Dental Thought Innovation

Though there have been many breakthroughs in dental innovation, the least of these breakthroughs have been in the technology available to dentists, hygienists, and patients. For the most part, the biggest dental breakthroughs have been in a shift of focus from the dental practices of our parents' and grandparents' generation to the practices of today. Many dentists of yesteryear were primarily focused on fixing problems as they would occur and a lot of them didn't even have dental hygienists on staff! As a new generation of kids grow up to become dental hygienists and dentists, the focus has been shifted from how to fix damage that occurs  in the wake of gum disease and tooth decay to how to prevent damage that occurs from gum disease and tooth decay. Where dental hygienists were simply the dentist's assistants, hygienists of today play the crucial role of identifying where patients are lacking in their dental health and showing them what they can do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. They have a unique responsibility that they previously didn't receive as much acclaim for. According to the amount of people who are keeping their teeth further into their lives with fewer problems, one can rightfully say they're doing a great job! 


For a very clever write-up on the roles of dental hygienists and dentists both in the past and present, read this article from Dr. Joe Bulger of Toronto, Canada. In order to discover how you can better your oral hygiene habits or fix past dental damage, visit the official website of Tulsa, OK's own Dr. Larry James, D.D.S. today!