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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

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Source:

http://www.dentistry.com

https://www.nhlbi.com

Posted in Community Service News, Mouth Body Connection
Tagged dentist, overall health, pano, panoramic xray, xray
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August 28, 2016

What’s With All The Plastic?

Arianna Marsden, RDH

What’s With All The Plastic?

In my daily practice, I am fortunate enough to provide dental hygiene care for many patients, some of which have been patients in the practice for more than 30 years. (That’s longer than I’ve been alive!) These patients often comment to me how much their experience in the dental office has changed over the years. The biggest difference that is noted by these patients are the use of plastic barriers all over the office.

Along with the many advances in technique and technology that dentistry has developed over the years, infection control procedures are one area that has grown by leaps and bounds.

Prior to 1985, many dentists practiced “wet finger dentistry,” a colloquial term for performing dental procedures without wearing gloves. With the increase of diseases being transmitted by bodily fluids, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) introduced a set of precautions that medical and dental professionals were to use to protect themselves and their patients from the transmission of diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis B, which are spread by blood and other bodily fluids, such as saliva. Under Universal Precautions, all blood and saliva were to be treated as infectious, whether they were known to be or not.

When Universal Precautions were introduced, dental professionals began wearing non-porous materials to protect their hands, mouths, noses, and eyes; particularly gloves, masks, and safety glasses or face shields.

In 1996, approximately ten years after Universal Precautions were introduced, the CDC issued an updated infection control protocol for medical and dental professionals, called Standard Precautions. Standard Precautions include infection control protocols to prevent the transmission of diseases that can be acquired through contact with not just blood and saliva, but also non-intact skin and mucous membranes.

Under Standard Precautions, there are many detailed protocols for the use of gowns, or lab coats, specific hand-cleaning procedures, whether by washing or applying hand sanitizer, and proper decontamination of instruments. Dental professionals still wear gloves, masks, and eye protection to prevent transmission, and they also take additional precautions in the operatory where the patient will be seated.

Between every patient, the CDC stipulates the disposal or sterilization of materials which directly contact the patient’s blood or saliva, and a thorough cleaning and disinfection of all materials and surfaces within a 6 foot radius of the patient, using a chemical germicide that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The CDC also recommends using a plastic barrier for areas in the operatory which are difficult or impossible to disinfect.

So, the next time you’re in the dental office and see plastic around the keyboard, light handles, x-Ray sensors, chairs, and many other surfaces, you can rest assured that your dental professionals are following recommendations by the CDC for protecting you from acquiring any diseases the patient before you may or may not have had.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.swcec.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/2286232/File/OSHA%20and%20Standard%20Precuations%20%202012.pdf

Sources:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/univprec/univ.html

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00033634.htm

Posted in Community Service News
Tagged bacteria, barriers, blood, CDC, dental, dental office, disease transmission prevention, diseases, fungi, gloves, hand washing, Hepatitis B, HIV, infection control, plastic, PPEs, prevention, saliva, Standard Precautions, Universal Precautions, viruses, wet finger dentistry
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August 14, 2016

Pizza Party

Ann Clark, RDH

Pizza Party!!

It’s like a dream come true! Can pizza really be good for oral health? Pizza is one fast food that is full of nutrition and helps ward off dental problems. Pizza consumption among Americans is higher than any other Nation. According to 1800dentist.com pizza can be a powerful meal for fighting off many cancers and boosts your dental health. Italian researchers have discovered eating pizza may reduce the risk of second heart attack, even among the obese. This study projected that eating 14 ou. of pizza a week may reduce the chance for heart attack up to 50% Lets weigh the odds for 100 grams of pizza….

The following chart shows only 15 grams of fat is used in pizza, this is 5% of the daily intake. The fat source of cheese and oregano oil are both beneficial for health reasons.

Nutritional Facts-100 gems of pizza Daily values based on 2000kcal diet

Protein 11.21 gm

Carbohydrate 28.51 gm

Fat 15.2 gm

Dietary Fiber 2,2 gm

Sugar none

Water 42.44

Vitamin A 140 milligrams

Vitamin B1 0.22 mg

Vitamin B2 0.23 mg

Vitamin B3 2.47 mg

Vitamin B5 0.27 mg

Vitamin B9 47 micrograms

Vitamin B12 0.57 micrograms

Selenium 19.6 micrograms

Vitamin C 1.9 milligrams

Calcium 151 mg

iron 2.41 mg

Potassium 198 mg

Magnesium 24 mg

Phosphorus 207 mg

Sodium 618 mg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.31 mg

Zinc 1.48 mg

Pizza is full of calcium as cheese is one of calciums best sources. Calcium is important for cell division and muscle contractions, including your heart beat. It is also important to support bone health, lower the odds of tooth decay and gum disease.This mineral is needed by the cells of our body that carry nerve impulses, for salivary production and enzyme activity for the production and activity of hormones involved in digestion, energy and fat metabolism. Calcium interacts with sodium, magnesium and potassium to regulate blood pressure and water balance.

Clinical evidence also suggests carvacrol (in oregano oil), may suppress redness and swelling as well as Candida Albicans infections. It also tastes great! Eating pizza will help you get your needed protein for building muscle and other bodily tissues, so put meat on your pizza! Protein maintains tooth structure, mucosal connective tissue development, and immune function.

Carbohydrates give us fuel for the CNS, help fat metabolize and prevent protein from being used as energy. Chewing on the crust aides to the daily chewing requirement. This will increase facial muscle tone and decreases mouth sugars by stimulation salivary flow.

Vitamin A helps skin cells grow and maintain mucosal tissues and immune function.

Vitamin B deficiency is common and can affect the mouth. It can provided a burning sensation in the mouth and the tongue can feel swollen making it hard to swallow, The cheeks may look pale and slough off. B12 deficiency has now been linked as a contributor to periodontal bone loss.

Tomato sauce is high in vitamin C. This wards off infections and improves immune health. A deficiency of vitamin C may lead to bleeding gums. Tomato sauce contains calcium and lycopene. Lycopene studies show it is used as a preventive carotene for oral cancer

Garlic helps with gum inflammation and has allinase, foods’ most important cancer fighting and immune-boosting enzyme.

Fiber is an important part of your diet as it promotes digestive health and can reduce serious concerns like heart disease and cancer, so increase your veggie options. Leafy greens have tons of minerals and vitamins and can protect eyesight, minimize aging problems, ward off gum disease and protect against oral cancer (Phytonutrients).

Evidence shows that pizza has healthy ingredients. Remember to floss!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Science Tackles Pizza Mouth Burn

Sources:

1800Dentist

www.dentistry1q.com/article/2016/02/can pizza be good for oral health/html

August 7, 2016

Gotta Have a Soda?

Wendy Parker, RDH

Gotta Have a Soda?

It’s summertime, the heat is in the air, the pool is inviting, and you have a drink of soda in your hand. It’s hard not to when it is so available and so tempting everywhere you go! Last year, my son and I made a New Year’s Resolution to go a whole year without soda. And let me tell you, it was no easy task! I can’t tell you how many times we ate pizza and my son and I had lemonade or water instead of a root beer. Or how many times we went to the movies and remembered not to order a drink, and got a bottle of water instead. It was definitely a change in our habit, but after a while it became easier and easier not to have a Thirstbuster and to reach for water instead of a soda.

With that said, I always knew that sodas aren’t good for you, but after doing some research, I found this handy dandy little sheet that listed some of our family’s favorite drinks and their acidity levels. Keep in mind that neutral levels are at a 7.0, and acidic levels are lower than that. Your body, in order to function properly, and to avoid enamel damage in the mouth, needs to remain close to a neutral level as possible.

Acidity (pH scale) of Common Drinks

The pH scale measures the acidity of a solution. The lower the pH, the stronger the acid. The stronger the acid, the more damage that is done to your child’s teeth.

Therefore, the drinks are listed from best to worst.

Drink Name pH Sugar Content

Unsweetened Tea 7.2 0

Water 7.0 (neutral) 0

Milk (2% of skim) 6.8 3.5

Instant Coffee (black) 5.5 0

Root Beer 4.6 10.7

Diet Root Beer 4.6 0

Tomato Juice 4.5 4.2

7-Up/Sprite 3.7 9

Juicy Juice 3.5 4.6

Apple Juice 3.4 4.8

Diet Cola 3.4 0

Orange Juice 3.3 6.3

Minute Maid 3.2 11.9

Mountain Dew 3.2 46

Snapple 3.2 7.6

Propel 3.2 0.4

V-8 3.1 5.5

Sierra Mist 3 5

Kool-Aid Jammers 3 5.1

Gatorade 2.9 21

Dr. Pepper 2.9 40.5

Hawaiian Punch 2.8 10.2

Powerade 2.7 15

Hi-C 2.7 5.5

Coke 2.5 27

Country Time Lemonade 2.5 5.4

Pepsi 2.4 27

Sunny Delight 2.4 6.3

Battery Acid* 1

*Please do not drink battery acid, this was just added to the list to show scale of acidity

So, hopefully, next time you reach for a soda, I hope you remember this chart and for every can of soda you drink, you have to drink 32 oz. of water to neutralize the acid in your body!

Happy Drinking everyone!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Click to access Acidity%20Sheet%20Sheet1.pdf

Sources:

Posted in Health, Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene
Tagged acid, acidity, neutral, pH, pop, soda, sugar, water
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July 31, 2016

What is Xylitol?

Andra Mahoney, BS RDH

What is Xylitol?

What if I told you there was a sugar that actually prevents cavities? Would you believe me? Well, you should! And it called Xylitol (pronounced zai-li-tall).

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. It looks and tastes just like sugar (sucrose). Xylitol has about a third the calories as table sugar, and is a healthy alternative for diabetics. Not only does it make an excellent sugar substitute, but it aids in the prevention of dental caries, and reduces plaque formation.

How does it help prevent cavities?

Everyone has bacteria in their mouth all the time. Bacteria is highly attracted to the sugars found in the foods and beverages that we eat and drink. Most people think this means sweets, candies, etc. While that is true, it also can mean carbohydrates (which are complex sugars) or fruit (which has fructose, a sugar) or any number of things. The bacteria in our mouths eat all those sugars and excrete acid. That acid is what causes cavities.

Now bacteria is way more attracted to xylitol than regular sugar. The Bacteria head right for xylitol! But bacteria cannot break down xylitol. Meaning if they can’t “eat” it, they can’t excrete it. The bacteria dies not able to make acid to cause cavities. That is how xylitol can help prevent cavities!

How does it help dry mouth?

Many things, including prescription medications, can cause dry mouth. But why is dry mouth such a big deal? Dry mouth can effect you quality of life! It decreases your ability to taste. It can cause bad breathe. It can make eating difficult. It can make talking difficult. It can even significantly increase your susceptibility to getting cavities!

Xylitol has a cooling effect, quenching the burning of dry mouth. Xylitol also stimulates saliva flow, which fixes all of the problems previously mentioned. Xylitol is also an humectant, which means it attracts moisture. And Xylitol neutralized saliva’s pH. An acid pH leads to dry mouth, a basic pH can lead to an overgrowth of plaque bacteria. Nice neutral pH is where your mouth is the happiest!

Who can have Xylitol?

Xylitol is safe for all ages! Great for the whole family!

Even diabetics can use xylitol. “The body does not require insulin to metabolize xylitol. For this reason polyols like xylitol produce a lower glycemic response than sucrose or glucose. This has made xylitol a widely used sweetener for the diabetic diet in some countries. If you do have diabetes, however, it’s important to consult your doctor or diet professional before incorporating xylitol into your daily diet. (1)”

And, like chocolate, onions, raisins, or avocados, xylitol is not safe for our 4-legged furry family members. Please do not share it with them.

Where can you find Xylitol?

Xylitol can be found in a wide array of products. Most commonly, chewing gum, candies, and mints. It is also found in tooth pastes, mouth sprays, and even as granulated crystals to replace table sugar.

Hope this has been informative and you have found a new way to incorporate the many benefits of Xylitol in your life!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

http://www.xylitol.org

http://www.xlear.com

Posted in Community Service News, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk, What is...
Tagged cavities, diabetes, dry mouth, natural sweetener, sugar, xylitol
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July 24, 2016

Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy

Katie Moynihan, BS RDH

Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy

If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. However, many people think it is normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss. False! Inflammation and bleeding are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If not treated quickly and properly, those early signs of gingivitis may lead to a more serious infection called periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease affects the supporting tissues around the teeth including the gums, the periodontal ligament, and the bone. As the plaque in your mouth spreads and accumulates below the gum line, the toxins within that plaque infect and break down the “foundation” that hold your teeth in place. If not treated with periodontal therapy, the disease will only get worse and tooth loss may occur.

In the presence of periodontal disease, a “regular” prophylaxis cleaning can NOT be completed. The definition of prophylaxis is the prevention of disease. Once periodontal disease is diagnosed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend non-surgical periodontal therapy. Non-surgical periodontal therapy is also referred to as scaling and root planing, or a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing involves thoroughly removing the plaque and calculus (tartar) that resides above and below the compromised gums. Smoothing the tooth roots allows a clean surface for tissue re-attachment and pocket reduction. Local anesthetic is recommended to make this procedure comfortable and painless for the patient. The goal for non-surgical periodontal therapy is to treat and eliminate the active infection, reduce periodontal pocketing around teeth, prevent further bone loss. The shallower the pockets are around your teeth, the easier they are to keep clean and healthy! When periodontal health is achieved, your oral health care provider will recommended more frequent periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to keep tissues healthy and stabilized. In few circumstances where periodontal health cannot be achieved, a referral to a Periodontist may be recommended for further treatment.

Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease:

Swollen, red, tender or bleeding gums
Gums that recede or move away from the tooth
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in mouth
Pain/sensitivity when chewing
Loose teeth
Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums

You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to overall health problems. You can read more about those on Andra’s recent blog post Oral Health: A Window to your Overall Health! Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

www.perio.org

www.colgate.com

Posted in Gums, Health, Mouth Body Connection
Tagged bacteria, bad breath, bleeding gums, gingivitis, gum inflammation, inflammation, mouth bacteria, non surgical periodontal therapy, NSPT, oral bacteria, perio maintenance, periodontal disease, periodontal therapy
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July 17, 2016

Dental Fears

Becky Larson, RDH

Dental Fears

I once had an elementary school teacher who would scream if she heard the word “dentist.” About 75% of the population has some form of dental anxiety while about 5-10% of the population has an actual dental phobia. There are various degrees of dental anxiety/phobia, some even requiring psychiatric help. Those who experience this fear of going to the dentist will often avoid dental appointments until they are in extreme pain. I think we all realize that sometimes going to the dentist is just not fun. However, some signs that you may suffer from legitimate dental anxiety/phobia include trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment, nervous feelings that increase in the dental office waiting room, crying or feeling physically sick when thinking about the dentist, and/or panic attacks or difficulty breathing when at or thinking of the dentist.

So what causes dental anxiety or dental phobia? Some common reasons for experiencing dental anxiety are fear of pain, fear of injections, fear that injections won’t work, fear of anesthetic side effects, fear of not being in control, embarrassment, and loss of personal space. The key to dealing with any of these fears is to talk to your dentist. If your dentist is aware of your fear(s) he/she can suggest ways to make you feel more comfortable when in the dental chair. Some helpful strategies include:

Having your dentist explain procedures in detail prior to and during treatment
Topical anesthetic and/or closing your eyes during injections
Establish a “stop” signal when you want your dentist to stop or give you a break
Nitrous oxide prior to treatment
Prescription pre-medication (such as Halcion)
Sedation/general anesthesia

Here in our Signature Dental offices, we do offer intravenous sedation techniques for dental treatment. With these techniques, sedation drugs are administered through an IV in the patient’s arm or hand. While the patient is sedated, they will still be still be conscious and able to respond to dental staff. They will also be able to breathe on their own.

Recognizing dental fears and finding ways to cope with them is extremely important to your dental health. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help prevent recurrent decay, which in turn can reduce the amount of time and money you spend at the dentist.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_phobia

http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Checkups-and-Dental-Procedures/The-Dental-Visit/article/What-is-Dental-Anxiety-and-Phobia.cvsp

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=dnetal+anxiety&FORM=HDRSC2

Posted in Community Service News, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged Dental Anxiety, Dental Fears, Dental Phobia, dentist
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July 3, 2016

What is Calculus?

Lora Cook, RDH

What is calculus and what dangers does it cause to the health of your mouth.

Calculus or tartar, same thing is calcified plaque. Plaque is the soft sticky film that will start to form twenty minutes after you brush your teeth. Another name for the soft sticky plaque is biofilm. This is basically a bacteria that grows in your mouth, a “slime layer”. Plaque is white or pale yellow soft, sticky, slimy stuff. This is what makes your teeth feel “fuzzy” when you first wake up and at the end of a long day. So do all these pleasant descriptions make you want to go brush your teeth yet?

So where does calculus come from? Calculus is calcified plaque. When plaque is allowed to stay hiding in your mouth for twenty-four hours or more is has the opportunity to harden and turn into tartar. Calculus/Tartar, same thing, this is calcified plaque. Once this soft sticky substance (biofilm) becomes hard it will attach itself to the tooth surface, then you will not be able to remove it yourself with your tooth brush or your floss. Calculus will form above and below your gum tissue.

The calculus will be a physical irritant to your gum tissue, causing inflammation. The calculus also becomes a source that harbors bacteria that causes harm to the tissue and bone around the teeth. This aggressive bacteria may lead to periodontal disease. What is periodontal disease? In short, it is bone loss around the teeth. This bone loss may range from slight to moderate, to severe. Some people will build up tartar more quickly than others, and some people are more prone to the bacteria that causes periodontal disease (bone loss).

So this brings the questions; What can I do to prevent calculus build up?

USE AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH: electric tooth brushes have been proven to be more effective at cleaning than manual brushes. Use the rechargeable electric brushes, not the battery spin brushes.

CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH EVERY THREE MONTHS: Do not go longer than three months with the same tooth brush or tooth brush head. Once the bristles start to wear out they cannot do a good job for you.

TIME YOUR BRUSHING ROUTINE: Brush for at least two minutes, preferably two to three minutes. Sometimes just adding more time to your routine can make a big difference, most people will brush for only forty to sixty seconds. So try timing yourself, you will be surprised. Two minutes feels like forever when you are brushing.

FLOSS DAILY: You don’t have to floss two times daily, once a day is sufficient. Make flossing part of your nightly routine. Flossing techniques are important, because some techniques are more effective than others. It is important to floss under the gum tissue where everything likes to hide, not just in between the teeth.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/plaque-and-tartar

Sources:

https://www.quora.com/Does-tartar-cause-gum-disease-purely-through-MECHANICAL-means/

Posted in Gums, Health, Oral Hygiene
Tagged brushing, calculus, floss, gum disease, inflammation, periodontal disease, plaque, tartar, toothbrush
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June 26, 2016

Early Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

Amanda Orvis, RDH

Early Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

Often time’s orthodontic treatment is recommended before all of your child’s primary (baby) teeth have even fallen out. Early orthodontic treatment can alleviate future, possibly more invasive, orthodontic corrections.

Here are a few reasons for early interceptive treatment:

Corrective positioning for a better prognosis of how the permanent teeth with develop.
To correct any oral habits that cause developmental problems such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting.
To correct malocclusions, or poor bite relationships, such as overbites, under bites, open bites, cross bites, crowding, spacing, teeth erupting out of sequence, or missing teeth.
To correct growth problems such as narrow palates.
To guide the growth of the jaw bones to a more favorable position for permanent tooth eruption.

“The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that all children receive an orthodontic screening by the age 7. Permanent teeth generally begin to come in at age 6 or 7. It is at this point that orthodontic problems become apparent.”

If you are unsure about the need for early interceptive orthodontic treatment for your child, it is a good idea to visit with an orthodontist to familiarize yourself with treatment options. If you are concerned with the appearance or development of your child’s teeth, or if you have questions please do not hesitate to call our office and schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options and referral information.

Want to learn more? Visit us at