(some random dental hygienist…not me…just…some other girl I know…who may or may not have had THE MOST ANNOYING PATIENTS EVER today…)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Rants and Raves Of A Dental Hygienist...
Just some thoughts for the general public… if you are of the dental profession, then these may be redundant, or slightly amusing… if you are a hygienic individual, then consider these things and maybe chuckle… if you have a jacked up grill, here are some things to think about…
1. Why do you brush your teeth? So that your “breath” smells better, or because your mom told you to? If so, then you’re motives are slightly pathetic, incorrect and unaccomplished.
Brush your teeth to get plaque off. Plaque is what the microorganisms hanging out in your mouth crap out (Yep. Literally. The waste-byproduct of those tiny guys…GROSS). Plaque turns into tarter (“calculus”). This makes your gums bleed, and dissolves the bone that holds your teeth in your mouth. Plaque can also produce acid, which eats holes in your teeth (aka Cavities).
2. Why DON’T you floss? Does it take too long? Well then practice! Are you not coordinated enough? Try a floss-pick or floss holder. Your toothbrush CAN NOT get in between your teeth. Just do it. Trust me. Your cleanings will be 90% faster, 100% less painful, and THOROUGHLY more enjoyable (we could chat about life, instead of nagging…..wouldn’t that be lovely?)
3. BRUSH. YOUR. NASTY. TONGUE. Hey…go eat a Popsicle, or drink some blue Koolaid and show a friend/family member… cool huh? NO! GROSS! The only reason your tongue stained so darkly is because it’s got plaque all over it!!! Brush it! Go buy a tongue scraper/brush! Everyone will [silently] thank you (you don’t want to be known behind your back as someone with smelly breath, right?).
How to be a good patient while in the chair:
1. Just tell us what medications you are on. Yes, they may be embarrassing; yes you may have forgotten how to spell them and what they are for, but WE NEED TO KNOW THEM. And yes, they DO affect your mouth and “this” appointment.
2. We’re not the bad guy. Remember that. Our job, literally, is to keep you out of the dentist’s chair. If you follow our advice and suggestions, you’ll be in good shape. We’re not nagging, we’re HELPING.
3. Taking xrays: Learn to CONTROL YOUR FRIGGIN’ TONGUE. If I place the film/sensor on the middle of your tongue and ask you to bite down, don’t try to be sly and flip the thing on its side and then close really fast… sorry. That’s not going to work. I know they suck, just deal for a little bit, okay? Also, hold still once I walk away to take the xray. Me stepping away does not mean you are at liberty to check your phone, look into the xray tube, get up, etc. JEESH!
4. Probing: We measure the bone levels around your teeth at every visit, and record them at least once a year. Don’t tell me you don’t want that done. It’s my job. It’s part of the minimum standard of care. It helps me to get acquainted or re-acquainted with your mouth, and it helps you to understand/realize that there may be some issues that you need to address.
5. The Cleaning: (this should be fun…)
a. DON’T close while I’ve got the Cavitron and mirror in your mouth. I PROMISE I will let you close down and get that water out, every 5-10 seconds. Quit being such a baby.
b. Why do you tighten your lower lip, and occasionally your cheeks to your teeth while I’m cleaning in that region? Do you WANT to get poked by the sharp instrument in my hand? Do you think I can do my job with you limiting my access to the area like that? What exactly is going through your head?
c. If I ask you to turn your head, I don’t mean…move your eyeballs to the left or right. I literally need you to rotate your head in the direction my hand is moving your chin. If it’s uncomfortable for a bit, I’m sorry. But I have to do this 8 hours a day, you have to be in that chair (if all goes well and you take care of business at home) a MAXIMUM of a half hour or so, every 6 months. No biggie, right?
d. And remember, I’m CLEANING YOUR TEETH. Don’t make me ask you to open repeatedly, okay? If you are laying back, and I’ve got a mirror and an instrument in each hand, then expect me to want your mouth open. OK?
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Bec you said that oh so well!!! However my day goes more like..but I'm scared....no I don't want to...what's floss?...oh that wasn't so bad... Excuse me your biting my finger not a hotdog... It's ok it will be fun I'm just going to brush, haha gotta love working on the kiddos and no parents to make it worse!!
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