The Complete Parent Guide to Head Lice (Without the Panic)

What head lice are—and aren’t

Head lice are tiny, crawl-only insects that live on the scalp and feed on small amounts of blood. They don’t jump or fly, and they’re not a sign of dirtiness. Most spread happens through head-to-head contact—sleepovers, selfies, sports, and cozy couches.

Quick check: is it lice or something else?

Look for nits (eggs) glued within ¼ inch of the scalp—often behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Dandruff and hair spray flakes brush away; nits don’t. Unsure? Book a professional screening; it’s fast, discreet, and you’ll get a simple pass/needs-treatment answer.

What treatments actually work

Pesticides aren’t necessary. The gold standard is a pesticide-free, strand-by-strand comb-out under bright lighting with a stainless nit comb. A pro loosens any residue, sections the hair, combs from the scalp out, and finishes with a magnified re-check. Most families are cleared in one visit.

What to skip (save time & scalp)

• Home pesticides & harsh oils that irritate skin and don’t remove nits
• Mayonnaise/kerosene myths (messy, unsafe, ineffective)
• Household overcleaning: lice can’t live long off the head; a quick linen refresh is enough

Cleaning checklist that’s actually enough

Wash pillowcases, hair ties, and hats; put favorite plush items in the dryer on high for 20–30 minutes; vacuum major surfaces. That’s it.

School & sports—how to handle it

Ask for the school’s policy; many follow return-to-class guidelines once active lice are removed. A professional service can provide a clearance letter and simple prevention tips for the classroom or team.

Prevention that works in real life

Keep long hair braided or in a bun, avoid sharing brushes/helmets, and do a quick self-check after high-contact events. If a classmate has lice, request a school screening day—it’s the fastest way to stop the cycle.

1. The burr will judder; this will cause excessive, damaging vibrations leading to cracking and crazing in the material being cut. It is also an unpleasant experience for the patient.
2. Eccentric cutting - this will result in irregular removal of the surface, meaning more tissue than necessary is removed.
3. Decreased control - due to irregular cutting, it is more difficult for the Dentist to control movements
4. Many modern handpieces now have a light in close proximity to the burr. The light is directed at the cutting surface as to assist with intra-operative vision.

Need a quick confirmation or clean removal? Book a discreet screening or same-day treatment in Temecula Valley.