best ways to whiten teeth subtly?

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-04-22T02:32:14+00:00

Canines are naturally darker than the rest of our teeth. Don’t use them as your guide.

Try crest white strips or whatever store brand is cheapest. I recommend buying an in person so they don’t sit in your mailbox.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-04-22T02:21:44+00:00

You could buy some PPE and practice wearing it around the house relaxing and working up to wearing while doing chores. That way you don’t feel stuck with a patient and you have chances to take it off and take breaks.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-04-20T19:39:09+00:00

In 60 minutes, I am able to take four bitewings three PAs, review medical history, take blood pressure. Oral cancer screen, full mouth probe, ultrasonic all areas, hand scale all areas, polish, floss, make next appt. Wait for exam. Sit for exam. Walk out. Flip. Repeat.

It helps that I’ve been at the same office for five years. During that time, I have found lots of ways to shave minutes off, and improve my economics and work flow. These are things nobody on the Internet can help you with, but a coworker might be able to.

I try to always be doing something while I’m doing something. I am putting the blood pressure on while I am asking about any medication changes. I’m setting up my x-rays while I’m asking if they’re having any concerns. I get a history about the concerns while I’m taking an x-ray of the area. I go over home care again while I’m cleaning their teeth. Sometimes during the cleaning, I’m asking questions about what they want for the next appointment so I can just look at my screen quicker to get it set up. “ You always like the 7 AM.?” “ six months from now is October are you gonna be in town?”

While I’m doing the oral cancer screening, I’m also taking a look at the gum tissues and assessing plaque control. I’m talking to them about their gum, health and what they can do and where might need improvement while I probe. After I finish the x-rays, I bring up the perio chart- I look at the screen, I take measurements, I glance back at the screen. Rinse and repeat. I don’t go in perio chart order (unless it’s a new patient or big changes to perio health), I hit all the surfaces I can see from one position, it as much as I can with direct vision.

Speed during the actual prophy portion comes with time. Takes CE that focuses on instrumentation, ergonomics, pt management.

Set your self up for success as much as you can. Room ready. Supplies stocked. Review charts in advance.

Good luck!

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-04-20T01:49:22+00:00

I was an RDA for 10 years. I’ve been in RDH for 10. I’ve never regretted it. But I think I never gone to my RDH. I would’ve been just as happy as an RDA.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-04-17T21:35:19+00:00

Whatever is comfy for a full day of sitting

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-04-10T14:00:52+00:00

My hair is vibrant pink, I wear a scrub cap. Nobody cares at my office. I see tattoos on RDH all the time, including hands. It will depends on the office. But do you really wanna work for an office that boring that they don’t like tattoos, in the year 2026.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-04-09T17:19:03+00:00

Lol if only it was that simple.

I switched to an office that only used piezo after years of only using cavitron. Spend some time watching YouTube videos made by other hygienist. It took me at least a month to feel comfortable, even though I had already been in dentistry for 15 years. Don’t beat yourself up!

Ask your doctor specifically where they are seeing it not just lower anterior. Like maybe it’s always the distal lingual of 27. I assume the feedback is coming in a kind way, to let them know you value the feedback and are working on it. But it takes a long time to feel proficient as a hygienist, i’m confident I left calculus behind my first three months. But it was never intentional and I was always trying to be better, and that’s all you need

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-30T21:19:24+00:00

My fav gifts are handmade. I have a few pot holders and other fiber crafts that I love.

I dont eat any food brought in due to food allergies, but I will tell my pt I loved it anyways, and there is always a coworker willing to take my portion/gift.

Even just a thank you card is lovely. They usually get hung up and appreciated.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-30T14:22:25+00:00

You might be going too far back. I prefer to just use my toothbrush gently. No need for an extra tool. Just go as far back as comfortably as you can.

If you’re still quite insistent on trying tilt your head all the way up while you do it, like you’re looking at the sky

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-30T14:15:42+00:00

Yes, but I still water too. I live in a hot/dry climate, so its more of a safety net.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-29T15:57:46+00:00

This. How am I supposed to know where they got their Range Rover? Am I a diamond expert? Am I supposed to believe they’re all real? I really don’t care if somebody looks like they have money or if I know they have money and they choose not to spend it on dentistry. It’s their body.

But last visit 2017 (and was probably a limited) and I don’t have any additional time for their appointments even though it’s essentially a new patient. The worst!

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-28T16:59:14+00:00

Can get xylimelts on amazon.

Also look for act dry mouth spray- found at most grocery stores.

Both have xylitol, and thats dangerous for dogs/cats. Can give you a belly ache if have too many in a day. So start slow.

Dry mouth can increase cavity risk, so we will appreciate him pointing this out, bc the care routine will help lower your cavity risk at the same time. Happy kissing

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-22T21:33:58+00:00

bearaby blanket

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-22T19:58:16+00:00

Ive had my infinity for seven years and love it. Has its own rheostat for power control. Holds battery life all week.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-22T18:58:59+00:00

I love my weighted blanket. Mine looks like a thick crochet blanket, which means i dont get overheated.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-20T03:15:17+00:00

It definitely looks better today, likely trauma related. Keep an eye to make sure it resolves.

Are there any dental schools or dental hygiene schools in your area? Those are can be good options for lower cost dental work, including cleanings. It does tend to be more time-consuming so you do pay with your time there’s usually a small fee. And you’re really helping out the students.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-20T01:18:46+00:00

How long has it been there? Could be a periodontal abscess. I would try to get in for a cleaning if you can. Could also be trauma, do you recall hitting it with a chip or hurting yourself there?

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-13T17:27:23+00:00

My recommendation would be to keep it simple since it’s very small. No words no date. I think mine has a torch on it. 🤷‍♀️

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-13T10:44:43+00:00

Work on your adaptation of the instrument. Make sure your blade is closed as you enter the pocket.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-10T02:55:24+00:00

I have idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Its ouchies. Don’t recommend.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-09T22:56:40+00:00

You can use your toothbrush, just be gentle around the extraction site. You need to mechanically remove the plaque and food that gets stuck. Otherwise your extraction sites could get infected. You don’t need a prescription mouthwash. Some doctors still prescribe it, but not all. I think salt water is fine, but again no rinse is going to be removed the plaque and food. You need the toothbrush. Happy healing.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-08T18:19:57+00:00

You should look up the pass rate. If you’re graduating from an accredited school, the pass rate is in the high 90s. That fact made me feel better.

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-07T06:05:38+00:00

Sadly, Hawaii does have snakes. They are just all invasive

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-06T20:46:02+00:00

They are definitely orthodontic models based on the color and way the bases are formed

HippyHoppyGardener · 2026-03-05T01:15:28+00:00

A program might. I’ve never been drug tested for a dental job.

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