A mask for all faces: Plus, notes about flosser and affordable powered toothbrush
By Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH
Cranberry 360 Mask
Personal protection should be a top priority for every dental hygienist. I have always struggled with the way face masks just don’t fit! They either gap open on the sides, allowing dangerous aerosols to enter or they collapse against my mouth as I breath and converse with my patient. The nose area is problematic, causing discomfort, the need for continual adjustment, and fogging up my glasses.
Did I mention face masks are hot and sweaty? The revolutionary 360 4-ply face mask by Cranberry is, in my opinion, the solution to ill-fitting problematic face masks. The design provides complete full coverage protection with innovative curved edges that easily conform to different face types, eliminating gaps. The 360 mask comes in two sizes, small and regular, so you can wear a mask that really fits.
The 360 4-ply face mask delivers >99% bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) and particulate filtration efficiency (PFE) at 0.1 micron, so you know you’re protected. The revolutionary Cool Silk lint-free (no fluff to tickle your nose) inner layer helps to keep you cool, reducing fogging and sweating. The nonwoven anti-fog nose cushion helps absorbs sweat and fog, leaving your lenses clear.
The 360 mask is available for ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) levels 2 and 3. Maximum fluid protection (160mm Hg) is provided with the addition of fluid resistant HydroGuard to the level 3 mask. It has been my observation that most hygienists are not wearing the correct ASTM level mask for the task we provide. (Unfortunately, I also see clinicians use and reuse their masks over-and-over again throughout the day.)
As a reminder, here is the information about ASTM levels:
- ASTM Level 1-low barrier procedures: Exams; operatory cleaning; impressions; lab trimming, finishing, and polishing; orthodontics
- ASTM Level 2-moderate barrier procedures: restorative/composites; endodontics; prophylaxis; sealants; scaling and root planning; limited oral surgery
- ASTM Level 3-high barrier procedures: Crown preparation; implant placement; use ultrasonic scalers with water or medicaments; periodontal surgery; complex oral surgery
Cranberry 360 masks contain 40 per box and eight boxes per case. Visit cranberryusa.com for more information and to request samples, or call (707) 553-6190. Cranberry also makes an extensive line of award-winning gloves. And, change your mask between every patient, especially when you are using ultrasonic instrumentation!
Comfort Slide Flossers
This ergonomic flosser by Sunstar GUM was designed with patient comfort and maneuverability in mind. The textured grip and wider handle provide a secure finger rest and gripping platform for better control. The longer design makes it easier to get to those hard to reach areas. The PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene) floss is the same material used in high-tech Gore-Tex fabric and is engineered to prevent shredding and breakage while sliding easily between teeth. The improved pick design fits easily between teeth for additional cleaning.
Order today by calling (800) 528-8537 or visit gumbrand.com.
GOBY Electric Toothbrush
Every day we encounter patients who understand the benefit of power brushing and wish to purchase them for the entire family. But they simply don’t have the budget to do so. Goby offers an affordable alternative for those patients.
The Goby toothbrush utilizes rotationally oscillating technology, with soft, end-rounded bristles, ensuring a thorough and gentle clean. One button operation turns the brush off and on and allows you to switch from standard to sensitive mode. The soft touch handle is comfortable to hold and has a smooth surface to discourage “gunky” buildup. The brush includes a sleek, hygienic modular stand, removable drip tray, a battery that holds a charge for two weeks, and a charging system that minimizes the need for cords.
Goby has a two-minute timer with four 30-second intervals to brush each quadrant. To ensure brushhead replacement every three months, Goby offers a subscription service that automatically sends a new brushhead every three months for only $6.
Goby comes in five color choices, including their most popular black version. Goby offers exclusive wholesale pricing for dental offices starting as low as $35 per brush kit. The Goby brush comes with a lifetime guarantee. Please visit goby.co/dentists or email [email protected] for more information. RDH
KIM MILLER, RDH, BSDH, is the co-founder of PerioFrogz.com, an information-based website providing free current oral-systemic research summaries and patient education downloads. Kim is also a coach with Inspired Hygiene, delivering customized hands-on training. She speaks internationally, writes articles and webinars, and enjoys clinical dental hygiene. Kim lives in Arizona and welcomes you to contact her at [email protected].
