Final answer:
Dental hygienists cannot prescribe treatment; only dentists can diagnose and prescribe. Hygienists chart probing depths and recognize decay, supporting the dentist's work. Appropriate and prompt treatment of caries prevents serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can a dental hygienist chart probing depths and decay and prescribe needed treatment to the patient? The answer is No. Dental hygienists are trained to chart probing depths and recognize decay, which aids in diagnosing the condition of the patient's oral health. However, prescribing needed treatment, including diagnosing conditions, is the responsibility of a licensed dentist. Dental hygienists play a supportive role in the dental care team; they may assist by taking X-ray images to detect tooth decay, which is important since some tooth decay might not be visible without them. Timely treatment is crucial as decay not promptly addressed can lead to serious complications including abscesses.
In relation to the human lifespan, deciduous teeth emerge in infancy, permanent teeth replace them starting in early childhood through adolescence, and wisdom teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. Detecting and treating caries efficiently avoids the spread of infection which could necessitate more extensive procedures like root canals.
As for microbial contribution to tooth decay, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans are major contributors to this process and are considered the most cariogenic species of bacteria. Regular dental hygiene practices, such as flossing, are vital to prevent gum disease, which is evidenced in studies monitoring habits of individuals diagnosed with this condition.