Abstract
In this article, we will discuss the dental hygienist images as life-works, through a case with mild periodontitis and bruxism(clenching) that involved difficulty in self-care dueto a strong vomiting reflex, and we realized the importance of supportive periodontal therapy(SPT).
Our country faced a super-aged society from 2007. It was reported that the ratio of the adults who have 20 teeth or more than 20 increased greatly over the past 30 yearsaccording to National dental Surveys in 2005. Recently, the ratio at the age of 80 or more exceeds 25%. However, the number of functioning teeth is relatively few in elderly, therefore, large number of them can not masticate properly, the improved consideration of public health in community.
SPT that can be performed by dental hygienist induces the preservation of teeth as well as keeping teeth in function. Therefore, this therapy is very important forimprovement of quality of life( QOL).
