Dental Hygiene

Xylitol, the sweetener with a twist; this little 5-carbon molecule packs a punch of health benefits.  Xylitol is a natural sweetener which has properties that have been shown to prevent tooth decay, increase salivary production, and reduce the development of bacteria in the mouth.1 Research shows that five exposures to xylitol a day can significantly inhibit bacterial growth in...

When a patient confided a few years ago about a recent diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), I had never heard of the illness before, nor was I aware of the severity of the symptoms. After her extraoral and intraoral examination, I learned that her condition had negatively affected her overall health. The patient’s hair had significantly fallen out, she...

Remember the argument that has been around for years about the working Mom vs. the stay-at-home Mom? It was utterly ridiculous − the whole idea of us vs. them. There shouldn’t be a debate about it, just like there shouldn’t be a debate regarding hygienists who are in the operatory or out and their value to the profession. Engaging in...

Most dental professionals, if not all, find themselves gravitating towards any and all things dental. It's a second nature we cannot mask. Whether it's tooth-adorned apparel, custom dental license plates, or just merely seeing teeth when we look at random objects. Teeth are a major part of our lives in and out of our careers. What if we discussed the...

Literature states that approximately 6% to 13% of the population suffers from non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).1,2 The precise percentage is challenging to estimate since NCGS is difficult to diagnose. Unlike other gastrointestinal diseases, there are not any definitive biomarkers to identify NCGS.3 NCGS is defined as a non-autoimmune, nonallergic reaction to gluten that affects the female to male population 6:1.2...

The late 1800s and early 1900s brought about many changes in economics, social and environmental reforms in the United States. This was known as the "Progressive Era" and inspired women and women's organizations to strive for equality.1 In addition to women's participation in dentistry, women fought for economic and political parity as well as social reforms such as the...

Disclosure: This video is sponsored by ARM & HAMMER™. Krystal King, RDH, BSDH, and Kara Vavrosky, RDHEP, discuss the new ARM & HAMMER™ Complete Care™ toothpaste. The new ARM & HAMMER™ Complete Care™ toothpaste has an ultra-smooth formula and minty fresh flavor. It is still powered by 100% natural baking soda but has a new taste for those who don’t love...

Nurses and nurse practitioners across the country closely followed the RaDonda Vaught case. Vaught was a registered nurse working at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was criminally charged and convicted of two felonies in March, potentially facing eight years in prison due to a medical error that resulted in the death of a patient. The case set a new precedent...

While digging in the abyss of research studies, I fell across information about a potential new antibiotic that may have a chance to be utilized in the treatment of periodontal disease without drug resistance and would spare beneficial bacteria. For many years, the standard of care for treating periodontal disease included scaling and root planing. We may sometimes adjunctively use...

Disclosure: This video is sponsored by LISTERINE®. Dr. Michael Lynch, the Global Director of Scientific Engagement of Oral Health at LISTERINE®, and Kara Vavrosky, RDHEP, discuss the science of LISTERINE® Antiseptic Mouthwash and clear up some myths surrounding antiseptic mouth rinse. Dive into the science of LISTERINE® Antiseptic Mouthwash here: https://www.listerineprofessional.com/the-science-of-listerine/attack-plaque