Some people describe teeth covered with plaque as 'furry' - supposedly because that's what it feels like.
Well, today I met the furriest teeth I've seen to date.
After vigorous scaling with the EMS (during which plaque came off in strange rubberish strands) I discovered several cavities under the thick layer of 'fur'. It was already starting to collect several unidentified green specks as well.
Me: How often do you brush your teeth?
Patient: Well...I used to brush once a day but I've moved recently...and during the move I lost my toothbrush. So I haven't brushed since.
Me: ...Okay...so when did you move?
Patient: Oh...about a month ago?
Anyone considering to get into dentistry should treat a few patients like this first before deciding it is their career of choice.
And don't you know the answer of "oh ... about a month ago?" really means three or four months ago - or maybe even six ... but the patient didn't want you to think they are *entirely* neglectful of their oral hygiene.
ReplyDeleteJaney
janeyknitting (AT) yahoo (DOT) ca
(Change bracketed caps to symbols and lose the spaces.)