Patient education is a key role of dental practitioners, and is the cornerstone of preventive dentistry. It enables patients to make informed decisions about their oral health, giving them the essential information they need about the way their biology, behaviour, and dental appointment attendance can all have an impact on their oral health. Patients may not be aware that certain foods are harmful for their teeth, or that habits like nail biting might lead to tooth wear. Only once patients have this information can they take action and improve their long-term oral health.
Additionally, some patients may not be aware of the importance of oral hygiene, thinking that skipping brushing every now and then, and not flossing, is harmless. Once a dental professional explains the benefits of excellent oral hygiene in an accessible way, patients are more likely to take an active role in their oral health.
Raising awareness of oral health
There are many helpful resources available to assist professionals with patient education, particularly during National Smile Month – an annual event which champions the benefits of good oral health and promotes the value of a healthy smile. The campaign aims to reach groups which struggle to maintain their oral health, and who may find themselves requiring emergency care for dental pain.
Of course, preventing these problems is the primary concern of any practitioner. However, this is not always realistic, with some patients struggling to access dental care or maintain oral hygiene, or who are at a high risk for dental problems. As such, it’s important that clinicians can support patients experiencing dental pain whilst they wait for treatment.
Advising vulnerable patients
First and foremost, it is essential that clinicians routinely offer patients tailored advice when it comes to caring for their mouths. This should include how and when to clean their teeth using a fluoride toothpaste, how to most effectively clean interdentally/ around restorations or appliances, reducing the amount of sugary/acidic food and drink patients consume, and encouraging patients to attend the practice regularly for check-ups.
When followed as recommended, this advice can have a significant impact on patients’ oral health, helping to prevent oral disease and reduce the need for associated treatments.
Making information accessible
Whilst in-person education is important for tailored care, having information accessible on the practice website can be particularly helpful for patients who are seeking reliable advice. This includes patients who are experiencing dental pain, and require emergency treatment, who are seeking pain management advice prior to their appointment.
This may mean adding an advice blog to your practice website, or sending out informative emails or social media posts to reach patients in a quick and accessible way. These digestible resources are great ways for your patients to continue their dental education after they leave the practice, and offers them information they can trust to help them make the right decisions for their health.
Dental pain management
Toothache can have many causes, ranging from caries and gingivitis, to fractures and endodontic infections. When pain strikes, patients are likely to seek emergency care to solve the problem as soon as possible. Pain management can be a big concern for patients when they are experiencing toothache, with a 2023 survey revealing that 28 per cent of Brits had to take time off work due to dental pain. However, emergency treatment may not be available immediately. As such, supporting patients in managing pain prior to emergency dental care is essential. Clinicians can recommend that patients use Orajel Dental Gel for rapid pain relief. The solution contains 10 per cent benzocaine, enabling individuals to apply local anaesthetic directly to the affected area. Or, for more severe pain, recommend Orajel Extra Strength (20 per cent benzocaine), or Orajel Mouth Gel (10 per cent benzocaine) for patients with mouth ulcers or denture pain.
The first step for prevention
The first step in preventing dental problems is patient education. However, some patients may experience toothache regardless of the role they play in maintaining their oral health. As such, it is important to provide patients with the information they need, when it’s needed, rather than patients waiting for their next appointment to address key concerns. Supporting patients at home, whilst they wait for emergency care, is key for reducing dental pain and improving the patient’s experience.
For more information visit www.orajel.co.uk