Dentaltown May 2015 - (Page 34)

hygiene feature Inﬂammation: A HYGIENE PERSPECTIVE by Emilee Berger, RDH, BSDH W e should all be well aware of the interrelationships between oral health, inflammation and systemic health. Inflammation is the body's response to cellular injury. The inflammatory response is actually designed to rid the body of the initial cause of inflammation. In our case, the biofilm's bacteria accumulation in the oral cavity causes the inflammation. Even in healthy individuals, the inflammatory response is not enough to rid the oral cavity of biofilm. The bacteria in biofilm must be mechanically removed through proper oral hygiene on a regular basis. When the biofilm is left alone and accumulates, the body responds and the inflammatory process begins. Chronic inflammation anywhere in the body can be detrimental to an individual's health on multiple levels. Every time I see a patient, whether it be for a new-patient exam or re-care appointment, I make sure to include a thorough evaluation of inflammation, including clinical signs and risk factors. Throughout my career, I have used various treatment modalities 34 MAY 2015 // dentaltown.com when trying to combat inflammation and have found that usually a combination approach works best-as long as there is an emphasis on patient education. A thorough examination must include an assessment of risk factors and patient education. Patient education can't be limited to instruction on oral hygiene. We are health-care professionals and must include all aspects of the patient's health in order to individualize our education and recommendations. For example, if I have a diabetic patient with generalized inflammation exhibiting 3-4mm pockets with bleeding, I would apply a more aggressive approach than on a healthy 18-year-old patient exhibiting no known health complications. For both patients, I'm going to recommend a bacterial debridement, including air polishing, ultrasonic and hand scaling. Yes, air polishing as in the prophy jet Current research shows that air polishing may be more therapeutic than traditional rubber-cup polishing. It does take some getting used to, but once accomplished, I have found that it becomes a patient's preference. Continued on p. 36 http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown May 2015

On Dentaltown.com
Howard Speaks: Keeping and Attracting Patients: It's All About Relationships
Professional Courtesy: The Future on Display
Continuing Education Update
Poll
Real-World Questions for Lanap/Periolase Users
Industry News
New Products
Inflammation: A Hygiene Perspective
Working Together: How Dentists and Labs Can Find a Great Fit
Special-Needs Patients and OR And Any Solutions for Special-Needs Patients with Acid Reflux?
Product Profi le: The Scheduling Institute
Weathering a Cash-Flow Drought: Tips for Keeping Your Business in the Green
Do Good: Smiles Across the Miles
Do Good: Doing Good in the Dominican
Do Good: Making a Big Difference for Little Ones
Do Good: Helping Kids Smile, One X-Ray at a Time
Do Good: A Day With the Tooth Fairy
Do Good: Green Dentistry: How to Make Your Practice Environmentally Sound
Do Good: Dental Hygienist Do Global Good With America's Toothfairy
Do Good: Spear's Open Wide Foundation: Dental Philanthropy For Life
Do Good: How a Seed of Generosity Helped a Clinic Grow
Do Good: Dental Philanthropic Focus Puts Kids and Families First
CE: When Technology Meets Biology
Ad Index
Tricks and Techniques for Class II Compsites in Primary Molars
Product Profi le: Opt-In
Product Profi le: BISCO
Dentally Incorrect

Dentaltown May 2015