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Tips For The Dental Hygienist

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Bacteria adhere to the tooth surface and is often missed due to incorrect brushing or lack of flossing. Another common mistake is flossing after brushing. This action will only release more bacteria in the mouth, rather than flossing before brushing. Most patients are unaware that flossing can be a more complex action than assumed. Commonly missed spots when flossing is the proximal space between the mesial and distal of teeth. This is when the dental hygienist begins to educate the patient on the correct form of flossing and brushing in order to contribute to a cleaner mouth. The use of a Waterpik can also help with patients who often miss the proximal spaces when flossing. A Waterpik uses a range of different speeds to force water between the teeth and loosen up any debris. Also, the dental hygienist must correlate to the patient and attract the patient into learning greater details towards oral hygiene to better their health. Asking open ended questions will bring the patient more into the conversation. For instance, engaging the patient by asking or having the patient show their home health habits. In return, giving additional suggestions will help with developing good home health habits for patients. Another helpful tool is to assess caries risk factors and manage caries, based on preventive and curative clinical procedures. “One protocol, termed Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA), is an evidence-based approach to preventing, reversing and, when

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