3 Words... Air Powder Polisher

On Wednesday of last week, November 3rd, we used the horrible thing called an air powder polisher.  It was  PE that we had to pass off by practicing on another student.  Its purpose is to remove heavy stain from the tooth surfaces.  It is basically a small sand blaster.  You have to be very careful with where and how you point the instrument at the tooth.  It is not ok to point it at the gum line!  Pain!  Plus, the "sand" tastes horrible.  It is a sodium bicarbonate (?) something or other.  It is supposed to have a mint flavor, but you can't get past the salty taste in your mouth.  I feel terrible having to use this on people.  I did get to experience what it feels like being sprayed at my nose on Monday.  Ouch!  Note to self: never spray at the nose or palate of the mouth.