Prevention, oral hygiene and patient guidance

Much of dental care is about prevention rather than repair. As an assistant, you are often the one who shows and explains how the patient takes care of their teeth at home — and good guidance can spare the patient both pain and treatment.

Caries and gum problems are linked to plaque buildup that is allowed to remain. When the patient learns to remove plaque effectively and limit what feeds it the risk falls. Prevention is therefore concrete and something the patient can influence.

• 01Good tooth brushing that actually removes plaque.
• 02Cleaning between teeth where the brush can't reach.
• 03Attention to sugar and frequent snacks.
• 04Regular inspections so small problems are caught early.

It works best to show the technique and let the patient try rather than just telling them. Concrete friendly guidance suited to the patient's daily life and age is remembered better than a wagging finger.

A child a busy adult and an elderly person with dentures have very different needs. Tailor the message and be encouraging — praise what already works and suggest one or two concrete steps rather than overwhelming.