Modern Hygienist - September 2008 - (Page 24)

patients | DEMINERALIZATION Worn out? Talking with patients about the causes behind tooth wear. by Vicki Potter, RDH, BS More people are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever, thanks to major improvements in oral health over the last century.1 Treatments for caries and periodontal diseases have been introduced, and fewer teeth are restored and extracted. However, dental professionals now are seeing patients whose teeth are showing signs of increasing tooth wear compared to just five years ago. 2 Although some tooth wear can be expected over the course of a lifetime, this increase suggests that many patients are unaware they are putting their teeth at risk. With its Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) technology, combined with potassium nitrate and fluoride, Discus’ Relief ACP Oral Care Gel helps to reduce sensitivity, rebuild enamel, help reduce caries and improve luster. Visit discusdental.com. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Tooth wear is strongly linked to the consumption of acidic foods and drinks, which is on the rise. While the country is frequently criticized for its unhealthy eating habits, healthy foods often are the culprit when it comes to erosion. For example, fruit juice and sports drinks have extremely low pH levels, and are therefore highly acidic, but are thought by many to be perfectly healthy. Other nutritional staples such as yogurt, fruit and tea fall within an acidic range as well. Even diet sodas, which actually have more acid in them than regular soda, can cause demineralization and soften the tooth surface, making it more susceptible to abrasion, particularly by brushing.3 tivity, so early intervention is key. Patients with tooth wear may experience sensitivity pain or tooth discoloration but still be unaware of the state of their teeth or hesitant to address it with their dental professional. Therefore, dental hygienists should proactively discuss tooth wear, asking patients detailed questions about their dietary and other oral habits to identify the problem in its early stages. Detecting these problems early is crucial in protecting the patient’s oral health.5 Patients who show signs of tooth wear can take preventive measures to minimize the risk of future damage. You should instruct patients not to brush teeth for at least one hour after an erosive challenge (such as consumption of a highly acidic beverage)6 and to use a soft toothbrush with a low abrasive, pH-neutral toothpaste or one with a high fluoride uptake to harden enamel. webexclusive Better brushing is a helpful tactic in preventing increased tooth erosion. For a full breakdown on patientfriendly pointers, visit modernhygienist.com. GSK’s Sensodyne ProNamel contains potassium nitrate to help reduce painful sensitivity. It also has a high fluoride availability to harden enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks. Visit pronamel.us. THINK PROTECTION Tooth wear often is overlooked in the initial stages. Not only is enamel erosion difficult to recognize, it often is mistaken as attrition caused by grinding and clinching. Still, all patients should be considered at risk for developing tooth wear. Although worn enamel cannot be reversed, teeth can be protected against future wear and sensi- fact Brushing faster or harder does not equal quality cleaning – in fact, less concentrated, fast-paced horizontal brushing may effectively erode tooth structure. DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY Erosion also may lead to dentin hypersensitivity. When factors such as acidic diets and stringent 24 modernhygienist.com | September 2008 PHOTO: DAJ/GETTY IMAGES http://www.discusdental.com http://www.modernhygienist.com http://www.pronamel.us http://www.modernhygienist.com

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Modern Hygienist - September 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Letters Modern Solutions Access Denied Kids First: Creating Comfort Worn Out? Voice of a VIP Hands-on Hygiene: Magnification In Focus Digital Persuasion That "Other" Female Cancer Ad Index Classifieds Moonlighting

Modern Hygienist - September 2008

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