Dental Hygienist: health Buddy of Children - Essay Example

However, with the help of timely information regarding dental care practices, development of dental problems can be avoided. Prevention of dental problems is possible only when one takes care of teeth right from the childhood. Hence, it is extremely important to impart knowledge of dental care to children. The important role of helping children understand the need of dental health is played by dental hygienist. A timely help and provision of dental health information to children can not only prevent dental problems and related diseases in childhood, but also ensure healthy teeth and jaw in adulthood.

Hence, to be a dental hygienist, as far as having an impact on children is concerned, means undertaking a responsibility which provides job satisfaction, feeling of service to society and fun of working with children. Role of dental hygienist Studies in the field of dental health have revealed that lack of dental care in early childhood leads to a dental disorder known as ‘early childhood caries’ (ECC). ECC occurs when a child has one or more decayed teeth, missing teeth due to caries or filled surface in any primary tooth.

The increase the understanding of ECC, due to the studies conducted in last five decades has revealed the root causes of ECC. It has been found that the prevalence of ECC is due to the risk factors like previous caries, cariogenic, diet, socioeconomic status, bacteria, visible plaque, enamel defects and lack of fluoride etc. Sadly, ECC is most common chronic disease in children. The disturbing thing is that ECC can occur even in children below 3 years of age. This shows that lack of proper care of children’s teeth is a common phenomenon in families.

Hence, educating children about dental health practices is essential. The person who can create most impact on children by imparting the knowledge of basic dental care and health practices is the dental hygienist. Prevention of dental diseases Ignorance of risk factors associated with dental problems can lead to development of different diseases in the adulthood. Hence, early detection of caries, cavitations and individual risk for caries progression is important if one is to avoid the development of disease.

However, for early detection of dental problems, it is important to get the teeth checked from a professional regularly. This is where the dental hygienists come in picture. Dental hygienists play a role of dental health ‘caregivers’ when it comes to imparting knowledge to children. Dental hygienists can play an essential role of educating children on how to take care of their teeth on a daily basis. They can also give information about how diet plays a role in development of healthy teeth, and how candies and chocolates can harm teeth if proper cleaning methods are not adopted.

Moreover, dental hygienist can develop a healthy and friendly relationship with children and make children develop a habit of regular appointment with them. By adopting some creative and fun ideas, dental hygienist can attract children towards regular appointments. Regular check up by hygienist ensures not only prevention of dental problems but also inculcation of healthy teeth caring habits in children. Regular appointments for teeth cleaning, x-rays, fluoride treatment and dental education by dental hygienist are sure ways of reducing the prevalence of chronic dental diseases like ECC.

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