Customised recommendations for home dental care play a crucial role in post-treatment aftercare. Ideally, patients should leave a dental practice equipped with both the knowledge and the tools necessary to maintain good oral health. Unfortunately, the reality often falls short of this ideal. Although data on the adherence of dental patients in the UK to aftercare guidelines is limited, studies show that patients’ understanding and application of dental advice vary greatly.
Research highlighted in Dentistry reveals that only one-third of oral health professionals consistently offer preventative care advice, with adherence being influenced by multiple factors, including patient education and follow-up support. According to NHS England, while most patients value dental health advice, barriers such as time constraints for practitioners, limited follow-up, and misunderstandings about proper care often hinder effective adherence.
The Role of Product Recommendations in Oral Care
Product recommendations, when paired with personalised guidance, should be an integral part of a patient’s treatment journey. Leading professionals like Dr. Marissa Bell, Dr. Sulaman Anwar, and Anna Middleton emphasize the importance of recommending essential dental products, such as dental floss, interdental brushes, and advanced oral hygiene technologies like electric toothbrushes and power flossers.
Dr. Marissa Bell, an orthodontist, believes in offering tailored oral hygiene starter packs, carefully chosen for each patient’s specific orthodontic appliance. She recommends the use of a Sonicare toothbrush alongside different types of interdental brushes for patients with fixed appliances. Dr. Bell also provides customised oral hygiene instructions during and after appointments, ensuring that patients receive guidance both verbally in the clinic and through follow-up emails, often including instructional videos.
Personalised Recommendations for Oral Health
Dr. Sulaman Anwar, a periodontist, stresses the importance of combining various tools for comprehensive oral care. “An electric toothbrush is a great starting point,” he says, “but patients also need additional adjuncts, like an interproximal brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.” He also highlights the benefits of power flossers, especially for dislodging large particles, and encourages brushing the gums with soft-bristle brushes to avoid trauma.
Anna Middleton, a dental hygienist and therapist, echoes this philosophy of customization. “One size does not fit all,” she explains. “We match products to the patient’s oral needs, lifestyle, and preferences.” For patients who struggle with flossing, she often recommends power flossers and works with them to create a routine tailored to their health needs. Middleton also provides guidance on selecting the right electric toothbrush and brush heads to address concerns like gum recession.
Closing the Loop with Technology: Streamlining the Process
Philips has partnered with FollowApp.Care to create a system that automates post-appointment follow-ups, simplifying the process for both patients and dental practices. This collaboration provides a streamlined patient journey where individuals receive personalised recommendations along with a direct link to purchase the products recommended by their clinician. By using this service, patients can easily order the correct items from a practice-branded website with a single click.
David Holmes, the founder of FollowApp.Care and a dentist, explained, “Patients want to follow their dentist’s advice, but they often forget the specifics or feel overwhelmed by the choices available. Our system ensures they can easily access the right products, improving their oral health while also offering a financial benefit to the practice.” The system’s efficiency also benefits clinicians, as they do not need to handle the logistical aspects of product orders, stock, or shipping.
By combining personalised recommendations with advanced technology and easy access to the right products, dental practices can significantly enhance post-treatment care, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
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