Things You May Want To Know about Dental Hygienists!

 1. We are highly educated. Dental hygienists have varying degrees of higher education, ranging from an associates degree to a masters degree. Associates degrees often take 3 to 4 years to obtain while schooling through summer breaks! No matter our degree level, we all must pass the same board exams to prove our competency level and gain our license to practice. Also, we are not done learning once licensed; we are required to receive a set amount of continuing education hours to renew our license every two years. We LOVE learning!

2. We take MANY licensing exams. Unlike other medical fields who take one exam, dental hygienists often take 3 to 5 different board exams to get their license. These exams are both written and practical AND are specific to geographical location, meaning that if we wanted to live in another state we would likely have to take (and pay for) more exams!

3. Our career is VERY tough on our body. We are constantly having to strain our backs, necks and shoulders throughout the day.
While we strive to achieve proper ergonomics and equipment meant to reduce fatigue, the stress on our bodies still occurs over time. You can help us by allowing us to lay you all the way back in the dental chair, and move your head to the positions that we ask of you unless you have a medical reason preventing you from doing so. Eight hours of muscle strain for us is a huge toll compared to the 60 minute patient appointment every 3, 4 or 6 months.

4. We are part of the healthcare team. Dental hygienists are required to know the same science of other medical professionals so that we can properly help manage all health needs, not just oral health needs, as the mouth is connected to the body as a whole. We don’t JUST put a shine in your smile; we treat, prevent AND screen for disease whether it is systemic or oral health related. This includes blood pressure check, cancer screenings, medication reviews, and much more.

5. We are not immune from dental complications. We all still need regular dental cleanings and sometimes we get cavities, too! While we are highly educated in prevention and maintenance of our oral health, sometimes we experience dental needs also. It just goes to show that we are all still human.

6. We are constantly in a battle with the clock. Our schedules are very tight and we have A LOT to do in the time we are given. Sometimes we may run behind due to factors beyond our control such as a late patient, a patient with many questions, or a patient who needed some very complex care. We try as hard as we can to stay on schedule, but sometimes it just is not possible.
By the time we are finishing up your appointment, it is likely that our next patient has arrived and is already waiting to be seen. Often, we work into our lunch break, come in early and leave late as we work hard to be 110 percent prepared for our day.

7. We make recommendations based on YOUR needs. We want what is best for you, and dentistry is NOT one size fits all. If we are recommending it during your appointment, it truly means that we feel it is in your best interest, based upon our in-depth knowledge, to utilize to achieve optimal health results. This includes x-rays, fluoride treatments, toothbrush recommendations and much more.

8. We do it to make a difference. No one would sign up for this career, go through the rigorous curriculum or many expensive board exams and tolerate the daily wear and tear on their bodies if they truly did not love this field. We are real people with strong emotions who often think about the wellbeing of our patients long after we’ve left the office for the day.

9. We WANT your experience to be comfortable and stress free. We will do everything we can to achieve this. If there is something that you know will make you more comfortable, just ask. We can provide numbing relief, pillows, and other comfort commodities to help you through your visit. If you’re comfortable, we’re comfortable (as long as we can position
you correctly as we discussed in No. 3).

10. You are MORE than just our patient! You become our friend. We laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate with you, and mourn with you. Our bond will grow powerful over time, and we are more than just your dental hygienist, we are your friend, confidant, and sometimes your therapist.
As tough as our day may be, this is what makes everything worth it.

Sarah Clark, RDH, IPDH

Is It Possible to Heal Canker Sores Naturally?

 We all know how uncomfortable and painful canker sores can be, right? I'm sure you have tried something like Orajel to help with the pain, but have you tried any natural remedies? 

Below are some suggestions:

• Alum Powder (kitchen spice) - Place a small amount of alum directly on the sore, allow it to sit for 1 minute then spit out. *Do not swallow*.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) - Soak a cotton ball in ACV and apply it to the sore. (Seems counter-intuitive, doesn't it? But, apparently, ACV is alkaline.)
• Vitamin E - Open a vitamin E casual and apply it directly to the sore.
• Aloe Vera - Put some fresh aloe Vera juice on the sore 3-4 times a day. (Amazing stuff.  Helps with everything.)

Hopefully, with the help of these, you will get some relief from the pain and discomfort.

To help prevent Canker sores you should brush your teeth after every meal and floss twice a day to keep your mouth free of food particles that trigger these painful sores.

If you still end up with a canker sore, use a soft toothbrush such as a perio-toothbrush to prevent irritation while brushing, and avoid toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.

Keep smiling!

What Could Your Bad Breath Be Telling You?

Checking your breath may not just save you from embarrassing social moments, but it could save your life!

Recurring bad breath could be a sign of underlying medical conditions.:

• Fish Breath: kidney failure- The fishy breath occurs when kidney failure affects the respiratory system and makes it hard to breathe. This is because the damaged kidneys can no longer filter waste products from the blood and turn it into the urine.
• Sleep conditions may cause sour mouth- Saliva decreases during sleep, which causes a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Excess weight-  A poor diet and lack of water can play a major role in bad breath. Try drinking more water and eating lots of fruit and vegetables, this will help keep your breath fresh.

Below are some tests that are available to help detect specific medical conditions:

• Electric Nose Technology: Detects lung cancer from bad breath. This is a cheaper alternative than doing a biopsy to detect lung cancer. The "electronic nose" detects different profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breaths.
• Breath tests: This can detect heart failure. By taking a breath test, researchers can use "mass spectrometry" technology to analyze the sample for molecular and chemical compound signs of heart failure.

Isn't technology wonderful?  Most people would have no idea that these tests exist!

So, here's the takeaway: If you notice bad breath that just won't go away,  please seek medical help! It could mean you simply need a good cleaning, but it could be more than that!

To read more click here!

Are Mail Order Orthodontic Devices Right For You?

 Clear braces are the current rave...and many young adults and teens are hoping to escape those "ugly metal braces".  But are they right for you?  Maybe not!

Clear braces may sound like a more attractive deal than they really are.  There are many mail order types available, ranging from $79 kits to $1895 packages that allow you to take your own impressions, mail them in and then wait for the aligners to come in the mail.  What many people don't understand is that there are  certain dental maladies that clear braces cannot fix, such as a tooth that has not fully erupted or grown in, or a twisted tooth, or even a misaligned jaw.  Those things require metal braces. While companies like Invisalign have come a long way in recent years, i.e. treating more severe cases of malocclusion, there are still advantages to wearing metal braces. Additionally, you may be required to wear clear braces for a longer period of time than you might with metal braces.  

Clear braces are expensive.  Although some insurance companies now cover Invisalign, be sure to see a certified Invisalign provider to make sure it is the right fit for you!  

Keep Smiling!  

What are "Chalky Teeth"?

 Have you ever heard of "chalky teeth"? Good, me either!

The technical term for "chalky teeth" is Hypomineralisation. This happens when a person has a decreased mineral content within the tooth's enamel. People who have experienced "chalky teeth" describe the sensation as their teeth "feel a little rough and have a grainy, almost chalky feeling to them."

The majority of adults who suffer from "chalky teeth" eat a vegan or vegetarian diet. This is due to the high levels of oxalate acid found within the leafy greens. Once the greens enter the mouth, they react to the calcium found in the salvia. This then creates the feeling of "chalky teeth".

If you have noticed any "chalky" sensation on your teeth, start by brushing and using mouthwash after every meal. If this doesn't seem to clear up, you should contact your dental provider for a dental examination to figure out the best type of treatment!

Information found here!

Repost from January 2022

Have You Considered CBD Products for TMJ?

 There are many causes of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Pain) but it seems the most common occurrence is pain. Studies have shown that by treating the causes of TMJ, pain can be greatly reduced or even alleviated.  One of the chief causes of TMJ is bruxism, or teeth grinding.  This can happen as a result of whiplash, misalignment of teeth, stress, anxiety and a variety of other reasons. It can cause damage to the teeth, headache, tinnitus and pain, among other things, over time.  It has been suggested that CBD oil (Cannabinoids) can help relieve the painful symptoms of TMJ by reducing stress, anxiety and relaxing muscles; thereby relieving pain.

Click here to read an interesting article about TMJ and treatment with CBD oil for relief without side effects!

Keep Smiling!!!

Dental Appearance Can Be Considered a Factor in Self-Harm

This is a repost from March, 2022. but it bears the repeat if someone can be helped by the knowledge!

Do you know a young person who may be engaged in self harm?  A loved one?  A friend?

If so, could it be due to bullying? A recent TikTok trend? Stress?  Have you ever considered it could be due to the appearance of their teeth? 

I stumbled upon an article from Dr. Bicuspid called Dental appearance may lead young teens to self-harm written by Melissa Busch (associate editor). 

"Nearly half of teens who self-harm say they engage in self-injurious behavior due to the way their teeth look, according to a survey of more than 600 eighth-grade students. The findings were published on March 26 in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Tooth color and shape and missing teeth were some of the most common dental features that contributed to self-harm, the authors wrote. In addition, one-fifth of eighth-graders who reported engaging in self-harm said bullying about their dental imperfections contributed to their behavior.

"This study demonstrated a relatively high experience of self-harm reported by adolescent school children, with many reporting self-harm as a result of their dentofacial appearance and bullying because of dentofacial features," wrote the authors, led by Dr. Hawazen Sonbol of Kingston Hospital and St. George's Hospital and St. George's Medical School in London.

Throughout the world, self-harm is a growing public health issue. Worldwide, the prevalence of self-harm in teens and young adults is estimated to range between 7.5% and 46.5%.

Self-harming, which includes multiple behaviors like swallowing pills, cutting body parts, and pulling out hair is an expression of distress used to escape stress related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and bullying. Individuals who self-harm are at a greater risk of substance abuse and suicide.

Oral health and dental esthetics factor prominently in a person's perceived body image and self-esteem. Those with malocclusions and other dental imperfections can be targeted for bullying and can lead to low self-esteem and poor body image.

To investigate how dentofacial appearance contributes to the prevalence of self-harm among children, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 669 eighth graders from randomly selected schools. The group, which was composed of 339 girls and 360 boys who were 13 or 14, completed questionnaires about their behaviors.

Of the participants, 188 eighth graders (27%) reported engaging in self-harm. Of those who reported self-harming, 90 students (48%) engaged in this behavior due to their dental appearance. Additionally, 41 participants (20%) who reported self-harm did so because of bullying that targeted their dental imperfections, the authors wrote.

The three most common dental features contributing to self-harm and self-injury due to bullying were tooth color and shape, spacing between teeth or missing teeth, and prominent maxillary anterior teeth, according to the study.

The study had some limitations, including the cross-sectional nature of the study. This type of study did not allow longitudinal assessment of the participants in relation to risk factors, they wrote.

In the future, studies should explore clinical dental exams, more detailed information about the type and severity of self-harm being committed, as well as how orthodontic treatment may reduce this behavior, the authors wrote.

"The present study provides baseline data to better understand the relationship between self-harm and dentofacial features," Sonbol and colleagues concluded."