More Hygiene Articles

Sarah Robinson, RDH, discusses the role of dental hygienists in gingival tissue management. Treatment first begins at the patient level, by educating the patient on the importance of arresting the infection and stopping the progression of the pathogens that cause periodontal disease.

While there may be a lack of evidence for a causative relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, current knowledge supports an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and a reduction in local periodontal inflammation after periodontal therapy. Dr. Caroline Rubino reviews the literature discussing the correlation between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases.

Sometimes when you begin dental treatment, the patient will balk at having the operatory chair repositioned so far back. Judy Bendit, RDH, BS, offers a different perspective on how to make both you AND your patient more comfortable every time.

Dr. Joo H. Kim gives a detailed overview of the history of oral hygiene instruction and effective dental plaque control methods — both manual and mechanical toothbrushing options — based on documented studies.

Here is a readers' compilation of the top 10 clinical dentistry articles from Surgical-Restorative Resource™ in 2012.

Dr. Alessandro Geminiani explains biofilm colonization, its connection with oral-systemic issues, and outlines a periodontal solution to prevent bacterial evolution in susceptible areas of the oral cavity.

Hygienist Lisa E. Stillman takes a clinical and practical look at xylitol natural sweetener, and considers what it means for dental caries.

Deborah Lyle, RDH, MS, reminds us that the goal is excellent oral health; how patients get there should not matter. She shares some clinical facts regarding flossing and an alternative that might work for your “I will not floss” patients.

Rebekah A. Duffy, RDH, stresses the importance of making sure patients understand how to take care of their implants and reduce the incidence of suffering from peri-implant disease. Follow her through the process she uses during a typical implant maintenance visit.

Dr. Fred Ferguson concludes a two-part series on online health assessment for pediatric patients. In this article, he discusses the oral-overall health connection, the effect good oral health has on medical insurance, and answers the burning question, Why should we care?

What do you do when a patient complains about root sensitivity? Dr. Tina Beck details the effective desensitizing therapy she uses in her practice.

Dr. Fred Ferguson begins a two-part series on online health assessment for pediatric patients.

A bacterium, thought to be common in the oral cavity, has the potential to cause serious disease if it enters the bloodstream. Scientists have identified the bacterium and can now research how it causes disease and evaluate its risks.

The bacteria associated with the most common cause of tooth loss in adults could be a precurser for the development of bowel cancer, according to a team of scientists.