Pearls of Wisdom 2

Can someone please explain to me why the usual prescription of interspace brushes is just two sizes; one large and one small diameter. This cannot be effective:

• A too small brush will not remove all the plaque and create a false sense of security.
• Leaving patients to decide for themselves which of the two sizes to use where could be regarded as a failure in the duty of care.

For my own patients I found that every one had a unique pattern of interproximal bone loss and the number of brush diameters required varied from 2 to 7.

Following a patient complaint about which brush to use where, I developed the Spacemark Dental computerised charting system for the most commonly prescribed TePe brushes. Here, you check each space manually for the correct diameter, click on the space then the colour brush you have chosen and the programme inserts that on the chart, and so on around the mouth. You save the chart to prove your prevention advice. Then for it to be patient usuable click on change the view. The programme flips the chart through 180 degrees. Print this or let your patient take a photograph.

Each chart will cost you less than £1.00, and if you are in private practice you may choose to charge a fee for this service.

The Spacemark Dental chart is now available with your Pearl Dental system to give you the world’s most comprehensive charting package here in the UK.