Dental “Myth Busters”

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, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged aspirin, baby teeth, bleeding, brushing, cavities, dental, dental myths, flossing, fluoride, myths, Pregnancy and oral health, recurrent decay, routine dental care, tooth ache
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April 26, 2015

Periodontal Probing 101

Lindsay Whitlock RDH

John, the patient, is taken back to the dental operatory for his dental cleaning appointment. The dental hygienist reviews John’s chart, his medical history, and John addresses any concerns he has in his mouth. The hygienist lays John back in the chair. John cringes, as he sees the hygienist holding a pointy tool in her hand. She informs him, “John, I am going to take a few measurements around each tooth, to assess how healthy your gums, and bone levels are.” John opens his mouth, and thinks to himself “I wonder if this going to hurt?” “What is she even doing with that tool anyways?”

Prior to becoming a dental hygienist, I too was like John. I did not understand what that “pointy” tool was, or why it needed to be used. With this blog post, I would like to briefly educate my dental patients of what a periodontal probe is, and why it is utilized in the dental office.

That pointy tool the hygienist uses at the beginning of a dental appointment is called a periodontal probe. The periodontal probe is marked in millimeter increments, which is used to evaluate the health of the patient’s gum, and surrounding bone levels of the jaw, with little to NO discomfort!

Each of your teeth are sitting in jawbone. Additionally, each tooth is surrounded by gum tissue (gingiva). To simplify this concept, your gums surround each tooth like a turtleneck sweater.

There is a natural space of pocket between the gum and tooth. The periodontal probe is used to measure this pocket depth, at each dental appointment.

In health, the tooth is surrounded by a gum pocket depth of 1-3 mm (No bone loss of the jaw bone).

If gingivitis is present (Swollen gums-no bone loss of the jaw bone) the tooth is surrounded by a 4 mm. pocket depth.

A periodontal pocket (Mild-Advanced periodontitis) is present when the space between the tooth and gum has been deepened by disease and bone loss. A 5-12 mm pocket depth surround the tooth or teeth.

The next time you are in the dental chair, feel free to ask your dentist or dental hygienist your latest periodontal probing scores. If you have never had these measurements taken before, call our office today and schedule a new patient exam, to determine the health of your mouth!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/probing-150304002025-conversion-gate01/95/probing-4-638.jpg?cb=1425450081

Sources:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.jabfm.org/content/23/3/285/F6.large.jpg&imgrefurl=http://imgkid.com/oral-cavity-diagram.shtml&h=929&w=1280&tbnid=QTPxgTXY_157NM:&zoom=1&docid=muXuT2D8a_l-rM&ei=gik0VeWcGZKHgwTj8oL4Bw&tbm=isch&ved=0CGwQMyhIMEg

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anicesmile.com%2Fgum_care.htm&ei=eB00VZSAAcWqgwS6uIH4DA&bvm=bv.91071109,d.eXY&psig=AFQjCNEelreU-hCgZkFOw-zD66VytX1oWw&ust=1429565102055540

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpixshark.com%2Fperiodontal-probe-measurements.htm&ei=IzI0VabtA8HYggTXhICoAQ&bvm=bv.91071109,d.eXY&psig=AFQjCNG8JqFvrTWfgyW7lJDBKPoToB2P0g&ust=1429570410736621

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimgbuddy.com%2Fperiodontal-probe-measurements.asp&ei=bBc0Vd3rJYa_ggT9tYHIAg&bvm=bv.91071109,d.eXY&psig=AFQjCNGZO6FQ7Orbd5mXZx5HOFLLyJqYdA&ust=1429563605237318

Posted in Gums, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene
Tagged gingivitis, gum disease, gums, healthy gums, periodontal probe, periodontitis, pockets
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April 22, 2015

The Platypus Orthodontic Flosser

Lora Cook RDH

“Help! I just got my braces on and it takes me 20 minutes to floss my teeth.”

I have heard this statement before from some of my patients. Well I am here to tell you that your dental hygienist is here to the rescue.

I am sure that the orthodontist carefully demonstrated how to use floss threaders to thread the floss under the wire.

Well I am here let you know about another alternative to threaders. This orthodontic flossing device was invented my a hygienist trying to help her patients with the time consuming and frustrating chore of flossing under braces. It is called the platypus.

The Platypus orthodontic flosser was co-invented by pediatric dental hygienist Laura Morgan and hygiene product developer Fred Van de Perre.

This device fits easily under arch wire and between brackets. Flossing daily will help gum tissue stay health and help to prevent tooth decay. Best of all it will only take you 2 minutes instead of 20!

How to use the Platypus orthodontic flosser.

*Insert spatula end of the flosser under your wire and press lightly against the teeth.

*Press spatula against your teeth to remove floss slack. Slide floss up between your teeth.

*In difficult to reach area, it is key to maintain pressure against your teeth while flossing.

*The bracket brush cleans around your brace brackets.

Where do I get these?

Amazon or drugstore.com sells them.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.drugstore.com/platypusco-orthodontic-flosser/qxp361704

Sources:

http://www.drugstore.com/popups/largerphoto/default.asp?pid=361704&catid=183799&size=500&trx=29888&trxp1=361704&trxp2=1

http://drmodjeski.com/oralhygiene.html

http://audrey5942f.blogspot.com/2013/01/platypus-ortho-flosser-for-braces.html

http://www.scottsdental.com/product_images/w/972/346-T106__82881_zoom.jpg

Posted in Gums, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene
Tagged Braces, floss threader, flossing, orthodontics, platypus flosser
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April 16, 2015

Thyroid 101

Ann Clark RDH

The thyroid regulates many things, among them are your body’s teemperature, metabolism and heart beat. What causes the thyroid to go haywire? It could be genetics, an autoimmune attack, pregnancy, stress, nutrient deficiencies or toxins in the environment.The following are signs of thyroid disfunction:

1) Exhaustion– fatigue is the number 1 sign: feeling tired and no energy are strongly linked to hypothroidism. Too little hormone in your bloodstream and cells mean your muscles aren’t getting the “get GOing” signal.
2) Depressed– low hormone impacts seratonin in the brain
3) Anxious/jittery– anxiety and “feeling wired” indicate too much hormone causing your metabolism and body to feel hyper: your heart can feel fluttery as your it skips a beat
4) Appetite and taste buds are altered- overactive: increased appetite is offset by the higher metabolism so no weight gain occurs. underactive: changes sense of taste and smell
5)Fuzzy brain– hyper: hard to connect hypo: forgetful and “foggy”
6)loss of interest in sex– hypo: contributes to low libido as does the weight gain, low energy, body aches and pains associated with it.
7) Dry skin– change of texture and appearance is from slow metabolism. You also sweat less and nail are brittle and develop ridges.
8)Unpredictable bowls- hypo: constipation hyper: frequent movements or diarrhea
9)Changes to your period– hypo: longer cycle, heavier flow and closer together hyper: short cycle, farther apart and very light.
10)Pain in extremities or muscles– indicates hypo: overtime low hormone can damage the neves sending signals= unexplained twinges and tingles.
11)HBP- hypo: 2-3x increased risk to develop
12)Body temperature regulation- hypo: feeling cold or chills=less energy is being burned by the cells so we have less heat hyper: cells are in overdrive so you feel warm or sweaty
13)Sound hoarse or feel a lump in your throat, a change in your voice or lump is a sign of disorder
14)Sleep issues- hypo: sleep all the time hyper: hard to fall asleep or wake during the night
15)Weight- hypo: gain hyper: loss
16)Hair Cycle interruption- hypo: dry, loss or brittle, hyper: thinning hair on your head only
17)Pregnancy issues- difficulty conceiving is linked to higher risk of undiagnosed thyroid issues.
18)High Cholesterol– high levels of bad cholesterol can be caused by underactive thyroid. Untreated hypothyroid can lead to heart problems including enlarged heart or heart failure.

Get your thyroid tested regularly. Synthetic hormones are available to help.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Source: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20723100,00.html

Posted in Health
Tagged hyperthyroid, hypothryroid, thyroid
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April 5, 2015

Importance of Early Detection

Karen Kelley RDH

Importance of Early Detection

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and, as dental professionals, we want our patients to understand the significance of routine oral cancer screenings. When you get your teeth cleaned, the dental hygienist or dentist will look at all the areas in your mouth, including your tongue. They will also check for any swelling along the neck. We do this on every patient regardless of age or habits.

Another way to identify a possible oral cancer lesion is to be aware of what is in your own mouth. Look at your tongue, the tissues of your cheeks and around the teeth. If you notice something like a red or white patch, take note of the appearance. If the lesion doesn’t go away after 2-3 weeks, go see your dentist for his opinion. He may check the area again after 2-3 weeks or he may refer you to a specialist to have the area evaluated.

“There is much that can be done for those who are diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Since early detection and treatment is critical, it’s important to see your dentist regularly and to promptly see a medical professional if there are any warnings signs,” — The Oral Cancer Foundation

Oral cancer symptoms:

Persistent mouth sore: A sore in the mouth that does not heal is the most common symptom of oral cancer

Pain: Persistent mouth pain is another common oral cancer sign

A lump or thickening in the cheek

A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth

A sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat that does not go away

Difficulty swallowing or chewing

Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue

Numbness of the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth

Jaw swelling that makes dentures hurt or fit poorly

Loosening of the teeth

Pain in the teeth or jaw

Voice changes

A lump in the neck

Weight loss

Persistent bad breath

Again, if you notice any of these things, come into the office and get things checked out. The earlier oral cancer is identified, the better the outcome.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.cancercenter.com/oral-cancer/symptoms/?source=GOOGLPPC&channel=paid+search&c=paid+search%253AGoogle%253ANon+Brand%253ABroad%253Asigns+of+oral+cancer%253ABroad&OVMTC=Broad&site=&creative=42231931401&OVKEY=signs+of+oral+cancer&url_id=190254693&device=c&gclid=CIXk0IDm3sQCFUWVfgoduEYAJg

Sources:

http://oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/risk-factors.php

Posted in Health, Mouth Body Connection, What is...
Tagged early detection, Oral Cancer, oral cancer awareness, Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer screening
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March 29, 2015

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Sharma Mulqueen RDH

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Early detection is key with oral cancer. When found early, oral cancer patients can have an 80 to 90% survival rate. Unfortunately 40% of those diagnosed with oral cancer will die within five years because the majority of these cases will be discovered as a late stage malignancy.

Oral cancer is particularly dangerous, because the patient may not notice it in its early stages. It can frequently prosper without producing pain or symptoms. As a result, Oral Cancer often goes undetected until it has already metastasized to another location.

Who does oral cancer screenings?

Most oral cancer screenings are done by a Dentist or Hygienist. It is very important at all of your dental appointments you have a screening completed.

When should I have my first oral cancer screening?

More people are being diagnosed with oral cancer than ever before. But surprisingly, research shows this increase is not due to the traditional risk factors of drinking, smoking and using chewing tobacco. Rather oral cancer is now being found in a younger population of men and women because due to their exposure to the HPV (Human Papillomavirus). That is why the Center for Disease Control recommends that all patients over the age of 17 be screened annually for oral cancer.

What types of screenings are there?

A routine “recall” exam usually includes a visual search for lesions and abnormal structures in the oral cavity with palpitations on neck, throat, tongue and cheeks.

The Identafi system uses the Identafi Multi-Spectral Fluorescence and Reflectance technology to enhance visualization of mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Unlike other fluorescence technologies and dye systems, the Identafi is Multi-Spectral with three distinct color wavelengths, making it easier to distinguish lesion morphology and vasculature.

The VELscope^® Vx system is an adjunctive device which means it must be used together with and as a supplement to the traditional intra and extra oral head and neck exam. Unlike other adjunctive devices used for oral examinations, the VELscope^® Vx does not require any dyes or prolonged testing procedures. In fact, a VELscope^® Vx exam can be performed during a routine hygiene exam in about two minutes at your dental office.

Dentists, Hygienists, Periodontists, Oral Surgeons, Primary Care Physicians and Otolaryngologists now have the technology to detect morphological and biochemical changes which may lead to oral cancer and potentially save lives, thanks to the Identafi® and VELscope^® Vx systems.

Where do I go if there is any concern with my screening?

You will be referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons where they will check for lesions and abnormal tissue structures and perform a biopsy.

Oral Surgeons are not front-line detectors, because their patients are typically referred by dentist and other medical professionals as a primary source for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.identafi.net/tools

Source:

http://www.dentalez.com/products/stardental/identafi/

http://www.velscope.com/velscope-technology/overview/

Posted in Community Service News, Health, Mouth Body Connection
Tagged alcohol, chewing tobacco, dentist, HPV, human papilloma virus, hygienist, Identafi System, Oral Cancer, oral cancer awareness, oral cancer awareness month, Oral Cancer Screenings, smoking, Velscope
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March 22, 2015

What is a Periodontal Maintenance?

Arianna Ritchey RDH

What is a Periodontal Maintenance?

One of the terms that is commonly used by dental professionals, and also commonly misunderstood by patients, is ‘Periodontal Maintenance.’ A periodontal maintenance procedure is similar to a prophy, or general adult cleaning, but is a more involved procedure meant for patients who have periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is characterized by deep periodontal pockets, inflammation, and bone loss. Periodontal disease is an irreversible condition which, if left untreated, may lead to further bone loss and eventually tooth loss. In order to treat periodontal disease, a dental hygienist or dentist will likely recommend a procedure called a “deep cleaning,” also known as SRP, or scaling and root planing. Once a deep cleaning is completed, inflammation will reduce and periodontal pockets may decrease in depth. When the patient’s periodontal status has stabilized, the next step in the care of the teeth and gums is periodontal maintenance, or more colloquially, “perio maintenance.”

Periodontal maintenance is a teeth cleaning procedure which is done at either 3, 4, or 6 month intervals, depending on the patient’s needs. The purpose of the periodontal maintenance procedure is to maintain the level of the periodontal disease present, and to prevent it from getting any worse. Unfortunately, bone that has been lost as a result of periodontal disease does not grow back, and as such, periodontal pockets may remain at a deeper-than-optimal level despite the initial deep cleaning therapy. These deep periodontal pockets collect plaque and tartar, and are impossible to clean properly with a toothbrush, floss, and other dental hygiene aids. In order to keep these periodontal pockets clean and prevent further bone loss, it is necessary to have a dental hygienist regularly perform professional cleanings.

Periodontal maintenance involves a dental hygienist scaling and root planing some areas in order to remove irritating tartar buildup. When a dental hygienist performs root planing, instrumentation is completed below the gumline all the way to the bottom of the periodontal pocket. This cleaning of the root surface below the gumline is what makes a periodontal maintenance different, more involved, and potentially more costly than a prophy, or regular cleaning.

In patients who have deep periodontal pockets, a prophy, or general cleaning, is not beneficial, because the irritating plaque and tartar below the gumline that is causing the most irritation and loss of bone is not removed during a prophy or general cleaning. Performing a general cleaning on a patient with periodontal disease would be similar to sweeping dirt under the rug instead of properly cleaning a floor. The offending dirt in the case of the floor, or the bacteria-infused-tartar in the case of the mouth, is still present and causing harm.

As dental hygienists, our primary goal and concern is to assist patients in maintaining the healthiest oral cavity possible. Providing periodontal maintenance treatments for our patients who have periodontal disease at 3, 4, or 6 month intervals, along with the patient’s good oral hygiene care at home, is the best way to work towards a stable periodontal health status and to help our patients from experiencing bone and tooth loss.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://jdh.adha.org/content/82/suppl_2/16.refs

Sources

http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-0/issue-9/columns/staff-rx/prophy-vs-perio-maintenance.html

https://www.deltadental.com/Public/Study/StudyPerio.jsp

Posted in Gums, Health, Oral Hygiene, What is...
Tagged bone loss, dental cleaning, dental hygienist, inflammation, perio maintenance, periodontal disease, periodontal maintenance, pockets, Prophy, root planing, scaling
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March 16, 2015

Whitening Options

Peggy Storr RDH

When considering whitening your teeth, the options may seem confusing. There are many products that you can buy over the counter, online, or in your dental office; should you whiten at home, should you go in and have it done professionally, or just cross your fingers and hope that your toothpaste will do what it says it will do?

For starters, many whitening toothpastes can often have positive whitening and brightening effect because they have abrasive agents that remove surface staining. However, these toothpastes don’t lighten the tooth from the inside. The jury is out on too much use of abrasive products. I think occasional use of these kinds of toothpastes is not harmful.

Another inexpensive option is of course the whitening strips, which some patients of mine have had good results with. They are peroxide based and seem to work best in young adults. The disadvantage to these is they can sometimes be tedious, as you need to use them twice daily and they slip and slide. Whitening rinses are also peroxide based like the strips, but they definitely are less effective than the strips and take up to 12 weeks to see results.

The fastest and most effective way if you’re willing to make the investment is in-office whitening. In our office, for example, a dental assistant will apply the whitening product directly to your teeth and you will have results in about 60 minutes. My daughter had this done after she got her braces off and the results were dramatic! You can also have trays made custom to your teeth and then take the product home and do it yourself. These trays will fit your teeth perfectly, and thus, work better than the over-the-counter trays. In addition, they won’t irritate your gum tissue. Now is a great time to whiten your teeth professionally. The Smiles for Life program is open from now until the end of June. 100% goes to children’s charities and it’s tax deductible for you. Contact us for more details!

Overall, there really is no wrong way to go. It’s all in your preference, your budget, and your time frame. For example, if you want to get your teeth whitened for your wedding, the in-office treatment is the way to go for sure. ☺ But remember, your oral health is most important before you consider any bleaching option. Always check with your dental professional first!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening

Posted in Oral Hygiene, Tooth Talk, Uncategorized
Tagged brighten, dental, in-office whitening, Peroxide, professional whitening, Smiles for Life, toothpaste, whitening, whitening strips
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March 8, 2015

Toothbrush Care: Replacing, Cleaning, Storing

Amanda Orvis RDH

Toothbrush Care: Replacing, Cleaning, Storing

In order to maintain a healthy mouth, one must use a clean toothbrush. Toothbrushing plays a major role in your personal oral hygiene care. When brushing, it is important that you use a clean and functional toothbrush. Toothbrush bristles can harbor harmful bacteria that can be damaging to our oral health.

REPLACING

The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 months. The same rules apply to both manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads. Many types of bacteria can be found on toothbrush bristles, these bacteria can continue to multiply over time potentially causing harm to our mouths. Toothbrush bristles also break down over time causing the bristles to fan out, fray or simply fall out. When your toothbrush bristles break down the toothbrush becomes less effective, making it harder to clean your mouth properly. If you or any member of the family become sick or gets an infection in the mouth, it is important to replace yours or their toothbrush immediately to be prevent that harmful bacteria from spreading or re-infecting you or that person. In order to prevent cross contamination make sure you do not share toothbrushes for any reason.

CLEANING

After brushing your teeth it is important to thoroughly rinse your toothbrush to remove any additional toothpaste, bacteria and saliva. Germs can hide in your toothbrush bristles and lead to oral infections of not properly cleaned.

STORING

After cleaning your toothbrush, it is very important to allow your toothbrush time to thoroughly dry between usages. Designate an area for your toothbrush to dry. Many toothbrush storage containers are available that prop your toothbrush upright and allow the toothbrush to not touch anything else while drying. When traveling, it is just as important to allow your toothbrush to dry between usages. Keeping the toothbrush bristles covered while storing it within your other items during travel is important as well. Small toothbrush storage cases are available at almost all pharmacies and grocery stores. Just make sure the toothbrush is fully dry before storing it in its case.

5 Quick Rules:

Do not share toothbrushes

Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after each use

Leave your toothbrush in an open area to dry after each use

Discard your toothbrush if you become sick or get any dental infections

Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months

Want to learn more? Visit us at