Excerpt from Term Paper :

16). Some of the options available to patients are (p. 16):

What it Is Colgate Total

Over-the-counter tooth- triclosan and fluoride paste containing the anti- toothpaste bacterial triclosan

Peridex or generic

Prescription mouth rinse chlorhexidine mouth containing'an anti-micro- rinse bial called chlorhexidine

Periochip tiny piece of gelatin filled with chlorhexidine

Atridox gel that contains the anti- biotic doxycycline

Actisite

Thread-like fiber that con- tains the antibiotic tetracy- cline

Arestin microspheres

Tiny round particles that contain the antibiotic minocycline

Periostat low dose of the medica- tion doxycycline that keeps destructive enzymes in check

Why it's Used

Colgate Total

The antibacterial ingredient triclosan and fluoride reduces plaque and result- toothpaste ing gingivitis. The fluoride protects against cavities.

Peridex or generic

To control bacteria, result- chlorhexidine mouth ing in less plaque and gin- rinse givitis

Periochip

To control bacteria and re- duce the size of periodon- tal pockets

Atridox

To control bacteria and re- duce the size of periodon- tal pockets

Actisite

To control bacteria and re- duce the size of periodon- tal pockets

Arestin microspheres

To control bacteria and re- duce the size of periodon- tal pockets

Periostat

To hold back the body's en- zyme response -- if not con- trolled, certain enzymes can break down bone and connective tissue.

How it's Used

Colgate Total

Used like a regular tooth- triclosan and fluoride paste toothpaste

Peridex or generic

Used like a regular mouth- chlorhexidine mouth wash rinse

Periochip

Chip is placed in the pock- ets after root planing, where the medicine is slowly released over time.

Atridox

Placed in pockets after scal- ing and root planing. Anti- biotic is released slowly over a period of about seven days.

Actisite

These fibers are placed in the pockets. The medicine is released slowly over 10 days. The fibers are then re- moved.

Arestin microspheres

Microspheres placed into pockets after scaling and root planing. Particles re- lease minocycline slowly over time.

Periostat

This medication is in pill form. It is used in combi- nation with scaling and root planing.

Conclusion

Today, dental hygienists serve an important function and role in dental practices. For their focus in pursuing education and training to prepare themselves for their profession, and in recognition of their outstanding and the contributions they make to the profession of dental care and practices, hygienists are recognized by their peers.

We're not just tooth cleaners anymore," said Grzegorek. "We are the gatekeepers to perio-systemic health." good hygienist educates with compassion rather than a lecture, Pietrantonio said, "caring about what people are going through and understanding that dentistry, even though it's what I think about all day, is a small part of what patients are thinking about (Daily...

1)."

The profession of dental hygienist is one that has, since its initial creation, provided job opportunities for many people, especially women. It is one of the fastest growing careers in the professional job categories, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Like any work that is concerned with the delivery of patient care, it is important to develop practices that are safe, up-to-date, and, as a hygienist, to work closely with the attending dentist, and to be constantly aware of the improvements and changes in technology.

Individual dental health care is as important to a person's overall health as is any condition that a person might suffer. Professionals in the industry must strive to keep this notion at the forefront of healthcare industry thinking so that they help patients receive the best care possible. Health insurance benefits are often limited as to what procedures and conditions are covered for dental healthcare, which contributes to an individual's decline in practicing good dental care and in receiving the necessary professional care to ensure a healthy mouth. Industry professionals must work together, individually and as a professional group practice, to work on behalf of their professions and on behalf of patients to help insurance companies and other organizations that drive healthcare benefits to include dental care as part of their preventative medical packages.

The role of the dental hygienist is an important one, and one which should be performed with the dignity and pride of performing a service that is helping people to pursue better and healthier lives. It can be expected that as technology improves and dental care evolves to a higher level that the role of the dental hygienist will expand and take on an even greater importance in the dental practice office. This will create even more opportunities for individual hygienists to set and achieve personal and career opportunities.

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