Smiles for Hope

Sources:

http://hopearising.org/

Posted in Community Service News
Tagged charitable, charity, donation, hope arising, smiles for hope, whitening
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January 14, 2018

New Year’s Resolutions and Goals

AriannaM

Arianna Marsden, RDH

New Year’s Resolutions and Goals

It’s a shiny new year, and during this time people are making resolutions and setting goals for the year, so what better time to review proper techniques for dental hygiene! Most people are familiar with brushing and flossing, and make efforts to do at least one or the other regularly. Let’s talk about some of the “life hack” techniques that make your efforts more effective.

When brushing, make sure you’re using a toothbrush that has bristles which are soft or extra-soft. Using a toothbrush with medium, or hard bristles can cause unintended damage to the gums and teeth, specifically trauma-induced recession, and abrasion of the root surface. Some people find that when they switch to a softer toothbrush, their teeth don’t feel as clean. In these scenarios, using a powered toothbrush, such as an OralB Braun, or Philips Sonicare may be a good solution.

Powered toothbrushes with a rechargeable base have been shown to be more effective in reducing inflammation in the gums than a manual toothbrush, which can leave the teeth feeling more clean after brushing, but be careful not to use too much pressure, or you could damage the teeth and gums similarly to using a medium or hard bristle brush. Part of the reason powered toothbrushes may be more efficient, is that they often come with a timer built in! This makes it easier to remember to brush for the full two minutes twice daily. If you prefer to use a manual toothbrush, you can try setting a timer on your phone, or listening to a song that is two minutes long while you brush.

The other half of oral hygiene has to do with cleaning in between your teeth. The most common way to accomplish this, is by using string floss, and “flossing” once daily. To use string floss effectively, its important to wrap the floss around the tooth in the shape of the letter ‘C’. This allows you to clean underneath the gums, and not just in between the teeth. Most people find this traditional method of flossing challenging, or ineffective for a variety of reasons. If this applies to you, there are lots of other alternatives for cleaning between your teeth. You can try using “floss on a stick,” like the Plackers brand, for easier manipulation of the floss. You could also try Softpicks, which are like a toothpick with a soft rubber end. The Softpicks are used by squeezing them between the teeth to remove plaque. Water flossers, like the Waterpik, are another great alternative for cleaning between your teeth by using a controlled stream of water to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth.

No matter which method you’re using for cleaning between your teeth, its ideal to do so at least once per day. If that is not an attainable or reasonable goal for you, cleaning between the teeth even a couple times a week is a great start!

A good tip for keeping yourself motivated towards your New Year’s resolutions and goals, is keeping track of your progress and rewarding yourself! You could try keeping a checklist on your calendar, or in your phone for the days you remember to do your brushing and interdental cleaning. Research has shown that if you can do a new practice for about two months, it becomes a habit, and something you won’t have to concentrate so hard on accomplishing. Don’t forget to reward yourself when you meet your goals for oral health! Happy 2018!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/choosing-a-toothbrush-the-pros-and-cons-of-electric-and-disposable#1

Sources:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/08/electric-toothbrush-vs-manual/index.htm

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-floss

https://www.plackers.com/

https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/picks.html

https://www.waterpik.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4bzSBRDOARIsAHJ1UO4DNFS5_so6ofGGLsSADEe0onj5jiOGLlAf9BcJs4K-mT_bPCRPR8gaAnEQEALw_wcB

https://oralb.com/en-us?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=oral%20b%20braun&utm_campaign=T_SERP_Non_Text_NOFRQNOVIEW_OPT_Oral-B+Power%7CBrand%7CAwareness%7CNA%7CEXT_C|&utm_content=s9kAIy3Ng|dc_229883002215_e_oral%20b%20braun&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4bzSBRDOARIsAHJ1UO5-JnlDWNi6D11mUo1zI_8V8nD0ev44qNx_0V9q7GyoQkX9GeloKecaAhusEALw_wcB&dclid=CNLK6a6qwdgCFYivZAodvR8IVA

https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/electric-toothbrushes?origin=7_700000001603708_71700000024556921_58700002664261464_43700022951657269

https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/02/how-long-it-takes-to-form-a-new-habit/

Posted in Community Service News, Gums, Health, Oral Hygiene
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November 19, 2017

Dental “Myth Busters”

Becky Larson, RDH

Dental “Myth Busters”

There are a lot of dental myths out there that are sometimes mistaken for dental truths. Here are a few facts to help clear up some of the confusion.

Myth #1: You don’t need to brush baby teeth because they will fall out eventually anyway.

Absolutely not! Baby teeth can still get cavities, which can spread to other teeth and cause pain. Some baby teeth may even fall out too soon and cause problems with bite or improper development of a child’s permanent teeth. It’s also important to establish good oral hygiene habits early on. Children’s teeth should be brushed twice daily (just like adult teeth).

Myth #2: Fluoride is poisonous and should be avoided.

Wrong! Each day the enamel layers of our teeth lose minerals (demineralization) due to the acidity of plaque and sugars in the mouth. The enamel is remineralized from food and water consumption. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization leads to tooth decay. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, thus making it more resistant to acidic demineralization. Fluoride can sometimes reverse early tooth decay. According to the American Dental Association, community water fluoridation is the single more effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. Many dental offices also offer in office fluoride treatments that can help both children and adults.

Myth #3: You lose one tooth each time you have a child.

Now that’s just silly. Some women think that when they are pregnant the baby leeches a lot of their calcium supply. That may be, but it doesn’t mean she will lose any teeth. However, pregnant women are prone to cavities or having other dental problems. This is due to morning sickness and vomiting, dry mouth, and a desire/craving for more sugary or starchy foods. Pregnant women in these circumstances should be sure to continue their regular dental check-ups and try to maintain pristine oral home care.

Myth #4: If your gums are bleeding you should avoid brushing your teeth and flossing.

I can’t even begin to stress how wrong this one is! If your gums are bleeding it means there is active inflammation and infection present. That means you need to improve on oral hygiene by brushing more frequently or more effectively. Bleeding gums is a sign of periodontal disease. If caught early (in the gingivitis stage) it can be reversed. Brushing should be done twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Flossing should be done at least once daily.

Myth #5: Placing a tablet of aspirin beside an aching tooth can ease the pain.

Wrong again. In order to ease the pain caused by a toothache, aspirin must be fully swallowed. Placing aspirin on gum tissue for long periods of time can actually damage the tissue and possibly cause an abscess.

Myth #6: You don’t need to see the dentist if there is no visible problem with your teeth.

Unfortunately not all dental problems will be visible or obvious. You should continue to visit the dentist for regular check-ups at least twice per year, in conjunction with your cleanings. Dental radiographs or other instruments can detect cavities or other problems that might not be causing any symptoms yet. It’s best to catch things early to minimize the treatment needed.

Myth #7: After a tooth has been treated for decay it will not decay again.

There are no guarantees in dentistry! While the dentist will do their best to restore teeth to last for as long as possible, there is no way of knowing when or if a tooth will get recurrent decay. Proper oral home care can prolong the life of dental restorations.

Don’t always believe what you hear! If you have questions or concerns about your dental health be sure to ask your dentist, hygienist, or other dental professional.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/fluoride-treatment

http://www.livescience.com/22463-gain-a-child-lose-a-tooth-myth-or-reality.html

http://tips4dentalcare.com/2008/06/21/popular-myths-about-dentistry/

Posted in Community Service News, Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene, Tooth Talk
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February 13, 2017

SMILES for HOPE

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Wendy Parker, RDH

SMILES for HOPE

Do you feel like you’re ready for a little change in your smile without spending a lot of money? Well, look no further! I know it sounds a little bit like a gimmick, but it’s true! Whitening your smile, the professional way, can change your smile for just a small cost! I know many of us have tried over the counter products and have come away frustrated or not seeing the difference, but in the next few months, you can use the best products out on the market to help you get results and help someone else in the meantime!

The best two ways you can whiten your smile with the greatest results are with either an at home kit or an in-office procedure. Both are safe and effective.

With the at-home procedure, we take an impression of your teeth and make custom fitting whitening trays. Once the trays are made, you take them home and once a day you can apply whitening gel into the trays and wear them for about an hour. You would brush and floss before whitening to make sure all the food and plaque has been removed, then place the gel in the trays and wear them for about an hour. After the time has passed, remove the trays and brush and floss again, rinsing your mouth and trays thoroughly from any remaining gel. Do this as many days as you would like, for up to 2 weeks, or till you’ve reached your desired whiteness. Then keep the trays for any future touch up use.

The in-office procedure is slightly different, in which case, we do all the work and you just sit back and enjoy the ride. You will spend about 2 hours with us in the office, doing a series of 3 whitening treatments in one sitting. While protecting the tissues, we are able to apply whitening gel and achieve greatest results in such a short time. So, if you don’t have the patience to do the at home treatment, this procedure is right for you!

If you’ve been with our practice for a while, you know that this time every year we participate in a fundraising opportunity that starts in March and runs through the end of June, called Smiles for Hope. During these few short months, our office donates all the proceeds that we earn from any whitening product and procedure to a charity called Hope Arising. We join teams in an effort to raise money to help those in Dara, Ethiopia. Twice a year our doctors, and several others, take supplies and their abilities, to travel to Ethiopia and spend a week giving service to help fulfill dental and medical needs in their town.

So, if you’re looking to get your sweetheart or loved one a treat for their birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or any other occasion, here is a great opportunity to help them AND help someone else. Oh, and did I mention, it’s 100% tax deductible? That’s right! It’s considered a charitable contribution since 100% of the proceeds go to charity! Don’t hesitate to ask any of our friendly team questions about how you can participate in Smiles for Hope this year!

Both at home and in-office whitening $250

In-office Whitening $200

At home Whitening $150

Sources:

http://hopearising.org/

Posted in Community Service News, Tooth Talk
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December 18, 2016

Keeping That Holiday Smile

Cortney Davis, RDH

Keeping That Holiday Smile

There is a lot to be excited about and look forward to during the holidays; time with family, friends, giving and receiving presents, world peace (hopefully), service, and food. In my opinion food is the main ingredient in the recipe for a great Christmas. This time of year we are surrounded by delicious food. From holiday ham to endless desserts and treats, there are so many kinds of foods and drinks we consume while merrymaking with friends and family and soaking up as much “holiday spirit” as possible. So, eating and drinking your way through December is the norm. With all this yummy food around there is always one thing I remember to do, take care of my mouth. Yes, I admit a lot of yummy goodness goes into my overly-enthusiastic stomach, but that “gateway” needs some extra maintenance this time of year. So here are a few tips to help keep your mouth healthy for the holidays.

My first tip is to enjoy sweets in moderation. During the holiday’s sweets are serious temptations. Holiday cookies or hot chocolate may be fun to eat and drink, but can certainly wreak havoc on your teeth. Rather than preventing yourself from eating all those treats altogether, consider saving them for special parties or occasions. By controlling your consumption of these sugary foods, you can minimize the damage to your teeth.

Another effective tip that I recommend is to reduce the possibility of staining one’s teeth. Red is a festive color, and it can also cause teeth stains. There are many different foods and drinks consumed during Christmas that can stain your teeth, such as cranberries, desserts, beets, red punch, or wine. After I consume food or drink that has the potential to stain my teeth, I like to slip into the bathroom and rinse with a small amount of water to ensure I don’t end up with heavy staining on my teeth.

The third tip, which is hard for me to follow is to remember to brush and floss after a big meal. This is very hard for many (myself included) because I tend to find myself sitting down and falling into a food-induced coma. I have been known to have eaten holiday ham followed by apple cider and pie then finished it off with a pound of left over mash potatoes and after slip into a deep, restful nap on the couch. Then, I remember waking up to the feeling of gross, fuzzy plaque on my teeth, which didn’t feel so great. Leaving food on your teeth for too long can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. So remember, even if it’s flossing that extra roll out from in between your teeth just try and get as much of the food out of your teeth without waiting too long.

My final tip is to not delay dental treatment or emergencies during the holidays. Yes, we get very busy during the holidays, between cooking, shopping, going to family functions, or enjoying the holiday season it is easy to put off treatment you may need. It’s also easy to say to yourself that you will do it after the holidays. But, prolonging treatment or being late on a dental appointment could make things worse. Delaying dental treatment can cause more serious problems, and if you suspect something is wrong or have been diagnosed with something needed to be treated, it is best to get it done before it gets worse. Luckily for our patients, we still have nights and weekend appointments available during the holidays!!

I hope you enjoyed these helpful tips. I also hope everyone has a great holiday and enjoy your time with your loved ones.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Click to access grinmagazine-holiday13.pdf

Sources:

http://www.dewda.com/blog/infographic-how-to-keep-your-smile-merry-and-bright-during-the-holiday-season.html

Posted in Community Service News, Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene
Tagged holiday, mouth, sweets, teeth
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December 11, 2016

AZ Mission of Mercy

Nora Torres, RDH

AZ Mission of Mercy (MOM)

What a great experience to be able to participate in this great event! This was my first year volunteering and I am already looking forward to next year. Our dental staff has been a part of this for at least 4 years!

AZ MOM is held at the AZ state fairgrounds in Phoenix. This year it was held on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10. It has been going on since 1994 volunteers provide not only free dental care but also free healthcare, prescription medications to the uninsured and under-insured.

AZ MOM has several clinics in Arizona, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas. There are six locations across the Valley. In Arizona they have “provided over 200,000 patient visits and 300,000 free prescription medications for the most vulnerable in our community.”

You do not have to be in the health care field to volunteer your time. Help is always needed and appreciated. You can assist in checking patients in, transferring them to their next location, and translators are always needed.

Mission

“To provide charitable dental care and education to Arizonans, reducing health risks and suffering for those in need.”

Make a Donation

It is tax deductible! “For every $2.00 donation we receive, we are able to give $16.00 of desperately needed care.”

Some statistics from last year’s event.

Sources:

www.amissionofmercy.org/arizona

https://azmom.org

Posted in Community Service News
Tagged arizona mission of mercy, AZ MOM, charitable, dental clinic, volunteer
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December 5, 2016

Christmas Stocking Stuffers

Sharma Mulqueen, RDH

Christmas Stocking Stuffers

Christmas is the topic of mostly everyone this time of year. So many of us love to see what Santa has left for us in our stockings. When considering stocking stuffers, we have some recommendations to assist in keeping your child’s mouth and teeth at their healthiest.

When parents start thinking of what to place in their child’s stocking, they rarely think to put items that will benefit dental health. Most parents fill their children’s stockings with candy, nuts, socks, hair bows, lotion or Chap Stick. The list can be endless with what is placed in stockings. So this year, why not give them items to help with their dental home care.

A New Toothbrush

Everyone loves a new toothbrush. For the holidays, pick one that will get your kids excited about brushing their teeth. There are character brushes, brushes that light up and even brushes that play music while you clean your teeth! Be sure to choose a soft-bristled brush with the appropriate sized head for smaller mouths.

A Tooth Timer

If brushing the correct amount of time is difficult for your kids, consider getting a small timer to keep in the bathroom. Most kids brush an average of 14 seconds but in their minds it was for two minutes. A timer will insure that your child is brushing for the approiate time. You can even join them by brushing together to make sure the family is brushing for two minutes.

A Fun Toothpaste Flavor

So many people choose mint or bubble gum for their toothpaste flavor. You can look online and find some fun flavors. Try giving your kids something silly that you wouldn’t usually pick. There’s Bacon, Pickle, Cupcake, Oreo, Vanilla and Orange. The list keeps growing. Amazon has some great choices.

Flavored Floss

Floss is normally pretty plain, but it doesn’t have to be. Like toothpaste, there is bacon, cupcake or pickled-flavored floss to match. If those flavors don’t do the trick, there are banana and cinnamon-flavored options for kids to enjoy.

Sugar-Free Chewing Gum with Xylitol

Did you know that chewing gum can actually be good for your teeth? While not a substitute for brushing, sugar-free gum can help in the production of saliva which washes away trapped food particles. Further, gum containing xylitol has actually been proven to help reduce cavities.

Holidays are such a special time to share with your family and friend’s. Signature Dental would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.oralanswers.com

Sources:

http://www.xlear.com

http://www.colgate.com

Posted in Community Service News, Health, Tooth Talk
Tagged Christmas, floss, stocking stuffers, Stockings, sugar free gum, tooth timer, toothbruhes, toothpaste, xylitol
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October 30, 2016

Halloween Sugar Facts

Katie Moynihan, BS RDH

Halloween Sugar Facts

Happy Halloween! Although Halloween is a fun holiday to dress up in your favorite costume, it also comes with consuming large amounts of candy and sugar. According to the US Census Bureau, the average American eats 25 pounds of candy every year with most of that consumed during Halloween time. All that sugar hidden in a small piece of candy can add up quickly. If you or your child eats 12 treats, that is equivalent to about 30 packets of sugar. It is important to take a closer look at the nutritional facts before indulging as it is guaranteed to spook you!

Halloween Candy Comparison

Almond Joy, Snack Size – 80 calories, 8 g sugar
Butterfinger, Fun Size – 100 calories, 10 g sugar
Gummie Bears (Haribo) – 8 pieces, around 65 calories, 21 g sugar
Heath Bar, Snack Size – 76 calories, 9 g sugar
Hershey Kisses – Average 25 calories, 2-3 g sugar each kiss
Hershey’s Miniature Bars – Average 42 calories, 4 g sugar each bar
Jolly Rancher – a serving of three Jolly Ranchers is 70 calories, 11 g of sugar.
Kit Kat, Fun size – 60 calories, 6 g sugar
Peanut M & Ms – Snack Sixe – 5 g of fat and 9 g of sugar.
Almond Joy – Fun Size – 80 calories for a mini-Almond Joy or Mounds.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Snack Size – 110 calories, 11 g sugar per peanut butter cup
Skittles, Fun Size – 60 calories, 11 g sugar
Smarties – 1 roll, 25 calories, 6 g sugar
Snickers, Fun Size – 80 calories, 4 g of fat and 8 g of sugar
Sour Patch Kids, Mini Bag – 50 calories, 10 g sugar
Starburst, Fun Size – 2 candies, 40 calories, 6 g sugar
Three Musketeers Minis – 64 calories, 2 g of fat and 11 g of sugar
Tootsie Pops & Charms Blow Pops – 60 calories, 13 g of sugar.
Twix Minis, 1 bar – 50 calories, 5 g sugar
Twizzlers (Strawberry Twists) – 2 pieces, 50 calories and 6 g sugar

We all know it is nearly impossible to avoid Halloween candy altogether; however, there are some simple ways in which you can minimize the sugar overload after trick-or-treating is over. Always be sure to brush away the treats! Whether your child eats one piece of candy or ten, it is important to brush properly to prevent tooth decay. Make a candy plan to avoid going overboard with candy consumption. Set a limit on the number of candy that can be eaten each day, or a limit on the number of houses that they can visit. A candy swap is a great way to let your child enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating without overloading on sweets. You can trade small amounts of candy for a non-sugar reward such as a toy or sticker. We hope these tips will get you on track to a happier and healthier Halloween!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/cavities/article/how-to-prevent-cavities-from-halloween-candy-1013

Sources:

http://www.childrenshospitaloakland.org/main/news/halloween-candy-calorie-and-sugar-comparison-212.aspx

Posted in Community Service News, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged candy, caries, cavities, dentist, halloween, sugar
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September 18, 2016

Myths of Dentistry

Cortney Davis, RDH

Myths of Dentistry

It’s no myth that to some dental work can be scary sometimes. Statistics show that around 12 percent of the population in the U.S. says they are anxious when it comes to visiting the dentist, and many don’t know how to take care of their oral health properly. With the overwhelming anxiety and stress build up around dentists and dental health, it’s not shocking that people may have made up or heard several dental myths over the years. People then tend to believe these myths and decide not go to the dentist regularly, rather than find out the truth. Having false information can be harmful to your health, so let’s talk about some of the common myths which you may believe yourself or have heard.

Myth #1- As long as I brush my teeth twice a day or don’t have tooth pain, I don’t need to go to the dentist.

Fact: While brushing twice a day and flossing once daily is Important, it is not enough. It is also important to get routine cleanings. During cleanings, the hygienist will clean the hard to reach areas, will make sure your gums are healthy, and will educate patients on proper home care. Dentists will also use x-rays and visual exams to make sure a patient doesn’t have any problems with their teeth or gums. Many don’t know this, but you don’t always have tooth pain when you have a tooth problem or gum disease, and if left untreated a tooth problem and unhealthy gum tissue will only get worse and lead to more serious problems. That’s why it is so important to come in for routine check-ups.

Myth #2 The dentist only wants my money

Fact: While some dental procedures and treatments can seem costly, they are completely worth it. As stated above, if dental problems are left untreated for a period, the treatment needed typically becomes more extensive which will cost more than a simple cleaning every six months. If a dentist can catch the signs of infection early, treatment will be minimal and less costly.

Myth #3 Bleaching your teeth can damage them.

Fact: Bleaching is a popular service that allows patients to get whiter smiles faster. Scientific studies have shown that using peroxide to whiten teeth is both safe and efficient. Although bleaching can cause some sensitivity when a patient is using it, bleaching gel is safe concerning damage of the structure of teeth; it merely makes teeth whiter and brighter.

Myth #4. If gums are bleeding, brushing and flossing should be avoided.

Fact: The exact opposite is true. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove plaque build-up which causes bleeding gums. Bleeding gums is a sign of gum brokerage, and more care actually must be done to avoid worse oral problems.

Myth #5 Baby teeth aren’t important, they will fall out anyway.

Fact: Yes, eventually all of your child’s 20 baby teeth will fall out eventually. However, many serve important functions for your child’s development. Baby teeth are known as the natural space maintainers for adult teeth and if a child loses a tooth too early due to dental problems, they could cause crowding for adult teeth. The health of your child’s baby teeth can also affect the health of their adult teeth. If you leave dental decay in a baby tooth untreated, it could eventually cause your child pain, abscesses, swelling, and affect the adult tooth developing under the baby tooth. Also, if the infection got worse it could even spread to other parts of the child’s body.

Myth #6 I shouldn’t go to the dentist because I am pregnant

Fact: A dental check-up is recommended during pregnancy. Although many women make it nine months with no dental discomfort, pregnancy can make conditions worse or create new ones due to hormonal changes and changes in eating habits. Regular checkups and good dental health habits can help keep you and your baby healthy. Local anesthetics and x-rays are okay during pregnancy although they are to be done only when necessary.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.pediatricdentistrichmond.com/downloads/Top10Myths_Childrens_Teeth.pdf

Sources:

http://www.stlawrencedentistry.com/top-10-dental-myths/

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy/concerns

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/5-common-dental-myths.htm

Posted in Community Service News, Gums, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged baby teeth, Bleach, bleeding gums, dentist, dentistry, Money, myths, pain, Pregnancy, teeth, tooth
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September 4, 2016

The Panoramic X-Ray Gives Dentists the Big Picture

Sharma Mulqueen RDH

The Panoramic X-Ray Gives Dentists the Big Picture

One advantage of the panoramic X-ray is its ease of use. Unlike other X-rays where the film is placed inside the patient’s mouth, the panoramic film is contained in a machine that moves around the patient’s head. Some people may be familiar with the panoramic X-ray because it is usually taken when the wisdom teeth are being evaluated. The X-ray will also reveal deep cavities and bone loss. The panoramic X-ray has many other applications, including evaluating patients with past or present TMJ jaw joint problems; those who require full or partial removable dentures and partials; those who are at risk or suspected of having oral cancer or other tumors of the jaw, have impacted teeth such as wisdom teeth or have had any recent trauma to the face or teeth.

The panoramic X-ray can also identify some not so common problems, such as calcification within the carotid artery that may indicate the potential for a stroke. In one situation, my father-in-law had not been to the dentist in several years. I referred him to my Friday office so he would be comfortable with another Dental Hygienist. Full mouth series of X-rays, Panoramic X-ray, and charting were completed. After the Dentist reviewed the panoramic X-ray it revealed a Bi-lateral calcification of the carotid artery.

The Dentist asked when the last time he was at his cardiologist. He stated he was there yesterday and everything looked good according to his Doctor. After discussing his findings he referred him back to his cardiologist for a follow up appointment. After calling the Cardiologist office they got him in the following day and a test was done a week later. The test revealed a 50% blockage on the left side. To treat the blockage there are a few options. Treat with medication, perform carotid angioplasty (a thin tube with a balloon on the end is threaded to the narrowed or blocked carotid artery) or Carotid Endarterectomy (a surgeon makes an incision in the neck and removes plaque buildup from a carotid artery, which helps restore normal blood flow through the artery. My father-in-law is in the early stages of these findings. He will have one more test to determine treatment.

The panoramic X-ray captures more than just the teeth. Normally, you don’t see the carotid artery on a panoramic X-ray because it doesn’t have any calcium in it and it’s like other soft tissue. If there’s calcification in the carotid artery, then it will stand out. It is recommended that if your Dentist notices this on your Panoramic X-ray, they should refer you to the appropriate specialists for further evaluation and treatment.

Want to learn more? Visit us at