San Diego County Dental Hygienists Society

What is an RDH?	RDH stands for Registered Dental Hygienist. Registered dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health professionals. Dental hygienists must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program with a certificate, associate or baccalaureate degree, pass the written National Board Examination and a clinical state board examination.

	Dental hygiene is an important profession in the dental health care field. The dental hygienist is the preventive oral health-care specialist who uses her/his knowledge and clinical skills to prevent, detect, and treat diseases of the oral cavity. California allows hygienists to perform specific duties including the following; patient screening, medical history, dental charting; examination of the head, neck and oral cavity for disease; exposing, developing and interpreting radiographs (x-rays); application of fluoride and protective sealants; removal of calculus (tarter), stain and plaque from above and below the gumlines; administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide; place antimicrobial and antibiotic agents in the diseased gingival sulcus; provide nutritional counseling, and self-care programs to prevent disease.

Dental Health for Children

Infants:	Age One through Five:	Age Six and Beyond:
Wipe your infant’s gums with a clean damp cloth after feeding. Put your child to bed without a bottle. Comfort your baby with a pacifier, blanket or stuffed animal. If a bottle is necessary, fill it with plain water. Avoid sweet drinks. Dilute juices with water. Encourage your child to drink from a cup at 6 months of age. Provide your child with firm, safe teething objects. Check with your doctor or dentist to make sure your child is getting enough fluoride every day. Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps protect them from decay.	After the age of one, your child should be using only a cup to drink. Discourage thumbsucking and use of a pacifier by the fourth year. Assist your child in brushing with a soft, small headed toothbrush at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Floss your child’s teeth when teeth are touching. Provide a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid foods and snacks that contain large amounts of sugar. Take your child to visit the dentist and hygienist regularly. A child over three should be seen twice a year.	Continue to visit the dentist and hygienist twice a year for dental cleanings, examinations and fluoride applications. 66% of cavities occur in the grooves (pits and fissures) of the back teeth which are difficult to clean. Ask your dentist or hygienist about placing sealants on the permanent molars to protect them from decay. Monitor your child’s brushing and flossing every day. Use mouth guards when playing sports. Provide a balanced diet avoiding foods and snacks with high sugar content.

If any tooth is knocked out, carefully pick up the tooth by the biting surface of the tooth and place it in cold milk or water. Take the child and the tooth to the dentist immediately. The tooth may be able to be reinserted.

Access to Care

Oral Health is Part of Total Health:
Many Americans tend to separate their oral health from their overall health. In fact, you can't be truly healthy without good oral health. Some 75% of Americans have some form of gum (periodontal) disease, and scientific studies have found connections between oral health and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments and pre-term births.
Heart Disease:
Cardiovascular disease affects more than 58 million Americans each year, killing almost a million. Numerous research studies have shown a definitive link between cardiovascular disease and the primary bacteria in gum disease. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, infecting the lining of the blood vessels which can cause changes in blood pressure, heart rate, heart function and promoting the accumulation of fatty deposits on blood vessel walls which may trigger blood clots leading to heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death among Americans. Gum disease is one of the major complications of diabetes. In fact, 95% of Americans with diabetes also have gum disease due in part to an increased susceptibility of infections. Research has shown people with gum disease have more difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. Severe gum disease can also increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Respiratory Disease:
Bacteria associated with poor oral hygiene and gum disease can be inhaled into the lungs causing bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis and aggravating respiratory diseases. Good oral hygiene is a key factor in reducing the incidence of lung infection in older people, individuals in nursing homes and patients in hospitals.
Pregnancy:
Research has shown that mothers with gum disease are 7 1/2 times more likely to have premature, low birth-weight babies. An enzyme produced by infected gums can enter the bloodstream inducing a premature delivery.
Peptic Ulcers:
Bacteria that cause ulcers are found in saliva and plaque that forms on the teeth. The mouth is a prime breeding ground for the bacteria that causes ulcers.

Did you know…?

Dental caries is the major cause of tooth loss in children. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Baby-bottle decay is the greatest oral health risk for infants. Liquids that contain sugar that are left in the mouth for long periods of time can cause decay. Breast milk and formula contain sugar.

Acid Attacks: Hidden acids in foods, candies, sodas and fruit juices can erode the enamel of the tooth. Neutralize the acid by chewing sugarless gum, swishing with water or eating cheese. Wait 30 minutes to brush.

The average person brushes for 47 seconds. Three to five minutes is the recommended time.

Importance of Oral Cancer Detection
This year in the United States 30,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer. Of those 30,000 people, only fifty percent will be alive in 2008. Early detection is the key to effectively treating and curing oral cancer. An oral cancer screening should be part of your regular continuing care appointment with your dental hygienist.

What Are Your Numbers?
Do not wait for the bacteria that cause gum disease to get out of control. A reading of 4mm or more in the pockets or spaces around your teeth may be a sign that you have gum disease. A probing of the pockets with a special instrument much like a tiny ruler is part of the care provided by the dental hygienist during a regular visit. Ask your hygienist for your numbers!

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