GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease: drug caution and alternative treatments.
February 18, 2012
Common Causes of Chemical Erosion
January 28, 2012
1. GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic symptom of mucosal damage. It is caused by stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) coming up from the stomach into the esophagus and eventually reaching the oral cavity.
2. Bulimia, an eating disorder, is characterized by binge eating and then purging (vomiting).
3. Carbonated beverag…e swishers show tooth wear on the facial (front) side of teeth. The fizz (carbonic acid) causes the demineralization of enamel to eventually form islands of the underlying tooth structure known as dentin. Colas are the most destructive, as well as 5 and 7 hour energy drinks (phosphoric acid) and Gatorade (high fructose sugar).
4. Citrus fruit suckers have front teeth that look like a screwdriver blade. The enamel erodes on both the front and back side of front teeth.
5. Citrus fruit mullers have more wear on back teeth than front teeth.
Please note: 25-50% of GERD patients may not have any symptoms other than dental. GERD is a precursor to Barrett’s esophagitis which can lead to esophageal cancer!! GC
Willpower Science – Did you make a New Year's resolution and are you keeping it?
January 15, 2012
Happy and Healthy New Year to all!! Our resolutions are easy to make, but sometimes disolve by the beginning of March. This link will help keep your 2012 goals on track with less stress. Dr. Kelly McGonigal teaches at Stanford University School of Medicine and specializes in mind-body connection. Good luck this year with keeping a healthy body. GC
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/radio-shows/
CAD/CAM Dentistry – Computer-Aided Design and Computed-Aided Manufacturing in Dentistry
December 18, 2011
Old School vs. New School . . . CAD/CAM technologies produce different types of dental restorations, including crowns, inlays and onlays, veneers, fixed-bridges, implants, and orthodontic appliances. These restorations are milled from solid blocks of ceramic and titanium materials. Computer images are either captured by hand-held devices which scan directly in the mouth or desk-top which scan images outside the mouth. The images are sent to the computer software where they are interpreted and set up for design. At this point, the designers are either going to be your dentist, dental assistant, or dental laboratory technician depending on the system being used. The virtual images are sent to the milling center where the final restorations are produced. For further information, feel free to visit the following sites: http://www.3shape.com/why-3d-design/software-videos.aspx , http://www.cadent.biz/ GC
Use of a Water Flosser for Interdental Cleaning
December 11, 2011
Interdental cleaning is an important part of a patient’s personal oral care regimen. Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators (WaterPik), can play a vital, effective role in interdental hygiene. Evidence has shown a significant reduction in plaque biofilm from tooth surfaces and the reduction of subgingival pathogenic bacteria from pockets as deep as 6 millimeters with the use of water flossing. In addition, water flossers have shown to reduce gingivitis, bleeding, probing pocket depth, and tartar buildup related to dental implants, porcelain veneers, crowns, orthodontics, as well as natural teeth. GC
New Patient Experience
November 6, 2011
The New Patient Exam (as well as all hygiene visits) should include an Oral Cancer Exam. It is painless and quick – it takes only a few minutes. The following questions should be answered for an effective oral head and neck cancer screening to take place.
Did your dentist —
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Ask you to removal of any dentures (plates) or partials prior to examining your mouth?
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Inspect your face, neck, lips, and mouth for any signs of cancer?
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With both hands, feel the area under your jaw and the side of your neck, checking for lumps, bumps, or bruises that may suggest cancer?
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Look aand feel the insides of your lips and cheeks to check for possible signs of cancer, such as red and/or white patches?
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Have you stick out your tongue so it can be checked for swelling or abnormal color texture?
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Use gauze to gently pull your tongue to one side, and then the other, to check the base and underside of your tongue?
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Look at the roof and floor of your mouth, as well as the back of your throat?
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Put one finger on the floor of your mouth and, with the other hand under your chin, gently press down to check for lumps or sensitivity?
