If you’re not too accustomed to visiting the dentist, it can be a confusing place with all sorts of people walking around. Obviously, you can expect to walk into a reception area with other patients waiting in seats, but sometimes it’s hard to tell who is who and who works there. Here’s a quick rundown of staff you can expect to encounter while at the dentistry. Receptionist You’ll see these people everywhere you go, no matter which dentistry you visit. They help with your records, answer the phone, give you forms to fill out, call your name when it’s your turn to come back, and will typically handle billing at the end of your visit. Most often, receptionists are very friendly and are willing to help you out no matter when or what you need. Billing or insurance manager You may not see this person depending on the size of the dentistry as the role is often covered by receptionists. But bigger offices need financial managers that can help with any billing questions you may have and even walk you through what your insurance does and doesn’t cover. Dental hygienists You may see more hygienists than anyone walking around. And your time spent in a dentist’s office is likely to be spent with these workers longer than any other personnel. Hygienists are responsible for cleaning your teeth at your biannual visits, they can take your x-rays when needed, and they’ll do basic cleaning and flossing during your visits, too. And when the dentist comes in for other procedures, the hygienist is typically responsible for helping out and handing them tools needed Dentists Dentists are the ones who usually run the office itself. They’re the most qualified staff available and typically handle tougher, longer, or more in-depth procedures than anyone else. They’re very busy and sometimes during your visits you may not even see them. But if you do see them, well, you’re likely to see them longer than anyone else simply because the procedure will take longer. Specialists
Not all offices have specialists, especially those that are smaller or local rather than chains. Larger practices have specialists, though, and they will handle more unique or rare cases that need their expertise. The next time you visit the dentist, you may have a better idea as to who handles what, no matter what they’re wearing. If anything, you’ll know what each worker does strictly by how much time you spend with them.
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Plaque will build up over time if given the chance. Even if you’re diligent about going to the dentist early and often, there’s still likely to be some plaque build-up that your dentist will have to remove. That’s fine. But if you haven’t gone in awhile (which I advise you to get in there and do), there are a few options to dealing with plaque at home. Here are a few things you can do either at your home or on the go to make your teeth look a little sharper. Aloe vera You’re well aware of how great this stuff is for sunburns. But it can help your teeth just as much, which comes as a surprise to most. If you mix water, baking soda, vegetable glycerine, and lemon essential oil, you’ll be able to whiten your teeth and remove plaque all at home! Baking soda Here’s a common ingredient that many cleaning products have (as well as some toothpastes). Because baking soda is somewhat abrasive, it works well to remove plaque from your teeth. All you have to do if you want to use this at home is dip your toothbrush into some baking soda and use it like you would toothpaste. The taste isn’t horrible, but it’s also not great. You should see the “paste” start to form as a foam. (And as a benefit, this can whiten your teeth somewhat if done over time.) Orange peel Wouldn’t have thought that citrus peels could be great to-go toothbrushes, would you? These are quite gentle so that your gums don’t bleed, but the acidity of them can help whiten your teeth and freshen your breath all in one go. The only other step to this is to wash your mouth with water after a bit so that the acid isn’t sitting on your teeth too long. Vinegar
The key here is to mix vinegar with a bit of salt and some water, and then you can swish it around a couple of different times across a few days. This will help break down the plaque that’s too hard to remove with your toothbrush alone. The thing to remember about all of these methods is to not replace brushing and flossing with them. You still need to adhere to a great routine for your teeth (and also visit your dentist regularly) if you want them to work superbly. These are just some suggestions to keep your teeth top notch at home if you ever feel like plaque is building up in certain spots. |
Randell Mcmanus
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