Ask A Dental Hygienist

Congratulations on the birth of your son! Before you know it he’ll be getting his first tooth (around 6 months of age). Your son should be seen by the dentist at around his first birthday, though if you are concerned about anything in his mouth between now and then, be sure to make an appointment sooner. Between now and then his pediatrician will be doing periodic checks of mouth to see how his baby teeth are coming in. When you make his first appointment check with your family dentist to see if s/he prefers that you see a pedodontist – a dentist that has additional education and training treating just children.

Good question, while both are seen working in the dental office, there can be some confusion. A dental assistant is the person that is helping or assisting the dentist, either chairside or preparing the instruments and other materials before or after your treatment. Dental assistants in Nevada may either be certified or trained on-the-job. A certified dental assistant has received formalized training and has passed a certification test and they are usually required to complete continuing education to keep their certification. Certified dental assistants (CDA) may also perform additional service that an on-the-job trained dental assistant may not be allowed to do. Dental assistants are employed by and under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

A dental hygienist (RDH) is a dental professional, who is licensed by the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners. Dental hygienists in Nevada have completed at least an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene and have passed a national board examination, a clinical board examination, as well as a jurisprudence test given by the state. The Nevada Board of Dental Examiners outlines what the scope of practice is for a dental hygienist, which includes procedures which assess and prevent dental diseases, such as screenings, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride and dental sealants, as well as education. A dental hygienist in a dental office is working under the general supervision of a dentist and is required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to keep their license.

Finding a dental office that provides discounts can be hit and miss and can be very frustrating. Fortunately in the Reno area there are a few options where you may find low cost and no cost dental treatment. Community health centers often provide care based on an individual’s income using a sliding fee scale. Please go to our Resources page for our Resource Guide of publicly funded dental programs by County.

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is “painted” on the chewing surface of back teeth to help prevent cavities. Similar to the landscape of Nevada where there are mountains and valleys, on back teeth (molars), there are pits and fissures. Food and plaque get caught in these areas and can cause a cavity. By covering this area with a sealant, we are making the tooth surface smooth and flat, which makes it easier to clean – preventing cavities. Dental sealants are usually placed on children’s – at about the age of 6, and teenagers’ molar teeth, and they are appropriate for even wisdom teeth.

I am so glad that you asked this question. The internet can be very useful and it also can provide misinformation that can cause confusion. For more than 65 years water fluoridation continues to be a safe and effective means for preventing tooth decay (cavities). Did you know that nearly all water sources contain fluoride? Fluoride is the 17th most abundant element in nature. When the public’s water is fluoridated, the water department is adjusting the amount of fluoride so it’s at the recommended level. Water fluoridation is considered to be “systemic fluoride” and it works two ways: 1. When you drink and cook with fluoridated water, children’s teeth that are just developing have the advantage of the fluoride incorporating itself into the enamel – strengthening the tooth’s outer surface; and 2. When the fluoridated water is ingested it becomes part of the saliva (spit) in your mouth and it continually bathes the teeth that are already there. That is why fluoridated water is a benefit to everyone regardless of age. What research has also shown is that fluoridated water can also remineralize a tooth that already has the beginnings of tooth decay. If you do drink bottled water, beware that most commercially processed spring water does not contain the proper amount to prevent tooth decay.

Finally, always get your internet information from reputable and credible sites – in this case, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and even the American Academy of Pediatrics have reliable information about water fluoridation. You can also check out our Resources page for additional information and sources.

Thanks for writing. Any sort of lump or bump can be concerning and for that reason we recommend that you visit a dentist for an examination and diagnosis.

It is amazing how many options you have to choose from. Our recommendation is to always choose a fluoride toothpaste. Happy Brushing!!

We are so pleased that you wrote to us and congratulate you on so many years of dedication to your teeth! We can also appreciate your dilemma having to choose between getting needed dental work done or not. On the bright side, a filling is a lot cheaper than a crown and/or a root canal which is what you might need in the future if you don’t get the filling done. You don’t mention where in the state you live and there very well may be options for you to find low or no cost dental care. There are community health centers and other dental programs that provide dental treatment based on a person’s income using a sliding fee scale or by qualifications, for instance if you are a veteran. In addition, Nevada is fortunate to have a dental and dental hygiene school located in Las Vegas and a dental hygiene school in Reno – each provide lower cost dental prevention and treatment services. On our Resources page, you will find a “Resource Guide” listing these dental clinics by County. If you have any trouble, just contact us again.

You have one smart physician!! You need to see the dentist more frequently because the regulation of your blood sugar may be affected by the condition of your teeth and gums and vice versa. People who have diabetes are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease – a disease that affects your teeth, gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Periodontal disease can lead to difficulties in chewing and even tooth loss. Dry mouth or less saliva is often a symptom of undetected diabetes, and it can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. I am sure your physician also told you that smoking makes these problems worse!

By visiting the dentist and dental hygienist for more frequent examinations and cleanings you are helping to prevent or control periodontal disease. Also, brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush and flossing at least daily is so very important. Managing your blood sugar is key for good oral health and good oral health is essential for managing your blood sugar. For more information on diabetes and oral health, tooth brushing and flossing, etc., visit our Resources page.