How to Improve Your Patients' Oral Health Without Harping on Brushing and Flossing 

When beginning a hygiene appointment, we all have our routine of updating health histories, talking about home care habits, and any concerns the patient may have. Depending on how the patient answers these questions (e.g., “I use a manual toothbrush and don’t use anything to clean between my teeth,” or “I use a sonic toothbrush twice a day, floss once a day, and use my water flosser once a day”), I find myself automatically anticipating the amount of time I need to allocate to the prophy—the tools I need to use and the products I might suggest—all before looking in the mouth. Then I look in the mouth and begin assessing the situation. Sometimes I see what I expect, but other times I’m surprised, either for better or worse. When I see bleeding gums, I begin to think through the factors at play: is this mostly a biofilm, bacteria, or body issue?...
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