Modern Hygienist - September 2008 - (Page 25)

DEMINERALIZATION | patients Pop Quiz This quick tooth wear risk assessment helps identify diet and lifestyle risk factors patients might not otherwise mention. * * * * * Do you eat a lot of acidic foods, including fruit, salad dressing and yogurt? Do you drink acidic beverages regularly, such as wine, fruit juice and soda (regular or sugar-free)? Do you have problems with acid reﬂux, indigestion or frequent vomiting? Do you brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking? Do you use a ﬁrm toothbrush, buy “grainy” toothpaste and/or brush hard for several minutes at a time? about their sensitive teeth symptoms.10 Therefore, you should ask your patients the following questions: What foods do you consume in a typical day? Do you regularly drink fruit juice or sodas? Do you avoid any specific foods or beverages that cause tooth sensitivity or pain? Do foods and beverages that are cold or hot ever cause tooth discomfort? * Do acidic foods or beverages, such as fruit juices, ever cause tooth discomfort? For patients suffering from dentin hypersensitivity, recommend an anti-hypersensitivity toothpaste containing five percent potassium nitrate and fluoride.11 Patients should be advised to brush with an anti-sensitivity toothpaste twice a day, and to continue use daily for long-term relief. Although hygienists cannot force a patient to change his or her diet or oral care habits, education is the first line of defense. Helping patients understand the consequences of poor diet and brushing technique can assist in preventing patients from further damaging teeth, ensuring a healthy smile for years to come. mh Vicki Potter, RDH, BS, practices clinically at Stowe Family Dental in Georgetown, Ky. Reference available upon request. E-mail modernhygienist.com. oral hygiene habits compound normal wear, tooth wear can result in loss of enamel surface and dentin hypersensitivity,7, 8 Recent data indicates that nearly one in five people suffer from dentin hypersensitivity.9 I’ve been surprised to find that some patients actually think it is normal to experience dentin hypersensitivity. In fact, up to 42% of patients with dentin sensitivity do not tell their dental professional * * * * s Tints teeth blue so children pay more attention to cleaning s Alcohol free s Designed for children 6 years of age and up ® LEARN MORE Visit us at JJDentalProfessional.com SM Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products, Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc., is a proud supporter of Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children: The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in its program to increase dental care access to Head Start children. However, the use of the AAPD and HSHC logos does not imply endorsement of Listerine® products. © McNEIL-PPC, Inc. 2008 LIS347287E 8/08 http://www.modernhygienist.com http://www.JJDentalProfessional.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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