Approximately 20 billion bacteria reside in our mouth at any given time, which include around 500-650 different species, and they grow FAST! What comprises this bacteria? Oral debris and dead epithelial cells colonize the dorsal surface of the tongue, which create a white unsightly coating. Daily brushing and flossing are essential to ensure a healthy oral cavity, and incorporating daily tongue scraping will only enhance your overall health. Why tongue scrape? Halitosis (bad breath), sore throat, and sinus infections are just a few of the conditions that can occur from a bacteria coated tongue. Mechanically removing the bacteria coated surface from your tongue is the best way to reduce unwanted infections and bad breath! As with any oral hygiene regimen, consistency is key. Periodontal pathogens continually grow and consistent, daily hygiene habits are our best defense. Want to get your own tongue scraper? Check out my favorite scraper from----> scrapeyourtongue.com/. Because I love these tongue scrapers so much, I want to give some away! I'll be giving away ten tongue scrapers to the first ten people who comment! Happy scraping! My colleagues and I love to scrape our tongues! From left: Nicole Cuevas, RDH, Siomara Rubio, RDA, Ximena Camacho, DDS, Faith Lao, RDH
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Welcome Spring! Faith LaoYour Clutch City Hygienist! ;) Faith LaoClutch City RDH Flossing has always the most difficult habit to implement for most of my patients, and many of my colleagues' patients too. As a dental hygienist, we spend years in hygiene school understanding the bacterial load and pathogens that lie within our mouth and gums. It's no surprise that we all LOVE to floss because we realize why it is essential and brushing alone is not enough! My main goal as a hygienist is to help all of my patients understand the necessity of interdental plaque removal and motivate them to implement this daily habit, so I want to discuss the different methods of interdental plaque removal and showcase some of my favorite tools! The CDC reported periodontal disease affects approximately HALF of American adults, and statistics are growing (https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm). Conventional string floss was considered the gold standard for interdental plaque removal, and while it is still highly recommended, other products have proven their efficacy to remove plaque and prevent gingivitis. My favorite floss is of course Coco floss due to its thick texture, and infusion of coconut oil, which is a natural antimicrobial! WaterPik Water flosser is the first in its class to receive the ADA Seal of acceptance. The WaterPik works by streaming pulsating water in between teeth and gums. WaterPiks can reach greater pocket depths than string floss, so this is a highly recommended tool and one I personally love! Soft-Picks are another aid to help clean in between teeth and stimulate gum tissue. These tips are super soft, flexible, and really ergonomically made; definitely one of my patients' favorite tools! Of course, having a super sonic toothbrush with TAPERED bristles is the best for plaque disruption and gum stimulation. BURST is by far my favorite toothbrush, and I've tried them al! No matter what tool is your favorite, technique and consistency are key to gum health and wellness. Bleeding gums are unhealthy gums, and brushing alone is not enough. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback! What's your interdental plaque removal of choice? Leave your comment/email and be entered to win a 7 day supply of BURST coconut whitening strips! ENJOY FREE SHIPPING UNTIL 2/28! USE PROMO CODE 0219VS AT CHECKOUT www.gumbrand.com/special-offers.html Did you know February is Children's Dental Health Month? Childhood caries is the most common childhood disease, and also the MOST preventable! It's never too early to teach your children good brushing and nutritional habits. Dentists and hygienists recommend kids seeing the dentist as early as 1 year old to start implementing good homecare. The MHS recent article gives tips to prevent Early Childhood Caries:
PREVENTION IS KEY! |
About meLaser certified RDH clinically practicing in a private practice in the Galleria. I love continuing education and have a passion for dental hygiene! Archives
May 2019
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