What's New
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This page will give a rotating analysis of topics current in the
health news and of timely interest for our patients
Topic 1 -- Bleaching
Topic 2 -- Periodontal disease
and your general health
Bleaching
Our office utilizes a simple at home technique. Soft plastic trays
are fabricated and the patient instructed how to place the prescription
bleach medication. The trays are worn 1-2 hours a day for 1-2
weeks. Results are excellent. Teeth are never all the same shade
to begin with so this technique allows customization; bleaching
longer those teeth that are darker to begin with. After completion,
the trays remain fully usable and every 1-2 years the individual
may purchase an inexpensive touch up kit of bleach to further
enhance the effect.
We have evaluated one appointment bleach techniques, now heavily
advertised, and found them flawed in certain areas, particularly
their inability to customize after completion. They are also considerably
more expensive. They have no "exclusive" on these techniques.
We simply don't like them as well.
Over the counter techniques can also be quite effective. The only
one we have read scientific reviews on is Crest White Strips.
They may be very cost effective achieving good results, particularly
with younger individuals.
For any bleaching technique please be advised:
1- They do NOT cause enamel damage
2- They may cause transient sensitivity to the teeth or gums
3- Results are not always predictable, patients' expectations
may not be met
In summary, bleaching can be a simple, rapid, and inexpensive
venture into a whiter happier smile.
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Periodontal disease and your general health
For over 50 years, dentists, physicians, and research scientists
have recognized the connection between mouth bacteria and specific
diseases. Before the advent of antibiotics certain dental infections
could result in health threatening episodes or even death. In
fact, the first patient treated with penicillin in the 40's was
a young boy suffering from an acute dental facial infection. Today
most people rarely relate their dental health with their general
health, but those suffering with certain heart or kidney diseases,
joint replacements, or any disease resulting in a compromised
immune response know well the connection. At most dental appointments
these patients are given a preoperative dose of an antibiotic
to prevent mouth bacteria from causing an acute medical event.
Streptococcus is the most common bacterial villain but other bacteria
may also be involved. During manipulation of the gingiva during
cleaning or certain dental procedures, the bacteria of dental
plaque may enter the blood stream and take up residence on a heart
valve or prosthetic joint. A preoperative dosage of a specific
antibiotic prevents such a dangerous occurrence.
So what happens when you brush or
floss or just chew? Do the bacteria enter the blood stream? The
simple answer is yes, if there are deposits of plaque present
and if the gums are swollen enough to allow bacteria to enter
the capillary beds. Some studies initially indicated this may
be a factor in certain cardiac disease events, even on patients
with no history of disease. This was misinterpreted by some medical
doctors as they advised their recent surgical patients NOT to
floss for a while. This resulted in exactly the opposite effect
desired as more and more bacterial plaque built up thereby delivering
even more bacteria into the blood stream! What is clear is this:
a plaque free mouth can insure little or no transient bacteria
in the blood stream. The health benefits are manifest. We hate
to sound so predictable but, proper flossing and brushing along
with regular recall appointments are essential to your general
health. If your gums bleed, then brush and floss properly. If
bleeding persists, call us.
Conclusion: Prevention of certain acute and serious medical conditions
may be prevented by proper brushing and flossing along with timely
antibiotics for the at risk patient. For otherwise health individuals,
the general health benefits of a plaque free mouth may be profound.
