Early Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/early-orthodontics/article/early-orthodontics-may-mean-less-treatment-later

Sources:

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September 24, 2018

What Causes White Spots on Teeth?

Lacee Hogle, RDH

What causes white spots on teeth and how do I get rid of them?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed irregular chalky white patches on your teeth? If so, you’re not alone. This is a common concern for many patients. There are several possible causes for white spots on teeth including dental fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia, poor dental hygiene, and eating too many acidic or sugary foods. There are also many ways to treat white spots including enamel microabrasion, teeth whitening, dental veneers, MI paste, and composite resins. In this article, we will elaborate on the possible causes for white spots and the different ways we can treat it.

CAUSES

Dental Fluorosis– Fluorosis is caused by ingesting large amounts of fluoride while the permanent teeth are still forming but have yet to erupt. A major cause of fluorosis is the inappropriate use of fluoride containing products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. In addition, fluorosis can be caused by a high level of fluoride in the drinking water. A mild form of fluorosis is characterized by small, opaque, white areas scattered irregularly over the tooth.

Enamel Hypoplasia – Hypoplasia can be either a distinct spot on a tooth (sometimes called Turner’s tooth, which might have been caused by trauma or other unknown disturbance to the area during the mineralization of that tooth), or diffuse streaks or cloudy opacities on all the teeth which was some kind of systemic disturbance over a long period of time. Hypoplasia also results from nutritional deficiencies, high fever and medicinal side effects while the tooth is forming.

Poor oral Hygiene– Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause in the formation of white spot lesions. The adherence of plaque to the enamel surface is what initiates the decalcification process. In a matter of four weeks, chalky white spots could develop. Fortunately, this is easily prevented just by brushing and flossing daily.

Eating too many acidic or sugary foods– Another thing that can cause you to get white spots on your teeth is having too many acidic foods such as sour candy and lemons. Acidic drinks, such as lemonade, can also cause white spots. These acidic foods and drinks will work to remove the enamel on your teeth which will result in white spots.

TREATMENTS

Dental Veneers– A dental veneer is a thin, protective covering that attaches to the front surface of a person’s tooth. A veneer can conceal white spots and other blemishes very effectively.

Remineralization/MI Paste– MI Paste is a product that restores the minerals that cause the white spots.

Composite restoration– The white spots on your teeth sometimes sink below the surface of the enamel creating a sunken area. If this happens, then a composite restoration is a way to deal with the problem. Composite restoration is dental procedure that uses a special type of resin. The resin is applied to your teeth over the white spots. The resin can be colored to match the rest of the teeth.

Teeth whitening– Whitening or bleaching teeth can help to reduce the appearance of white spots.

Enamel Microabrasion– This procedure involves gently removing a thin layer of surface enamel. This professional treatment is typically followed by teeth bleaching, which can make the teeth appear more uniform in color.

If the white spots have been present since childhood, your white spots are likely due to fluorosis or interruption during the formation of the enamel. If you’re an adult and your just noticing white spots, it’s likely they’re a sign of plaque buildup known and decalcification. Regardless of the cause, treatment options are available. Please discuss this concern with your dentist so that both you and your dentist can determine what treatment is best for you.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

https://medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322122.php

Sources:

http://www.womenshealthymag.com/health/a19971692/white-spots-on-teeth/

http://www.parkavenuedentalfl.com/how-to-get-rid-of-white-spots-on-teeth-after-braces/

https://colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/developmental-disabilities/how-to-get-rid-of-white-spots-on-teeth-1215

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September 17, 2018

What is your Dental Hygienist or Dentist looking for when they do an oral cancer screening?

Maria Iavarone, RDH

What is your Dental Hygienist or Dentist looking for when they do an oral cancer screening?

Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells that invade and cause damage to the surrounding tissue. Oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancers start in the mouth and the throat. Oral cancer comes in many forms and there are several different types of oral cancer. As a dental hygienist, we are not only cleaning teeth, but we are also checking for any abnormalities in the mouth and the surrounding areas. The dentist also screens for oral cancer when they come in to do the examination. A dentist cannot diagnose oral cancer, but screening for oral cancer is a crucial part of their job. The dentist will address any suspicious-looking areas. If a suspicious lesion is found, the dentist may request to reexamine you in about 1-2 weeks if the area looks like it could possibly heal. However, they may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and to have a biopsy done. The biopsy is necessary to confirm that the lesion is actually cancerous. It’s estimated that approximately 51,540 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer and cancers of the throat, tonsils and back of the tongue this year (ADA, 2018).

Visual Oral Cancer Screening

With our visual oral cancer screening we typically have you stick out your tongue as far as you can so we can inspect the back of the throat and the back of the tongue. We will check the lateral borders of the tongue, as well as, underneath the tongue and the floor of the mouth. We will also look at and palpate the inner lining of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, the gums and around the lips, feeling for any irregularities. We will then feel around the neck and under the jaw for any lumps or enlarged lymph nodes.

Advanced Oral Cancer Screening

We can also do a more advanced oral cancer screening in the dental office using fluorescence technology. Fluorescence technology can detect cancerous or precancerous lesions that may not be noticeable to the naked eye. Your dentist may have the VELscope or Identafi 3000 in their office. These tools allow for distinction between normal and abnormal tissue. Under these lights abnormal tissue will appear dark brown or black and normal tissue will appear green or blue dependent upon which fluorescence-based technique your dentist is using. Having an exam done with fluorescence-based technology can help with early detection, which in turn can increase your survival rate.

What we are looking for when we do a visual oral cancer screening?

-Any red or white patches

-A sore that does not heal or bleeds easily

-A lump or a thick or hard spot

-A roughened or crusted area

Some other symptoms of oral cancer that should be shared with your dental professional:

-Pain while swallowing or chewing

-Difficulty swallowing or chewing

-Jaw pain or stiffness

-Loose teeth for no apparent reason

-Changes in the way your teeth fit together

-A sore throat that won’t go away

-A feeling like there is something stuck in your throat

-Hoarseness

You may be at increased risk of developing oral cancer if you:

-Use or have used tobacco products

-Consume alcohol heavily

-Have HPV

-Are exposed to sunlight on a regular basis for a prolonged amount of time

-Have poor nutrition, having a diet low in fruits and vegetables

Prevention:

-Stop using tobacco products

-Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all

-Wear UV protection

-Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables

-Inspect your own mouth for sores on a regular basis

-See your dentist regularly for check ups

-Do an advanced oral cancer screening with your dentist

Inspecting your own mouth for lumps or sores is a great way to be proactive. Schedule an exam with your dental office as soon as possible if you are concerned. Even with inspecting your own mouth, some cancers can be difficult to see on your own. Most cancers are found at a late stage which lowers the survival rate. It is important to see your dental hygienist and dentist for regular continuing care every 3-6 months, not only for good oral health, but to be monitored for oral cancer as well. Early detection is key. Ask your dental professional to perform an oral cancer exam and about using fluorescence technology to detect early signs of cancer.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/Dental_Patient_0510.pdf?la=en

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/oral-cancer-slideshow

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322215446_An_update_on_light-based_technologies_and_fluorescent_imaging_in_oral_cancer_detection/fulltext/5a4c2e81a6fdcc3e99cf6da1/322215446_An_update_on_light-based_technologies_and_fluorescent_imaging_in_oral_cancer_detection.pdf?origin=publication_detail

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-cancer#1

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September 9, 2018

Teeth Whitening

Ruth Jones, RDH

Teeth Whitening

When asked what could improve their smile, most adults say “whiter teeth”. It’s no wonder there are so many whitening options on the market today! The most basic and important way to have white teeth is using proper oral hygiene including brushing two times a day for two minutes and cleaning between the teeth (like flossing) at least once a day. But because we are constantly eating and drinking foods that leave strain on our teeth, we may want to add an extra step for whiter teeth. From something as simple as a specific toothpaste to something that will give great results like professional whitening in the dental office, there’s a wide range of approaches. To understand the best option for you, we’ll look at how whitening products work starting with the simplest method and move towards methods with the most noticeable results.

Whitening Toothpastes

Over-the-counter toothpastes work using a mechanical action rather than chemical. They remove surface stain with safe but abrasive ingredients such as silica and Calcium Pyrophosphate. There is no “bleaching” agent or active ingredients for whitening the teeth. These are great to use on a regular basis for people who build up stain due to coffee and tea.

Charcoal toothpastes have been trending in recent years. These should be used with caution as there is very little research on their efficacy and safety.

The other methods for whitening work by chemical action to whiten deeper into the teeth rather than just the surface. These methods will use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the whitening agent. Carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, meaning it’s a slower release and usually left on the teeth longer and will be in higher concentrations.

White Strips

White strips are disposable plastic coated with whitening gel. They contain hydrogen peroxide. Each product will have specific instructions but usually are recommended to be worn 30-60 minutes a day for 2-4 weeks.

Whitening Trays with Gel

Whitening gels come in either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide and in all different concentrations. The benefit of using gel is that you will have custom trays made that will fit more comfortably than a plastic strip and you can use them for several years! You can get gel refills as needed. Like the strips, depending on which gel you use, it will have specific instructions on how long to wear and use the gel. Because of the large variety of concentration and ingredients, they may be recommended 30 minutes – 8 hours. It’s important to know the specific instructions for what you’re using. Full results usually take about 2 – 3 weeks.

Professional Whitening in a Dental Office

Having your teeth professionally whitened in a dental office will give the quickest results. The appointment will be 1-2 hours. Usually using a carbamide peroxide in a high concentration, the gel is essentially painted on the teeth and left for 2-3 sessions of 20 minutes. Because the concentration is so much higher is works faster but can also be harmful to your gum tissue which is why it’s only used in a dental office.

The results of each option will vary based on each individual’s oral hygiene habits, foods that they eat, dark drinks such as coffee, tea and soda, and use of tobacco products. With great oral hygiene and minimal dark drinks, results can last up to a year.

Chemical whitening products can cause sensitivity of the teeth which is why it’s important to use as instructed for each product. You can talk with a dental professional about ways to minimize the sensitivity with products such as an anti-sensitivity toothpaste, fluoride or MI paste.

It’s also important to remember that no whitening products will change the color of dental restorations.

Want to learn more? Visit us at