Nutrition Counseling in the Hygiene Appointment
Integrate brief, evidence-based nutrition counseling into hygiene visits to support caries and periodontal health.
Diet Drives Disease
Dietary patterns directly influence caries risk and periodontal health. Brief, evidence-based nutrition counseling within the hygiene visit supports outcomes that home care alone cannot achieve.
A Brief, Focused Approach
- Identify the frequency of fermentable carbohydrate intake.
- Focus on one achievable change rather than a diet overhaul.
- Connect the change to the patient's specific risk.
Staying in Scope
Hygienists provide education, not medical nutrition therapy for systemic disease. Refer patients with complex needs to appropriate professionals while reinforcing oral health connections.
Practical Takeaway
Focus on carbohydrate frequency, target one achievable change tied to the patient's risk, and refer complex systemic nutrition needs to appropriate professionals.
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