Saturday, June 13, 2015

General anesthesia affects intelligence and language development

 


images


Growth and development of infants and young children makes the cornerstone of his/her future personality. Conditions provided in the childhood and treatment procedures employed for the remedy of various health disorders have strong impact on neurological, psychological and physical development of children. Least invasive oral and dental treatment procedures with minimal mental and physical stress should be the mainstay of diseases management. Specialist pediatric care should be provided keeping in mind all the side effects of minor and major surgical procedures. Prevention of the disease process through mother education and reinforcement of oral hygiene measures remains the mainstay of management plan.


General anesthesia is often considered to be part of overall management of oral disorders in uncooperative and phobic children. No doubt general anesthesia provides comfort and unimpeded field of operation to the dental and oral health care professional but it has severe side effects on the physical, intelligence and language development of the infants and small children. It has been established through evidence based studies that children below four years of age who went under general anesthesia for treatment procedures have suffered brain damage leading to cognitive and language impairment in their adulthood. Such persons cannot perform up to the mark in their fields of occupation. It is recommended to avoid general anesthesia in infants and small children at all costs unless deemed extremely necessary.


In past research, Dr. Loepke and colleagues found that general anesthesia led to nerve cell death and cognitive impairment in mice and rats, which sparked concern about how general anesthesia may impact the human brain in early life – a crucial neurodevelopmental period.


As such, the team set out to assess how general anesthesia given to children undergoing surgery before the age of 4 years may affect brain structure, IQ and language development.


“The ultimate goal of our laboratory and clinical research is to improve safety and outcomes in young children who have no choice but to undergo surgery with anesthesia to treat their serious health concerns,” says Dr. Loepke.


Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to analyze the children’s brain structures, and the children were also required to complete IQ and language development tests, including the Oral and Written Language Scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale.


These findings remained after accounting for potential confounding factors, including children’s age, gender, socioeconomic status, left or right handedness, the type of surgery performed and the length of exposure to anesthetics.


According to the researchers, the lower IQ scores identified among children who received general anesthesia for surgery is the equivalent to a potential loss of around a 5-6 IQ points.


http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/294966.php



General anesthesia affects intelligence and language development

Monday, June 8, 2015

Your tooth brush needs clean environment

 


download (19)


Brushing your teeth with an appropriate soft bristled tooth brush and dentist recommended tooth paste is the basic component of oral hygiene maintenance. It has been emphasized that maintenance of tooth brush hygiene is also essential to achieve the required goals. Your tooth brush should be clean and bristles should be in good shape. Contaminated tooth brushes with worn off bristles will provide more harm than doing any good to your teeth. do not keep your tooth brushes moist all the time in washrooms otherwise these will allow the growth and inhabitation of microorganisms. Recently various studies have shown fecal matter contamination of tooth brush bristles in bathrooms shared by multiple folks.


These studies have been done on hostel set ups where most often more than a dozen students share a washroom. In addition to the problem of fecal matter contaminated tooth brushes, it has been found that fecal matter of other individuals on your toothbrushes encourage the growth of microorganisms foreign to your body. Such change in flora can have adverse effects. Keeping your tooth brush clean is the key to combat dental and oral diseases. It is better to change the tooth brushes frequently to prevent such occurrences. Do not leave your tooth brush for longer periods of time in hostel washrooms. Keep the bristles dry and in an upright position away from other people’s tooth brushes.


Talk to health experts and other people like you in WebMD’s Communities. It’s a safe forum where you can create or participate in support groups and discussions about health topics that interest you.


The researchers analyzed toothbrushes from Quinnipiac students who used communal bathrooms with an average of more than nine users per bathroom.


Regardless of the students’ toothbrush storage methods, at least 60 percent of the toothbrushes were contaminated with fecal matter, the investigators found.


“The main concern is not with the presence of your own fecal matter on your toothbrush, but rather when a toothbrush is contaminated with fecal matter from someone else, which contains bacteria, viruses or parasites that are not part of your normal flora [microbes],” study author Lauren Aber of Quinnipiac University, said in a society news release.


In addition, “using a toothbrush cover doesn’t protect a toothbrush from bacterial growth, but actually creates an environment where bacteria are better suited to grow by keeping the bristles moist and not allowing the head of the toothbrush to dry out between uses,” Aber explained.


http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20150604/sharing-a-bathroom-with-many-others-your-toothbrush-likely-has-fecal-matter



Your tooth brush needs clean environment

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Make your smile lively and attractive

 


aa


Extra white teeth are not always suggestive of a lively and attractive smile. Enhancement of your facial profile requires a natural smile which involves clean teeth having a color matching with the sclera of your eyes essentially and color of skin tissues generally. Too white or too dark teeth can have a disastrous effect on overall looks and fake smile impression is perceived. Complex teeth whitening procedures have been developed with the advancements in dental sciences and these have their importance when deep internal tooth staining occurs. However, external stains can be prevented and removed with simple home whitening products provided you have the knowledge of such daily items.


Coconut oil has been found to be very effective in preventing the deposition of stain causing chemicals on tooth surfaces. Swishing coconut oil can also remove simple stains. Baking soda is another product which is also used in various teeth whitening mouth washes. Strawberries look red but they can provide sparkling teeth. Cheese has been found to be effective as well. Rinse your mouth with water preferably warm salt water soon after you take tea, coffee or wine. An electric tooth brush can remove extrinsic tooth stains more efficiently than a manual tooth brush. Drinking milk and eating popcorn can help in giving you an attractive smile


For many, dubbed ‘bleachorexics’, tooth-whitening has become an integral part of the beauty routine, like colouring hair or waxing legs.


According to experts in the dental industry watching what you eat and drink and how you brush can make all the difference to the wattage of that winning smile.


For instance, despite their bright red colour, strawberries go a long way to keeping teeth white, as does popcorn.


Time to move your baking soda from your kitchen cupboard to your bathroom cabinet. The fine powder, which is found in lots of toothpastes, is a natural teeth whitener.


Salt water not only helps whiten your teeth naturally, it also helps maintain healthy gums. ‘Salt is a natural antibacterial working by attacking bacterial cell walls,’ explains Dr Marques.


Coffee and balsamic vinegar are also best avoided and white wine is better than red. But Dr Peta Leigh, whitening specialist at Elleven Dental in central London says: ‘If you do want to treat yourself to red wine, drink a glass of water after. This will help minimise staining.’


‘Electric toothbrushes can remove up to 70 per cent more plaque than manual brushes because they vibrate or rotate in a more efficient and effective manner than manual brushing alone,’ says Dr Marques.


Cheese is another great naturally cleansing food that can strengthen the teeth. Dr Marques explains: ‘Cheese contains calcium and also has a cleansing surface structure – especially hard cheese like cheddar.’


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3111225/Swill-coconut-oil-smear-Vaseline-ditch-takeaways-20-surprising-ways-whiter-teeth-revealed.html



Make your smile lively and attractive

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

How can you maintain clean white teeth?

 


download (16)


Dental health has been an area of prime importance for the overall health maintenance of an individual. Keeping your mouth clean prevents the occurrence of serious disorders in various body organs and systems. Microorganisms responsible for cardiovascular, neurological, liver, kidney and blood disorders get entry into the human body through the oral cavity. Inadequate oral hygiene maintenance can result in social embarrassment in the form of foul smelling mouth as well. Whiter and brighter teeth help in the enhancement of your smile. Clean teeth provide you healthy and confident lifestyle.


Twice daily tooth brushing with the help of properly selected tooth brush and tooth paste is the first factor involved in achieving good oral hygiene care. Tooth brushing should take at least 4-5 minutes of your time and involves thorough removal of food particles and dental plaque layer from tooth surfaces. Regular use of dental floss between the contact points of teeth is beneficial. Refined carbohydrates should be avoided in addition to lowering the frequency of inter meal snacks. Mouth rinsing and use of mouth wash are useful


Brush your teeth before you have breakfast and, if you want to ensure that sugar, acid or debris isn’t left in your mouth after a meal, simply drink a glass of water or chew sugar-free gum to restore your dental pH levels.


Spend two minutes twice a day on the task. Brush your teeth systematically, working your way from one corner of the mouth to the other, making sure you brush all the surfaces. Use just a smear of toothpaste and don’t brush too hard. Tickle the teeth and gums – that’s all the pressure you need. Don’t rinse with water at all – just spit out what’s left in your mouth. By not rinsing, the fluoride stays in your mouth longer and continues to do its job. 3. Live longer


Clinical trials have proved that gum disease affects our overall health. Twenty billion bacteria live in our mouths. Tooth and gum infection causes inflammation that spreads through our body, which is bad for our hearts, brains and blood vessels. So the big headline is: if you look after your teeth you will live longer. Non-smokers are ten times less likely to suffer from gum disease.


One in four of us suffer regularly from bad breath. Bacteria are responsible for halitosis, when our mouths dry out. Mother Nature’s mouthwash is just as effective as shop-bought remedies. Drink water or eat fibrous vegetables with a high water content, like cucumber, celery and carrots.


Watch out for hidden sugars and acids and try to alter your diet to reduce them. Substitute porridge for sugary cereals, for example, or eat an orange instead of drinking a glass of orange juice. Likewise, drink peppermint tea instead of a red berry fruit tea, which is very high in acid. And avoid lemon alcopops, which have the same acidity levels as stomach acid.


 



How can you maintain clean white teeth?

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Answering concerns regarding dental amalgam fillings

 


Dental amalgam has been documented to be one of the most commonly used dental materials for restoration of decayed and carious teeth. It has greater strength as compared to other filling materials and has the convenience of easy manipulation for the dental professional during the operative procedure in the patient’s mouth. Dental amalgam has provides adequate mixing and working time to the dental assistants as well. Millions of people around the globe have silver dental amalgam fillings in their mouth for the last many decades. People are satisfied with the longevity and function of the silver dental amalgam restorations.


Few concerns have been raised in the past regarding dental amalgam restorations and the material went through serious controversy and criticism. Nevertheless still many dentists use amalgam material and patients do not hesitate from getting amalgam fillings. The major concern people raise about dental amalgam is its mercury content. Mercury is a known poison which is considered more harmful than arsenic. Mercury fillings in the oral cavity can cause serious damage such as neurological, respiratory and cardiac problems. Mercury fumes in the environment of dental clinics can be hazardous.


Another major concern about mercury is its silver or blackish silver color which gives an unaesthetic appearance to your smile. people now prefer the newly developed tooth colored fillings in their oral cavity. Dental composites with good mechanical properties have largely replaced dental amalgam fillings in the recent era. In spite of all the above mentioned problems, dentists still prefer doing amalgam fillings in areas subjected to high mastication forces and consider it perfectly safe for the human body


Some metro Atlantans strongly believe that the mercury fillings most people got as children could be making them sick.


As many as 180 million Americans have more than a half billion teeth restored with fillings made with mercury.


“Mercury is extremely toxic,” McKenzie said. “It’s more poisonous than arsenic. And you’re putting it in patients’ mouths.


McKenzie said the mercury readings in her 20-year-old patient’s mouth were enough to shut down a school. That patient, Elizabeth Tlapapan, wanted to get rid of the brain fog and headaches that had plagued her for year.


The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) took five years to consider conflicting research on the issue. In January, the agency denied petitions to ban mercury or declare it a high-risk device. The American Dental Association (ADA) also has defended the fillings as having “established a record of safety and effectiveness.”


http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/2-investigates-are-fillings-your-mouth-toxic/nmJXk/



Answering concerns regarding dental amalgam fillings

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Frequently asked questions about tooth extraction

 


images (32)


Modern dental approach involves restoration of decayed and damaged teeth by all means. Preventive dentistry has been considered as the mainstay of dental management. Dental health professionals focus upon saving the decayed and carious teeth through the provision of dental restorations and root canal treatment procedures. Removal of teeth is only indicated when all other possible options are not possible. Dental extraction can be the treatment option in severely damaged teeth, broken down un-restorable cases, severe tooth rotations, teeth in line of radiotherapy or during chemotherapy of cancers and as part of an overall orthodontic treatment planning.


Dental extractions need thorough evaluation through complete history taking and comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination. Pre-medication is often required for medically compromised patients. Profound local anesthesia is essential for carrying out the whole procedure. Minimal discomfort and trauma remains the goal of simple as well as complex teeth extraction procedures. However, certain complications often occur irrespective of the care and treatment planning of the stepwise procedure. Common complications of teeth removal include dry socket, damage to adjacent teeth, bone fractures, loss of sensation or paresthesia and infection.


Also called exodontia or tooth-pulling, dental extraction is the process of completely removing a tooth from its socket. Tooth extractions are performed as a last resort when a tooth is too badly damaged to be saved by other types of dental treatment. A simple extraction refers to the removal of a tooth that is visible in the mouth. Surgical extractions are performed on teeth that are buried beneath gum tissues, such as impacted wisdom teeth. In some cases, teeth are removed to resolve crowding issues.


Before a dental extraction, your dentist will record your medical history carefully. You may receive antibiotics if you have a heart murmur, weak immune system, or infection is likely. You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss anesthesia and sedation options such as local anesthetic injection, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia.


Dry socket occurs when no blood clot forms in the socket or a formed one becomes dislodged. The absence of the clot exposes sensitive nerves and bone to air. The condition is painful, but it is easily treated with a medicated dressing.


http://www.lakewoodranchdentalcare.com/blog/pulling-teeth-extraction-risk-recovery-and-cost/



Frequently asked questions about tooth extraction

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Root canal treatment can be a great success now !

1........


Root canal treatment is indicated for those damaged teeth in which the caries process has involved the vital living portion residing within the root canal system. The vital portion of the tooth containing the blood and nerve supply is known as dental pulp. Once the pulp becomes inflamed and diseased, it is not possible to save the teeth through simple filling procedures. Root canal treatment involves making a pathway to reach the diseased dental pulp tissue followed by its complete extirpation, thorough cleaning and shaping of the canal spaces and compact filling to make a hermetic seal to prevent leakage and ingress of infectious agents in future.


This is an extremely specialized procedure as the whole treatment is carried out in a small closed chamber of the tooth. An unimpeded and straight line path within the root canals is the key to perform state of the art root canal procedure. Modern science of endodontics has evolved various techniques and instruments to achieve the required outcomes. Specially designed files and armamentarium are used by highly skilled and trained clinicians for patient’s benefit. Cleaning and irrigation solutions help through the procedure by actively removing the dead and necrotic tissues. Intra canal medicaments are placed during visits to disinfect the space. The following article helps the patients to understand the science of endodontics and provides the clinicians various tips to perform a comprehensive root canal therapy procedure.



Following on from the preparation of an access cavity that allows good straight line access to all of the canals, the next stage is to clean and shape the canals.


It is important to scout the canal initially with a pre-curved #10K file to check canal patency and to ‘get a feel for the canal’. This physical feedback then allows the clinician to assess how to proceed with canal preparation. I always curve the tip of the file to ease the passage down the canal. Canals are almost always curved to some degree, and curved files will find their way more easily down curved canals. The endodontic glide path is a smooth tunnel from canal orifice to canal terminus, which allows the preparation instruments to follow the natural path of the canal. If the #10 file glides easily straight to length, very little work needs to be done to secure a glide path.


It must be remembered that canal shaping is not an end in itself. The shaping of the canal is carried out to allow delivery of the chemical cleaning agent to remove necrotic debris and kill bacteria. It is essential to constantly irrigate the canal from the start and throughout preparation using sodium hypochlorite in a side vented, 27 or 30 gauge endodontic syringe. This is especially important to remember when using file systems that shorten preparation time. Unless you constantly and copiously irrigate, you can prepare a beautifully tapered canal but without removing the bacteria and necrotic debris the treatment has a much lower chance of success.


http://www.dentistry.co.uk/2014/12/11/top-tips-endodontics-2/


 



Root canal treatment can be a great success now !

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Increased consumption of acidic drinks causes dental erosion

 


images (18)


A large number of patients visiting the dental health care centers present with dental erosion. Increased incidence of eroded and worn teeth can be the result of overwhelming consumption of acidic drinks and beverages in the modern world. Our social gatherings, meetings, family functions and meals are accompanied by cola drinks and lemon juices. Furthermore, weight conscious folks suck on lemons and continuously intake lemon water to reduce weight and combat obesity. These habits result in increased solubility and softness of outer hard enamel surface of our teeth.


Demineralization of enamel is extremely harmful as enamel does not exhibit the ability to repair or replace itself following trauma or damage. Prevention of enamel loss is the key to long life of your teeth. Enamel loss owing to dental erosion exposes the underlying dentin. Exposure of dentin causes sensitivity, discomfort and pain deteriorating the quality of life of the affected individuals. Dietary modification is necessary to prevent erosion of enamel. Use of milk instead of lemon juice has shown decreased occurrence of dental erosion. Increase intake of water after consumption of lemon products to neutralize the harmful effects. This article gives an insight into the etiology and prevention of dental erosion.


The enamel on the tooth becomes softer and loses mineral content when we eat or drink anything acidic. However, this acidity is cancelled out by saliva, which slowly restores the natural balance within the mouth. But if the mouth is not given enough time to repair itself – because these acid attacks are happening too often – the surface of the teeth is worn away.


Anything with a pH value (the measure of acidity) lower than 5.5 can damage the teeth. Diet and regular sodas, carbonated drinks, flavored fizzy waters, sports drinks, fruit and fruit juices are all known to be harmful to teeth if they are consumed too often.


The study finds that a substantial proportion of adults show some evidence of dental erosion, with the most severe cases being among people who drink sugary soft drinks and fruit juices.


“Water and milk are the best choices by far, not only for the good of our oral health but our overall health too,” says Dr. Carter. “Remember, it is how often we have sugary foods and drinks that causes the problem so it is important that we try and reduce the frequency of consumption.”


“Dental erosion does not always need to be treated. With regular check-ups and advice your dental team can prevent the problem getting any worse and the erosion going any further. The more severe cases of tooth wear can often result in invasive and costly treatment so it is important that we keep to a good oral hygiene routine to make sure these future problems do not arise.”


http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/293727.php



Increased consumption of acidic drinks causes dental erosion

Increased consumption of acidic drinks causes dental erosion

 


images (18)


A large number of patients visiting the dental health care centers present with dental erosion. Increased incidence of eroded and worn teeth can be the result of overwhelming consumption of acidic drinks and beverages in the modern world. Our social gatherings, meetings, family functions and meals are accompanied by cola drinks and lemon juices. Furthermore, weight conscious folks suck on lemons and continuously intake lemon water to reduce weight and combat obesity. These habits result in increased solubility and softness of outer hard enamel surface of our teeth.


Demineralization of enamel is extremely harmful as enamel does not exhibit the ability to repair or replace itself following trauma or damage. Prevention of enamel loss is the key to long life of your teeth. Enamel loss owing to dental erosion exposes the underlying dentin. Exposure of dentin causes sensitivity, discomfort and pain deteriorating the quality of life of the affected individuals. Dietary modification is necessary to prevent erosion of enamel. Use of milk instead of lemon juice has shown decreased occurrence of dental erosion. Increase intake of water after consumption of lemon products to neutralize the harmful effects. This article gives an insight into the etiology and prevention of dental erosion.


The enamel on the tooth becomes softer and loses mineral content when we eat or drink anything acidic. However, this acidity is cancelled out by saliva, which slowly restores the natural balance within the mouth. But if the mouth is not given enough time to repair itself – because these acid attacks are happening too often – the surface of the teeth is worn away.


Anything with a pH value (the measure of acidity) lower than 5.5 can damage the teeth. Diet and regular sodas, carbonated drinks, flavored fizzy waters, sports drinks, fruit and fruit juices are all known to be harmful to teeth if they are consumed too often.


The study finds that a substantial proportion of adults show some evidence of dental erosion, with the most severe cases being among people who drink sugary soft drinks and fruit juices.


“Water and milk are the best choices by far, not only for the good of our oral health but our overall health too,” says Dr. Carter. “Remember, it is how often we have sugary foods and drinks that causes the problem so it is important that we try and reduce the frequency of consumption.”


“Dental erosion does not always need to be treated. With regular check-ups and advice your dental team can prevent the problem getting any worse and the erosion going any further. The more severe cases of tooth wear can often result in invasive and costly treatment so it is important that we keep to a good oral hygiene routine to make sure these future problems do not arise.”


http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/293727.php



Increased consumption of acidic drinks causes dental erosion

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Betel nut chewing is a major risk factor for oral cancer (VIDEO)

images


Oral cancer is among the debilitating conditions worsening the quality of an individual’s life. Oral cancer metastasizes to several organs in the human body and is associated with high mortality rate. Cigarette and pipe smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel nut chewing are the major risk factors for the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Betel nut is consumed wrapped in betel leaves and produces histological changes in the oral soft tissues. Betel nut chewing is also a major cause of oral tissue scarring and oral sub mucous fibrosis.


In addition to the development of cancer of the mouth, betel nut chewing causes exacerbation of asthma and respiratory disorders, hypertension and cardiac manifestations. It has been associated with higher blood sugar levels leading to occurrence of type II diabetes mellitus. The following video describes the role of betel nut chewing in the development of mouth cancer.  


Do you know that consumption of betel nuts can cause oral cancer? Perhaps not! But doctors say it does and the cases of oral cancers are rising day by day. The deadly habit of taking betel nuts with betel leaves or chewing them raw is followed overBeware, chewers: Betel nut may cause cancer (VIDEO)


thumbnail courtesy of thedailystar.net



Betel nut chewing is a major risk factor for oral cancer (VIDEO)

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Lead fillings, Chlorine and Tang

Why do astronauts get all the good words, like space shuttle and EVA (extra-vehicular activity or spacewalk) and Tang? Did I say Tang? Yes indeed. And I got stuck with words like gums and molars and amalgam.dental-amalgam-capsules


I mention Tang because amalgam filling material was first used in the T’ang dynasty in China around the 700’s a.d. and first introduced to the U.S. in 1833. Some people still refer to it as “lead fillings” because of the color it turns when it corrodes. Amalgam is made of 50% mercury and a 50% powder mix comprised of silver, tin and copper. All of those metals are necessary to make amalgam do what it does, turning from a gel when first mixed to a hard alloy after several hours.


Table salt also known as sodium chloride is required by the human body. But if we were to break sodium chloride down into its 2 components the metal sodium could burn holes through us just by touching it and the chlorine gas would kill us if we breathe it. In like manner it is the mercury in the amalgam filling which has always caused our health concerns. The American Dental Association has stated that mercury is of no health concern when it is combined with the other metals in a filling. What they fail to state is that not all the mercury in a filling combines completely with the other metals. There are always small wells of pure mercury spread throughout the hardened filling. Is there enough elemental mercury there to cause health problems? Now there is the million dollar question.


White composite fillings are successful because of the bonding process to make them physically attach to the tooth structure. Amalgams, on the other hand, are held in the cavity preparation by physical undercuts in the tooth. On a microscopic level the space that remains between the hardened amalgam and the prepared cavity is wide enough for the bacteria that causes tooth decay to walk side by side hand in hand (assuming bacteria have hands). The only reason cavities don’t occur immediately is that the black corrosion product of the tin/mercury alloy (called gamma 2) is anti-cariogenic – it inhibits tooth decay. The bad side effect of the gamma 2 is that it also contributes to a faster breakdown of the amalgam. So if you have old black corroded amalgams, be happy and sad at the same time. Because your teeth with those old fillings are more protected than the ones with the shiny silver. Although for not as long.



Lead fillings, Chlorine and Tang

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Common dental myths

image_thumb


Myths and false concepts about various things become traditional in societies especially when old people teach their siblings about these ideas. Fallacies regarding food stuff are widespread and educated people also believe in them. Likewise, dental myths exist among common folks. Some people have concrete belief that a hard tooth brush is the only solution to maintain white and bright teeth. They will never use a medium consistency or soft consistency brush. People often believe they should always use a whitening tooth paste.


Some folks always use an aspirin tablet in conjunction with tooth brushing and find it beneficial. They advise others to do this. Ice chewing can be harmful but not in all cases. However, some believers find it always damaging to teeth. an important dental myth regarding restoration of teeth is that once you get a tooth filling, you will need to replace it regularly. These people preach others to avoid getting a tooth filling. The following article focuses upon a discussion regarding common dental myths and stories.


Believing these myths about dental hygiene could be harmful for your teeth.


“We see a lot of people that you know bite down on things they shouldn’t,” Dr. Lieberman said. “We see people who really do open up beer bottles with their teeth.”


 


Dentist Larry Lieberman says most of us will eventually have a dental problem.


“Periodontal disease affects over 85% of the population. That’s a really big deal,” he said


However, dentists are seeing an increase in cavities in older adults due to medications that dry out the mouth. They reduce saliva, which protects the teeth.


One way to avoid being part of that statistic: don’t believe teeth myths.


http://www.king5.com/story/news/health/2015/04/23/dental-myths/26137079/


 


 



Common dental myths

Common dental myths

image_thumb


Myths and false concepts about various things become traditional in societies especially when old people teach their siblings about these ideas. Fallacies regarding food stuff are widespread and educated people also believe in them. Likewise, dental myths exist among common folks. Some people have concrete belief that a hard tooth brush is the only solution to maintain white and bright teeth. They will never use a medium consistency or soft consistency brush. People often believe they should always use a whitening tooth paste.


Some folks always use an aspirin tablet in conjunction with tooth brushing and find it beneficial. They advise others to do this. Ice chewing can be harmful but not in all cases. However, some believers find it always damaging to teeth. an important dental myth regarding restoration of teeth is that once you get a tooth filling, you will need to replace it regularly. These people preach others to avoid getting a tooth filling. The following article focuses upon a discussion regarding common dental myths and stories.



Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about


Believing these myths about dental hygiene could be harmful for your teeth.


A link has been sent to your friend’s email address.


A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.


To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs


Jean Enersen reports.


Dentist Larry Lieberman says most of us will eventually have a dental problem.


“Periodontal disease affects over 85% of the population. That’s a really big deal,” he said


One way to avoid being part of that statistic: don’t believe teeth myths.


http://www.king5.com/story/news/health/2015/04/23/dental-myths/26137079/



Common dental myths

Common dental myths

image_thumb


Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about


Believing these myths about dental hygiene could be harmful for your teeth.


A link has been sent to your friend’s email address.


A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.


To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs


Jean Enersen reports.


Dentist Larry Lieberman says most of us will eventually have a dental problem.


“Periodontal disease affects over 85% of the population. That’s a really big deal,” he said


One way to avoid being part of that statistic: don’t believe teeth myths.



Common dental myths

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Water fluoridation can cause splotchy spots on teeth


Fluoride strengthens the natural tooth structure against microorganisms and acids prone to cause cavities and tooth erosion. Water fluoridation is considered one of the best methods for provision of optimum fluoride quantity to the community. Water fluoridation is an effective method to prevent development of dental decay and cavities in children as well as adults. However, easy access to fluorides through the use of fluoridated tooth pastes, mouth washes, mouth rinses, fluoride varnishes and tablets have resulted in manifestations of fluoride excess especially in children of growing age.


Fluoride excess results in the formation of whitish or brownish splotchy spots on the surface of teeth. This process is known as dental fluorosis or mottling of tooth enamel. It affects the smile of an individual. Furthermore, excess fluoride weakens the tooth structure. It is now recommended to check the fluoride level of water supply of the area where an individual lives prior to prescribing a fluoride varnish or mouth rinse. Dental health care professionals should remain cautious while prescribing fluoride containing dentifrices to infants and small children. The following article gives an insight into the effects of water fluoridation in USA.


Opponents argue its health effects aren’t completely understood and that adding … said Kathleen O’Loughlin, the American Dental Association’s executive director, who joined Lushniak in Monday’s announcement. Lushniak added: “It is the best method forUS lowers fluoride in water; too much is causing splotchy teeth


thumbnail courtesy of kshb.com



Water fluoridation can cause splotchy spots on teeth

Natural Means to whiten your teeth at home


Modern era constitutes an environment of stress and competition. People work hard and work late on a working day. Presentations and work performances need perfection and alertness which no doubt comes at a cost. Consumption of tea, wine, beverages and smoking are increasing in proportion to the amount of stress one puts to work. These habits can affect your teeth in the form of staining and discoloration and people notice each and everything during your presentations. A beautiful, lively and brighter smile matters a lot whether you are at work or looking for a life partner. No one gets time or affords the cost of professional tooth whitening measures and over the counter chemicals can have adverse affects. It is best if you can arrange time out of your busy schedule for professional dental help in this regard but we would like to help you while you are at home or work.


 Natural ways of whitening your teeth most often help when stains are external due to coffee, tea, smoking and beverage consumption. Inner surface of banana peel when applied on your teeth followed by brushing can produce whiter teeth. A combination of baking soda and lemon juice can remove extrinsic tooth stains. However, their use must not be frequent as they can erode your teeth. A novel use of coconut oil known as the oil pulling technique can help your teeth and gums. Swishing your mouth with coconut oil for 20 minutes not only cleans your teeth and gums but it also helps in detoxification of body and relieving headaches. Strawberries contain citric acid and it helps in the removal of extrinsic stains. Half a tea spoon of apple cider and cheese snacks can also produce brighter teeth. Cheese can also be used following an acidic drink to prevent tooth erosion.


Like clear skin and shiny hair, our teeth can be a signal of health and youth, while playing a huge role overall attractiveness—71% of single women and 58% of single men cited straight, white teeth as the most important trait in a potential partnerHow to Whiten Your Teeth Using Stuff You Already Have


thumbnail courtesy of stylecaster.com



Natural Means to whiten your teeth at home

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Goldfish and FBI

Importance of brushing and flossing


All new dental graduates know that, as a result of our recently acquired dental education, we are going to cure the entire world of all the dental disease that exists. We learned that the most common disease known to mankind is gum disease yet, even though it has existed since the dawn of time, we are going to wave our magic wand and in one fell swoop put ourselves out of business because we have cured completely what we attack on a daily basis.


Years ago I wrote a blog before blogs existed (or even before Al Gore invented the internet) on, what else, dental subjects. Most dentists are teachers to some extent and I am no different, in fact, many of you know I don’t know how to stop talking and putting in my two cents worth on whatever subject that is being discussed. The title of my quarterly blog (or at that time it was called a “Newsletter”) was “… and Nothing But the Tooth.” Today Jennifer and I were discussing some of the things I try to instill in my patients to help them improve their dental hygiene because, believe it or not, I sometimes even dream that I have found the cure for all sorts of oral decay and I want to share what I have learned with others.


So here we go with my blogletter. If I begin to ramble let me know. Hopefully the subjects will be of some interest to you and will perhaps be a help in your daily routine. To most people any dental topic can be quite boring and could even bring a gold fish to tears. The gold fish has an attention span of less than 6 seconds, which is why it doesn’t die of boredom swimming around and around and around in a small fish bowl. What I write will be longer than 6 seconds but then again hopefully we have evolved beyond the gold fish.


FBI No I am NOT referring to them. It stands for Floss, Brush and Irrigate.


Flossing is not done to clean off the plaque that may still be on the teeth after you brush. It is done after brushing to clean off the areas in between the teeth and to loosen the plaque that is there before brushing. Then the fluoride in the toothpaste used while brushing will be absorbed into the tooth structure that has been flossed, protecting it even more from tooth decay and perhaps even reversing the decay process in some instances. Finally irrigating with a Waterpik at the end will clean the areas of the teeth which may not be cleanable with floss due to the shape of some teeth. Additionally I recommend putting 4-5 squirts of fluoride gel, such as Gingimed into the water tank when irrigating. That fluoride blown into the spaces between the teeth and below the margin of the gums is toxic to the bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease and helps significantly in your overall oral health.


So FBI in that order.


If you have any things you would like to see addressed here call my office or let us know next time you’re in.


Dr. B



Goldfish and FBI

Test Post from Dentist Gilbert | Cosmetic & Dental Implants

Test Post from Dentist Gilbert | Cosmetic & Dental Implants http://www.drbraegger.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Smiles Are Contagious

Smiles are Contagious Smiles are Contagious


A Patient send this to us, and we wanted to share it with YOU!


Dr Michael K Braegger DMD


3327 E. Baseline Rd.


Gilbert, AZ 85234


(480) 497-0226


www.braegger.com


 



Smiles Are Contagious

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

ADA Foundation awards 19 grants

The ADA Foundation awarded more than $167,000 in 2014 to 19 organizations in its new ADAF Semi-annual Grant Program.


Nonprofit organizations whose work falls under the ADA Foundation’s education pillar may apply for a Semi-annual Grant by Jan. 30, 2015.


The ADAF established the ADAF Semi-annual Grant Program in 2014 to support nonprofit dental organizations whose projects fall outside the realm of established ADAF grant opportunities and whose programs fall under one of the ADAF’s four mission pillar areas: charitable assistance, access to care, research and education.

 


The Semi-annual Grant application, and information about other grant programs, is available at adafoundation.org by clicking “How to Apply.” Read The Original Article



ADA Foundation awards 19 grants

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Dancing for dental care



Careful stepper: Dr. Paul Serrano of Phoenix and his flamenco partner Yumi La Rosa, perform at the Dance for Dental event to benefit the Arizona Community Dental Clinic in Phoenix. The clinic provides low-cost dental care to seniors, individuals with special needs and working poor families. Several dentists danced at the event Oct. 16, which raised $28,000. Watch a video from the event at YouTube/2SGY3xKsDQk.

Read The Original Article



Dancing for dental care

Saturday, January 10, 2015

ADA Foundation recap reveals great successes in 2014



Outreach honored: Indiana University dental students won the 2013 E. “Bud” Tarrson Dental School Student Leadership Award to support their student clinic. The  award was one of many ADA Foundation programs supported by $1,371,463 in grants, scholarships, and awards for that year.

A look back can sharpen perspective and offer valuable insight. By key measures, a recount of the last year by the ADA Foundation revealed plenty of good news.

    

For one, in approaching its mission to promote oral health as embodied in the acronym CARE—or charitable assistance, access to care, research, and education—the Foundation added two new giving programs. As well, the Foundation delivered robust assistance through its existing programs in 2014.

    

Looking back a bit further to 2013—the most recent year for which full data is available—the ADA Foundation awarded $1,371,463 in grants, scholarships, and awards, positively impacting thousands of lives in America and even abroad. Generous funding from corporate, institutional, industrial and individual contributors fueled all of the Foundation’s work, allowing for more than $380,000 more in giving than in the previous year, 2012.

    

“Every single dollar raised goes to support programs, not administrative costs,” said ADA Foundation Executive Director Gene Wurth.


2014 is on target, too, as two new programs have launched.

    

The two new programs that the Foundation added in 2014 are the Dr. David Whiston Leadership Program, established in honor of the two-term past ADAF president who ended his tenure this year, and the ADA Foundation Semi-annual Grant Program.

    

Here are details:

    
Dr. David Whiston Leadership Program

    

The ADA Foundation announced the Dr. David Whiston Leadership Program on Oct. 9 during the ADA meeting in San Antonio. The DWLP will provide at least one award of up to $5,000 annually to young dentists who have shown the potential for leadership in the profession and wish to develop their leadership skills. The ADAF has already received more than $100,000 in donations for this program, which will launch in early 2015. In addition, Henry Schein, Inc. has announced that the company will donate $5,000 annually for at least the next five years to create the matching award, the ADAF Henry Schein Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award. The ADA Foundation’s goal is to raise another $100,000 in order to support even more young leaders.

    
ADA Foundation Semi-annual Grant Program

    

The ADAF also introduced the Semi-annual Grant Program in 2014, through which the ADAF accepts grant proposals for activities not covered by other existing grant program. The ADAF will consider proposals for programs that fall under its Education mission pillar in early 2015 (deadline: Jan. 30), and for proposals that fall under its Access to Care pillar next summer (application deadline: July 31). Nineteen organizations received ADAF Semi-annual Grants in 2014.

    

The ADA Foundation’s four mission pillars, as reflected in the acronym CARE, are:

     
Charitable Assistance

    

Through its Relief Grant program, the ADAF provides financial assistance to dentists and their dependents who, because of accidental injury, a medical condition, disability or advanced age, are unable to afford basic living expenses. The ADAF also provides Emergency Disaster Grants to eligible dentists for items such as food, bottled water, clothing, blankets, medicines and medical supplies, emergency shelter, and toiletries, in the case of a declared emergency.

    
Access to Care

    

The ADAF supports access to care initiatives through a variety of programs.

    

“An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure,” said Dr. Reneida Reyes, President, ADA Foundation. “The ADA Foundation has a strong commitment to improving access to care, especially for children. Every single dollar that we put to use toward early intervention, education, and early risk assessment saves many dollars in terms of catastrophic care. Investing in wellness is critically important to our mission.”

    

Two ADAF programs provide funding for volunteer dental school student community outreach programs, through which students work with their university mentors to provide care to people in need: the E. “Bud” Tarrson Dental School Student Community Leadership Award, which provides an annual grant of $5,000 to one exemplary student volunteer community service project domestically; and the Dr. Thomas J. Zwemer Award, which provides an annual grant of $5,000 to one volunteer dental student program addressing oral health needs of underserved communities outside of the United States.

    

ADA Business Resources will provide a generous $25,000 donation to support even more dental student outreach projects through the Tarrson Award program. Similar funding in 2013 allowed the ADA Foundation to present six Tarrson Awards to the following: Harvard School of Dental Medicine for its ACTION program; Indiana University School of Dentistry for its Student Outreach Clinic; University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry for its UCLA ASDA Los Angeles Community Clinics; University of Michigan School of Dentistry for its Wolverine Patriot Project; University of Mississippi Medical Center-School of Dentistry for its Jackson Free Clinic; and University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine for the Huntridge Clinics.

    

The winner of the 2014 Zwemer Award is the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry for its Malawi Dental Project.

    

In addition, the ADA Foundation provides fundraising support to Give Kids A Smile, the ADA’s premier access to care program.

    
Research

    

The ADA Foundation Dr. Anthony Volpe Research Center has also made great strides. VRC scientists are continuing research on a new, improved, and durable resin-based composite filling material. This research effort is funded by a U01 grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; the goal is to develop a resin system that is biocompatible and will not degrade in the presence of salivary enzymes and water, along with a complementary adhesive system. This project is planned to continue for the next three years.


VRC scientists also are steadily pursuing research projects in point-of-care technologies seeking to determine risk assessment for dry-socket and early childhood caries. Other projects include tissue regeneration to address bone loss in periodontal disease with multi-layered scaffolds as well as pulpal regeneration in affected teeth. Medication-induced xerostomia is an on-going research project with NIDCR scientists. VRC scientists also are working on biofilms and their relationship to restorative dental materials and the development of in vitro biological platforms to assess the biocompatibility of innovative dental materials.

    

Additionally, the ADA Foundation’s annual Colgate Dental Students’ Conference on Research brought dental students from more than 50 dental schools in the U.S. and Canada to the VRC, as it does annually, to raise awareness of the wide-ranging careers available in oral health research.  And, the Foundation again served as a Special Award Organization sponsor for Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Three high school students won a total of $3,500 for their science projects with an oral health focus.

    
Education

    

Through the Dental Student Scholarship Program and Underrepresented Minority Dental Student Scholarship Program, including the Dr. Robert B. Dewhirst Scholarships, and the Robert J. Sullivan Scholarships, the ADA Foundation helps academically gifted predoctoral dental students defray a part of their professional education expenses. The Underrepresented Minority Dental Student Scholarship Program targets African-American, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native dental students. Each year, the ADA Foundation awards approximately 54 scholarships valued at up to $2,500 each, providing up to $135,000 in total funding.

    

In 2014 the ADAF awarded 25 grants for a total of more than $115,000 to organizations engaged in the battle to end early childhood caries through the Samuel D. Harris Fund for Children’s Dental Health, created in 1999 through a permanent endowment established through a generous gift by Dr. Samuel D. Harris, a distinguished pediatric dentist and philanthropist.

    

As it does annually, in 2014 the Foundation again offered financial support through the Allied Dental Student Scholarship Program to help dental assisting, dental hygiene, and dental laboratory technology students defray a part of their professional educational expenses. Each year, the ADA Foundation awards approximately 30 scholarships valued at up to $1,000 each, with up to $30,000 total funding: Dental Hygiene Student Scholarships, 15 awards; Dental Assisting Student Scholarships, 10 awards; and Dental Laboratory Technology Student Scholarships, five awards.

    

In 2014, through a gift from Young Dental Inc., the ADAF also awarded two Young Dental Hygiene Scholarships valued at $2,500 each. The winners were selected from among the pool of dental hygiene applicants with a focus on exceptional outreach activities, volunteerism, and leadership qualities.

    

A tax-deductible contribution to the ADA Foundation can be made by donating at adafoundation.org/en/how-to-help, or by calling the ADA Foundation at (312) 440-2547.


Read The Original Article



ADA Foundation recap reveals great successes in 2014

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Dentists weigh in on ADA’s Action for Dental Health movement


“The good will you generate is priceless,” said Dr. Timothy Oh, who created Back to School Smiles, a Maine dental program serving at-risk children.


“We make sure that the team returns to each facility on a regular basis to build a patient relationship,” said Dr. Scott Morrison, who co-founded a program serving some 25 nursing homes in Iowa and Nebraska.


“We tell our patients that as long as they qualify, they can consider us their dental home,” said Barbara Colley, director of a nonprofit dental clinic in Michigan serving low-income adults referred by hospital emergency room staff.


“Since I’ve been here we’ve expanded our dental program, but that still doesn’t meet the need,” said Dr. Ed Griggs, who sold his suburban private practice to serve patients in one of Virginia’s most dentally underserved areas.


“Initially, it was sort of a new concept for the dental and medical communities,” Dr. Leonard Brennan said of Maine’s Oral Team-Based Initiative: Vital Access to Education.


That’s Action for Dental Health.


Visit ADA.org and click on the Action for Dental Health tab under Special Activities & Programs for more on these and other stories showcasing local and state activity to increase access to dental care. The Association invites you to share your ADH story by contacting Rhys Saunders in the ADA Public Affairs Department at saundersr@ADA.org.


The ADA’s nationwide, community-based Action for Dental Health movement is focused on providing care now for people suffering from untreated dental disease, strengthening the existing public/private safety net and bringing dental health education and disease prevention to underserved communities.


Read The Original Article



Dentists weigh in on ADA’s Action for Dental Health movement

Teeth Whitening promotion

Cosmetic bonding


 


Call Dr. Braegger today and ask about our teeth whitening specials 480-497-0226.



Teeth Whitening promotion

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Renovated Rutgers dental clinic treats patients with disabilities

Newark, N.J. — It took about a decade to conceptualize, fund and build, but for patients, dentists and dental students at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, the newly renovated Delta Dental of New Jersey Special Care Center was well worth the challenge.


“The special care center is a very unique place,” said Dr. Christopher Hughes, chair of the school’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry. “We can provide high quality care to patients who have special needs.”


The center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February to commemorate the renovation that brought much-needed features to the facility, addressing the needs of special care patients.


The center increased its size from six to nine operatories. It doubled the number of wheelchair operatories. To improve privacy for patients, the style of rooms have been changed from open to closed rooms. X-rays are now also available in the rooms, minimizing the need for a patient to be moved from multiple rooms.


“It’s a gorgeous facility,” said Dr. Ronald Deblinger, an ADA member and chair of the Board of Delta Dental of New Jersey, which made a $1.5 million donation and helped make the renovation possible.


“The center is a state-of-the-art facility,” Dr. Deblinger said. “Not only will it provide high quality care but also train new dentists to help better treat patients with disabilities.”


The special care center has three full-time dentists, one part time and one hygienist.


“The program combines service with an educational component,” said Dr. Evan Spivack, a professor of pediatric dentistry who has worked at the center for more than a decade. Dental students rotate to observe the staff’s work.


The staff members are trained to work with a variety of special needs patients, including those with autism, Alzheimer’s and psychiatric disorders ranging from schizophrenia to severe dental phobia. Geriatric patients, especially those in nursing homes, are also treated at the center.


The center treats more than 4,000 patients annually and draws patients from New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York.


“This center was long overdue,” Dr. Deblinger said. “I commend the people at Delta Dental and everyone at the school’s end for making this happen. It’s something we can look on with great pride that we can help the people of New Jersey.”


Read The Original Article



Renovated Rutgers dental clinic treats patients with disabilities