Dentistry oral hygiene

A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered prior to treatment with bisphosphonates in patients with concomitant risk factors (e.g., cancer, chemotherapy, corticosteroid use, poor oral hygiene). While on bis-... 

A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered prior to treatment with bisphosphonates in patients with concomitant risk factors (e.g., cancer, chemotherapy, corticosteroid use, poor oral hygiene). While on bis-phosphonate treatment, patients with concomitant risk factors should avoid invasive dental procedures if possible. For patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw while on bisphosphonate therapy, dental surgery may exacerbate the condition. For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment reduces the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. 

The formal discipline of dentistry was initially developed in the late 19th century to treat dental caries, but it quickly spread to treat all diseases that alfect the oral cavity. Dental treatments have progressed enormously over the last 40 years, as have treatments for many other diseases. The most powerful new dental treatments have come from water fluoridation, better oral hygiene measures, new mechanical or replacement materials, and the adoption of drugs developed for non-dental diseases. Nevertheless, these measures are not universally effective and improvements can be made in many areas. 

Dental hygienists, assistants, and laboratory technicians are related professions within the field of dentistry. They each work closely with a dentist to perform the technical duties associated with oral care and teach patients about proper hygiene and good nutrition. The educational and licensing requirements for these dental careers vary by state, although formal education is encouraged and favorable in a competitive job market. 

The connection between oral health and overall health has led to an increase in oral home care as well as in professional dentistry services. Patients seek dental care for routine maintenance of oral health and cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of the face and mouth. In the future, dentistry will increasingly play a fundamental role in people s overall health and wellness. From preventing childhood tooth decay and age-related tooth loss to improving self-esteem through a brighter, straighter smile, dentistry has evolved from a fearful, painful process of tooth extraction to a respected field of medicine that is associated with comfortable care and daily hygiene. 

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