Working as dental hygienist, Robert Fucci Jr. RDH, BS, does more than just clean teeth. Education truly drives his role. He educates his patients on their oral health, proper oral hygiene, nutritional counseling; and advises on ways to prevent oral cancer, such as smoking cessation. All of his patients receive oral cancer screenings as well information on how to reduce the risk of getting oral infections such as dental caries.
Fucci recommends that his patients get a topical fluoride treatment, such as FluoroDose fluoride varnish, during each of their routine dental visits. He works in a pediatric dental office as well as a cosmetic dental office and uses CAMBRA (Caries Management By Risk Assessment) not only as education for himself but for his patients, so they can also see the benefit of fluoride treatments, and prevention in general. His patients learn that fluoride is present in many natural elements (such as air, water soils and living organisms), and it remineralizes enamel and protects the tooth from hypersensitivity. Fucci has a very high success rate with his patients agreeing to a professional fluoride treatment; approximately 90% acceptance! With all of the different flavors that FluoroDose offers, all of Fucci’s patients leave with a smile. His patient’s ages range from 11 months to 99 years old, therefore he needs to use a product that all ages would enjoy. In efforts to prevent and control dental caries in the primary teeth, the American Dental Association strongly recommends fluoride varnish as the professional application of choice.
Another preventive procedure Fucci recommends are sealants. They prevent future tooth decay on occlusal surfaces. He recommends these to his patients of all ages – adults and children alike. “If you could prevent a dental cavity, would you?” That is a question Fucci often asks his patients. He then explains how sealants that were mostly likely placed on their molars as a child have now worn away. To reduce the risk of getting a cavity, one can place a sealant over the tooth to seal the deep pits and grooves in your teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of cavities by 80%. Although placing sealants as well as fluoride varnish on patients 18 and older is often not covered by insurance companies, Fucci educates his patients on the added benefits of doing these preventive procedures as it will save them money in the long run while simultaneously improving their overall oral health.
Fucci loves that FluoroDose fluoride varnish is a product that can offer all of his patients ‘Prevention for Life’. This is an all-in-one product. FluoroDose can help an adolescent patient with a poor diet add an extra layer of protection to their enamel. This product can also aid an elderly patient dealing with dentin hypersensitivity. Fucci believes dental teams will be benefiting themselves and patients by using fluoride varnish during every patient office visit.
For more information on FluoroDose fluoride varnish and the Prevention for Life Movement, visit www.cariesprevention.com.