Question and Answer
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June 21, 2024
When it comes to our oral health, it's easy to get caught up in myths and misconceptions that can lead to misunderstandings and misinformed decisions. But what if we told you that some of the most common dental "facts" you've learned are just myths? In this blog, we're taking a closer look at some of the most common dental myths and debunk them with facts. From the idea that white teeth are automatically healthier, to the notion that sugar is the sole cause of tooth decay, we'll explore the truth behind these dental myths and what you can do to maintain optimal oral health.
MYTH: White teeth are healthier.
Dental Fact: Having white teeth does not necessarily mean they are healthier. Teeth can appear white due to various reasons, including
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May 24, 2024
Infection control is a critical component of healthcare, yet it's often overlooked or taken for granted. In reality, the improper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of proper hand hygiene protocols can all contribute to the spread of infections. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect millions of people worldwide each year, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. As healthcare professionals, it's essential that we prioritize infection control and take proactive steps to prevent the spread of infections in our patients and colleagues.
- Not properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces: Many healthcare professionals may not follow proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols, which can lead to the spread of
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May 10, 2024
When it comes to maintaining optimal oral hygiene, flossing is a crucial component of your daily routine. By incorporating the right type of floss into your daily routine, you can reduce plaque and tarter buildup, prevent gum disease, and even improve overall oral health. With so many types of string floss available, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. However, by understanding the unique features and benefits of each type, you can select the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Whether it's waxed floss or unwaxed floss, expanding floss, or dental tape, each type of floss offers its own benefits.
Waxed floss is a popular choice for many individuals due to its ease of use and smooth texture. This type of floss is typically made
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February 02, 2024
Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, pose a significant threat to oral health. Dental fillings, while essential in treating cavities and restoring tooth structure, are not immune to the potential risk of recurrent caries. The process of recurrent caries around fillings involves a series of factors that compromise the integrity of the restoration, leading to subsequent decay. Understanding this process is crucial for both dental professionals and patients in implementing effective preventive measures.
How Does a Cavity Form Under an Existing Restoration?
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to recurrent caries around dental fillings, let us explore the intricate dynamics involved in this process. Five key elements play a crucial role in the development of recurrent
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December 15, 2023
Dental articulating paper is a thin paper used by dentists to check and adjust a patient’s bite. It typically comes in thin strips or sheets coated with a special ink or substance that leaves marks when pressure is applied. Dentists place this paper between the teeth and have the patient bite down. The marks left on the teeth from the paper indicate areas where the teeth meet and where adjustments might be required to ensure a proper bite alignment. This helps in diagnosing and adjusting dental work or identifying irregularities in a patient’s bite.
What Is Articulating Paper Used for?
Articulating in dentistry refers to the relationship between the upper and lower teeth when they come together when biting or chewing. Articulating can be evaluated using various tools such as articulating paper; however, articulating foils and articulating wax can als
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November 24, 2023
maxill is proud to introduce the ‘new guy’ in the IPAC line up of products… The Process Challenge Device (PCD). A PCD is a key element in the quality assurance testing of dental office sterilizers. It is used to monitor the performance of the sterilization process. The PCD simulates an equal or greater challenge than the most difficult instrument/item routinely processed in a sterilization cycle. Each day and each cycle used requires the use of a PCD. Adding a more rigorous approach to testing follows best practice within the risk management of the theory of routine practice principles of infection prevention and control.
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November 17, 2023
An In-Depth Exploration of Uses, Safety Measures, and Applications of Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a popular topical anesthetic that offers relief from things such as pain, itching, and discomfort in various situations. In this article, we'll delve into what benzocaine is, how to use it, where and how to apply benzocaine topicals, potential side effects, and the clinical applications in a dental office.
What is Benzocaine and How Do You Use It?
Benzocaine is a synthetic compound classified as a topical anesthetic. It works by temporarily numbing the area where it is applied, thanks to its ability to block nerve signals. Benzocaine
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October 06, 2023
Bruxism. It's a word that may sound unfamiliar to many, yet it affects millions of people worldwide. This condition, often referred to as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, can lead to a range of discomforts and dental problems. So, let’s take a look into what bruxism is, explore its causes and triggers, discuss available treatments, and offer practical ways to find relief.
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism is a habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, typically occurring during sleep. However, some individuals also experience daytime bruxism. It can affect people of all ages, from children to adults, and can lead to various complications if left untreated. Understanding the underlying causes and triggers of bruxism empowers you to seek the appropriate treatments or practices necessary to alleviate its effects.
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August 17, 2023
Dentists use aspirating syringes and non-aspirating syringes to administer local anesthetics to their patients in preparation for pain-free dental treatment. Although many clinicians use non-aspirating syringes, there are benefits to using an aspirating syringe or self-aspirating syringe when administering local.
What is an aspirating/self-aspirating syringe?
To best understand the function of an aspirating syringe, first let’s review what it means to aspirate, medically speaking. Aspiration is the removal of fluids or cells such as blood, pus, ascites, or even cerebrospinal fluid, from the body. Syringes, although widely known for injecting medicine into the body, they now have the capability to aspirate.
The key difference is that an aspirating syringe has a harpoon at the end of the piston rod or plunger, that penetrates t
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April 27, 2023
Dentists use dental dams as a barrier to isolate specific teeth or oral tissues during certain dental procedures.
The dental dam acts as a barrier to prevent saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids from interfering with the dentist's view and access to the tooth or oral tissue being worked on.