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Blog Post

It’s Eye Injury Prevention Month!

  • By Shawn Walton
  • 19 Jul, 2016

Why is Eye Protection Important for Dental Professionals?

Eye Injury Prevention Month
As dental professionals, using the proper equipment is paramount to caring for our patients to the best of our ability. This means that we utilize the latest dental technologies and also adhere to best practices when it comes to patient and practitioner safety and general health awareness.

With that in mind, you might wonder why our dentists and patients wear eye protection during dental procedures. Wearing safety glasses when working in occupations such as carpentry or manufacturing settings is expected, however many people don’t think of dentistry as a profession that could lead to serious eye trauma.

Because dental professionals are often in close contact with patients and use a variety of sharp instruments during dental procedures, there is an increased likelihood of eye injury for both the practitioner and the patient. Protective eyewear worn by both the dental professionals and patients are designed to prevent bodily fluids and dental materials used during procedures from entering the eyes. This simple step is important in keeping eyes healthy and injury and infection free.

A study published in the British Dental Journal found that nearly half (48%) of the 200 general dentistry practitioners who took part in the study had suffered some sort of ocular trauma or infection during a procedure. Additionally, three quarters of these injuries happened because the practitioner was not wearing proper eye protection.
While keeping our practitioner’s (and our patient’s) eyes safe is crucial, it is also important to remember that ocular injuries can happen anywhere and vigilance is necessary to keep eyes healthy. Here are a few eye injury protection facts to consider in an effort to keep your eyes protected:

• Men are more prone to eye injuries
• Over 40 percent of eye injuries are associated with recreational activities
• Eye injury is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the United States
• Protective eyewear can help prevent up to 90% of all eye injuries

At Walton Dental Health, we are committed to the health and safety of both our patients and our dental practitioners. Because of this, during the month of July we are celebrating Eye Injury Prevention Month. This means that in addition patient education about eye safety, we will continue to remain vigilant by wearing proper eye protection and observing the appropriate safety procedures.
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A beautiful smile can improve your self-esteem and health! Many people don't realize how important oral health is to overall health. Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums are key in preventing bigger oral health problems. With a few easy steps and regular trips to the dentist, you can reap the rewards of a healthy smile.

A dental checkup every 6 months ensures your teeth are in top shape and there aren't any oral issues developing. In addition to regular checkups, we recommend you practice these easy steps in your dental routine:
  • Brush at least 2 times a day, for upwards of 3 minutes.
  • Always keep your toothbrush clean and know when it's time to invest in a new toothbrush. 
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach. 
  • Eat healthy foods packed with calcium, vitamin A and C. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. 
  • Smoking can cause gum disease, tooth loss and other oral health problems. Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. 
  • Exercise preventative care and schedule regular checkups. For best results, visit a dentist every 6 months, approximately twice a year. 
At Walton Dental Health, we want you to achieve a happy, healthy, picture perfect smile! With more than 20 years in the business, we provide patient-centered service for a range of dental needs. Let us provide you with superior oral care including extractions, children's dentistry, root canals, teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, implant restoration, teeth cleaning, periodontal disease treatment and more. The steps you take for your dental hygiene now will make a big different later on!
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