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Archive for the ‘Dental’ Category

Whether you are trying to get pregnant or you are already pregnant: Good dental hygiene is important and regular cleaning and check-ups are essential for dental health.

Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are not only safe, but are recommended. The rise in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food causing increased irritation to your gums.

Recent studies have shown an association between poor dental conditions and pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery and low birthweight babies. Preventive dental work is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth.

That’s why it is recommended that every women trying to get pregnant and every pregnant woman see their dentist regularly, at least every 6 months.

Periodontal gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone, caused by plaque,a sticky film of bacteria that adheres to teeth and pregnant women are especially susceptible to periodontal disease. It is known that periodontal disease can adversely affect the pregnancy, but it is not completely understood what the exact mechanism is. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums can actually get into the bloodstream and target the fetus, potentially leading to premature labor and low birth weight babies, and one study shows an increased risk of preeclampsia in women with periodontal disease. You can possibly decrease your risk and to prevent the development of periodontal disease by seeing your periodontist or dentist before and during pregnancy. For women who are planning to get pregnant, a thorough periodontal exam and appropriate treatment should begin prior to pregnancy. For women who are already pregnant, meticulous oral hygiene and frequent professional cleanings may be helpful.

This is also true for women who need dental work during pregnancy. Not caring for your teeth may negatively impact on the pregnancy.

Dental work such as cavity fillings and crowns and even root canal treatment should be done to reduce the chance of infection. Local anesthesia as well as dental X-rays with abdominal shielding are safe in pregnancy and will not affect the fetus. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labeled category B for safety in pregnancy, may be prescribed after your procedure.

Elective tooth treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth.

It’s truly shambolic say many dentists referring to the recent overhaul of the NHS dental service. The situation has become so bad that dentists are leaving the NHS in droves. Seven out of ten dentists have either quit the NHS or have signed their new NHS contract temporarily and “under dispute”. This means that come July this year they have the right to refuse NHS patients and switch entirely to private practice.

The hullabaloo is all about the new NHS contract which many dentists allege has been rushed out and forced upon them without proper consultation. A survey in the Daily Mail found that almost one third of dentists were still negotiating deals with their health authorities just three days before the deadline. The final rush has led to resentment, anxiety and confusion amongst dentists over what is in effect a complex packages of changes.

As far as the patient is concerned, the new contract greatly simplifies charges. Instead of some 400 different dental charges, there are now just three standard charges. Patients will be charged

Laser technology has revolutionized medical treatment. Lasers are now used routinely throughout healthcare. In the dental field, LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), has created an attractive option for patients suffering with gum disease (periodontal disease).

Developed by Dr. Robert H. Gregg II and Dr. Delwin McCarthy of Cerritos, California, LANAP has proven to be an attractive option for gum disease treatment. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP is is completely non-invasive. Traditional gum surgery requires surgical cutting and scaling back of the gums for treatment. In addition traditional surgery surgical stitches are applied in the patient’s mouth. During LANAP, the dentist or periodontist utilizes a dental laser (The Periolase MVP-7, Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc) to gently “zap” gum disease with no cutting and no stitches.

According to Dr. Bruce Nelson, a dentist and LANAP practitioner, the difference between LANAP and traditional methods is remarkable. Dr. Nelson said, “With traditional gum surgery healing time was very slow, often taking weeks or months. With LANAP there is virtually no recovery time.” Dr. Nicholas Meyer, another LANAP practitioner concurs, “With LANAP, the patient experiences little or no bleeding. Any discomfort is minimal and very short term.”

The LANAP science is constantly evolving and improving based largely on the work of Raymond A. Yukio of the University of Colorado (formerly, Louisiana State University). Dr. Yukio has provided the statistical evidence proving the procedure’s validity. The LANAP protocol is FDA approved and the Periolase laser is FDA cleared. The procedure has been proven safe, effective, and predictable for thousands of patients throughout the United States.

As might be expected, LANAP is very popular with patients. “It was love at first sight.” Said a LANAP patient. “It (LANAP) didn’t hurt. It’s just great. My teeth came out nice.” She said flashing a smile. Another LANAP patient echoed her sentiment. “I’m really glad I had it done. It was virtually the best thing I’ve ever done for my mouth…because I don’t have any problems anymore.”

A big benefit of LANAP is it’s very short recovery time. Many patients report returning to their daily activities the same day they have the procedure. This is in marked contrast to traditional gum surgery which may require weeks or months to heal.

Since it is so patient friendly, the LANAP procedure also works to reduce patient anxiety about the treatment. “Many patients who are diagnosed with gum disease refuse to have it treated because of fear.” Said LANAP practitioner, Dr. Bruce LaChot. According to Dr. LaChot, this fear of perceived pain and discomfort, not to mention the inconvenience of time off work, has caused many to procrastinate on badly needed treatment. “Now with LANAP, they can relax it really reduces a patient’s anxiety.” He said.

Typically, LANAP is less expensive than traditional gum surgery. Costs, however, do vary depending on the extent of gum disease and the individual LANAP practitioner. LANAP is available throughout the United States, and, most large or medium cities have at least one or two LANAP practitioners.

Many trends today come and go, but unfortunately some of these can lead to oral health complications. Oral piercings and dental grills are popular among youth today and eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia may seem to be a craze for a short period of time, but can lead to long-term, expensive dental and health problems.

Oral piercings have been a popular trend with teens and young adults for several years. Oral piercings can include the tongue, lip, cheeks, frenum (fold of skin on the underside of the tongue), uvula (tissue suspended from the center of the soft palate), and labret (the area between the lower lip and the chin).

Complications with oral piercings not only happen during the procedure but can also remain long after the piercing. The constant contact between oral jewelry and the gums and teeth can cause permanent damage including: receding gums chipped or fractured teeth nerve damage periodontitis (gum disease) resulting in loose teeth or tooth loss. Periodontal disease has also been linked to increased risk for other conditions like heart disease, pre-term delivery, diabetes, and respiratory disease HIV, hepatitis, tetanus, and other communicable diseases transmitted during the procedure if precautions are not followed problems with eating loss of taste problems with speaking increased salivation scar tissue oral jewelry may obscure other dental problems during dental x-rays



Types of jewelry worn for oral piercing include a barbell (common for tongue piercings) and rings. Only oral jewelry made of surgical grade stainless steel, solid 14-K gold, niobium, or titanium should be used. Using these materials will decrease the possibility of an allergic reaction or infection. If a tongue barbell is worn, changing to a plastic ball can reduce risks of chipping and fracturing teeth.

Dental grills are another trend sweeping across youth and young adults today. A “grill” in hip hop culture, refers to a cosmetic dental appliance featuring silver, gold, or platinum caps with diamond inlays jeweled to be worn over the teeth. Grills can be purchased from as little as $40 to thousands of dollars. While there are no studies showing that grills are harmful to the mouth, there are also no studies showing that their long-term wear is safe. Should one choose to wear this type of “mouth jewelry,” there are a few things to consider: grills should be removed before eating and cleaned daily to remove plaque bacteria and food debris. Limiting the amount of time a grill is worn can also reduce the amount of bacteria building up in the mouth – bacteria are the cause of both tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

According to the American Dental Association, Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that harms your overall health and is particularly destructive to teeth. It involves secret repeated binge eating followed by purging – self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, diuretics or diet pills. The digestive system contains strong acids that break down food. When vomiting is used to purge food from the body, these acids attack tooth enamel. Repeated vomiting can severely erode tooth enamel and over time, teeth will become weak, worn and translucent. Your mouth, throat and salivary glands may become swollen and tender and bad breath may result.

Anorexia Nervosa is another eating disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, the desire to be thinner, and an inability to maintain a minimally normal weight for height and age. It’s self-induced starvation.

Each of these disorders robs the body of adequate minerals, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients needed for good health causing potential injury to teeth, muscles, and major organs.

The frequent vomiting and nutritional deficiencies often associated with eating disorders can severely affect oral health. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, studies find up to 89 percent of bulimic patients have signs of tooth erosion, due to the effects of powerful stomach acid. Over time, this loss of tooth enamel can be considerable, and the teeth change in color, shape and length. They can also become brittle, translucent and sensitive to temperature. Lips may become reddened, dry and cracked, and the patient may also experience chronic dry mouth. Left untreated this can also contribute to increased risk for dental decay. These conditions singularly or compounded can create need for comprehensive dental care to restore the teeth to a condition that ensures they will remain in the mouth for the life of the patient.

Acid reflux, a condition that can cause the liquid content of the stomach to regurgitate (back up or reflux) into the esophagus and mouth, can cause similar tooth erosion if left untreated. If you are experiencing this condition, you should see your physician for consultation and possible treatment. In summary there are many things that can impact the overall health of the mouth. It has been well documented for some time that a person’s commitment to good oral hygiene, diet, and a healthy lifestyle will help to maintain an impeccable smile. Oral health is an important factor in total body health. Visiting the dental office for treatment with your dentist and dental hygienist on a routine basis will ensure that any areas of concern will be found early and treated to provide you the best opportunity to have a healthy smile for a lifetime.

If you’re in the market for an at home teeth whitening solution then you may have heard of Nutra Brite. If not, Nutra Brite is a new company to enter the at home teeth whitening industry founded by Dr. Alan Creamer who has come up with an at home teeth whitening treatment that is comparable to an in office teeth whitening treatment. The benefit of an in office treatment when it come to teeth whitening is that you get immediate results. A dental teeth whitening can whiten your teeth up to 7 shades in one hour, however the cost of a good in office dental solution will normally run about $1,000 per visit. An at home teeth whitening from any leading major brand will whiten your teeth just as well as any in office treatment however instead of getting your 7 shades in one hour, usually you get your 7 shades in about 7 hours. Basically offsetting cost with time.

Nutra Brite is unique, as it is one of the only at home treatments that can actually whiten your teeth up to 5 shades in one hour using their new triple patented at home treatment method. To help Nutra Brite and Dr. Alan Creamer gain some name brand recognition they are currently offering a great deal on their new revolutionary teeth whitening system. Nutra Brite is currently offering a 21 day free trial, and the only cost to you is shipping, to have the product delivered to your door step. Comparing Nutra Brite to a dental office visit, you will save hundreds, if not thousands on your teeth whitening solution. Compared to any leading name brand at home solution, you will save time and money, as Nutra Brite will whiten your teeth in one hour vs. several.

So what’s the catch? No catch really, but you do need to understand the fine print as nothing in life is free. Here is how the Nutra Brite system works, as Nutra Brite does not want any surprises. When you sign up for your 21 Day Free Trial you will pay less than $5 for shipping the product to your home address. The day you order you have 21 days to test and try the product. This amount of time should be plenty enough to receive the product and complete your initial treatment. Be sure to follow directions to ensure the best results. If you are satisfied that the products works and you want to have even whiter teeth, up to an additional 12 shades whiter, then simply do nothing as you will be automatically enrolled as a Nutra Brite member and shipped the complete patented Nutra-Pro Whitening System and be billed one low payment of $89.00 plus $4.95 S&H. Then you will be scheduled on the member only maintenance touch up program that will be shipped once every 60 days at a rate of $24.70 plus $4.95 s&h. You can change the frequency of these shipments (either faster or slower) based on your personal needs simply by calling customer service.

If you are not satisfied with the product and don’t believe that it works, or your simply happy with your 5 shades of whiter teeth then be sure to call and cancel your subscription right away. Do not allow the 21 days to expire. Remember you must cancel if you do not want to continue with the product, but like so many other satisfied customers I am sure you will want to continue and maintain those whiter brighter teeth.

Let me also fill you in with a little bit of a shocker. Many people think that teeth whitening is a onetime deal, but that’s a misconception and a little bit of some bad marketing in order to get you in the door. The real truth is that the average person needs 3 professional in office teeth whitening visits to have complete satisfactory results. At $1,000 a visit, that’s hardly a deal. Shocker #2 is that, even after your 3 professional in office dental visits, you still need an at home maintenance program which is usually offered to you as an “option” by the dentist. These professional at home upkeep treatments are not cheap either, as many of them cost over $200 per refill.

As a final pitch on Nutra Brite, you get 5 shades whiter for less than $5 just to give them a try. A dentist will never give that away for $5. You get the 5 shades whiter in about an hour. No other name brand at home solution can offer that. You get the full patented teeth whitening solution for under $100 which offers up to 12 additional shades whiter. An in office value of about $3,000. And you get a convenient home delivery maintenance program for under $15 a month to help you keep your teeth white and never lose color again. So go on, give them a try, and for $5 and 5 shades whiter, you really have nothing to lose.

Laser dentistry offers plenty of advantages compared to the traditional form of dentistry. Some patients request to not have anesthesia at all since the process is painless although some may experience minimal discomfort, treatments heal faster and do not need stitches, and the chances of you getting a bacterial infection are less to none since the lasers kill bacteria.

Below are laser dentistry procedures for the teeth:

o Detection of Cavity – lasers help in detecting cavity, even at the earliest stages. Lights on the laser gives signals to the dentist when a cavity is present, allowing your dentist to treat it as soon as possible.
o Tooth Fillings – lasers will soon replace the drill when it comes to the application of dental fillings. The fillings are not only applied precisely, but bacteria is also eliminated and destroyed in the process.
o Treatment for sensitive teeth – say goodbye to teeth sensitivity when it comes to drinking hot or cold drinks as laser dentistry offers treatment for sensitive teeth.
o Teeth whitening – laser dentistry offers lasting and instant results when it comes to whitening teeth. Teeth can be whitened up to 10 shades, and it only takes one trip to the dentist.

Below are laser treatment procedures for the gums:

o Treatment for gummy smile – get the smile you always wanted with the help of lasers. Lasers help show more teeth instead of gums by reshaping the gums.
o Frenula – this is a treatment for children who are tongue tied or children who are having trouble breastfeeding.
o Crown Lengthening – lasers can help reshape both the tooth and gums for healthier looking teeth.
o Epulis – laser dentistry can help in the treatment of skin tissue folds that are caused by dentures that are ill fitting.