Ergomonics are very important in each and every endeavor-just ask the overly busy chiropractors!    Any repetitive motion can possibly lend itself to discomfort down the line for the dedicated employee who is dutifully completing his or her job duties. In dentistry, we are able to choose ergonomically-shaped instruments.  That does go a long way toward extending our careers in the health care field.

When it comes to doing dentistry, the position of the patient is of utmost importance.  Don't get me wrong, we do definitely want our patients to be comfortable throughout each procedure.  But the patient is in the dental chair for an hour or so, depending what is being done for you that day.  And the dentist, assistant, or hygienist is chairside offering patient care 8 hours per day, 4 days per week, for years.  Just think about it!!

So, at times when we politely ask you to lift your chin or turn your head toward us, not only are we attempting to gain a fuller, better illuminated view of your precious teeth and mouth, but we are also thinking ahead about the reduction in torque on our necks, backs, and shoulders.  Thank you for understanding that in this way we are better able to serve you-our wonderful patients!!!

The gritty material that is used by the dental hygienist to polish your teeth at a professional cleaning is known as pumice.  Truth be known, pumice, at its core, is made from volcanic ash-purified of course.  Across the years we have learned, through research, that the finer grit the paste, the less tooth structure is being removed during in-office cleanings.  My preference, as a hygienist, is to always use fine grit paste.   At times I do need to spot polish with a medium or coarse grit variety in those areas of heavy stain, but seldom is this needed in my experience.

The most recent advancement in the science of polishing is to use a product that actually assists in the remineralization of the tooth and doesn't simply clean the deposits off of the tooth.  These polishes contain Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) which stimulates remineralizatin of the tooth enamel and also prevents the loss of enamel.  It delivers 31% more fluoride  to strengthen tooth structure.  It contains a unique blend of cleaning and polishing agents that creates  increased luster.  And who wouldn't want more luster in their smile?

Since I began using this polish on patients about 5 years ago, I have also noticed that patients don't have such a gritty texture in their mouths following their cleanings.  A plus any way you approach it!!!  Be sure to ask for ACP paste, which at this time (2009) can only be found in the Arm and Hammer product called Enamel Pro which is put out by Premier Dental Company.