Taking care of your teeth at home can help you maintain your dental health and prevent periodontal, or gum, disease from developing.
Richard H. Price, DMD, spokesperson for the American Dental Association and a former clinical instructor at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, says regular home care should include daily brushing and flossing. “My advice is to brush thoroughly, at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening before going to bed,” says Dr. Price. “Be sure to floss at least once a day. I do it after every meal when I can.” Proper dental care at home, combined with seeing your dentist regularly, is your ticket to good dental health, says Price, who is retired from a 35-year private group dental practice in Newton, Mass.
Dental Health at Home
“Use products that have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal," says Price. "This means that the products — toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc. — are safe to use as directed and will keep your mouth healthy — no gum disease, no cavities."
Here are some basic principles to follow:
Spend at least three minutes brushing your teeth two times a day. Use a timer if you have to to ensure that you're spending enough time on your oral care routine.
Use floss at least once a day every day to clean between your teeth.
Buy ADA-approved dental cleaning tools and toothpaste.
“Basically, brush and floss, and do it correctly,” says Price.
The goal of regular home care is to combat the buildup of plaque in and around your teeth and gums, and fight bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Adults who neglect their teeth and who let plaque build up often develop infections in the delicate tissue around their teeth, Price explains.
A whole arsenal of dental health tools is available in drugstores to help you clean your teeth at home. These range from regular toothbrushes to power toothbrushes, inter-dental cleaners (picks, etc.), waxed and unwaxed floss, oral irrigators, and mouth rinses. You should ask your dentist which of these tools you might want to include in your daily cleaning routine.
Consequences of Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene invites plaque to accumulate around the base of your teeth and gum line, causing your gums to become red and inflamed.
"Plaque is the bacteria-laden film that, if allowed to accumulate on teeth and gums, will cause tooth decay and gum disease," Price explains.
If you neglect the care of your teeth at home and fail to go to the dentist regularly, accumulated plaque could potentially lead to the development of empty spaces around your teeth. These spaces could eventually lead to the destruction of bone and other fragile tissues supporting your teeth, and you could lose your teeth.
The good news is that being diligent about your dental health care and getting regular dental checkups can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early gum disease. "A plaque-free mouth is a healthy mouth,” says Price. Along with regular dental checkups, “proper bushing and flossing are the only effective ways I know of preventing plaque buildup.”
Source:
EveryHealth.com
Friday, March 28, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Dental care at free health fair packs them in
Health care gets a bad rap for being expensive, but the same can be said about dental work, as demonstrated by the 300 or so people who turned out to get their teeth fixed at a free health clinic in San Francisco's Western Addition over the weekend.
Among those at the two-day event at the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center on McAllister Street was Leticia Brown, a 34-year-old elder-care worker and mother of four. She'd put medical and dental care for her kids first, and was now paying a price - for weeks, she had been eating soft food because nerve pain in a molar was so intense she could hardly chew.
"I went to a dentist two months ago and had two molars removed, but I think they cracked a third, and it needs to come out," she said. Her eating habits hadn't helped.
"I'll be honest," she said. "I used to eat a lot of candy - six or seven candy bars a day. I've cut down. I want to save the teeth in my mouth."
The clinic, operated by the 10-year-old Adventist Medical Evangelism Network, brought more than two dozen doctors, dentists, nurses, dental hygienists and dental students to San Francisco from across the state to care for the walk-ins, said Danny Kwon, executive director of the network's branch in Auburn (Placer County).
"We've done mission trips abroad," he said, "but a couple years ago came to the realization there was just as big a need in America."
Among those who volunteered their services were Dr. Jeri Shepherd, a dentist at the California Men's Colony, a state prison in San Luis Obispo, and dental students from Southern California's Loma Linda University. Patterson Dental in Concord loaned a specialized machine that makes crowns on the spot to allow root canals and crowns to be handled in one sitting.
Because the event, technically branded as a health fair, was operated by a group with a Christian affiliation, there was a prayer table for anyone who wanted someone to pray with, and some discussion of Seventh-day Adventist principles.
"We believe we're accountable for what we put in our bodies, because it has a profound effect on how we think, feel and treat other people," said Dr. Steve Mulder, an anesthesiologist from the San Luis Obispo area, who consulted with patients on hypertension, weight management and diabetes. "It's a spiritual decision, because it profoundly affects our spirits, morals and attitudes."
Patients of any religious affiliation (or none) were welcomed at the door and, after registering, met with volunteers to assess their ailments. Patients had their medical histories and blood pressure taken.
Dental patients had X-rays taken with machines the size of a cell phone, and then advised about the simplest course of action to relieve their mouth pain.
Most of the patients were long overdue for a trip to the dentist, said Kwon, noting the treatment ranged from teeth cleaning and fillings to extractions and root canals. To keep things moving, dentists treated only the tooth or problem most severely in need of care, even if multiple fillings were needed.
One San Francisco preschool teacher, who declined to give her name, showed up to get her teeth cleaned after skipping regular maintenance for two years.
"I went to the dentist, where they said I needed deep cleaning," she said, "and even with insurance, it was going to be $1,000, so I said, 'Bye!' "
Although the clinic operated from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., patients who arrived early were the lucky ones. Anyone who arrived after 10 a.m. was turned away, so that those who'd been checked in were certain to be treated by the end of the day.
Some patients waited for several hours for their turn. Appointments took 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Dentists got something out of working on desperate patients, too. "If I can put a smile on their face and get them out of pain, that's wonderful," Shepherd said.
Source:
Among those at the two-day event at the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center on McAllister Street was Leticia Brown, a 34-year-old elder-care worker and mother of four. She'd put medical and dental care for her kids first, and was now paying a price - for weeks, she had been eating soft food because nerve pain in a molar was so intense she could hardly chew.
"I went to a dentist two months ago and had two molars removed, but I think they cracked a third, and it needs to come out," she said. Her eating habits hadn't helped.
"I'll be honest," she said. "I used to eat a lot of candy - six or seven candy bars a day. I've cut down. I want to save the teeth in my mouth."
The clinic, operated by the 10-year-old Adventist Medical Evangelism Network, brought more than two dozen doctors, dentists, nurses, dental hygienists and dental students to San Francisco from across the state to care for the walk-ins, said Danny Kwon, executive director of the network's branch in Auburn (Placer County).
"We've done mission trips abroad," he said, "but a couple years ago came to the realization there was just as big a need in America."
Among those who volunteered their services were Dr. Jeri Shepherd, a dentist at the California Men's Colony, a state prison in San Luis Obispo, and dental students from Southern California's Loma Linda University. Patterson Dental in Concord loaned a specialized machine that makes crowns on the spot to allow root canals and crowns to be handled in one sitting.
Because the event, technically branded as a health fair, was operated by a group with a Christian affiliation, there was a prayer table for anyone who wanted someone to pray with, and some discussion of Seventh-day Adventist principles.
"We believe we're accountable for what we put in our bodies, because it has a profound effect on how we think, feel and treat other people," said Dr. Steve Mulder, an anesthesiologist from the San Luis Obispo area, who consulted with patients on hypertension, weight management and diabetes. "It's a spiritual decision, because it profoundly affects our spirits, morals and attitudes."
Patients of any religious affiliation (or none) were welcomed at the door and, after registering, met with volunteers to assess their ailments. Patients had their medical histories and blood pressure taken.
Dental patients had X-rays taken with machines the size of a cell phone, and then advised about the simplest course of action to relieve their mouth pain.
Most of the patients were long overdue for a trip to the dentist, said Kwon, noting the treatment ranged from teeth cleaning and fillings to extractions and root canals. To keep things moving, dentists treated only the tooth or problem most severely in need of care, even if multiple fillings were needed.
One San Francisco preschool teacher, who declined to give her name, showed up to get her teeth cleaned after skipping regular maintenance for two years.
"I went to the dentist, where they said I needed deep cleaning," she said, "and even with insurance, it was going to be $1,000, so I said, 'Bye!' "
Although the clinic operated from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., patients who arrived early were the lucky ones. Anyone who arrived after 10 a.m. was turned away, so that those who'd been checked in were certain to be treated by the end of the day.
Some patients waited for several hours for their turn. Appointments took 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Dentists got something out of working on desperate patients, too. "If I can put a smile on their face and get them out of pain, that's wonderful," Shepherd said.
Source:
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Dental experts offer oral hygiene tips
The oral health advice follows research revealing that almost half (48%) of all Irish people have not visited the dentist in the past year.
Speaking ahead of World Oral Health Day 2014, Dr Ger Gavin, chief dental officer for Decare Dental Insurance Ireland, said: ‘I urge people to make simple changes to their lifestyles... to prevent long term damage [to their teeth].'
Dr Gavin recommends the following tips to improving oral health:
• Food - limit sugary snacks and choose healthier food choices to prevent dental decay and dental erosion. Wait at least one hour before brushing after eating meals or snacks
• Drink - choose water over fizzy acidic drinks to avoid dental decay and dental erosion
• Dentist - aim to visit the dentist at least once a year or more, as per national and international recommended guidelines to maintain good oral health, prevent dental decay and gum disease
• Dental Insurance - research has shown Irish customers with dental insurance are more likely to attend the dentist, developing a regular oral health routine, leading to long-term benefits for oral health and general health
• Brush teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, with a recommended fluoride toothpaste for adults and children over two years. Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft nylon bristles and replace it every two to three months. Electric brushes are also very effective. Use only alcohol free mouthwash, inter dental cleaners like dental floss and a tongue cleaner as part of your dental routine.
World Oral Health Day is an FDI World Dental Foundation initiative. It aims to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and hygiene.
Read:
Speaking ahead of World Oral Health Day 2014, Dr Ger Gavin, chief dental officer for Decare Dental Insurance Ireland, said: ‘I urge people to make simple changes to their lifestyles... to prevent long term damage [to their teeth].'
Dr Gavin recommends the following tips to improving oral health:
• Food - limit sugary snacks and choose healthier food choices to prevent dental decay and dental erosion. Wait at least one hour before brushing after eating meals or snacks
• Drink - choose water over fizzy acidic drinks to avoid dental decay and dental erosion
• Dentist - aim to visit the dentist at least once a year or more, as per national and international recommended guidelines to maintain good oral health, prevent dental decay and gum disease
• Dental Insurance - research has shown Irish customers with dental insurance are more likely to attend the dentist, developing a regular oral health routine, leading to long-term benefits for oral health and general health
• Brush teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, with a recommended fluoride toothpaste for adults and children over two years. Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft nylon bristles and replace it every two to three months. Electric brushes are also very effective. Use only alcohol free mouthwash, inter dental cleaners like dental floss and a tongue cleaner as part of your dental routine.
World Oral Health Day is an FDI World Dental Foundation initiative. It aims to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and hygiene.
Read:
Thursday, March 20, 2014
8 DENTAL TIPS FOR OLDER AMERICANS
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| Image By TheraBreath |
The bottom line: Proper dental care starts at home. No matter what stage of life you're at, here are eight tips that will help keep a smile on your face:
1. Like your bones, your teeth are made up of calcium. That's why mothers tell their kids to drink milk, which helps to refortify dental enamel. But it not only works wonder on teeth - it also plays a role in healthy gums. Research has shown that those who consume lower amounts of calcium in their diets have a much greater risk of developing gum disease than those who maintain a calcium-rich diet. To combat this, eat foods packed with the nutrient, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and soybeans.
2. Your body cannot use calcium without vitamin D. Humans absorb vitamin D through exposure to the sun. Vitamin D allows cells to absorb calcium. The best foods with vitamin D include wild salmon, mackerel, low fat milk and egg yolks. Despite the ability to get this vitamin from the food and the sun, an estimated 40 to 75 percent of people are deficient. Make simple fixes: If you're a cereal fan, purchase milk fortified with vitamin D, or make a point to cook salmon regularly for dinner.
3. Avoid snacking. Grazing on sugary foods between mealtimes is a well-known culprit of poor oral health. The longer your teeth are drenched in sugars, the longer sugars have to form acids in the mouth to erode tooth enamel. The teeth you have today must last a lifetime, so take care of them!
4. Coffee drinker? Your morning brew could spell trouble for pearly whites. With the same principle of sugary food that soaks teeth, coffee's dark color not only stains enamel, but soaks teeth in acids that wear down their protective coating.
5. Saliva is one of the strongest soldiers that fight harmful bacteria. Foods that stimulate saliva production, such as cherries, cranberries and gum, can help your body ward off harmful bacteria. Sugarless gum that contains xylitol is a great tool to spur salivary glands. Keep dry mouth at bay by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. When your mouth dries up, your teeth and gums become a breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria, which causes bad breath and leaves you more susceptible to tooth decay.
6. Take advantage of Mother Nature's toothbrush: Hard, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can dislodge food bits from your teeth, cleaning them naturally.
7. Brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each session. Did you know that the average American spends less than 50 seconds brushing their teeth? If you fall on the wrong side of this statistic, it's not too late to change your habits.
8. See the dentist once every six months. A big misconception is that you have to have a problem such as a toothache or dry mouth to visit the dental office. However, your oral professional will be more than pleased to see you when you're worry-free. Besides, even though teeth may not look dirty, plaque lingers in places you cannot see.
Source:
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
New Dental Dog Treats Claim to be Just as Effective as Brushing
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| Getty Images |
Owning a dog comes with many responsibilities, from brushing their fur to brushing their canines. Unfortunately, while many pet owners are diligent about good grooming, they don't regularly tend to Fido's teeth.
As with humans, lack of dental care has its repercussions. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, "more than 80 percent of dogs develop periodontal disease by three years of age." To stem the tide of tartar, various dog treats have appeared in recent years, such as Greenies Canine Dental Chews and Natural Balance Dental Chews, that purport to positively impact a pooch’s oral health. But do they actually work?
"They can certainly have a positive impact," says Dr. Michael Tuder, owner and director of four animal hospitals in Hudson County, N.J. "If that’s the only thing an owner will do, at least it’s something. The way these dental treats are produced, they have a matrix that allows them to microscopically rub against the teeth and remove debris."
Recently another product appeared on shelves, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews dental treats, that representatives claim, if fed daily, are “clinically proven to be as effective as brushing a dog’s teeth twice per week based on the reduction of tartar and bad breath.”
The chews were released following the first clinical trials to determine the baseline efficacy of brushing a dog’s teeth, says the company.
"The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) recommends daily brushing for optimal effectiveness, twice daily even better," says Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM, a board certified veterinary dentist in Weston, Fla. and a paid consultant for Milk-Bone. "While daily brushing is the gold standard for a dog’s oral care, I know that brushing a dog’s teeth is not exactly an easy or pleasant task for the pet or pet parent."
In those cases, the chews can "improve a dog’s dental health, helping to prevent dental disease," says Bellows, who is also president of the American Veterinary Dental College.
Shaped like a bone with a 75 degree twist, "along with nubs and ridges designed to help clean down to the gum line like the bristles on a toothbrush," the chews also tout themselves as a low-calorie option.
"With every treat comes calories," says Tuder, who also recommended checking the mineral content of treats for potential conflicts. "A pet owner needs to consider, 'will the treats impact the balance of the diet for the medical effect they are trying to achieve?' and then consult with their veterinarian."
Another concern of note to pet owners is the product's origin and safety.
"An ideal dental chew or diet must be digestible, effective in decreasing tartar, and good tasting," says Bellows. "Pet parents should avoid feeding their dogs bones, hoofs, antlers, nylon toys and any product without the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s Seal of Acceptance. They may taste good to the dog but may cut the gums or break teeth."
Pet owners should also note that even seemingly harmless homemade treats and toys can cause potential damage to a dog's teeth.
"Large ice cubes can also fracture teeth and should be avoided," says Dr. Alexander M. Reiter, head of the Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. "Tennis balls are a popular toy for many dogs; however, they are very abrasive to teeth because they collect tiny particles of dirt and sand and will wear down the teeth and occasionally cause pulp exposure."
Reiter also recommends scheduling a professional examination to ensure optimum oral health in man's best friend.
"Your pet should have an annual oral examination performed by a professional to document the presence of abnormal conditions such as periodontal disease, fractured or decayed teeth, tumors, ulcers, etc.," he says. "Ultimately, there is no replacement for daily toothbrushing and periodic professional treatment at your vet."
Read more:
Tips for teeth brushing
Dr. Jennifer Roberson, with Ingleside Dental Associates in Macon, said dental dexterity is not fully developed until a child is 8 or 9 years old. She recommends giving kids the independence of brushing their own teeth but suggests a parent come back in to reach the posterior teeth. Roberson also shares a few tips on getting kids to brush and floss their teeth.
• Try using an electronic toothbrush instead of the traditional kind as it can make brushing more fun.
• Kids need to brush for two minutes at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. To make sure they hit this mark, have them use a timer or brush their teeth to a song. She recommends a two-minute song called “Brush your Teeth.”
• Allow the kids to be a part of the dental health process by choosing the flavor of toothpaste they want and a toothbrush with their favorite character on it.
• For flossing, use floss forks as it makes it easier for kids to reach between their teeth.
• Most tooth decay comes from eating after brushing teeth at bedtime so make sure children only drink water after the nightly brushing.
• Children should see the dentist twice a year starting no later than their first birthday.
-- Conner Wood, Center for Collaborative Journalism
Read more here:
• Try using an electronic toothbrush instead of the traditional kind as it can make brushing more fun.
• Kids need to brush for two minutes at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. To make sure they hit this mark, have them use a timer or brush their teeth to a song. She recommends a two-minute song called “Brush your Teeth.”
• Allow the kids to be a part of the dental health process by choosing the flavor of toothpaste they want and a toothbrush with their favorite character on it.
• For flossing, use floss forks as it makes it easier for kids to reach between their teeth.
• Most tooth decay comes from eating after brushing teeth at bedtime so make sure children only drink water after the nightly brushing.
• Children should see the dentist twice a year starting no later than their first birthday.
-- Conner Wood, Center for Collaborative Journalism
Read more here:
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Dental Hygienist Donates Kidney to Patient
North Augusta, S.C. -An ordinary teeth cleaning at the dentist office turned into a life changing relationship. A local hygienist is giving the gift of life to one her patients. From first glance, it may seem like an unlikely match, but the close friendship between these two people is unmistakable. It’s been a long journey for both of them with a few bumps in the road, and this week Corey Hymon will get his life back.
“Just seeing his road and knowing his history, and knowing that for whatever reason I am going to help him,” said Pam Ochiltree.
“When Pam came along, she’s just the perfect one, she is the perfect one,” said Corey Hymon.
A blessing felt on the both ends of the deal.
Pam Ochiltree has been cleaning Corey Hymon’s teeth for more than four years, and this week she’s doing more than just giving him a brighter smile, she’s saving his life.
“She just one day out of the clear blue said hey can I take the test to see if I’m match, see if I’m compatible,” said Hymon.
Hymon was diagnosed with kidney failure around the same time he met Ochiltree. She kept up with his medical history through visits, and found out he needed a new kidney.
“I was cleaning his teeth, and I’m not going to say I heard an audible voice, but I felt very strongly that God was saying give him your kidney,” said Ochiltree.
“I was definitely shocked…when I walked out of here after getting my teeth cleaned, I called my wife immediately, and I said you’re not going to believe what just happened,” said Hymon.
It had been a long journey for Hymon, three patients matched with him for a donation from more than a dozen that went through testing, but the three that matched ended up not being able to donate.
Ochiltree was preparing to give Hymon her kidney when she got a call from her sister.
“A few months later, she called and said don’t give your kidney away, my kidney is failing, and I called Corey and said I am so sorry, but my sister needs a kidney and he was like I totally understand it’s your family, go for it,” said Ochiltree.
The test to see if she could donate her kidney to her sister was not a match.
“I think I’m meant to donate to Corey, I think that’s why it didn’t work,” said Ochiltree.
After more months of testing and losing 20 pounds, Ochiltree was approved to donate her kidney in January.
“Everybody keeps asking me are you nervous? And I said no I am totally at peace,” said Ochiltree.
“It means that we are now paired forever, so she can’t go anywhere, I love her so we are stuck together,” said Hymon.
The surgery is taking place on Friday at Georgia Regents University.
Source:
Saturday, March 8, 2014
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| By J Muckle/Studio D |
Get Whiter Teeth at Home
Strips, trays, toothpastes...what really works? Here, our experts reveal their favorites, along with advice on who should see a dentist before considering the DIY approach.
Why do teeth change color?
Blame time and your diet. With age, the enamel on teeth becomes thinner and more transparent, and the inner layer, called dentin, looks darker. Teeth also absorb colored liquids throughout your life, says Jeff Golub-Evans, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist in New York City. Coffee, tea, cola, and red wine are frequent culprits, along with more tenacious tobacco stains.
How do at-home whiteners work?
Peroxide is the key ingredient in most whiteners. This safe-for-the-mouth bleaching agent forms bubbles on enamel that lift away stains. The higher the concentration of peroxide and the longer you leave it on your teeth, the whiter they'll get. The downside: Bleaching molecules can get trapped in nerve passageways, causing increased, though temporary, tooth sensitivity.
Who's a good candidate?
"At-home whitening is an option for anyone with a healthy mouth who has been to the dentist in the past year," says Matthew Messina, D.D.S., a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association who practices in Cleveland. Three groups shouldn't do their own whitening: those whose teeth are painfully sensitive to cold; anyone with crowns or fillings on their front teeth (they won't whiten and will end up looking much darker than surrounding teeth); and people whose enamel seems more gray than yellow (due to intrinsic stains from antibiotics like tetracycline taken in childhood). Assuming your dentist has given you the OK, Dr. Golub-Evans says you can assess your whitening potential this way: Hold a piece of white printer paper next to your teeth. If they look yellow, the stains are probably just on the surface — teeth should turn at least a couple of shades lighter with at-home bleaching. If your teeth look grayish, the discoloration likely lies inside the teeth, and bleaching won't help much.
Source:
Thursday, March 6, 2014
How clean is your dental office? 5 tips to keep your patients healthy and happy
As dental assistants, patient health and safety is our No. 1 priority. Everything we do during our busy day revolves around keeping patients safe. But what if there was more we could be doing? What if we're missing a detail that could cost us a happy patient?
We're going to take a look at five tips that everyone in the dental industry should implement in their office. If these tips are already a part of your team's daily routine, give yourself a pat on the back! You're on the right track for keeping patients happy and healthy.
Keep your sterilization procedures up to date with OSHA and CDC guidelines
Seems pretty simple and straightforward, right? It should be. However, I’ve seen dental practices still clinging to outdated sterilization procedures. The sterile area is your responsibility as a dental assistant. What you do in sterile could potentially harm a patient if your office is not changing with the times.
You need a "dirty" side and a "clean" side. The two should not mix. Label the areas with visible labels to help remind yourself and others. Instruments, cassettes, and other equipment should be wrapped or placed in self-sealing packages before being placed into the autoclave or statim. Be sure to date the outside of packages before placing them in the autoclave.
There is no shame in making a step-by-step list to help you remember the appropriate procedures in the sterile area. I've noticed the smoothest running offices seem to be the ones with lists and labels everywhere. Not only does it help the team perform as a cohesive unit, it helps newcomers out as well.
Cross contamination should be a thing of the past
Have you seen a fellow teammate touch a patient chart or the inside of a drawer with gloves on? Have you ever been in a rush to turn over an operatory and possibly missed wiping a surface? We're all human, and we all make mistakes. However, those mistakes should be few and far between and should not involve cross contamination.
Hepatitis B can stay alive on hard surfaces for 16 hours. It is easy to catch and can kill just as easily. As health professionals, we should protect ourselves with the Hepatitis B vaccine, but our patients might not do the same thing. It is our job to protect our patients.
The entire operatory must be adequately sprayed with CaviCide and wiped with CaviWipes or similar brands. Make sure to wipe under barriers. Patient chairs must be wiped from head to toe regardless of how expensive the leather is. Wipe X-ray sensors from end to end. Wipe drawer handles and X-ray switches thoroughly. These steps may sound redundant, but we have all seen little things like these be overlooked.
Pretend like your next patient is a loved one. Would you want your child or mother sitting in an operatory that may not be as clean as it should be?
It is not acceptable to have dust around the office
If there is dust clinging to shelves in the operatory or sitting in a corner of a sterile counter, you can bet bacteria and aerosol particles are mixed with it. If you spot a bit of dust, quickly wipe it up with a CaviWipe. There is no need to go on a hunt around your office for spare dust. Make wiping up dust a part of your routine. If you see it, don't leave it! Clean it up.
Restrooms need to be kept in check
These days, most offices have a cleaning service. You may not be refilling paper towels and scrubbing toilets, but you should be keeping germs in check. A member of your team should be cleaning door handles, faucets, and knobs during the morning routine. Lysol spray or CaviWipes work nicely to keep germs at bay.
Keep the front desk and reception area clutter-free
This tip has to do with patient happiness more than health, but it is no less important. The reception area is a patient’s first impression of the entire office, and first impressions stick. What are patients going to think if there are post-it notes and charts scattered all over the front desk? What will patients think if magazines are scattered in the reception area? It doesn't look professional and it doesn't project a good first impression.
Having a clutter-free reception area does not mean it has to be sterile and cold. It is possible to achieve a comfortable feeling in the reception area while still being tidy. Give your patients the first impression they expect.
Keeping patients happy and healthy is a team effort. Try to get your team on board when making positive changes. Putting a list together could be a fun group exercise and a great first step in the changes your office may need to take to keep patients happy and healthy.
Source:
DentistryIQ
We're going to take a look at five tips that everyone in the dental industry should implement in their office. If these tips are already a part of your team's daily routine, give yourself a pat on the back! You're on the right track for keeping patients happy and healthy.
Keep your sterilization procedures up to date with OSHA and CDC guidelines
Seems pretty simple and straightforward, right? It should be. However, I’ve seen dental practices still clinging to outdated sterilization procedures. The sterile area is your responsibility as a dental assistant. What you do in sterile could potentially harm a patient if your office is not changing with the times.
You need a "dirty" side and a "clean" side. The two should not mix. Label the areas with visible labels to help remind yourself and others. Instruments, cassettes, and other equipment should be wrapped or placed in self-sealing packages before being placed into the autoclave or statim. Be sure to date the outside of packages before placing them in the autoclave.
There is no shame in making a step-by-step list to help you remember the appropriate procedures in the sterile area. I've noticed the smoothest running offices seem to be the ones with lists and labels everywhere. Not only does it help the team perform as a cohesive unit, it helps newcomers out as well.
Cross contamination should be a thing of the past
Have you seen a fellow teammate touch a patient chart or the inside of a drawer with gloves on? Have you ever been in a rush to turn over an operatory and possibly missed wiping a surface? We're all human, and we all make mistakes. However, those mistakes should be few and far between and should not involve cross contamination.
Hepatitis B can stay alive on hard surfaces for 16 hours. It is easy to catch and can kill just as easily. As health professionals, we should protect ourselves with the Hepatitis B vaccine, but our patients might not do the same thing. It is our job to protect our patients.
The entire operatory must be adequately sprayed with CaviCide and wiped with CaviWipes or similar brands. Make sure to wipe under barriers. Patient chairs must be wiped from head to toe regardless of how expensive the leather is. Wipe X-ray sensors from end to end. Wipe drawer handles and X-ray switches thoroughly. These steps may sound redundant, but we have all seen little things like these be overlooked.
Pretend like your next patient is a loved one. Would you want your child or mother sitting in an operatory that may not be as clean as it should be?
It is not acceptable to have dust around the office
If there is dust clinging to shelves in the operatory or sitting in a corner of a sterile counter, you can bet bacteria and aerosol particles are mixed with it. If you spot a bit of dust, quickly wipe it up with a CaviWipe. There is no need to go on a hunt around your office for spare dust. Make wiping up dust a part of your routine. If you see it, don't leave it! Clean it up.
Restrooms need to be kept in check
These days, most offices have a cleaning service. You may not be refilling paper towels and scrubbing toilets, but you should be keeping germs in check. A member of your team should be cleaning door handles, faucets, and knobs during the morning routine. Lysol spray or CaviWipes work nicely to keep germs at bay.
Keep the front desk and reception area clutter-free
This tip has to do with patient happiness more than health, but it is no less important. The reception area is a patient’s first impression of the entire office, and first impressions stick. What are patients going to think if there are post-it notes and charts scattered all over the front desk? What will patients think if magazines are scattered in the reception area? It doesn't look professional and it doesn't project a good first impression.
Having a clutter-free reception area does not mean it has to be sterile and cold. It is possible to achieve a comfortable feeling in the reception area while still being tidy. Give your patients the first impression they expect.
Keeping patients happy and healthy is a team effort. Try to get your team on board when making positive changes. Putting a list together could be a fun group exercise and a great first step in the changes your office may need to take to keep patients happy and healthy.
Source:
DentistryIQ
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Focus On Family: Dental health tips for children
Tips for Parents:
The first examination is recommended at the time of the eruption of the first tooth (which occurs on average between the ages of 6 and 12 months) – but no later than 12 months of age. Full exams should take place as soon as the child is able to sit still long enough (between 2-3 years of age).
Limit sippy cups to mealtime and snack time – or at least limit juice in the sippy cup to meal/snack time and swap out the juice for water the rest of the day. Children should never have juice before bed as it will pool in their mouth when they lie down: Constant sipping of milk/juice/sweet liquid does not give a child’s natural saliva a chance to rinse away sugars that case tooth decay. Make a big deal out of drinking from a regular cup; take your toddler shopping to pick out his own big kid cup; have your tot toss out the “baby cups” him/herself.
Teach your child good dental habits early; always supervise your child to ensure they are doing a proper job – allow your child to brush themselves for a short time each time they brush, then parents should step in to help (until around age 4). Children should brush 2x a day with a child-sized toothbrush that has soft bristles. Use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities, but teach your child not to swallow it. Turn it into a game – like ‘find the hidden teeth’ – try to make it fun and engaging.
Read more: http://wgntv.com/2014/02/25/focus-on-family-dental-health-tips-for-children/#ixzz2uzYnsGSH
The first examination is recommended at the time of the eruption of the first tooth (which occurs on average between the ages of 6 and 12 months) – but no later than 12 months of age. Full exams should take place as soon as the child is able to sit still long enough (between 2-3 years of age).
Limit sippy cups to mealtime and snack time – or at least limit juice in the sippy cup to meal/snack time and swap out the juice for water the rest of the day. Children should never have juice before bed as it will pool in their mouth when they lie down: Constant sipping of milk/juice/sweet liquid does not give a child’s natural saliva a chance to rinse away sugars that case tooth decay. Make a big deal out of drinking from a regular cup; take your toddler shopping to pick out his own big kid cup; have your tot toss out the “baby cups” him/herself.
Teach your child good dental habits early; always supervise your child to ensure they are doing a proper job – allow your child to brush themselves for a short time each time they brush, then parents should step in to help (until around age 4). Children should brush 2x a day with a child-sized toothbrush that has soft bristles. Use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities, but teach your child not to swallow it. Turn it into a game – like ‘find the hidden teeth’ – try to make it fun and engaging.
Read more: http://wgntv.com/2014/02/25/focus-on-family-dental-health-tips-for-children/#ixzz2uzYnsGSH
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