Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental  X-rays have been in the news recently. You may have heard a report raising some concerns regarding their use, which may have you wondering how safe are they?

 

The answer is, very safe.  It is important to remember that the level of radiation exposure today in x-rays is considerably lower than in the past.  With the increasing use of digital X-rays over film, the level of exposure is dropping every year.  According to a report by the Canadian Dental Association the level of radiation exposure during an x-ray is comparable to the amount you are exposed to in a transatlantic flight.

 

X-rays are an important part of early detection and treatment of oral diseases since often it is difficult to diagnosis from visual examination alone.  If you have questions or concerns regarding x-rays feel free to ask us. 

How To Deal with a Dental Emergency

Like cavities and gum disease, many dental problems develop gradually after months (or years!) of dental-health neglect. But sometimes, pain or tooth sensitivity can come on suddenly, and you may need immediate dental care, either at the emergency room or from your dentist.

It's not always easy to know whether a tooth, gum, or mouth problem requires emergency care — or what to do about it. In fact, most Americans are unprepared to handle a dental health emergency, according to a survey of 1,000 participants.

Think your mouth issue is a dental health 911? Here’s a handy guide to situations that are generally considered dental emergencies:

• Lip or tongue bite with excessive bleeding. If you accidentally bite your lip, tongue, or other soft tissue in your mouth, clean the area and apply a cold compress to decrease swelling. If the bleeding is severe, or will not stop, go to the emergency room.
• Broken or cracked tooth. In the case of a broken or cracked tooth, call your dentist immediately. Until you can get to your dentist's office, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress outside the affected area.
• Damaged braces. If your braces become damaged, call your orthodontist right away. Some instances of damaged braces need to be fixed immediately; others can wait until your next appointment.
• Injury to your jaw. If you suspect you may have broken your jaw, apply a cold compress to the area and immediately go to your dentist's office or to the emergency room.
• Loose tooth. If one of your teeth is partially dislodged, see your dentist right away — they may be able to save the tooth. Until you can get to your dentist's office, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to the affected area to relieve pain.
• Tooth that has been knocked out. Grasp your lost tooth by the crown and rinse its root if it is dirty, avoiding scrubbing the tooth or removing pieces of tissue that may be attached. You can attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket in your mouth, but if that doesn't work, you'll need to see your dentist quickly. The American Dental Association recommends placing the tooth in milk, which acts as a preservative until you can get to a professional.
• Lost filling or crown. When one of your fillings or crowns falls out, put the filling or crown in a safe place and call your dentist to make an appointment. Applying clove oil to the sensitive areas in your mouth and dental cement from the drug store on your tooth's surface can help decrease sensitivity, but check with your dentist before doing these things.
• Object lodged between your teeth. If something gets stuck between your teeth, try to gently remove it with dental floss. If the object still won't come out, call your dentist. Depending on the situation, he or she may want to see you quickly.
• Painful swelling. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment if you have painful swelling in your mouth, as you may have an abscess, an infected pocket of pus that can lead to a serious systemic infection. Until you can see your dentist, try rinsing your mouth with saltwater to relieve the pain and pressure.
• Pericoronitis. This is an infection that occurs when your wisdom teeth don't come into your mouth properly. If you experience symptoms of pericoronitis, which may include swollen and irritated gums, a bad taste in your mouth, or bad breath, or you are not able to fully open your mouth, see you dentist as soon as you can.
• Sudden or severe toothache. If your tooth is aching, rinse out your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to make sure there is nothing lodged between your teeth. Call your dentist if your toothache does not go away.

Some dental emergencies can lead to life-threatening infections or permanent damage if not treated rapidly, so if you're in doubt, always call your dentist. The earlier you seek treatment for a dental problem, the better your chances are for a full recovery and continued dental health. 

The Gag Reflux

The gag reflex, located on the back wall of the throat, helps keep objects from going down your windpipe. If you have ever put your fingers too far back in your mouth and felt like gagging or throwing up, you've discovered the gag reflex. Some people have a very sensitive gag reflex. This makes going to the dentist very difficult.

If you are one of these people, talk with your dentist about your concerns. Sometimes, a new dentist or hygienist may place instruments in a sensitive spot, touching the soft palate (the entrance to your throat). If you warn the dentist or hygienist ahead of time, they should be able to avoid certain sensitive areas.

It's also possible that something you are doing makes the problem worse. For example, some patients draw their tongue back to give the dentist room to work, but they end up gagging themselves. You and your dentist or hygienist can work together to find ways to avoid gagging movements.

Distraction may also work. Patients who are highly concerned about gagging become tense in the chair. This can make you even more sensitive. Bring a portable music device and listen to music, practice meditation or focus on trying to keep your feet elevated one inch off the chair. These kinds of distractions can help keep your mind off your throat.

Can Stess Affect Your Dental Health

You already know that stress affects your smile. It ceases to be genuine and warm when you are stressed. But did you know that stress affects your dental health? What stress does not affect, you would ask. True, it is an all-pervasive problem. And it can trigger many more – psychological, physical, social. We will restrict our discussion to stress and dental health. Let’s look at the connection closely.

People who are stressed ignore a lot of important things including oral care. This makes the mouth susceptible to various dental problems and gum diseases. Some start smoking or drinking more in order to ‘de-stress’ themselves. This increases the chances of being affected by gum diseases and other dental problems.

Some people start grinding their teeth when stressed. This habit causes their teeth to chip or break.

If stress prolongs for too long, it makes it difficult for the body to fight infections, making you prone to the gum diseases – gingivitis and periodontitis.

Stress is directly responsible for conditions like dry mouth, canker sores, burning mouth, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), and myofacial pain dysfunction (MPD).

Some anti-depressants and stress-relieving medicine can cause dental problems such as dry mouth. Also, one of the side effects of such medication is vomiting which can cause erosion of the teeth enamel.

Don’t stop paying attention to yourself because you are stressed about something. Don’t miss your appointments with the dentist. Maintaining a smile will not only help reduce your stress but also brighten others’ days.

Keep smiling!

Is There a Correlation Between Periodontitis, Cancer, and General Health?

Yes, there is!

 

Our immune system continuously produces substances (charged proteins called defensins) whose job it is to fight against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

 

The immune cells release these defensins into bodily fluids, where the “defensin cocktail” protects the body from assailants such as bacteria, fungi, and/or viruses.

 

Defensins are about as old as insects, so they form an old component of our immune system; this means that they can be found throughout the entire animal kingdom. The immune cells release these proteins in high concentrations, for example, to the eye fluid, the saliva, and the lung and vaginal mucus. These proteins can be found wherever our body has to fight intruders!

 

The development of defensins only functions well in a healthy body. A healthy body is understood as balanced interaction among our organs. Thus, for example, the non-microbial digestion of food takes place in the small intestine, which the microbial digestion dominates in the colon. The colon is a fermentation organ, so to speak. When an "imbalance" develops between the colon and the small intestine, it may negatively affect defensin production. A decreased defensin level results in less resistance against microorganisms.

 

So how does an imbalance develop?

 

For example, intolerance against carbohydrates leads to excessive fermentation in the colon, which in turn leads to excessive flatulence. Flatulence means that the colon is – figuratively speaking – inflated; the closing mechanism between the small intestine and the colon doesn’t function properly anymore, and bacteria migrate from the small intestine to the colon. This causes an infection of the small intestine and, together with reduced production of defensins, this combination frequently leads to colon cancer over time.

 

Our cells use various substances to communicate among themselves – the umbrella term for these substances is "cytokines"; the defensins are a group of cytokines. These cytokines lead to the activation of signaling pathways in the cell.

 

Try to imagine it this way: Cell A (an immune cell) tells Cell B (an oral mucosa cell): "Produce more mucus, because there are bacteria present." However, Cell A doesn’t talk to Cell B, but releases signaling molecules called cytokines.

 

Like a key-lock system, these cytokines have the effect that signaling pathways are activated in Cell B; in the end, this leads to increased production of mucus. Think of the signaling pathways as a factory where the boss gives the foreman an order, which the foreman then announces over the microphone. Right away, the workers get busy, etc... The same signaling cascade takes places in the cell.

 

Interestingly, it was found that similar signaling pathways are activated by bacteria in the gingival pockets (in patients with periodontitis) as with cancer patients. Hence, there may be a correlation between these diseases.

The Basics of Flossing

 

It may sound like a simple question, but do you really know the basics about how to floss your teeth properly?

This video may help you refresh your memory, and subsequently refresh your oral health.

 

Now your day, and your smile can be brighter!

 

What You Should Know about Tooth Whitening

In the blossoming world of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening reigns supreme. Universally valued by men and women alike, whitening (or bleaching) treatments are available to satisfy every budget, time frame and temperament. Whether in the form of one-hour bleaching sessions at your dentist's office, or home-use bleaching kits purchased at your local drugstore, teeth whitening solutions abound. Yet only 15 percent of the population has tried the cosmetic procedure, and there is a lot of misinformation.

The long and the short of it is that teeth whitening works. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and requires maintenance or "touch-ups" for a prolonged effect.

Bleaching vs. Whitening

According to the FDA, the term "bleaching" is permitted to be used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach – typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

The term "whitening," on the other hand, refers to restoring a tooth's surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used – even when describing products that contain bleach.

Teeth Whitening Options

Three major teeth whitening options are available today. All three rely on varying concentrations of peroxide and varying application times.

In-Office Whitening

Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most). Those with particularly stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use whitening system.

In-office teeth whitening cost: $650 per visit (on average) nationwide.

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits

Many dentists are of the opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long haul. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.

Take-home teeth whitening kit cost: $100 to $400.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

The cheapest and most convenient of the teeth whitening options, over-the-counter bleaching involves the use of a store-bought whitening kit, featuring a bleaching gel with a concentration lower than that of the professionally dispensed take-home whiteners. The gel is applied to the teeth via one-size-fits-all trays, whitening strips or paint-on applicators. In many cases this may only whiten a few of the front teeth unlike custom trays that can whiten the entire smile.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening cost: $20 to $100.

Teeth Whitening Risks

Teeth whitening treatments are considered to be safe when procedures are followed as directed. However, there are certain risks associated with bleaching that you should be aware of:

• Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. This is likeliest to occur during in-office whitening, where higher-concentration bleach is used. Some individuals experience spontaneous shooting pains ("zingers") down the middle of their front teeth.
  
  Individuals at greatest risk for whitening sensitivity are those with gum recession, significant cracks in their teeth or leakage resulting from faulty restorations. It has also been reported that redheads, including those with no other risk factors, are at particular risk for tooth sensitivity and zingers.
  
  Whitening sensitivity lasts no longer than a day or two, but in some cases may persist up to a month. Some dentists recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth.
• Gum irritation: Over half of those who use peroxide whiteners experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the bleach concentration or from contact with the whitening trays. Such irritation typically lasts up to several days, dissipating after bleaching has stopped or the peroxide concentration lowered.
• Technicolor teeth: Restorations such as bonding, crowns, or porcelain veneers are not affected by bleach and therefore maintain their default color while the surrounding teeth are whitened. This results in what is frequently called "technicolor teeth."

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

To extend the longevity of newly whitened teeth, dentists are likely to recommend:

• At-home follow-up or maintenance whitening – implemented immediately or performed as infrequently as once a year.
• Avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
• Whenever possible, sipping dark-colored beverages with a straw.
• Practicing excellent oral hygiene – brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.