Dental Hygiene
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June 28, 2024
As dental healthcare professionals, we know that providing high-quality care is not just about delivering treatments, but also about educating your patients on how to maintain their oral health. Patient education is a crucial aspect of dental care that can have significant impact on treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and overall health.
Why Patient Education Matters
Patient education is essential because it empowers individuals to take an active role in their oral health. When patients understand their condition, treatment options, and maintenance requirements, they are more likely to:
- Adhere to their treatment plans, which can lead to better outcomes
- Make informed decisions about their care, rather than relying on hearsay or misinformation
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June 14, 2024
Dental tooth whitening has surged in popularity, thanks partly to the influence of social media and selfie culture. A bright, white smile is often seen as a symbol of good dental hygiene and overall attractiveness. This article delves into the science behind dental tooth whitening, exploring the various methods and mechanisms involved.
Types of Tooth Discoloration
Before exploring the science of tooth whitening, we must understand that tooth discoloration is common. Discoloration refers to any change in the color or transparency of a tooth. There are two main categories of tooth discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic, or a combination of both. Extrinsic stains are surface stains that occur on the outer layer of the tooth enamel and are often caused by factors such as smoking, coffee, tea, and red wine consumption. Reducing the consumption of these
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April 12, 2024
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) is a measure used to evaluate the effectiveness of material at filtering out bacteria from a liquid or aerosolized solution. It’s often used in the context of healthcare settings, including dental offices, to assess the performance of sterilization wraps.
In dental offices, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) protocols are critical for maintaining a safe and sterile environment for patients and staff. Sterilization wraps are used to cover instruments and equipment to prevent contamination and ensure the remain sterile until use.
The BFE of sterilization wraps indicates how well the material can filter out bacteria, which is crucial for preventing the transmission of infectious agents during dental procedures. Higher BFE values signify better filtration efficiency, meaning the wrap is more effective at preventing bacterial contamination.
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April 05, 2024
Spaulding’s classifications are a system used to categorize medical devices and equipment based on the risk of infection associated with their use. This system was created by Dr. Earle H. Spaulding in the mid-20th century and has since become a standard in healthcare settings, including dental offices. There are three main classifications in the Spaulding system: critical, semi-critical, and non-critical.
Critical items are those that come into contact with sterile tissue or the vascular system, posing the highest risk of infection if contaminated. In a dental office, critical items may include surgical instruments like scalpels and forceps. These items must be sterilized after each use to eliminate any potential pathogens.
Semi-critical items are those that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin but d
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March 29, 2024
Dental is a fundamental procedure in oral healthcare, essential for maintaining optimal dental hygiene and preventing oral diseases. Among the various tools and techniques employed in dental debridement, two prominent methods stand out: magnetostrictive scalers, and piezoelectric scalers. Understanding the differences between these two ultrasonic scalers is crucial for dental professionals to make informed decisions about their clinical practices and provide the best possible care for their patients.
Magnetostrictive scalers and piezoelectric scalers operate on distinct principles, each offering unique advantages and drawbacks. In this comprehensive comparison, we dive a little deeper into the intricacies of these two methods, exploring their mechanisms of action, applications, and the highlights and challenges associated with each.
As we embark on this exploration,
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December 08, 2023
Dentistry has evolved significantly, introducing innovative equipment and techniques to elevate patient care. Among these developments, dental ultrasonic scalers stand out as an important device in maintaining oral hygiene. As we discuss the history, science and application, we’ll discover the wealth of benefits these high-tech devices in modern dentistry can provide.
History of Ultrasonic Scalers:
The introduction of dental ultrasonic scalers dates to the mid-20th century when technological innovations started revolutionizing dental practices. An American periodontist introduced the first ultrasonic device in the 1950s, pioneering the use of ultrasonic vibrations for calculus removal. Since then, advancements in materials, technology, and design have enhanced these devices, making them a vital a
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October 13, 2023
Let's talk about it!
When we think about oral health, we often limit our concerns to our teeth and gums. However, emerging research has shed light on the profound impact of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, on our overall well-being. It turns out that this seemingly isolated oral condition is intricately linked to several other diseases and conditions throughout the body.
Understanding Periodontal Disease...
Before we dive into the connections, let's briefly explore what periodontal disease is. It's a chronic inflammatory condition of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, typically caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
In its early stages, it might manifest as gingivitis, which is characterized by redness, swelling, and
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August 10, 2023
Introduction
Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are a type of mouth ulcer many experience at some point in their lives. While they may seem harmless, these ulcers can cause significant pain and discomfort, making chewing, speech, and oral home care difficult. Despite their common occurrence, the exact cause of aphthous ulcers remains a mystery, and there is no known cure. This blog will delve into the unseen pain of aphthous ulcers, exploring their symptoms, potential causes, and available treatments. Understanding this condition can help provide much-needed relief and support for our patients.
What is an aphthous ulcer?
Oral aphthosis is a painful and recurring inflammatory process of the oral mucosa producing ulcers affecting 20-25% of the population worldwide.
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March 05, 2023A dental office reprocessing area must be organized in a one-way workflow to prevent cross-contamination. The one-way workflow is composed of stations that are linked in functionality to one another to finally achieve the end point of reprocessing; sterilization. Each station can only perform the duties of THAT station and can only host the contents of THAT station’s tasks. In ‘common practice’ vs ‘best practice’ reprocessing rooms ...
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August 26, 2022
Fluoride continues to be our number one defence in the prevention and progression of dental caries. For those patients who adamantly refuse to use fluoride in any form, we must be knowledgeable in guiding them to alternative methods to increase their resistance to and prevention of caries. Prevention of dental caries involves many aspects. Primary prevention involves the etiology of ...