|
| |
|
CONTINUING CARE
There is no doubt that the basis for good oral health is preventive
dental care. Regular professional exams and cleanings, along with your
own sound hygiene habits, give you the best prospects for maintaining your
dental health at an optimum level. back to top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND SYSTEMIC DISEASE
Recent studies have shown that the effects of periodontal
disease extend to the entire body. Gum disease is a serious infection
that can release bacteria into the bloodstream and impact your overall
health.
back to top
Cardiovascular Disease
Although more research is needed, there is evidence that
bacteria in the mouth associated with gum disease may be linked to heart
disease, artery blockages, and stroke. The impact of periodontal
disease treatment on the prevention of second heart attacks is the subject
of a three-year study currently underway at five research centers in the
United States.
back to top
Diabetes
A recent study at Marquette University suggests that
chronic periodontal disease may increase the risk of developing Type 2
diabetes in otherwise healthy individuals with no other risk factors for
diabetes. The research ties the incidence of diabetes in patients with
periodontal disease to the release of bacteria into the bloodstream that
triggers a reaction from the immune system.
back to top
Respiratory Disease
New research has found a link between periodontal disease
to the increased risk of the development of chronic bronchitis or emphysema,
or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the sixth leading cause of
death in the United States. The January, 2001 Journal of
Periodontology published a study showing that patients with periodontal
attachment loss of greater than three millimeters had one and a half times
greater risk of COPD.
back to top
Premature Births, Osteoporosis, and Rheumatoid
Arthritis
Research is currently underway which links premature
birth, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis to periodontal disease.
Preliminary results show a higher rate of pre-term births among mothers with
more severe periodontal disease. A University of Alabama study has
revealed preliminary data which indicates there is a high rate of
progressive bone loss in the jaws of women with systemic osteoporosis.
An Australian study published in June 2001 issue of the Journal of Periodontology shows that people with arthritis were more than twice as
likely to have periodontal disease with moderate to severe bone loss as
those who did not have arthritis. Both periodontal disease and
arthritis involve damage caused by the immune system and chronic
inflammation.
back to top |
| |
|
|
FRACTURED TOOTH
Fractured teeth are a commonly occurring problem. Teeth may crack when subjected to stress of chewing hard
foods or ice, or biting on an unexpected hard object. Teeth with or without restorations may exhibit this problem, but teeth with
large silver fillings are the most susceptible. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS (some or all of the
following): 1. Pain on chewing
2. Pain with cold air
3. Spontaneous pain (usually leakage or sugar into tooth fracture)
4. No evidence of problem on X-ray
5. No dental decay present
6. Easy visualization of fracture when tooth is prepared for restoration
7. Some fractured teeth have no symptoms TREATMENT FOR FRACTURED TEETH
1. SIMPLE FRACTURE: The majority of cracked teeth (about 9 out of 10) can be treated by placement of a
crown (cap) on the tooth. When the tooth is prepared for the crown, and a temporary restoration is placed, the pain usually
leaves immediately. IF THIS IS THE CASE WITH YOUR TOOTH, WE WILL PLACE THE FINAL CROWN WITHOUT A PROBLEM ON YOUR NEXT
APPOINTMENT, AND THE CONDITION SHOULD BE SOLVED. 2. COMPLEX FRACTURE:
Occasionally (about 1 out of 10) the tooth cracks into the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. IF THE PAIN PERSISTS AFTER THE PLACEMENT
OF THE TEMPORARY CROWN, YOU MAY HAVE A FRACTURE INTO THE PULP OF THE AFFECTED TOOTH. PLEASE CALL US. THIS TOOTH MAY
REQUIRE A ROOT CANAL BEFORE THE CROWN IS PLACED. This requires one or two additional appointments.
3. TERMINAL FRACTURE: Occasionally a tooth will fracture all the way through the root. Treatment
for this condition is either removal of the fractured root or removal of the tooth. It is preferable to crown a tooth that has a
fracture line BEFORE the fracture proceeds into the pulp or root. back to top |
INFORMATION
CONCERNING AN IMMEDIATE DENTURE 1. Biting pressure on the denture will promote clotting
and will decrease the initial flow of blood. Slight bleeding can last up to 2-3 days.
2. To help reduce swelling, you may use an ice compress on the affected side for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes
off for the first day. A zip-lock type bag with ice inside, wrapped in a towel, works well for this purpose.
3. Limit your diet to soft nurturing foods and plenty of fluids for the first week.
4. Don't take your denture out today, but rinse your mouth with warm salt water before going to bed. (1
tsp. salt in one cup warm water) 5. Starting tomorrow, carefully remove the
denture twice a day and clean with a toothbrush and a low abrasive toothpaste or denture cleanser. Rinse your mouth with warm
salt water. 6. Sleep with the denture in your mouth for one week unless
otherwise instructed. Then you should take it out when sleeping in order to relax the gum tissue.
7. Due to the gum shrinkage that occurs as a normal result of healing, your denture will become increasingly
loose. You can use denture adhesives during this period. 8. Following the
gum shrinkage period (approximately 6 to 12 months) you will need a
tissue conditioner and reline. The tissue
conditioner will be placed and will stay in the denture for one week. During this time you will notice that the denture will
fit nicely and will stay in without the adhesives. At the end of this week, you will need to drop off your denture in the
morning so that we may reline it during the day. you will be able to pick up your relined denture that same afternoon.
9. You may experience sore spots caused by the denture being too long or from uneven pressure being applied
to the healing gum tissues. We will adjust the denture as these problems occur. It is especially common with immediate
dentures for the denture to settle as the gum shrinkage occurs, which will result in sore spots from time to time. back to top |
| |
|
|
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR TISSUE CONDITIONING AND RELINES Why is this treatment
necessary? During the time you have worn your denture(s), your mouth has experienced considerable change. Since your
denture(s) cannot change, they no longer fit as they once did. This treatment is designed to allow the tissue to relax and
return to its normal, healthy condition. How many treatments will I need?
Some mouths respond to treatment sooner than others. As soon as your oral tissue is physiologically sound, we will
proceed with your denture service. What is the white lining on my denture(s)?
The white lining is a doughlike dental plastic. This plastic is especially designed to remain moldable at mouth temperature
and allow the tissue to restore itself to a healthy condition. How should I clean
the treatment lining? Simply rinse the lining with cold tap water. Avoid touching the lining during the cleaning process.
Do NOT soak your denture(s) in Polident, Efferdent, etc. What can I eat?
Eat normally. When should I come back? Return in one week as follows:
1. IF your denture(s) feel good, stay in position, and you are talking and chewing well,
drop them off in the early morning at our office after 8:00 am, and come in after 4:00 pm on the same day for your relined
denture(s). 2. IF your denture(s) do NOT feel good, do NOT stay in position, and
you are NOT talking and chewing well, do NOT drop them off at our office in the morning, but DO come in for the afternoon
appointment. At that time , we'll place another tissue conditioner.
back to top |
| TEETHING
AND DENTAL CARE FOR BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN Your child's teeth begin to develop during the
fifth or sixth week of fetal life. By birth, many of the "baby teeth", called deciduous teeth, and some of the permanent teeth
are already well formed. Healthy deciduous teeth increase your child's chances of having strong and well positioned permanent
teeth. The appearance of teeth in your baby's mouth cannot be accurately predicted
from drooling, irritability, or putting fingers into the mouth. These behaviors are also the result of maturing of the salivary
glands, developing eye/hand/mouth coordination, and personality development. Often, the teeth coincidentally begin to erupt at
a time when your baby's antibody levels are at their lowest, so there is less resistance to infection. Fever and infections
should NOT be attributed to teething. Please see your medical doctor for evaluation and treatment.
When your baby develops soreness from teething, a chilled teething ring can help. Do not use any imported
fluid-containing teething rings, since the liquid inside may be contaminated. Rubbing the child's gum with your finger can be
comforting. Some parents have found temporary relief, thus allowing the baby to fall asleep, by applying a Q-tip with ground
cloves, available in the spice section of grocery stores, to the tender area.
"Nursing bottle mouth" is a form of severe and rapid tooth decay which results from giving your baby a bottle
immediately before falling asleep. The liquid pools around the teeth, which promotes the formation of bacterial plaque.
To avoid this condition, NEVER let your baby fall asleep with a bottle containing any sugared drink, juice, milk, or formula.
If you baby must have a bottle to fall asleep, fill it with cool water. Try to help your baby accept a cup by ten months of
age.
When your baby's teeth begin to erupt, it is important to begin cleaning the teeth. A Q-tip may be used for
this purpose, or 2x2 cotton squares available in drug stores. There are 100 squares in a package, and you can use a fresh one
daily as you gently wipe your baby's teeth. As your child matures and seems interested in brushing, you can let him/her brush,
then you follow up with a "check" with the brush to be sure all surfaces are cleaned. Avoid fluoridated toothpaste for your
child until the first permanent tooth has erupted if your child is drinking fluoridated city water. Too much fluoride can cause
mottling of the enamel on the permanent teeth. An amount of toothpaste the size of a kernel of corn is adequate to place on
your child's toothbrush. Parents often ask when their child should first be seen by a dentist. Unless you are aware of a
problem that needs attention, we recommend a first visit at the dentist at age 36 months. The maturity level at this time is
adequate for most children to be cooperative and to enjoy the experience. We want to provide your child with pleasant visits
which nurture healthy choices within a compassionate environment.
 If you have any questions, please feel free to
call our office. back to top |
| |
|
|
THUMB SUCKING
Infants discover upon birth that sucking satisfies their nutritional needs. Sucking is a natural reflex.
About 70 to 90% of all infants and small children use thumbs or fingers, pacifiers, toys, or blankets to satisfy psychological
non-nutritive needs. Young children may place a finger or thumb in their mouth to soothe themselves. Thumb sucking is
relaxing and many children suck in the evenings or when they are tired. "Non-nutritive
sucking" is considered to be prolonged after four years of age. Factors which increase the risk that a child will continue
thumb sucking after age four include: day care attendance, college graduate mother, father is older than thirty, mother is
older than twenty four, and the child is a first born. breast-feeding does not affect the risk of prolonged thumb sucking.
Thumb sucking can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also
cause changes in the roof of the mouth. Cross bites, overjet, and open bites can result. Children who passively rest
their thumbs in their mouth are less likely to have dental problems than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Parents can
observe a popping sound when the thumb is removed from active thumb suckers. Pacifiers
can affect the child's mouth development. It makes no difference whether an orthodontic and conventional pacifier is used.
Risks of tooth malpositioning increases with increased hours of use per day. There is also an increased risk of ear infections
for babies under one year of age who use a pacifier. Fortunately, many children stop
thumb sucking between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes most children to stop before they start kindergarten.
Most bite problems that result from thumb sucking are minor and are self-correcting. Ideally, the habit should be ended before
eruption of the permanent front teeth. Often parents are more motivated than the child
to end the non-nutritive sucking habit. If the habit is not causing a problem with the positioning of the teeth, parents can
relax and let the child stop on his/her own. If there is a problem with the bite which is resulting from the habit, then
serious consideration should be given to intervention. Parents can provide
encouragement by praising children when they are not sucking, rather than scolding them for sucking. Rewards may be introduced
as parents involve their child in choosing the methods for stopping the habit. Night
time Thumb sucking can be minimized by wrapping the child's elbow with an Ace Bandage at bedtime. As the child falls asleep,
the arm straightens out due to the wrapped elastic bandage and the thumb comes out. Parents may place a sock on the hand at
night, or place a bitter tasting medication on the thumb. However, since these are easily removed, motivation and cooperation
from the child is required. Dental appliances which are attached tot he child's teeth can be placed by a dentist. These
devices can prevent the thumb from comfortably entering the mouth. If you have
questions or concerns about your child's sucking, talk with your dentist.
back to top |
MOUTH SORES
CANKER SORES
Canker Sores are those small but very painful sores that occur inside the mouth. They usually erupt on the cheeks or floor of
the mouth. They range is size from a pinhead to a pea. Approximately 20% of the population are affected by recurring
canker sores. Canker sores appear to be caused by stress, nicks, and diet. Once a
canker sore is formed, the probability of recurrence is high. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious.
Typically, they will go away in 8 to 10 days. Canker sores start as small circular
reddish swellings that usually rupture within a day. The ruptured sores are covered by thin whitish areas that are surrounded
by reddish inflammation. Since they are open sores, they hurt when touched. Because they are located inside the mouth, there is
ample opportunity for a variety of substances (saliva, food, and drinks) to irritate them. back to top
COLD SORES Cold sores (fever blisters) are liquid filled blister
that erupt around the lips, on the gum, roof of mouth, under the nose, and around the chin. Approximately 80% of the population
have had cold sores. Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex I.
This is not the same virus that causes genital herpes (herpes simplex II). The cold sore virus stays in the body once a person
is infected In some people it remains inactive. However, with most people, it occasionally travels down the nerves
located near the bones of the face to the lips, mouth, nose and chin. In most people,
the initial infection does not create any symptoms. The virus is dormant until a future point in time. Many people who
get recurring cold sores feel tingling or burning at the location about one day before the sore erupts.
At the initial stage of the outbreak, there is a reddening and swelling of the area. Then the sore erupts.
The sore or sores are usually fluid-filled and can be painful. In the following few days, the sores will begin to seep fluid
and crack. After this stage, the sores begin to dry up and form scabs. The scabs then begin to fall off and the outbreak
has run its cycle. After the initial infection, there are several things that can
cause cold sores to recur. Among these factors are emotional stress, fever, illness, sunlight, fatigue, and menstruation. back to top
OTHER MOUTH SORES Other mouth sores can develop as a result of
injuries to the mouth from objects (like forks, etc.). Braces and instruments that adjust them can cause sores. Loose
dentures can also cause pain by rubbing against specific areas of the gums. back to top
PREVENTING
MOUTH SORES Mouth sores cannot be prevented entirely since there are many factors
causing canker sores, cold sores, and mouth sores. However, there are some preventative measures that can be taken for people
that are susceptible. Canker sore breakouts can be minimized by avoiding stressful
situations and avoiding certain foods such as nuts, chocolates, acidic juices and foods (pineapples, oranges, tomatoes).
Cold sore breakouts can be minimized by avoiding stressful situations, excessive sunlight, and by avoiding
contact (kissing, shaking hands) with someone who has a cold sore. Other mouth sores
can be avoided by being careful with utensils, toothbrushes, and by seeing a dentist when problems with dentures or braces are
experienced. back to top
TREATING MOUTH SORES
Canker Sores:
1. Avoid foods and drinks that will irritate the sore. Foods like potato chips
and pretzels are abrasive and can rub against the sore. Drinks like orange juice and tomato juice are acidic and can sting
the sore. 2. Be careful not to irritate the sore with a
toothbrush or with eating utensils. 3. Ask your dentist to recommend a
product that will provide pain relief from the sore.
back to top
Cold Sores:
1. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. 2.
Keep the sore clean, and refrain from pinching or picking at the sore. 3. Since
others can be affected with the virus, avoid kissing during the outbreak. Also, avoid sharing food utensils and drinking cups.
4. Ask your dentist to recommend a product that will provide pain relief from the sore.
back to top |
| |
|
