The gums are one of the most overlooked parts of the human body, and it’s not really all that obvious why this should be the case. When many of us brush, our gums bleed, and yet few are unduly concerned by this issue. What’s needed is a combination of higher levels of patient awareness and a more proactive approach to education on the part of dental practices. We’re going to take a look at gum problems from both sides — patients and dental professionals — with the aim of shining a light on what’s really going on here.
Keep reading for just a couple of minutes and hopefully, we can solve the issue once and for all. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.
Why do gums cause problems?
Every dentist knows this, and yet millions of patients do not. When bacteria are left to grow and flourish in the mouth, they gradually eat away at the gums by constantly inflaming them. The problem is that gums do not grow back and that sooner rather than later, pockets can open up. Once this happens, the process only accelerates as there will be more and more places that conventional brushing cannot reach.
The two main gum problems are gingivitis and periodontitis, and they can both be solved by focusing on the next section of this article.
Bridging the gap between patients and practices
Every dentist will be able to tell their patients what is wrong with their gums with nothing more than a cursory inspection. Every patient will notice that their gums often bleed when they brush, regardless of how soft their brush is or how gently they apply pressure. The problem is that these two parties often speak completely different languages, resulting in the basics getting missed day after day for years on end.
Gum disease is a chronic condition that builds up gradually in the mouth as a result of poor oral hygiene practices. This is in contrast to having a tooth knocked out playing sports, for example, which is an acute event that occurs suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere. Why does this distinction matter? Because it shows us that with better communication between dentists and their patients, chronic gum disease can be solved with a few simple daily habits.
The importance of clear demonstrations
Dental practices that use trusted suppliers, such as Kent Express, have access to the full range of resources, materials, and consumables they need to focus on what they do best. The result is that they can readily find new ways to demonstrate the importance of gently brushing the gums. Doing so at the end of each routine checkup as a matter of course has been shown to dramatically increase patient outcomes.
Looking at things from a purely business point of view — something that practice managers will surely appreciate — demonstrations can also become sales pitches. By recommending a particular make and model of brush, dental hygienists are able to add their professional credibility to the products they are stocking. Once a patient knows that they can get everything they need to protect their teeth at the end of their appointment, they are far less likely to head to the supermarket and make a purchase there. This leads us nicely to the final point we need to cover in this article.
Demonstrations as a chance to upsell
When a dental hygienist recommends products and treatments that will cure gum disease, 99% of patients are going to listen to what they have to say. Something as simple as recommending a trusted and proven bacterial mouthwash that can be used after brushing really can make all the difference.
Dentists can also make sure they have a reliable supply of their chosen mouthwash which can then be upsold to patients at the reception desk. By positioning these products as a helping hand, rather than an expensive add-on, they can generate new revenue streams simply by being more helpful to their patients. Not only will this bring in additional money, but it will also reduce the number of emergency appointments and increase patient satisfaction as a result.
Some Final Thoughts
When gingivitis and periodontitis strike the gum line, the most important thing is for patients and dentists to work together. By recommending the right treatments and taking the time to establish a relationship with a trusted national supplier of dental products, practice managers can ensure that they never miss out on additional revenue.
Featured Image by oswaldoruiz from Pixabay
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