain

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

The role of the Dental Hygienist within the dental practice is primarily one of prevention and education.

The Dental Hygienist is someone who is trained to identify and treat dental disease, under the supervision of a Dentist, and educate patients to prevent dental disease.

The Dental Hygienist evaluates and assesses oral health and hygiene, then provides individual and tailored advice to the patient.

What can the Dental Hygienist help you to prevent?

The two most common dental diseases are Periodontal (Gum) Disease and Tooth Decay. Both diseases, to a degree, are preventable.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is the single most common cause of tooth loss in the Western World. It will effect up to 90 per cent of the population at any one time and is, in most cases, preventable. This disease will destroy the supporting structures of the teeth which will eventually end in tooth loss.

What causes this Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria found in dental plaque. If left to maturate, the plaque bacteria will start to release toxins which irritate the periodontal tissues (gums). This irritation manifests as inflammation of the gums. This is the start of the gum disease process.

The Stages of Periodontal Disease.

Periodontal Disease starts with a mild inflammation of the gums, triggered by the plaque bacteria which have matured for 48 hours. This early form of gum disease is known as Gingivitis and is, at this stage, totally reversible and no long term damage is sustained.

Gingivitis literally translates as inflammation of the gingival tissues (gums). In addition to the bacteria releasing toxins, the plaque deposits calcify, both above and below the gum line, further irritating the tissues and attracting a layer of plaque to its surface. If left untreated and allowed to progress, Gingivitis can lead to Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a more advanced disease and the deeper supporting structures are now affected. The bone and ligament which hold the teeth in place are destroyed and, without these structures, may then lead to eventual tooth loss. Deep pockets develop between the tooth and the gum, making good oral hygiene very difficult to maintain.

How can I prevent Periodontal Disease?

Good oral hygiene on a daily basis is the most important factor in preventing this disease. The regular and effective removal of plaque means that the bacteria are not allowed to mature enough to release the toxins which cause gum disease.

The Dental Hygienist can teach you the skills required to maintain good oral health. In addition to this, regular maintenance appointments with the Hygienist to clean and polish the teeth are important to remove the calcified deposits, which you are unable to remove and clean the hard to reach areas. The early diagnosis of periodontal disease is extremely important in preventing damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.

How do I know if I have Periodontal Disease?

The signs to look for are: 1. Redness or tenderness of the gums; 2. Bleeding gums with brushing or flossing; 3. Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth; and/or 4. Loose teeth or teeth that appear to have moved.

If you are noticing any of these signs or have any concerns regarding your gums it is important to contact your Dentist, as early diagnosis of this disease may determine the success of treatment.

What is Dental Decay? Dental decay/caries is the other most common dental disease of the modern world, particularly with the increase in consumption of refined carbohydrates (sugar). Firstly, the disease process breaks down the hard outer layer of the tooth surface, called enamel. This layer is then undermined and a cavity forms. The tooth becomes weak and breaks and the nerve can become damaged.

What causes Dental Decay? When certain bacteria that live in the mouth get exposed to sugars, they produce an acid. It is this acid that starts the breakdown of the enamel surface and the tooth structure.

How can we prevent Dental Decay?

1. A good balanced sensible diet with a reduced sugar intake, especially between meals;

2. Good oral hygiene routine at home;

3. Good saliva flow; Saliva flow can be increased by chewing sugar free gum.

4. Regular exposure to Fluoride, both in toothpaste/mouthwash, water supply or professional application; and

5. Regular six monthly checks with your Dentist, so that problems may detected early whilst they are small.

So as we can see, in short, the Dental Hygienist is a very valuable and important person in maintaining your oral health and wellbeing.

By: Karen L Smith

About the Author:

dental hygienist

Female 49 year old married female with multiple sclerosis. She is very open to discuss her disease and the impact it has on her life. She practises yoga and relaxation therapy. A friend of hers mentioned that MS was caused by mercury toxicity from dental amalgam fillings. Her chief complaints were sensitivity to hot, cold in her upper left lower right quadrant, bleeding gums, possible amalgam removal and dry mouth. Client used to see her dentist regularly for dental check ups but stopped all of a sudden. Her last dental visit was at a Dental Hygiene College 3 years ago. In 1976 She reported to have trigeminal neuralgia that lasted about 2 months, and previous use of cigarettes and marijuana from (1974 to 1988). She also reported to have problems with urine leakage. She sees her physician and neurologist bi-annually. Her vital signs were within normal limits, she was hospitalized two times due to acute MS episodes one in 1978 and the other in 1992. She reported taking medication to prevent the progression of MS, and gets injected every other day with Betaseron 5mg and Copaxone 20mg; diazepam 1mg twice daily; ibuprofen 800mg three times a day and baclofen 10 mg four times a day. Dry mouth is a frequent side effect of these medications. Client is disabled she must use a walker to walk. Fatigue has affected her oral hygiene before bedtime so she often brushes only in the morning. This client lacks manual dexterity and coordination due to the numbness and pain in her hands. Her diets consist of fried foods and lots of soda.

Clinical Assessment Data

On the first appointment the following things were completed. Extra and intraoral, periodontal hard tissue examination, a full mouth serious, intraoral photographs were taken and homecare practices were observed and discussed. Significant findings included the following.

Extraoral: Unilateral swelling on the right side of the face; bilateral firm masseter muscles; TMJ crepitation; occasional pain upon opening mouth in the morning and nocturnal bruxing.

Intraoral: Linea Alba bilateral 6mm on both sides; small tori on the palate and decreased salivary flow. Moderate subgingival calculus with grayish extrinsic stains.

Periodontal: Generalized 2-6 mm probing depth and localized 5mm readings on the posterior interproximal areas; furcations located on 16,14,47,46. Bleeding upon probing on all posterior teeth.

Hard Tissue: Generalized slight attrition. Multi surface restorations on most posterior teeth.

Plaque Control Record: Plaque-free score 75%; Radiographs: Generalized bone loss 10 to 30% horizontal bone loss; localized slight vertical bone loss in posterior; visible calculus spicules; suspected caries on #15 under restoration.

Nutrition: Meal pattern consist of breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. Calorie intake is inadequate. Food Groups consumed daily are mainly Meat and alternatives. Fat intake high. Body weight above healthy. Activity level low.

Social: Regardless of having MS client feels her overall health is good. The client has no insurance, so that’s why she has been avoiding dental care but she is ready to make a lifestyle change. She has a support system to aid her with transportation

Dental hygiene treatment care plan

1. Take vital signs at each appointment to ensure that V/S are WNL

2. Update medical history for any possible contraindication to treatment.

3. Review her medication intake to determine any side effect that might compromise the treatment.

4. Book the patient at morning appointments since morning appointments tempt to be less stressful to patients with neurological problems.

5. Ensure a quite and relaxant environment for the patient during the appointment.

6. Allow multiple brakes during the appointment to help relaxing her facial muscles and allow necessary frequent urination.

7. Minimize fatigue by complying with the patient daily regime and comfort during treatment (positioning the chair in the most comfortable position for the patient).

8. Monitor oral conditions that are associated with client at every appointment and make referral if necessary, (to determine any intra extra oral changes that might compromise treatment or patient health).

9. Use clorhexidine prior to treatment to reduce bacterial flora within the oral cavity.

10. Debridement of calculus and plaque by ultrasonic (One quadrant at the time) to reduce the scaling time. 1-2 appointments.

11. Debridement by hand scaling ( one quadrant at the time) to make sure that all the calculus and dental plaque left after using ultrasonic is removed. 1-2 appointments

12. Selective polishing to selectively remove intristic stain. (Whiter teeth are associated with beauty and a healthier lifestyle)

13. Use fluoride rinse Neutral sodium 2% to help re mineralize clients teeth.

14. Take an impression on lower anteriors to fabricate a mouthguard that will prevent further attrition on the lower anteriors due to buxism.

15. Referral to DDS for restoration due to clients request to replace old amalgam fillings with white restoration material

16. Diet counseling to increase salivary flow. ( during intra oral examination xerostomia was evident possibly from medication side effects)

17. Consider Local anesthetic ( Lidocaine 2% in case Topical anesthetic 2% is not enough in making client comfortable during the appointment.

OSC planning

1. Prescribe antisensitivity toothpaste to eliminate sensitivity to hot and cold.

2. Suggest increasing of H2o consumption to increase salivary flow in the oral cavity.

3. Client will be educated in the relationship that MS has on her oral cavity to increase her cognitive knowledge towards OSC (for example bruxism, subluxation, crepitation, xerostomia).

4. Discuss the relation between MS patients and the high risk of caries activity.

5. Demonstrate floss and brushing aids to the client. ( proxy brush, floss aid, modified brush handles.) to improve patients OSC skills.

6. Use disclosing agent to show to the client the problematic areas that are missed during at home oral self care. This will increase the awareness of the client to the present oral situation.

7. Suggest powered toothbrush to increase the brushing time due to clients compromised plaque removal skills.

8. Suggest different modifications to the OSC aids that client will feel comfortable with, to increase comfort in grasping oral aid handles

9. suggest water pick to allow a certain degree of independence in cleaning interproximal areas from plaque.

10. Suggest different physical activities ( like yoga) to improve the dexterity that will help client with self oral care.

Multiple Sclerosis and Dental Hygienist

Treating patients with MS provides dental hygienists with many opportunities to learn. The multiple links between oral conditions and MS symptoms enable dental hygienists to fulfill their roles as primary holistic health care providers. MS is the most prevalent demyelinating disease of the CNS, and the third leading cause of neurological disability in the United States. For patients presenting with MS, the dental hygienist can contribute by promoting both physical and oral comfort. Appointments that accommodate special physical needs and treatment plans that offer meaningful health promotion and disease prevention plans are ways to foster MS patient compliance. Current knowledge about MS symptoms, etiology, physical limitations, treatments, and CAM will aid the dental hygienist in providing optimal care.

By: Mario Sahaj

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

Dental hygienists belong to that branch of health care which everyone uses but no one speaks much about. As their name suggests, these people are responsible in the care and hygiene of the teeth. They aren’t actively involved in curing dental diseases such as treating cavities or conducting root canal operations-that’s the job of a dentist or a dental surgeon-but these hygienists are responsible in helping people with maintaining the proper hygiene of their dental structure, which includes the teeth as well as the gums.

Under this main umbrella, there are several tasks that a tooth and gum hygienist has to perform. Here we take a look at some of the things that they typically are supposed to do.

1. Dental hygiene experts are responsible in guiding people in maintaining proper oral care. They help people with advice to keep their teeth and gums healthier. They give tips and pointers on maintaining dental hygiene. They also give specific advice after assessing their patient’s dental situation. For instance, they can tell patients what toothpaste would be best for them and if they require any treatment to maintain the overall health of the teeth.

2. These professionals may also guide their patients on how to perform the right oral care methods. A very common example here is of flossing. There are a lot of people who have never flossed their teeth-a hygienist would show them the correct way to do it.

3. Hygienists have a very important role where children are involved. They take specific care of their teeth and keep checking them at regular intervals for any telltale signs of decay. Children are taught how they should properly brush and floss their teeth, which toothpaste would be the best for them, and so on. They also provide dental cleaning sessions for these children so that they feel more at home with them.

4. If you need your teeth cleaned up, then you must go to a dental hygienist. This person will chip away the deposits on the teeth and leave them as good as new. Since everyone must have at least one dental hygiene session each year, these hygienists are doing some very good business.

5. Hygienists for the teeth and gums also suggest specific treatments when they find problems during the regular cleaning sessions. This could be a cavity that is just starting to happen or a tooth that’s got chipped. There are treatments available for such problems, and there are ways in which such problems can be nipped in the bud. However, people are generally not aware of such occurrences as they happen within the oral cavity. The dental hygiene provider, however, can find out these issues and ask people to get them corrected and also suggest ways and means to do it.

Thus, the job of a dental hygienist is much more than what it apparently seems to be. These people are not just care providers for the teeth and gums, but they are also diagnosers of ailments that are waiting to happen.

By: Kelly Hunter

About the Author:

Website content

Most of us think that a quick brush once or twice a day, along with an occasional work-out with the old dental floss, will keep our teeth in tip-top condition. Good dentists, and dental hygienists, know better. If you want to keep your teeth for as long as possible, you need to keep them clean. And visit a hygienist regularly. Patients love their dental hygienists… provided they’re good.

Good hygienists are not a dime a dozen, they are a rare breed who really care about teeth. Many people (mistakenly) assume they are just people who didn’t want to shell out all the time, energy and cash to finish dental school. Actually, becoming a dental hygienist requires finishing an accredited dental hygiene program of at least two years’ duration and pass several state and national exams. Some finish a four-year Bachelor’s of Science program in Dental Hygiene, which includes courses in oral anatomy and hygiene theory.

Teaching good dental hygiene is an art in itself, and doing it properly is not something to be sneezed at (especially not when your hygienist is looking in your mouth). Look for one who has RDH, or Registered dental Hygienist, after their name, as a stamp of quality and training. That means her or she (usually she) is a licensed oral health professional, and has the skills and background required to work on your smile.

Duties of a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists do a lot more than teach little kids how to brush. While dentists diagnosis and treat problems of the teeth, it’s up to the hygienist to ensure they stay in good repair. After all, why pay thousands of dollars on dental work, only to let your pearly whites turn yellow and rot into little stumps? To make sure we keep our teeth in sparkling condition, hygienists can:

* Examine both teeth and gums. Also take x-rays and make an assessment of the gums (periodontal)

* Keep record of any diseases, abnormalities etc. The diagnosis of any condition normally must be done by the dentist

* Clean teeth, removing both hard and soft deposits of plaque, calculus (tartar) etc

* Apply agents that will help to act as a sealant and/or prevent cavities and decay

* Administer local anesthesia (in some states dental hygienists are also qualified to apply other types of anesthetics)

* Teach the basics of good oral hygiene and how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease – oral health promotion as well as protection strategies. This can also include the introduction and maintenance of quit smoking programs, as well as the importance of good nutrition for strong teeth and gums

Remember that every individual state has its own licensing agreements concerning what a dental hygienist can do. He or she will work in tandem with the dentist, but the exact responsibilities are, at least partly, dependent on state regulation.

Tools Used

Dental hygienists, obviously, rely on a variety of tools to get the job done properly. Because most of the tools are small, hygienists must be adept at working with their hands. As technology advances so do the types of tools used, here are the basics:

* Hand and rotary instruments. Used to clean teeth

* Ultrasonic devices. Also used to clean, polish and remove stains

* Teeth models. To show patients how to clean better, perform root canal therapy or apply certain cleaning agents and sealants

* Anesthetic devices such as syringes etc. To apply local anesthesia

Dental Hygienist Overview

If the thought of sticking your hands into someone’ else’s decaying mouth makes you want to gag, think again. Government findings from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics say that dental hygiene is a growing profession, and is expected to grow a whopping 30 percent until 2016. In part, that’s because as older dentists who didn’t employ hygienists retire, younger dentists who do are taking their place.

The growth is also because dentists want to concentrate on other, perhaps more lucrative, procedures, allowing their hygienists to do more and more. Because of these procedures, however, more and more people are keeping their natural teeth longer, instead of relying on dentures. That also is contributing to the demand for proper dental maintenance and protection, making dental hygiene one of the fastest-growing professions.

Don’t confuse a dental hygienist with a dental assistant, however, as only the former is licensed to carry out the specific clinical tasks mentioned above. Dental assistants concentrate more on preparing instruments for use, performing lab duties (in some cases) and doing some basic-hands-on work, as instructed by the dentist. They can only work under close supervision, and get paid less than hygienists on the whole.

So next time you visit a dentist – or a hygienist – take the time to appreciate the varied training that each specialty involves. In particular, pay attention to what the hygienist tells you, and start brushing properly and flossing regularly and following the hygienist’s instructions to the letter. You only have one set of natural teeth – try to keep them for as long as you can.

By: S Matthews

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content for WordPress

Are you interested in a career in the health industry? There are many great benefits about working in this field, one of the chief ones being that it enjoys a robust job market that is projected to continue growing over the coming years. One career path that is very fruitful is dentistry, but you do not necessarily have to study for years and years to become a dentist. Read on to learn how to become a dental hygienist.

Before you decide if this is the career for you and how to go about it, you should know a little more about what it is they do on a daily basis. Sometimes they are confused with dental assistants and although there is some overlap in the tasks they perform, a hygienist has a more complex and profound role in the surgery.

Some of the jobs that a hygienist will perform in a clinic include taking molds of patients mouths for dental devices to be made from; working in the laboratory and taking x-rays; providing fluoride treatments and removing plaque and calculus from patients’ teeth. They are also usually responsible for updating patient files in the surgery and may review them before someone comes to have a procedure done.

Since they perform a more serious role within a clinic, they are also remunerated in kind. A hygienist can expect to earn a respectable wage. Another benefit of the job is that they are able to seek work anywhere and can often choose their work hours – part time or full time.

In order to become an oral hygienist, you will have to complete formal training through a university or technical college. There are often courses that are offered through the dental faculty of universities. You can usually choose between either an associate diploma, which takes two years to complete or a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years. Speaking to the university staff about the benefits of each course will help you to decide which one to enroll in.

Prior to enrolling, you should check out that the course is one that is accredited by the American Dental Association. These courses have been approved based on the skills and knowledge taught, to qualify you to work within a dental surgery. During the course you will be taught all the theory and practical skills that are needed in order to perform all the duties required of you in this role.

After you have successfully completed the degree, most states require that you sit for a licensing exam. After you have passed this, you are able to seek employment within a clinic. These exams typically include written and clinical aspects and may also include different legal points surrounding dentistry as well.

If you are looking for more information on how to become a dental hygienist, then a good place to start is by contacting the American Dental Association for lists of schools and universities that provide courses of study. Working as an oral hygienist is a fulfilling career and one in which people report very high job satisfaction.

By: Adriana Noton

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content for WordPress

If you want to make sure that you have good teeth then you need to use the dental hygienist attached to your dental office. The dental hygienist will help you in taking care of your teeth in a preventive way.

If you don’t like taking trips to the dentist then maybe you should try more trips to the dental hygienist instead. There, you are going to learn ways in which you can keep your teeth healthy without too much effort at all – just creating good, regular routines that take merely minutes each day.

You will learn how to make the most out of your time when you are cleaning your teeth.

The Role Of The Dental Hygienist In Dental Health Care

Your dental hygienist will teach you techniques on how to brush your teeth as efficiently and effectively as possible. This is something that is hugely valuable, in all sorts of ways, to a healthy mouth, and even your whole body.

If you are prepared to make the meager investment of a little time and money you will certainly benefit from such a service. If your dentist scares the pants off you, then the alternative is to pay close attention to what your dental hygienist tells you instead.

In addition, they have some really smart professional gear that they will use to clean off any really tough plaque that seems resistant to normal brushing. Ever had that stain test that shows how old the plaque is? Well, it’s not a very encouraging sight without help from them!

Flossing Is Just As Important As Brushing

Many people fail to realize just how vital flossing properly is too. It is really to know how to floss properly, because you need to reach the in between areas of your teeth where that nasty plaque builds up. Plaque which has been implicated in more than just dental health, but, amazingly, heart disease too!

So you see, brushing alone is quite insufficient for oral care.

You have to make sure that you reach those hard to reach places in between your teeth or else it will be a haven for damage and (as we know already that nasty) plaque and you will eventually need to go to the dentist – think about the cost! This is the last thing that you want to happen to you.

If there is a saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then the advice from your dental hygienist would be, ‘brush and floss’ everyday, to keep your dentist at bay!

Don’t forget that not only can your dental hygienist advise you on technique, but they will also be able to suggest the best toothbrush or more exotic pieces of dental equipment around today.

For example, there is a whole array of electronic toothbrushes with gizmo attachments to do this and that – you need advice to work out what’s best for you and, you might be surprised with a special deal on the kit they can sell you too!

Smile With Confidence

If you want to make the most out of your teeth and smile with confidence then you must listen closely to your dental hygienist.

If you listen to them, you are going to have a much happier life (at least orally!). You will be able to smile with confidence in front of your friends and with great looking teeth, you can be assured that you will be more attractive to the opposite sex.

Do not wait for your teeth to become a major problem – it isn’t the way to organize things at all. Do not wait for your smile to get raggedy round the edges – it just isn’t worth it!. Smile with confidence with regularly (twice a day will do), well brushed and flossed teeth.

Prevention is better than cure and with the support of your local dental hygienist, you can be assured of gainful insights as to the very best you can do for your teeth, gums, mouth and beyond. You do not want to end up with holes in your teeth.

Truth is, you have to listen to your dental hygienist, and do just what you are told!

By: Martin Haworth

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content for WordPress

A dental hygienist is a professional who works alongside a dentist. They are often the person a patient has the most contact with when they visit the dental office. They are the person who cleans your teeth. They also will take a look at gums and teeth and try to detect thing that might be wrong or perhaps are leading to disease. Dental hygienists discuss oral hygiene with patients. The field is a strong one and many people what to know how to become a dental hygienist.

The road to this job begins with choices made in high school. It is at time where choices in coursework begin to be important. It is helpful to have taking as many courses in mathematics, chemistry, and biology. This will give a person a better background to handle the required courses.

Once high school is completed the prospective dental hygienist can begin to look at potential schools. Each will have different entrance requirements. Most require at least a year of undergraduate study before applying to them. The undergraduate work should be in areas related to biology and other sciences. They might also consider courses in communication, anatomy, and psychology.

Some schools will offer undergraduate programs that are geared toward preparing the person for applying to a dental hygiene program. The acceptance rate for these students is higher than those who did not take the selective coursework. If this is offered at the school a person is considering they should take the pre-dental hygiene program.

A listing of accredited schools can be found in the internet. A person needs to choose a school that they have the qualifications to be accepted at. They also need to choose one that will give them the type of training and degree that is accepted in the state where they wish to practice the profession. Some schools offer certificates while others offer associate degrees.

All the programs are intended to prepare a student for the licensing test required by each state. Some of these courses may include dental materials, ethics, periodontics, radiology, sedation, and oral hygiene. It is helpful if they also offer a course intended solely to prepare the student to take the licensing exam.

Many schools will offer one on one experience with real patients. This is either done at on campus dental clinics or internships in local dental offices. This is in an important part of the training. It will also help the student be able to get a job easier.

The internship is also a chance to really see if a student wants to become a dental hygienist. They can really find out if they can manipulate the small tools. Working with real patients gives a person the chance to see if they really want to deal with dental patients on a daily basis. It is important to really know that you want to be in the profession before you go any further.

There are basic steps as to how to become a dental hygienist. They do vary a bit by state and by school but are basically the same. Make sure that you follow all the needed steps that are required in your state or local area.

By: Adriana Noton

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

Dental hygienist courses help people enter an occupation which has great growth potential. Some sources say that the job market for hygienists is expected to grow as much as thirty percent which is well above the average of other occupations. Over the next decade career advancement for this career looks promising.

People who work well in this field are those with exceptional motor skills and those have a genuine desire to help people maintain good health. Most hygienists work in dental offices and work closely with dentists and their assistants. Hygienists work with different types of people so they need to be able to communicate effectively with various personalities.

Hygienists are licensed in oral health care and provide therapeutic dental care to patients. These dental professionals are responsible for teeth assessments, gum health screening, and general oral health care in general. If the hygienist detects signs of tooth decay or any other type of abnormality she will ask the dentist to examine the apparent problem.

The hygienist needs exceptional motor skills because she needs to use delicate oral health instruments such as rotary devices and ultrasonic instruments. The hygienist also uses oral health devices to polish teeth and to remove stains and plaque from a patient’s teeth and gums. They are also licensed to give anesthetic injections that are sometimes administered for deep cleaning procedures.

The hygienist will be called on at times to take and develop patients x-rays. She might be asked to help manage the office and organize patient charts and files. But the most important function of the hygienist is to encourage patients to practice proper dental health care steps that will lead to good oral health maintenance.

People interested in becoming a dental hygienist should complete an associate degree from a school that offers courses in dental hygienist studies. Courses are available at many community colleges. Courses are also available at private schools known as vocational or trade schools. Many schools also have financial assistance programs for students who need help paying for tuition.

The associate degree requires approximately two years of full time study to complete. Some people go on to earn a bachelors of science degree or even a masters degree which takes longer to complete but can help the hygienist secure higher paying jobs. The course work includes academic study as well as internship training where students will be able to practice their clinical skills. The graduate of the program will have all the training she needs to start working in a real life setting.

Dental hygienist courses can be challenging but the person who completes the program will be prepared to work in a growing career field and have job skills that are in high demand. Hygienists work with many types of people so they have to have effective communication skills. Dentists rely heavily on dental hygienists to inform them of any problems patients might have such as tooth decay or gum disease. The hygienist has to have great motor skills because she has to be able to operate delicate equipment. Courses in dental hygiene are offered at community colleges and vocational schools and some colleges and schools also offer a career placement service.

By: Adriana A Noton

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

A bad thing about being a Dental Hygienist is that I’m picky with my dentist and how they do my Scale and Polish (S/P). There’s nothing personal, I know that they’re treating me like just any other patient (usually a bit better) but when I go have my regular 6 monthly P/C and S/P I feel like I could have done a better job. But then again, I need to remind myself that dentists just don’t Scale and Polish like a hygienist =)

First of all, what exactly is a Scale and Polish?

The words Scale and Polish is interchangeable with Scale and Clean or Dental Clean. In layman’s terms it is the process of getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist, but I hate using the term ‘Clean’ because people ‘Clean’ their teeth everyday (or so I hope!). Scaling is when we debride (remove) the calculus / tartar / calcified plaque from your teeth. Polish is exactly that, we polish up your teeth and remove stains with a bit of prophy paste.

So as I was getting my P/C and S/P, I couldn’t help but follow along in my mind what my Dentist was doing…

Charting, periodontal probing… ‘maybe she could have spent a little more time checking for decay’, scaling with Ultrasonic and a couple of strokes with the Hand Scalers… ‘why is there so much water?’, prophying, flouride, and Done!

At the end of it I wondered if the patients I see were ever this uncomfortable with me; did I treat them like just another set of teeth?

So why don’t I just go see a Dental Hygienist instead?

Well, technically I have seen a Dental Hygienist before. She was one of my friends so I actually trusted her with what she was doing, and I knew if I didn’t like what she did, I could just tell her off =) Nevertheless, one of the main reasons I don’t see a Dental Hygienist is that the dental practice I go to doesn’t have a Dental Hygienist and I don’t want to change dentists yet.

Another reason is that Hygienists use Hand Scalers more than dentists. For a typical patient, some Dentists only use the ultrasonic scaler but a Hygienist will use the ultrasonic as well as hand scalers (which is why we take more time). Scalers are sharp, and they can hurt bad if used incorrectly which leads on to my next reason. I have personally heard of complaints and comments about sensitive gums and teeth and how painful the process of Scaling and Polishing can be from my own patients!

At the end of the day, since I am privileged to certain information, I have trust issues when it comes to people working in my mouth. This is why I’ve always wished I could give myself a Scale and Polish! On the other hand, I personally think that a Dental Hygienist would perform a more thorough Scale and Polish than the regular Dentist. I just need to ignore all those negative feedback and keep my ears out for positive feedback, then maybe I can find myself a Hygienist I’m comfortable with.

By: Selina Lai

About the Author:

dental hygienist