Ohio Cosmetic Dentistry | Pamela Barkett, DDS

Economic Hardship and Dental Treatment

2008-11-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

Economic Hardship and Needed Dental Treatment

With the current economic status of the country, one of the issues that hits close to home for us, is the loss of Dental Insurance. Without dental insurance, a lot of families will just ignore the regular trips to the dentist, thinking that it is a “luxury” that you can live without. However, for most people a regular cleaning and exam, brings up some much needed dental treatment that needs to be taken care of, before it becomes an even bigger problem.

Things that you can do, to bring the cost of dental treatment down:
Use your insurance before you lose it.
If you know that you will be losing your dental insurance by the end of the year, call your dentist and get in as soon as possible to have at least an exam, so that any decay or lost fillings can be filled before you lose your insurance coverage.
As soon as something starts to bother you or you lose a filling, call your dentist and get it repaired immediately to insure there is no decay to cause even bigger problems.
If a tooth is broken, a filling may be all it needs to repair it, unless the size of the missing piece is too large to be filled, it will need a crown.
However, if you wait to get the tooth taken care of, decay can set in and then the tooth, depending on the severity of the decay, could use a root canal or extraction.
If you happen to break a tooth and can not possibly get in to see your dentist immediately, try to keep it extremely clean to prevent plaque from getting in there and causing the tooth to decay.
Even if you lose your dental insurance, still try to get in at least once a year for a cleaning and exam, because a cleaning and exam is a lot cheaper than waiting until something is hurting you. At that point it is almost too late to do a filling and then could use a very costly, root canal.
Between visits to your dentist, you could also be more diligent about your home care.
Understanding your own oral health needs
Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste
Floss at least once daily
If you have well water, use a fluoride rinse in addition to brushing and flossing.
Limit high sugar snacks, and eat a well-balanced diet
Stop using tobacco of any kind
Examine your own mouth regularly.
Also, eating a well-balanced diet gives your gum tissue and teeth the important nutrients and minerals they need to resist infections and stay strong.
Firm, fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables tend to help keep teeth clean and tissue healthy. When you snack, choose cheese, plain yogurt, fruit or raw vegetables.
Stay away from soft, sticky foods because they tend to remain on the grooves and between teeth, producing more plaque.
If you must seek out dental treatment and cannot possibly afford it, there are some “free” or “low-cost” dental facilities in your area that can help you.

The bottom line is that no matter what the economic status is of the country, the importance of taking care of your teeth never changes.

Oraverse-used for the reversal of dental anesthesia

2008-06-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.drugs.com/oraverse.html

What is Leukoplakia?

2008-06-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leukoplakia/DS00458

Safety Concerns with Dental Crowns

2008-03-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Safety of Dental Crowns and the Recent Finding of Lead in Dental Appliances Made in a Foreign Dental Laboratory

http://www.ada.org/public/media/releases/0802_release05.asp

FDA Issues Warning About Denture Cleaners

2008-03-18T14:37:00.001-07:00

Allergic Reactions to Denture Cleansers

http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/2637

2008-02-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

Pediatric Dental Health Guide

Eruption
Your child’s first teeth will begin surfacing between 3 and 16 months, but the average is around 6 months. The timing of the eruption of the first tooth is largely influenced by genetics, so if there is a family history of getting the first tooth late, than chances are your child will probably, also get his first tooth late.
The 2 bottom front teeth will be the first to come through, and your child will continue to get new teeth until he/she has all twenty of his primary teeth, about when he is 3 years old. Children begin shedding their first teeth when they are around 6-7 years old, and will finish up around 11-13 years old.
Permanent teeth begin erupting at around 6-7 years of age and continue until the child gets his 3rd molars, if they do erupt, (or Wisdom Teeth) when he is about 17-22 years old.

Teething
In most children, teething only causes increased drooling and a desire to chew on hard things, but in some cases it does cause mild pain and irritability and the gums may become swollen and tender. To help this you can vigorously massage the area for a few minutes or let him chew on a smooth, hard teething ring. Teething should not cause fever, diarrhea, sleeping problems or diaper rashes. While most children do not need teething gels or treatment with Tylenol for pain, you can use these products as necessary.

Home Care
Once your child’s teeth begin erupting, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a moist washcloth. As your child gets more teeth, you can begin to use a soft child’s toothbrush. You should use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste or a non-fluoridated toothpaste until your child is able to spit on their own.

First Dental Visit
According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the first visit to the dentist should be within 6 months of the first tooth coming in, or around the child’s first birthday.
The American Academy of Pediatrics used to recommend that the first visit to the dentist be at 3 years of age. Now, because so many children have cavities by the time they start kindergarten, the AAP states that high risk children should see a dentist 6 months after the first tooth erupts.
In addition to looking for and preventing problems, an early visit to the dentist can help educate you about your child’s oral health and proper hygiene. If your child is not high risk, your Pediatrician should begin oral health evaluations by 6 months of age.
If your child does not have any risk factors for developing cavities, such as sleeping with a cup or bottle or walking around all day with a cup of juice, and if his teeth are developing normally, then you can probably wait until your child is older and just ask your Pediatrician to check his teeth at each well visit.
Another risk factor for getting a lot of cavities can include having a mother with a lot of cavities. Also, kids with special health care needs, later order of offspring, and children from families of low socioeconomic status, are considered to be at risk for cavities and should likely see a dentist early.
If your child has any dental problems, such as staining of his teeth, crowding or abnormal tooth development, or if he has any risk factors for developing cavities, then he should see a dentist earlier. You may also want to see a dentist if your child has any persistent habits, such as sucking his thumb or using a pacifier as a toddler or grinding his teeth at night (bruxism).

Fluoride Supplements
All children need supplemental fluoride after they are 6 months old to help prevent cavities. For most children, they can get this fluoride from the water they drink, if they are in an area where the city water supply has an adequate amount of fluoride in it and they are drinking tap water.
Sources of water that generally don’t have enough fluoride include well water and filtered or bottled water, although some brands of bottled water or nursery water do have fluoride added to it. Also, commercially prepared pre-mixed formulas do not contain an adequate amount of fluoride, so consider using a powder or concentrated formula and mixing it with tap water, supplement your infant with extra tap water, or talk to your Pediatrician about giving fluoride supplements.
If you only use a water filter pitcher or a counter top filter, it likely doesn’t remove the fluoride from the water. Other types of water filters might though. If you have any doubt, check with the filter’s manufacturer.
In general, it is better to have your child drink water that is supplemented with fluoride instead of giving extra fluoride drops or supplements. Too much fluoride can cause Fluorosis, which is permanent white to brown discoloration of the enamel of the teeth. It is easier to get Fluorosis if you are giving your child fluoride drops and he is still getting fluoride from his diet.
Talk with your Pediatrician or Pediatric Dentist if you think your child may need fluoride supplements.

Staining
In addition to staining due to Fluorosis, medications and trauma to the teeth can also cause staining, as well as bacteria and food stains.

Sealants
Sealants are usually applied to the back teeth to help protect the grooves and pits of these teeth that can be hard to clean and are prone to developing cavities. A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the teeth, hardens, and provides a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances. Sealants should be applied to the 1st and 2nd permanent molars and appropriate premolars as soon as possible after they erupt (usually around 6 years of age).

Dental Insurance Facts

2007-08-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

46% of the population has no dental insurance. Individual coverage is available, but finding the right policy can take a little digging. And, like the group coverage offered through employers, is doesn’t always pay for everything.

Some individual policies are more expensive and in some cases less comprehensive than what you might get out of a group plan.

Monthly premiums average anywhere from $12.00 to $50.00 per person.

Consumers buying there own coverage have to look beyond first-year premium quotes. Some companies offer a great rate for the first year, during which there is a waiting period on any type of dental work, then the company raises the rates after the first year.

To find Insurance coverage:
· You may contact an insurance broker or your current insurance carrier.
· You may contact the Ohio Dental Association, and they will let you know what plans are offered in your area.
· You may also contact the National Association of Dental Plans or Delta Dental, which lists plans by state.

Some Questions Regarding Your Dental Benefits:

Your plan sponsor should be able to explain the individual design features of your plan. Features to understand include: exclusions, limitations, patient copayments, and annual or lifetime benefit maximums. If you have additional questions regarding your treatment or dental insurance, your dentist’s office should be able to answer additional questions for you.

If your dentist recommends a treatment that your plan does not pay for, it does not mean, the treatment is unnecessary, it simply means that according to your dental plan the treatment is not a covered benefit, which means they are not liable to pay for that specific procedure.

If your dentist recommends a crown as opposed to a filling, because of the size of the restoration, and your insurance will only pay for the level of benefit for the least expensive ways to repair the tooth, regardless of the decision made by you and your dentist as to the best treatment. Sometimes special circumstances may be explained to the third party by a narrative done by your dentist office, but there is no guarantee the insurance will pay, even after receiving the explanation.

In the case of exclusions, you should base your treatment on your specific dental needs, not on what your insurance benefit level will pay.

If your dental plan says that it will pay 100% for 2 dental checkups per year, and you receive an explanation of benefits from the insurance, stating that you owe the provider, it means your insurance has paid 100% of the Usual, Customary and Reasonable fee. This means the insurance has set what the plan considers to be a “customary fee” for each dental procedure. If your dentist’s fee exceeds the customary fee, your benefit will be based on a percentage of the customary fee instead of your dentist’s fee.

However, if the dentist’s charges exceed the customary fee, this does not mean your dentist has overcharged for the procedure. These plans pay a set percentage of the dentist’s fee or the plan administrator’s “reasonable” or “customary” fee limit, whichever is less. Although these limits are called “customary”, they may or may not accurately reflect the fees the area’s dentist charges. There is a wide fluctuation and lack of government regulation on how a plan determines the “customary” fee level.

A prime consideration and a major motivation in choosing one plan over another is exactly what type of coverage your entire family will need. If your employer offers more than 1 plan, be sure to look at the exclusions and limitations of the coverage as well as the general categories of benefits.

Your dental insurance plan should describe the benefit levels and list any exclusions or limitations to that coverage. They should also identify who is eligible for coverage under the plan and when the coverage goes into effect.

Your dentist cannot answer specific questions about your dental benefit or predict what your level of coverage for a particular procedure will be. This is because plans written by the same third-party payer or offered by the same employer may vary according to the contracts involved. Therefore, you should ask the plan purchaser or the third-party payer to answer your specific questions about coverage.

If your dentist is not on the list of dentists provided by your employer, you can always still go the dentist of your choice. The question is whether you will have benefit coverage for the treatment you receive if it is provided by a dentist who is not on the plan’s list. This depends on the contract between the employer, the listed dentists and the plan administrator. Under certain contracts (PPO), patients are given a financial incentive to go to certain dentists but do receive some level of dental benefit, regardless of the treating dentist. Other plans do not provide any benefit coverage for treatment given by non-participating providers. Patients should check their dental benefits, before switching dentists or starting somewhere new, to determine what the benefit levels are of that particular dentist or dentists not a specific list.

Your dentist should submit a treatment plan to your insurance before any major work is completed to be sure of what benefit level your insurance will pay and what you will be responsible for in the end. This “predetermination of benefits” however, is just an estimate, not a guarantee. A “predetermination” means when the dentist submits your treatment plan to the insurance, a dental consultant will review the treatment plan and determine what benefits your plan will provide. You may want to review your benefit prior to receiving treatment, but the final treatment decision would be a matter between you and your dentist, regardless of your benefit.

Direct Reimbursement programs-reimburse patients a percentage of the dollar amount spent on dental care, regardless of what the treatment category is. This method does not exclude coverage based on the type of treatment needed and allows the patients to go to the dentist of their choice.

“Usual, Customary and Reasonable” (UCR) programs-allow patients to go to the dentist of their choice. These plans pay a set percentage of the dentist’s fee or the plan administrator’s reasonable or customary” fee limit, whichever is less. Although, these limits are called “customary”, they may or may not accurately reflect the fees that area dentists charge. There is a wide fluctuation and lack of government regulation on how a plan determines the “customary fee schedule.

Table or Schedule of Allowance Programs-determine a list of covered services with an assigned dollar amount. That dollar amount represents just how much the plan will pay for those services that are covered. Most often, it does not represent the dentist’s full charge for those services. The patient pays the difference.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)-plans under which contracting dentists agree to discount their fees as a financial incentive for patients to select their practices. If your dentist is not a participating provider, the patient will have a reduction or complete loss of benefits.

Should You Purchase Dental Insurance?

Many people are struggling with the decision of whether or not to purchase dental insurance. Whether you are purchasing insurance through your employer or independently, be sure to investigate several different plans and ask questions about the following factors:

Affordability and Yearly Maximum
The yearly maximum is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay within 1 full year.
In/Out of Network Dentists
Most independent dental insurance plans will only pay for your dental services if you go to a contracted and participating “in-Network Dentist”
Find out if you are required to go to a participating dentist or if you can choose your own.
If the plan requires you to go to a participating dentist, be sure to ask for a list of the dentists in your area with whom they are contracted, so that you may go there.
UCR (Usual, Customary, and Reasonable)
This means that insurance companies set their own price that they will allow for every dental procedure that they cover.
This is not based on what the dentist actually charges, but what the insurance company wishes to cover.
If you are on a policy that requires you to go to a participating provider, you should not be charged the difference between the two prices.
A contracted dentist has an agreement to write off the difference in charges.
If you go to an “out of Network” provider, you may be required to pay the difference out of your pocket, however, you can not put a price tag on quality dental care.
Major Coverage
Dental procedures are broken down into three categories:
Preventative
Basic or Restorative
Major
o When comparing dental plans, make sure that all three of the above categories are covered in the policy that you choose. There are many companies that do not cover major charges.
o Insurance companies may consider crowns, bridges, root canals, dentures, and partials to be “major” dental procedures.
Waiting Periods
A waiting period is the length of time an insurance company will make you wait after you are covered before they will pay for certain procedures.
It is important to know what the waiting periods are, because you could have dental work completed, and if there is a waiting period, you were not aware of, they could come back and not pay anything towards the dental treatment.
Missing Tooth Clause and Replacement Period
90% of dental insurance policies carry a “Missing Tooth Clause” or a “Replacement Clause”. Many carry at least 1 clause but some insurance companies have both.
A missing tooth clause protects the insurance company from paying for the replacement of a tooth that was missing before the policy was in effect.
A replacement clause is similar except that the insurance company won’t pay to replace dentures, partials, bridges, etc.. until the specified time limit has passed.

5 Reasons to use your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year:

1. Yearly Maximum
a. The amount averages between $1000-$1500 per person, per year.
b. The Yearly maximum renews every year (on January 1st if your plan is on a calendar year).
c. Unused benefits will not roll over.
2. Deductible
a. The deductible is the amount of money that you must pay to your dentist out-of-pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services.
b. The average deductible varies from one plan to another, but is usually around $50.00 per person, per year.
c. Your deductible also starts over when your plan rolls over every January.
3. Premiums
a. If you pay your premiums every month, you should be taking advantage of your benefits.
b. Even if you don’t need treatment, you should always have regular dental check-ups to prevent cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other problems.
4. Fee Increases
a. Some dentists raise their fees at the beginning of the year due to cost of living, materials and equipment.
b. A fee increase can also make your copayment higher.
5. Dental Problems can get Worse
a. By delaying dental treatment you are risking more extensive and expensive treatment.
b. What may have started out a small cavity could turn into a root canal later, if left untreated.

Call your dentist and schedule an appointment to use those benefits.

Regardless of why an insurance plan is offered, its intent is the same: to help individuals by paying for a portion of the cost of their dental care.

Treatment decisions must be made by you and your dentist. While dental benefit coverage should be taken into account, it should not be the deciding factor in your choice of treatment.

Natural Dental Remedies

2007-07-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Natural Dental Remedies

Alternative medicine or “natural remedies” for dental care have been around for centuries only now there is research to prove if they are effective or just hogwash.

Important: Always tell your dentist about all medications and supplements you are taking and how much you take.

We do caution people when using any alternative “natural” treatments including herbal supplements. Remember that even the most common herbs such as St. John’s Wort and Ginko Biloba can cause serious health problems if taken in combination with other drugs or in extreme doses.

Natural Medications are capable of dangerous drug interactions that can put a person at an increased risk for a complication during and after dental treatment.

Cautions:

Blood thinners, such as ginko biloba and even vitamin E can be dangerous when taken with aspirin, which also acts as a blood thinner.
Ginko may also increase gum disease. This product may also cause uncontrollable bleeding or speed up existing gum disease.
If you take aspirin regularly, talk to your doctor before starting any other “natural” supplements.
Vitamin C, when taken excessively can cause problems and weaken the effects of anesthesia.
Calming supplements, such as Kava Kava or St. John’s Wort can enhance the effects of the anesthesia to cause problems.
Garlic can cause bleeding through platelet aggregation and can increase the action of coumadin in anticoagulant therapy.
Ephedrine, which is illegal, can cause:
Cardiovascular instability through increased heart rate
Risk of heart attacks
Seizures
Blood pressure
Risk of heart ischemia, stroke, and even death.
Avoid mixing ephedra with:
Caffeine
Decongestants
Stimulants
Heart drugs
Antidepressants
Combined with these drugs, ephedra becomes even more risky.
Echinacea, is a possible immune depressant with long term use, therefore decreasing the effectiveness of your immune system.
This herb can be toxic to the liver and shouldn’t be combined with other drugs.
Feverfew can increase bleeding and can increase the action of coumadin.
Ginseng can cause bleeding and hypoglycemia by lowering blood sugar. Avoid mixing with :
Warfarin (coumadin)
Nardil
Digoxin (lanoxin)
Sanguinarine is not recommended due to its links to predisposing gum tissue to oral cancer.
Garlic, ginko and feverfew can increase the effectiveness of aspirin and can greatly increase bleeding.
St John’s Wort can cause drowsiness and sensitivity to light. It also interferes with the effectiveness of other drugs, including coumadin and Tylenol.
Avoid mixing St John’s Wort with any prescription medications. Such as:
Antidepressants
Digoxin (lanoxin)
Theophylline
Versed
Valium
Halcion
Coumadin
Tylenol
Cyclosporin
Chemotherapy
St. John’s Wort has been shown to affect your body’s metabolism of all these drugs, and many others. Until more is known about the ability to alter the metabolism of these drugs, it is best not to combine such medications with St. John’s Wort.
Kava alert: Avoid mixing with:
Sedatives
Sleeping pills
Antipsychotics
Alcohol
Drugs treating anxiety or Parkinson’s disease.
Herbal tea may be harmful to your teeth. It can erode the protective layers of enamel that surround every tooth. Many of the herbal teas that have been tested were acidic enough to erode tooth enamel. Some herbal teas were up to 3 times more acidic that fruit juice. Therefore try to avoid herbal and fruit teas.

Recommendations Before Having Dental Surgery: Stop taking any of these herbal medications prior to surgery:
Ephedra at least 24 hours before surgery
Garlic- 7 days before surgery
Ginkgo- 36 hours before surgery
Ginseng- 7 days before surgery
Kava- 24 hours before surgery
St. John’s Wort- 5 days before surgery

Remedies:
Fluoride- naturally occurring mineral has been proven to protect teeth from decay.
Green tea- halts the growth of oral cancer cells and breaks down and kills existing oral cancer. Green tea can also inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous cells. The lining in the mouth must be exposed to 4-6 cups of green tea a day, to benefit at all.
Black tea- can help prevent gum disease and fight cavities by rinsing your mouth with the tea. Rinsing for 1 minutes 10 times a day resulted in a decrease of plaque buildup. The chemicals in black tea, suppress the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in plaque and reduce acid production levels.

Always tell your dentist about all medications and supplements you are taking and how much you take. Everything that you put in your body causes a certain reaction, some good and some bad.

If your dentist doesn’t know what drugs or supplements you have taken, he or she will not know how to protect you from possible substance interactions.

Teeth Whitening Addiction

2007-07-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Teeth Whitening: The New Addiction?

Americans love a white smile, and there are an increasing number of teeth whitening products to choose from to accommodate just about anyone. Whitening treatments are now the number one requested cosmetic procedure, having increased more than 300% since 1996.

At-home whitening treatments have become increasingly popular as well. An array of over-the-counter bleaching kits can be found in any drugstore, discount store, or even grocery store.

But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. While most people would not call it an addiction, dentists say some people do overdo it in the quest for the perfect smile, or at least one as bright as most celebrities.

For some people who overuse whitening products, it is a narcissistic compulsion to maintain their youth. People are obsessed with the idea of perfecting their bodies and warding off the effects of age.

People are looking for anything they can get their hands on that can improve every part of the way they look, every advantage possible to one-up the next person.

There definitely is the tendency to overuse them, although most people don’t. It is just another classic example of trying to keep up with the “trend”. Now the trend is to have white teeth.

Some people see that some beauty is good, so obviously a lot must be better. Some people just don’t realize that being subtle is a good thing.

Some people, who overdo whitening treatments, look as if their teeth would glow in the dark. To us dentists, is looks like the most fake thing that we have ever seen, but to the patients, they think it is beautiful.

There are 2 main types of at-home tooth whitening products:
· Whitening strips
· Tray-based systems

Most are meant to be used over a 2-4 week period.

After completing the initial teeth whitening treatment, whether in a dentist’s office or using an at-home product, a once-a-month touch-up is probably sufficient.

People who smoke and drink dark liquids such as tea and coffee might need to re-treat every 2 weeks.

Your own teeth are best way to tell whether you’re overusing teeth whitening products.

The biggest signs of overuse are:
Excessive sensitivity of the teeth, especially to cold items.
Redness, irritation and bleeding in the gums.
The teeth start to appear translucent or blotchy.

Some people’s teeth get more transparent if you continue to whiten…You can see right through tem and see the dark shadows of your mouth. You may also wind up having to have a root canal.

Another warning sign is when patients look for changes in their teeth to correct other issues and problems that have nothing to do with their teeth, such as improving their social lives or getting a better job.

Keep in mind that sensitivity alone does not mean that you are overdoing it. About a third of users experience some sensitivity, which goes away in a day or two.

The maker of Crest Whitestrips notes the teeth whitening products have a built-in safety mechanism against people over-treating themselves.

When you have had the whitening strip on too long, you can get a real profound, throbbing pain in your tooth. It goes away but your teeth will hurt.

There is also a lot lower percentage of whitening agent in over-the-counter teeth whitening products as opposed to the in-office whitening treatments.

After you wear the strips for the recommended ½ hour time period, virtually all the peroxide is gone from the strip, and you cannot add more.

Tooth whitening is a very safe and effective technique when done according to the product manufacturer’s instructions and under the recommendations of a dentist. However, some people are after more than that.

Dental Anxiety

2007-07-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety or fear of the dentist is a major stumbling block for many people. It usually prevents otherwise intelligent, rational people from optimizing and maintaining their dental health.

The key to good oral health is prevention-stopping problems before they arise. Unfortunately, people who suffer from dental anxiety often fail to visit the dentist for routine care. When they finally do go, often a small preventable problem has turned into a problem which requires major intervention.

Most dental phobics have had very negative experiences with either unskilled, uncaring, or incompetent dentists.

The most important step to overcoming dental anxiety is finding a good dentist. A good dentist is one who:

Is patient
Is highly competent
Strives to make each meeting comfortable for you
Genuinely cares about you
Has the ability to nurture you through past traumas

Steps to finding a good dentist:

Ask friends and family who they recommend
Feel free to ask any potential dentist about their practice, practice philosophy, and the steps they take to make dentistry pain free and anxiety free.

Do not be intimidated. You are the consumer and it is the dentist who should be selling you on his or her service.

It takes a true partnership between the patient and the dentist, a growing trust, and a growing relationship that cannot nor should not be pushed faster than the patient can accept.

Coming in for just a consultation for your first appointment is a great way to get to meet the dentist, take a look at the office and their staff, and decide if the environment, dentist and staff, make you feel comfortable. This consultation appointment can be used not only to meet the doctor, but also to explain your anxiety, find out how the doctor approaches treatment, by having them explain everything clearly and also talk to them about ways they make the patients more comfortable.

At our office we have a friendly staff, which is like family, and we offer more comfortable ways to fill a cavity by using our new laser. We address any concerns that our patients have before treatment on how things will be performed in detail. This helps to make our patients a lot more comfortable in our office. There is no pressure to get treatment done, unless prolonging the treatment will have a more negative effect, such as a toothache, where an abscess can do more harm to the body.

Some things you can do to help ease your way through a dental visit:

Bring in a friend or loved one to sit with you.
Try not to schedule an appointment during a stressful time. For example, don’t schedule an appointment before a major business meeting or in the middle of the day if you know you have several tasks to do after the appointment.
Bring in an ipod or portable cd player with headphones with some relaxing music you enjoy.

If your dentist is unwilling to discuss your anxiety or try things to help reduce your anxiety it is time to get a new dentist.

Remember: An educated consumer is a less anxious consumer.

Make sure your dentist explains each and every procedure you undergo. Good dentists usually have videos, pamphlets, or books explaining the procedures they perform. A good dentist will answer the questions you have thus lessoning your anxiety.

With a good dentist-patient relationship and with good communication, dental anxiety can be overcome. You should feel comfortable discussing your anxieties with your dentist and should be confident that he or she will do everything possible to reduce your anxiety. If not find a new dentist who is willing to do what is takes to help you overcome your anxiety.

The New Smoking Cessation Drug: Chantix

2007-06-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Chantix-Smoking Cessation

There is a new drug on the market used to help people quit smoking, called Chantix. It can reduce withdrawal symptoms caused by quitting smoking. It can also decrease the urge to smoke and decrease nicotine cravings. It is used with a patient support program recommended by your physician.

Most insurance companies cover this drug, and if your insurance company does not cover it, a month supply costs about the same as cigarettes would cost you for an entire month.

Some important information regarding this new drug is as follows:

You should take this drug alone. Never take this drug with any other smoking cessation products such as nicotine patches or chewing gum. Before quitting the drug, be sure to follow up with your prescriber.

This medicine is not for use in children.

Before you start taking this medication or any other medication it is very important to let your prescriber know any other medications you are currently on. For this particular drug, your prescriber needs to know if you have any of the following conditions:
1. Kidney disease
2. Any unusual reaction with this drug, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
3. Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
4. Breast-feeding

When starting this medication, you should first set a date to stop smoking and tell the prescriber. You must start this medication 1 week before your actual quit date. Stick to the plan, and if you need help, contact your prescriber about support groups or other ways to remain a quitter.

Take tablets by mouth after eating. Follow the instructions carefully. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. It is also important to take your doses at regular intervals, and if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up or take extra doses. Do not stop taking the tablets except on your prescriber’s advice.

Drug Interactions:
Be sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional about all medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements, or herbal products, also be sure to tell them if you drink a lot of beverages with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works, and also be sure to check with your doctor before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Side Effects that should be reported to your Doctor include:
1. Difficulty breathing or wheezing
2. Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including the inside of the mouth
3. Seizures
4. Skin rash, itching, hives
5. Unusual tiredness or weakness
6. Vomiting

Side Effects that are possible and do not require medical attention are:
1. Abdominal Pain
2. Changes in appetite
3. Constipation
4. Difficulty sleeping
5. Drowsiness
6. Dry mouth
7. Flatulence
8. Headache
9. Heartburn or Reflux
10. Nausea
11. Upset Stomach

Things to watch for while taking Chantix:

You may get drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient
This medicine will make your mouth dry. Chew sugarless gum, candy and drink plenty of water to help with the dry mouth.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber well before your scheduled surgery date that you are taking Chantix.

Most importantly to be sure to have complete success, check in with you prescriber regularly, so that they can monitor your progress.

Women and their Oral Health

2007-06-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

Women’s Oral Health and Overall Health

Good oral health is essential to good general health. Specifically for women, a growing body of research has linked gum disease to a variety of health problems that affect women. Because 3 out of 4 adults are affected by periodontal disease, or commonly known as gum disease, at some point in their lives, it is important to understand what triggers the onset of the disease and how to treat it. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can enter the bloodstream and may be a factor in causing other health complications such as:

· Heart disease
o People with gum disease are more at risk for heart disease and have twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack.
o Heart disease is the number 1 killer for women.
· Stroke
o Studies have shown their may be a relation between oral infections and stroke.
· Diabetes
o People who are diabetic are more likely to have gum disease and may make it more difficult to control their blood sugar.
o Gum disease may also be a risk factor for diabetes, even in healthy individuals.
· Respiratory problems
o Bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can travel to the lungs causing respiratory disease such as pneumonia-especially in people with gum disease.
· Pregnancy
o Pregnant mothers who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby born too early or too small.
o Gum disease may also trigger increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor.

Because gum disease is usually painless, many women may not even realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state. Your best defense is to brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.

Women have special oral health requirements during the unique phases of their life. Changes in hormones during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause exaggerate the way gums react to plaque. So throughout these times, women need to be especially thorough when brushing and flossing every day in order to prevent gum disease.

Other important details that women should know:
Menstruation-some women find their gums swell and bleed prior to their periods, while others experience cold sores or canker sores. These symptoms usually go away once your period starts.
Your dentist may prescribe special cleanings, gum treatment or topical anesthetics to ease any discomfort.
Oral Contraceptives-one of the most common side effects of taking them is inflamed gum tissue.
Tell your dentist if you are taking birth control pills because some medications the dentist may give you, such as antibiotics, can lessen the effect of an oral contraceptive.
Pregnancy-many pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, this is when the plaque builds up on teeth, and irritates the gums. Usually this happens between the second and eighth months. Some symptoms include: red, inflamed and bleeding gums. Prenatal care is extremely important.
Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester to help avoid these problems.
Menopause-oral symptoms include red or inflamed gums, oral pain and discomfort, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and dry mouth from decreased saliva flow.
Your dentist may prescribe saliva substitute to combat dry mouth.
Osteoporosis-studies suggest there is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Researchers suggest this may eventually lead to tooth loss because the density of bone that supports teeth may be decreased. When combined with gum disease, osteoporosis speeds up the process of bone loss around the teeth.

Do I need Antibiotic Premedication prior to my Dental Treatment?

2007-04-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Antibiotic Premedication and Infective Endocarditis

For decades, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended that certain patients with heart conditions should take an antibiotic premedication prior to any dental treatment including cleanings. This was recommended with the belief that these antibiotics would prevent the possibility of infective endocarditis (IE), also referred to as Bacterial Endocarditis (BE). However, there is new information and guidelines that were published in the AHA’s scientific journal stating the following:

The AHA recommends that most of these patients no longer need short-term antibiotics as a preventive measure before their dental treatment.

The ADA participated in the development of the new guidelines and has approved this to be relevant to dentistry. The guidelines were also endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.

The new guidelines are based on a growing amount of scientific evidence that shows the risks of taking the premedication outweigh the benefits for most patients. The risks include adverse reactions to antibiotics that range from mild to severe, and in very rare cases, even death. Inappropriate use of antibiotics, through premedication or simply using antibiotics to treat an infection caused by a virus can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Scientists also found no compelling evidence that taking antibiotics prior to any dental procedure prevents Infective Endocarditis in patients who are already at risk for developing a heart infection. Their hearts are already exposed to bacteria from the mouth on a regular basis, which can enter their bloodstream during basic daily activities such as brushing and flossing. The new guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of published studies that suggests IE is more likely to occur as a result of everyday activities than from a dental procedure.

The new guidelines suggest the following: patients who have taken antibiotic premedication in the past and no longer need to do so are:

· Mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
· Rheumatic Heart Disease
· Bicuspid Valve Disease
· Calcified Aortic Stenosis
· Congenital Heart Conditions such as:
o Ventricular Septal Defect
o Atrial Septal Defect
o Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The new guidelines are for patients who would have the greatest risk of a bad outcome if they developed a heart infection.

The following patients should remain taking preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure:

· Artificial Heart Valves
· A history of Infective Endocarditis
· Certain Specific, Serious Congential (present from birth) Heart Conditions Including:
o Unrepaired or incompletely repaired Cyanotic Congential Heart Disease, including those with Palliative Shunts and Conduits
o A Completely Repaired Congential Heart Defect with Prosthetic Material or Device, placed by surgery or catheter intervention, during the first 6 months after procedure.
o Any repaired Congenital Heart Defect with Residual Defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a Prosthetic Patch or a Prosthetic Device.
· A Cardiac Transplant that Develops a Problem in the Heart Valve

The new recommendations apply to many dental procedures, including extractions and regular dental cleanings. Patients with Congential Heart Disease can have complicated circumstances. Patients should check with their cardiologist if there is any question at all as to what category you may fall under.

From your dentist:
We do our best at providing preventive care for our patients, please be patient if we require certification from your cardiologist or family doctor, stating with your current heart condition, whether or not you will need premedication for any type of dental treatment. We are only trying to do what is best for you in protecting not only your oral health, but your overall health as well.

Dental Care for the Adult

2007-04-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

How To Care For My Teeth As An Adult

As we discussed before, there are special dental issues that people of all ages should be made aware of for their particular age. Adults may face certain oral health issues, even if you brush and floss regularly. However, your dentist can help you with these challenges successfully. Some of these challenges are:
1. Gum disease
2. Periodontitis
3. Cavities
4. Sensitivity
5. Crowns

Gum Disease begins as gingivitis, which while in the early stage is treatable and reversible. Symptoms include red, swollen or tender gums that tend to bleed when they are brushed. If you notice any of these symptoms contact your dentist right away, before serious problems develop, because advanced stages of gum disease may lead to tooth loss.

Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is gum disease that has not been treated and is characterized as irreversible bone loss. The health of your gums can affect your overall health. Recent studies have shown a possible link between periodontitis and other diseases such as, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, stroke and a possible link to premature births.

Cavities around existing fillings, also called recurrent decay, and decay on the root surfaces of the teeth become more common as we age, because of the expansion and contraction of filling material and the progression of recession which occurs naturally over time.

Sensitivity can become an increasing problem as one ages. Because your gums naturally recede over time, exposed areas of tooth are not protected by enamel, therefore causing the teeth to become more sensitive. These areas are particularly prone to pain due to hot and cold foods or beverages. In severe cases, cold air as well as sensitivity to sweet and sour drinks and foods, can occur. In some cases sensitivity could be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth, so be sure to see your dentist for any type of sensitivity you may have.

Crowns are used to strengthen damaged teeth. A crown entirely covers, or “caps” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can also be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. Implants and bridges are also used to replace missing teeth. These could also be options for you, but you must visit your dentist for an exam, before determining which option is best for you.

White teeth are also something of a concern for most adults. Thorough cleanings by a dentist or hygienist will remove most external staining caused by coffee, tea, tobacco and certain types of food. Using a whitening toothpaste between dental visits, will help remove these surface stains. However, if stains have been present for years, you may need to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove the more stubborn external stains.
Internal stains due to nerve damage to the tooth, can be bleached, bonded or crowned. While all of these methods is safe and effective, your dentist will recommend which treatment is appropriate for you depending on the state of your teeth and the results that you wish to achieve.

In addition to greatly affecting your overall health, proper nutrition is also necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Eating a well-balanced diet gives your gum tissue and teeth the important nutrients and minerals they need to resist infections and stay strong. In addition, firm, fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables tend to help keep teeth clean and tissue healthy. When you snack, choose foods such as cheese, plain yogurt, fruit or raw vegetables, otherwise, soft, sticky foods tend to remain on the grooves and between teeth, producing more plaque.

The bottom line is that no matter how old you are, the importance of taking care of your teeth never changes. Always be sure to brush twice daily and floss once daily, and visit your dentist on a regular recall program that your dentist or hygienist suggests to help maintain your overall oral health.

Dental Health for your Teenager

2007-03-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Oral Hygiene and Your Teenager:
Teenagers can be tough on their teeth. They may be busy with school, jobs, and other extracurricular activities that it’s difficult to find time to brush. Their inadequate brushing paired with junk food, make it a breeding ground for decay.
Here are a few tips to help your teenager through the years without cavities:
1. Talk to your teenager, and encourage them to take good care of his or her teeth. Because they care a lot about what they look like, they will want to avoid things like stains, bad breath, and missing teeth.
2. Set a good example. If you take care of your teeth, it will reinforce that good oral hygiene is important to you.
3. Buy plenty of oral health care supplies and keep them readily available for your teen to use.
4. Stop buying junk food. Keep lots of fruits and already cut up vegetables around the house for snacking.

Special dental issues for your teenager:
1. Orthodontics or braces- to fix crowded or crooked teeth and poor jaw alignment.
2. Mouthguards- if you play sports, they help to protect against broken teeth, cut lips, and other damage to your mouth.
3. Nutrition-Sugars and starches in many snack foods and drinks support the formation of plaque, which causes tooth decay.
4. Smoking-if you don’t smoke or chew tobacco already, don’t start. Smoking stains your teeth and gums, the tartar buildup and also contributes to bad breath. There is also the risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
5. Oral piercing-causes complications such as infections, uncontrollable bleeding and nerve damage. You can also choke on loose mouth jewelry, and chip or crack your teeth and damge your gums.
6. Eating disorders-bulimia and anorexia are serious disorders that can affect the appearance of teeth by eroding the tooth enamel.
7. Wisdom Teeth (third molars)-impacted can damage nearby teeth or cause infection.
8. Bleaching-some ingredients can irritate gum tissue or cause tooth sensitivity, if not used correctly.
9. Bad breath-caused by improper oral hygiene. Brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly.

No matter what your age, there are some basic steps everyone needs to follow if you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Some people assume they will lose their teeth as they age, but that doesn’t have to happen. Eight steps to keep your mouth and teeth healthy:
1. Understand your own oral-health needs.
2. Commit to a daily oral-health routine
3. Use fluoride
4. Brush and floss to remove plaque
5. Limit high sugar snacks, and eat a balanced diet
6. Quit using tobacco of any kind
7. Examine your mouth regularly
8. Visit your dentist regularly

Dental Care for the Special Needs Child

2007-02-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

Dental Care for the “Special Needs” Child

“Special Needs” is a term in which a staggering array of diagnoses can be wedged. Children with special needs may include having a mild learning disability or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems.

“Special Needs” are commonly defined by what a child can’t do-by unmet milestones, banned foods, avoided activities, and denied experiences. These things hit families hard, and make “special needs” seem like a tragic designation. Some parents will always mourn their child’s lost potential, and many conditions are more troubling over time. Other families may find their child’s challenges make triumphs sweeter, and that weaknesses are often accompanied by amazing strengths.

Most special children have special dental needs. Some special children are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Others require medication or diet detrimental to dental health. Some of the medications that could possibly cause problems are:
1. Clonidine
2. Ritalin
3. Risperdal
4. Valproic Acid
5. Tegretol
6. Prozac
7. ReVia
8. Zyprexa
9. Zoloft

Still, other children have physical difficulty with effective oral habits at home. The good news: dental disease is very preventable. If dental care is started early and followed consistently, every child can have a healthy smile. You can prevent dental problems in your special needs child by attending regular dental checkups.

Preventive dentistry will benefit any child, with regular brushing, flossing, moderate snacking, and adequate fluoride. Homecare takes just a few minutes out of the day and prevents needless dental problems. Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are also very beneficial, and even placing sealants to prevent tooth decay can do a world of difference.

Some children need more support than a gentle, caring, manner to feel comfortable during dental treatment. Restraint or mild sedation may benefit your special child. If a child needs extensive treatment, a pediatric dentist may provide care at a local hospital, and they have extensive education in behavior management, sedation and anesthesia techniques. They will select a technique based on the specific needs of your child, then discuss the benefits, limits, and risks of that technique with you.

Even though new experiences can cause problems for some children with special needs, dental visits don’t need to be a problem, if properly planned. Here are some tips on how to prepare yourself and your child for a dental visit:
1. Be sure to contact the dental office before the first visit.
2. A slow introduction over a period of time will help the patient get used to the unfamiliar surroundings and gain confidence.
3. Ask the dental staff if you can visit the office before the main appointment.
4. Prepare and explain to all concerned about what is going to happen and make sure that they come with someone they who well.
5. Use dental pictures or photos, books, or toys to familiarize that patient before their visit.
6. Discuss previous appointments with the dental staff and let them know of any helpful tips or if it is necessary to put instruments away.

Providing important information to the dentist about what things make your special needs child more sensitive is very important in providing your child with the most comfortable appointment. Some of these things are:
1. If they cannot wait, and must see them promptly.
2. Frightened of strange environments and this may show with unusual or challenging behavior.
3. Loud noises cause distress.
4. Bright lights are disturbing and this influences their behavior.
5. Finds smells, textures or tastes upsetting.
6. Can’t always tell you where they are hurting.
7. May not respond to pain or may respond in an unusual manner.
8. Doesn’t like to be touched, but may touch others.
9. Does not like the dental chair to be laid back.
10. Does not like the dental chair moving.
11. Also, please let us know how the child will be communicating with us. (examples: certain words or hand movements and what they mean)

Some helpful hints in looking after their teeth:
1. Reduce sugar intake-especially between meals
2. Check labels for hidden sugars.
3. Always ask your doctor, dentist or chemist for sugar free medicines when these are required.
4. Don’t give sweets as a reward- use alternatives such as a favorite object or activity.
5. Avoid fizzy drinks and juices and replace with water or milk if possible.
6. Give support for tooth brushing by demonstrating each step and taking each stage, one step at a time.
7. Ask a dental professional for advice about diet and dental health.

2007-01-25T07:05:00.000-08:00

Why are my teeth so yellow?

There are several things that cause teeth to darken, including:
1. Foods/ Drinks
a. Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables (ex. Apples and potatoes)
2. Tobacco
a. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and even smokeless tobacco
3. Poor Dental Hygiene
a. Inadequate brushing and flossing, cause plaque to build up, and stains to adhere to the plaque.
4. Disease
a. Several diseases affect enamel and dentin, and treatment for certain conditions, ex. Head and neck radiation and chemotherapy, and also certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discoloration in the infants by affecting their enamel development.
5. Medications
a. Certain medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, when given to children while their teeth are still developing (before age 8), have been known to discolor teeth.
b. Certain mouthrinses and washes containing chlorhexidine can stain teeth.
c. Antihistamines (such as benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications may also cause tooth discoloration.
6. Dental Materials
a. Some materials used to restore a cavity, such as amalgam, can cast a gray-black color to teeth.
7. Age
a. As you age, the enamel on your teeth gets worn away revealing the more natural yellow color of the dentin that lies beneath.
8. Genetics
a. Some people are just born with naturally whiter and brighter teeth because they have thicker enamel than others.
9. Environment
a. Excessive fluoride from environmental sources (high fluoride in water sources) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements) can also cause tooth discoloration.
10. Trauma
a. Damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children’s teeth, which are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth, by the nerve possibly dying off, it will cause the tooth to turn grayish, because of lack of nutrients to the tooth.

To prevent tooth discoloration, you can change just a few everyday habits. Such as cutting back on the number of cigarettes you may smoke if you are a smoker, or limiting the amount of coffee that you may drink regularly. Also, by just improving your hygiene by brushing and flossing more regularly, you will cut down on the amount of stain adhering to the residual plaque. Another way to nip stain in the bud is by visiting your dental hygienist for regular cleanings and check-ups.

If your teeth appear to be an abnormal color without any explanation, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please make an appointment to see your dentist, and they will be able to assess your current dental condition, along with your medical and dental history to be able to set up a treatment plan for you, to help you to eliminate further stain, and possibly improve the current color of your teeth.

Treatment options vary depending on the type of stain and how bad the stain is, but treatment may include one or a combination of the following.
1. Proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques
2. Avoiding foods and beverages that cause the stain
3. Bonding
4. Veneers
5. Whitening agents
a. At-home
b. In-office
c. Toothpaste

2007-01-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

Diet and Your Oral Health

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/diet.asp

2006-12-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

The link between systemic diseases and your oral health

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/oralsystemic.asp

2006-12-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

Common Mouth Sores: When they are normal, and when you need professional treatment

Common Mouth Sores

There are several different types of mouth sores that are annoying, painful and unsightly. These sores can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections, along with a loose orthodontic wire, ill-fitting denture, or sharp edge of a broken tooth.

Mouth sores can also be symptoms of something more serious, such as a disease or disorder.

Some common types of sores include:
1. Canker sores
2. Cold Sores
3. Leukoplakia
4. Candidiasis

Canker Sores:

Appearance:
Small, white or gray base, with a red border.
Non-contagious
Cause is uncertain, but may be:
Immune system problems
Bacteria
Viruses
Fatigue
Stress
Allergies
Cut-inside the mouth
Burns-from hot foods
Intestinal problems, such as:
Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Treatment:
Heal on their own after a week or two
Over-the-counter topical anesthetics
Antimicrobial mouthrinses
Avoiding hot, spicy or acidic foods
If secondary infection is present- antibiotics and oral bandages

Cold Sores (Fever blisters or Herpes Simplex)

Appearance:
Painful, fluid filled blisters
Seen around the lips, under the nose or around the chin.
Very contagious

Causes:
Once a person is infected, the virus lies dormant in the body and causes attacks when followed by:
Fever
Sunburn
Skin abrasions
Emotional upset
Treatment:
Usually heal in a week by themselves
Over-the-counter topical anesthetics
Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce the number of infections

Leukoplakia-(can progress to cancer)

Appearance:
Thick, whitish-color patch on the inside if the cheeks, gum or tongue.
Cause:
Excess cell growth-common in tobacco users
Ill-fitting dentures
Smokeless tobacco
Treatment:
Examination of the lesion by your dentist, a biopsy, and a plan
Removing the factors that contribute to the lesion, such as:
Tobacco
Replacing ill-fitting dentures or bridges

Candidiasis-(fungal infection also known as thrush)

Appearance:
White patches-common in denture wearers
Cause:
Immune system problems
Dry mouth
Affects the very young and elderly
Antibiotics
Treatment:
Good oral hygiene
Clean dentures
Saliva substitutes
Prescription medications, when incurable or unavoidable.

As with any mouth sore, if the sore has not healed with a 1-2 week window, call your dentist and have an examination, because it may appear to be something normal, when in actuality it may need professional treatment.

2006-11-21T12:27:00.000-08:00

Dental Lasers:
How they work and what they are used for.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=15464563

2006-11-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath-Causes and treatments

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath.asp

2006-10-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Tips on How to Find a Dentist

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tips.asp

2006-10-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

Questions to Ask before your Child goes under Anesthesia

http://www.ada.org/public/index.asp

2006-10-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Dental Emergency First Aid For Your Children

What to do when your child has a:

1. Toothache
· Rinse out their mouth with warm salt water, and floss to remove any trapped food debris.
· Give them Children’s Tylenol or Ibuprofen, or use and ice pack for 20 minutes.
· Do not use direct heat to the gum or tooth because it could possibly burn the tissue.

2. Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
· Have them rinse with warm water to clean their gums.
· Do not try to insert the tooth back into the gum-this could interfere with the erupting permanent tooth.
· Have them bite down on clean gauze or a wet tea bag to stop bleeding and reduce swelling.

3. Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
· Handle the tooth by the tip-not the root.
· If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with tap water-do not scrub.
· Reinsert the tooth into the gum, and have your child hold it in place, or bite on clean gauze.
· If you can not reinsert the tooth, place it in cool milk, so that it doesn’t dry out.

4. Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
· Have them rinse with water.
· Apply ice to the injured area.
· If their mouth is bleeding, apply firm pressure with clean gauze.

When to Call Your Dentist:
· If the pain from a toothache is constant for 1 day or two, they have a fever, or having trouble breathing or swallowing.
· Have an exam or check-up, if they have lost a baby tooth prematurely. Damaged baby teeth can cause problems for permanent teeth.

When to Go to the Emergency Room:
· Immediately- if your permanent tooth has been knocked out. Time is of the essence when trying to save a tooth.
· Or if bleeding doesn’t subside after a cut in 15 minutes, or bleeding is uncontrollable even with pressure.

To better prepare for a dental emergency, you should keep an emergency kit on hand, with the following items in it:
· Gauze- to control bleeding.
· Small Container- to transport a tooth if one is knocked out.
· Ice pack- for swelling.
· Pain reliever
· Dental Floss- to remove impacted food debris.
· Dentist’s phone number
· Dental wax-for sharp wires on braces.
· Salt-for salt water rinse.