Prevention is key

Excellent oral hygiene is the foremost factor in combating the public’s mouth and gum disease problems, with dental education programs playing a pivotal role in developing awareness for maintaining regular cleaning regimes. That said it is the dental professionals role to establish a suitable treatment plan according to the patients requirements, as education alone cannot change existing dental behavioural patterns.

A sustained oral health program requires compliance from patients in the first instance. So how do you ensure your patients sustain their brushing, flossing and mouthwash techniques once you have carried out your cleaning routine at chairside?

Aftercare tools

The actual process of cleaning the mouth is not an exciting prospect for patients and therefore motivating them to do so is the most difficult task for every dental professional. However, the rewards for patients of taking the time to clean this area can lead to long term benefits. Aiding the patient by providing them with a choice of cleaning equipment can help alleviate the problems of compliance. Ease of use is one of the primary factors in achieving these aims. When a patient feels empowered, they are more able to carry out their own self-styled treatment programs.