Dental Hygiene

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When working clinically, a common question I receive is: “Will my wisdom teeth make my teeth crowded?” Many discussions in dental hygiene forums end with little consensus. Many studies have investigated the possible link. But is it really that simple? Can one single entity be the cause of mandibular anterior crowding? I have found that mandibular anterior crowding is one of...

Video sponsored by Cetylite. Kara RDH discusses and demonstrates the features, benefits and technique to use non-injectable Cetacaine Liquid (benzocaine 14%, butamben 2%, tetracaine HCl 2%) in patients, for long lasting anesthesia to the mucous membrane for soft tissue periodontal treatments. A Cetacaine Liquid 30g bottle treats up to 300 quadrants for less than $2 per dose. Anesthesia takes effect...

Dear inquisitive hygienist minds as well as current and future patients, Throughout the years, I have been humorously entertained during many conversations about the dental hygiene profession. I have even been questioned personally about my credentials. I feel the need to help lay your curiosity to rest. Better yet, I hope to help you feel more confident in your dental...

A study and subsequent articles recently cited lower IQ measurements for children whose mothers ingested fluoride during pregnancy, creating a paranoid frenzy among parents. The article stated that the ingestion of fluoridated water by an expectant mother decreased the IQ of the child by 2.5 points on a 200-point IQ test scale.1 The study in question is deeply flawed. Please...

What do we really know about toothpaste abrasion? I always thought the relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) was a key factor when choosing toothpaste for our patients, hoping that the amount of recession as well as the overall wear on enamel would be reduced. Shock! I was so wrong! The RDA was simply a test designed in 1976 to determine abrasion...

For some, a dental appointment is a fearfully, dreaded appointment; while others don’t mind or even eagerly anticipate the appointment. However, no matter which side of the fence you are on it seems to be a mutual consensus that no one enjoys dental X-rays, and many are confused why they are even necessary. Often, dental professionals are questioned about...

I am a veteran dental hygienist. I am also a mother and a grandmother, and I like the title of “Memaw” much better. I know exactly how parents feel when a child is experiencing pain or discomfort. Parents want solutions and answers on how to alleviate or prevent the pain, especially when infants and small children are unable to...

The ketogenic diet has many devotees beyond the original intent of a controlled nutritional response to pediatric epilepsy. Dental hygienists have an in-depth understanding of the pivotal role nutrition can play in oral health and disease. Unexplained gingival inflammation can be rooted in what our patients consume daily and can be a small indication of a larger inflammatory issue...

Most career paths have a stereotype associated with them, which is usually untrue. For example, doctors are known for having "chicken scratch" handwriting. Librarians are known as little, old ladies with glasses, and police officers are rumored to love donuts. While these stereotypes were meant to be humorous, they don't define the careers. Several years ago, before I was even...