Local Man Dies After Routine Dental Surgery In California

The unexpected death of a former local athlete is hitting hard today at Duquesne University.

The victim was living and working in California, and died after having common dental surgery.

Last August during a Gateway Clipper cruise, Marek Lapinski showed local folks a new technology where you can take any camera, and using special software, show images on a screen in 3D.


But the 2010 graduate of Duquesne University and the graduate of North Allegheny High School died over the weekend after what should have been a routine wisdom teeth extraction.

His former football coach at Duquesne University says it’s hard for those who knew him to accept.

“It’s really hard to deal with,” said Jerry Schmitt, the coach of Duquesne University football. “The guys, the coaches, and the older players and our grad assistants that played with him – to understand he had a great future ahead of him, really worked hard in the classroom to put himself in that position, so it’s a really tough situation to grasp and understand.”

Lapinski took ill near San Diego where he lived. He was transferred to a medical facility in Los Angeles where he died.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office says the body has not yet been examined, so there’s no official cause of death yet.


For more info, read: CBS Local / http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/03/27/local-man-dies-after-routine-dental-surgery-in-california/

Crisis In Cyprus May Negatively Impact Dental Industry Says DeMar Dental Labs

Demar Dental Labs is a full service state of the art dental laboratory located in Mahwah, New Jersey. It manufactures products and distributes them to dental practices across America. The products produced include traditional crowns and bridges, ceramic restorations, implants and abutments as well as full and partial dentures. The company also hosts seminars on a wide range of dentistry-related topics.

The international banking crisis that broke over the weekend in Cyprus has reverberated around the world and the worlds markets but its impact is even further reaching than many can imagine. As economists, traders and investors alike agree, the price of precious metals like gold are directly affected and impacted by the confidence people have in the banking system and in their nations or the globes fiat currencies (i.e.: paper money). As the confidence erodes or gets impacted by yet another potential global banking fiasco – the price of gold spikes and hinges on spiking dramatically.
What many casual observers don’t know is that gold is not just a shiny, precious metal but a metal with industrial uses. Most prominently in the dental industry gold is and has been used for the last 150 years to not only use in fillings but also to make dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges and even implant abutments and parts.

Dave Roche, CDT a senior technician at Demar Dental Labs in Mahwah, NJ is one of the most foremost experts in the tri-state area on the relationship between the prices of gold and its supply/demand impact on the dental industry. As a person who has owned and operated dental labs for more than 35 years and as a person who has actively participated in the global metals markets as a buyer and investor. Dave Roche stated “The crisis in Cyprus could absolutely have a ripple effect on dentistry in America and on patients across our nation due to the rise of the cost of Gold. Imagine paying 25% more for your crown or implant than you do already? Is America prepared to pay an extra $400-$500 because of what is going on in Cyrpus, Europe or in our nation with all of the money we are printing?” 

While all gold crowns and bridges are still being fabricated for a select few clients on a select few cases – they are indeed becoming more and more rare, after all – the alloy costs alone can be as much or more than the cost of manufacturing the crown itself.
In the past few years, Demar Dental Labs has seen a surge in semi-precious, all ceramic and zirconium restorations, which makes perfect sense both financially and esthetically to its users. Custom implant abutments have also swayed away from gold and now with new milling technologies are being manufactured in titanium and zirconium.

To help combat the high price of gold, Demar Dental Lab, has teamed up with Ivoclar Vivadent, to introduce a new option for cosmetic restorations with the use of IPS e-max. Ivoclar Vivadent is a global leader in innovative materials and processes for premium quality dentistry. Ivoclar Vivadent operates one of the largest research & development centers in the dental industry. E-Max is a patented lithium disilicate material that combines high esthetics and superior strength which is a revolution for the dental industry. E-Max provides a fix cost for producing dental crowns, bridges, veneers and implant crowns.

Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/business/press-releases/article/Crisis-In-Cyprus-May-Negatively-Impact-Dental-4370286.php#ixzz2Oqc5oyXG

Does Oral Hygiene Need A Design Revolution?

Craig Dubitsky was standing in the toothpaste aisle at Walgreen’s, surrounded by nightmarish images of extracted teeth and hologram packaging, when the idea for his latest company, Hello, hit him. “The whole oral hygiene industry is based on fear and shame,” he says. “It’s as if there’s a war going on inside your mouth--you have to eliminate, destroy, arm yourself with these toxic products.”

The “war in your mouth” narrative is handed down from the 1950s, when many big toothpaste brands were founded. Today, oral hygiene is an $8 billion industry in the U.S., and it’s dominated by a handful of brands chasing largely the same goals: killing germs, eliminating gingivitis, and banishing plaque. Dubitsky, who founded the lip care brand eos and has spent time on Method Home's board, saw an opportunity. “It’s a confusing category of brands that are all telling a very similar story with very few differences in their products,” he says. “It was a sea of sameness.”

With Hello, his brand of toothpastes, mouthwashes, and breath sprays, Dubitsky hopes to bring a Method-style friendliness to the war zone that is oral care. The Hello brand is a mix of carefully calibrated details designed to delight average consumers: "delicious" flavors like pink grapefruit mint and a toothpaste tip designed like an icing applicator. Its ingredients are 99% natural and alcohol-free, with the exception of agents that prevent the products from molding. The website is full of easter eggs (type "hello" if you’re curious) and snarky directions about how much mouthwash you need if you just ate egg-salad-flavored chips (har har). There’s even a Skype button that links to Dubitsky’s account if you want to ask him a few questions.

Hello’s packaging was designed by BMW Group’s creative consultancy, DesignWorksUSA. "The brief was simple,” Dubitsky says. “The products should look exactly the same when they’re thrown away as they did when they arrived." Each piece of packaging contains little to no secondary packaging and are 100% recyclable. Toothpaste arrives without a box, in a soft-touch plastic pouch with a low-profile butterfly clasp. The breath spray was designed to feel like a toy, fastening with a satisfying click. “No one should feel embarrassed about using something like this,” he adds. “You should want to share it.” The shapes themselves feel sculptural and witty, with little of the utilitarian vibe you’d think to get from a brand pushing sustainability.

Hello’s underlying mission of ousting body shame is admirable, and its design ethos has the potential to expand to a whole range of products. But it’s the natural ingredients and recyclable materials that may have the potential to disrupt. Unlike other natural oral care products, Hello is aimed at the average consumer, in packaging, messaging, and price point. For the past decade, companies have struggled to "greenwash" the personal hygiene industry--now, brands like Hello are inverting that thinking by designing natural products that don’t look, taste, or feel particularly green.


Source: Fast Code Design / http://www.fastcodesign.com/1672159/does-oral-hygiene-need-a-design-revolution

Dental disease linked to halitosis

Q: My 5-year-old dog has bad breath that smells "mossy" like a creek bed. She's had it ever since I adopted her one year ago. Her last wellness check was in December and she had her teeth professionally cleaned in August. I brush her teeth at least twice a week, but the odor persists. Could this distinct smell be a sign of something else?

A: Halitosis (bad breath) in dogs is most commonly due to dental disease, which is the most common disease affecting the pet population. Dental disease is caused by plaque bacteria that can cause inflammation, bone loss and eventually tooth loss, if not actively treated. Certain breeds of dogs, particularly toy breeds, may be predisposed to suffer from dental disease, and require more aggressive dental care in order to keep their dental disease in check.

The best way to prevent dental disease at home is to brush your pet's teeth daily. Even brushing twice a week is not enough to keep plaque and calculus from building up rapidly. Using diets and treats that are formulated to help prevent plaque and calculus accumulation can also help to keep dental disease and halitosis at bay. It is important to ask for guidance from your veterinarian when choosing these diets, as some dogs have specific dietary requirements.

Although dental disease is the most common cause of halitosis, there can be other underlying causes. These conditions can include metabolic disorders such as diabetes and liver disease, as well as tonsillitis, or gastrointestinal problems. Diet can also play a role. The first step to diagnosing the source of the halitosis is a thorough checkup at the veterinarian's office, followed by full-mouth dental X-rays and cleaning in order to get your pet's oral health evaluated before commencing a daily brushing routine.




Read more: SFGate / http://www.sfgate.com/pets/askthevet/article/Dental-disease-linked-to-halitosis-4368124.php#ixzz2OH7nknrX

Colorado advocates rush to save kid dental benefits on exchange Read more: Colorado advocates rush to save kid dental benefits on exchange

Colorado health advocates are renewing a push to make child dental care mandatory on the new state insurance exchange, after federal officials declared the benefits "essential" but "optional."

Dental-care policies will be offered on the state exchange opening in October, parallel to health-insurance offers, but there is no federal mandate to buy oral-health coverage.

Colorado advocates for underserved children and a coalition of oral-health experts want the state exchange to go further than the federal decision, made late last month. They note that Colorado has fallen behind on key oral-health measurements and that Gov. John Hickenlooper's administration has declared dental care one of the "10 Winnable" public-health battles.

"It's very important to the health of our children that if we have a mandated medical benefit, we also have a mandated dental benefit at the same time," said Karen Cody Carlson, executive director of Oral Health Colorado, a broad spectrum of providers and public- health activists. "We're working on several different avenues."

So far, the health-insurance exchange board has declined to go beyond the federal decision, emphasizing consumer choice rather than more state mandates.

Dental and vision plans will be offered with a separate price or bundled with medical plans that consumers see, but they don't have to buy dental coverage for kids, an exchange spokesman said.

Essential benefits that must be in all plans, federal officials have said, include items such as mental health, maternity, prescriptions and other care.

The number of Coloradans with no dental insurance jumped 17 percent in the three years before 2011, to 2.1 million kids, according to a Colorado Trust study. Some of those will benefit from the Medicaid expansion that is also part of 2014 health reforms.

Studies have predicted that about 240,000 uninsured residents will get health coverage through the Medicaid expansion in coming years. Children get dental benefits through Medicaid and CHP Plus, and the state is asking the legislature to add a $1,000 oral-health benefit for adults this year.

The state insurance exchange, currently building systems to begin signing up residents in October, has said it expects up to 150,000 people to join in the first year. Many of those will get federal tax subsidies available only through the exchange.

Part of the dental gap in Colorado is currently being filled by private foundations, including increased spending by Delta Dental.

The nonprofit dental insurer has amassed more surplus reserves than it needs for state minimums and has committed to spending $6 million in two years to give free insurance to 6,000 people.

Read more: Colorado advocates rush to save kid dental benefits on exchange - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_22794704/colorado-advocates-rush-save-kid-dental-benefits-exchange#ixzz2O5TEB869

Ward Off Health Problems With Proper Oral Hygiene

NewsUSA) - Most of us know that oral hygiene is critical to healthy teeth, white smiles and first impressions. But not nearly as many are familiar with the extreme consequences of what can happen if you don't take care of your mouth.

Most individuals have some inflammation of the gums -- i.e. gingivitis -- that goes unchecked. A study published in the National Library of Medicine reports that 10 to 15 percent of adults will develop severe periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease that begins to deteriorate bone, too.

"Gingivitis has always been a major concern for the public," explains Dr. Harold Katz, a bona fide dentist to the stars, who founded the California Breath Clinic in Beverly Hills. Katz, also a bacteriologist, has a legacy of oral care research, including creating the high-quality line of TheraBreath products (therabreath.com).

"But more studies are emerging that support the idea that dental health can reflect your overall health, too. Gum disease can contribute to an increased risk for heart disease, and it can worsen diabetes. Bad oral hygiene may even be a risk factor for dementia," Katz added.

According to Katz -- as well as mounting medical research -- poor oral hygiene can lead to many physical problems. The Journal of the American Geriatric Society just released a study showing that elderly people who brushed their teeth less than once a day were up to 65 percent more likely to develop dementia, compared to seniors who brushed daily.

Dental check-ups can also point out other areas of concern among pregnant women. A professor at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's annual meeting suggested that gum disease can affect healthy conception much like obesity. Plus, pregnant women have a 65 to 70 percent chance of experiencing pregnancy gingivitis, where gums develop exaggerated inflammation and plaque buildup due to fluctuating hormones.

Expectant mothers with gum disease even suffer a higher risk of a premature birth. But oral hygiene can work toward prevention, too. Reuters Health just released findings that indicate pregnant women with gingivitis who use mouthwash have more of a chance of carrying their baby to full term.

Another study recently presented to the American Heart Association revealed that patients who received routine teeth cleanings had a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack than those who didn't maintain regular dental care.


Source: Exponent-Telegram /  http://www.exponent-telegram.com/online_features/health_and_wellness/article_9a0a8e3f-98c9-536b-b8f3-4869273fdd6d.html

Fluoridated drinking water provides dental health benefits to adults

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Adelaide, Australia, has produced the strongest evidence yet that fluoride in drinking water provides dental health benefits to adults, even those who had not received fluoridated drinking water as children.

In the first population-level study of its friendly, the study shows that fluoridated drinking water prevents tooth decay for all adults regardless of age, and whether or not they consumed fluoridated water during childhood.

Led by UNC School of Dentistry faculty member Gary Slade, the study adds a new dimension to evidence regarding dental health benefits of fluoridation.

"It was once thought that fluoridated drinking water only benefited kids who consumed it from birth," explained Slade, who is John W. Stamm Distinguished Professor and director of the oral epidemiology Ph.D. program at UNC. "Now we show that fluoridated water reduces tooth decay in adults, even if they begin drinking it after childhood. In public health terms, it means that more people benefit from water fluoridation than previously thought."

 The researchers analyzed national survey data from 3,779 adults aged 15 and older selected at random from the Australian population between 2004 and 2006. Survey examiners measured levels of decay and study participants reported where they lived since 1964. The residential histories of study participants were matched to information about fluoride levels in community water supplies. The researchers then sure the percentage of each participant's lifetime in which the public water supply was fluoridated.

The results, published online in the Journal of Dental Research, show that adults who spent more than 75 percent of their lifetime living in fluoridated communities had significantly less tooth decay (up to 30 percent less) when compared to adults who had lived less that 25 percent of their lifetime in such communities.

"At this time, when several Australian cities are considering fluoridation, we should point out that the evidence is stacked in favor of long-term exposure to fluoride in drinking water," said Kaye Roberts-Thomson, a co-author of the study. "It really does have a significant dental health benefit."

Source: News Medical / http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130312/Fluoridated-drinking-water-provides-dental-health-benefits-to-adults.aspx?page=2 

Steps To Make Your Teeth Super White

Not everyone is blessed with naturally pearly white teeth, and those who are not, have every reason to be envious.

Stained and yellow teeth are not at all attractive. In fact, it can make you feel self- conscious and embarrassed. Not only this, it can be a reflection on your oral hygiene. Discolored teeth may be caused by a variety of reasons such as smoking, drinking coffee and tea, taking antibiotics, and aging.
Though this may be discouraging, this is far from being a hopeless case. With all the new and different ways of teeth whitening, you may still get the whiter teeth that you have been dreaming of.

Consider the following tips….

1• Go for laser whitening

So far, this is the fastest and most effective way to get whiter teeth. However this is also the most expensive procedure. This technique makes use of an argon laser and a gel containing carbamide peroxide. As the laser activates the gel, it will produce hydrogen peroxide, which will bleach the teeth. It is best to avail of these services from a reputable dentist, like one who has dental practice management software for Mac. You can visit their website here if you need more information.

2• Opt for plastic dental trays.

A slow but sure way to get whiter teeth is by means of plastic dental trays through your dentist. These are filled with peroxide gel and worn at home like retainers. It will give whiter teeth to some in a few days, but to others, it can take effect in a few weeks. This can also be a pricey method but not as much as laser whitening.

3• Observe proper oral hygiene.

Clean, white teeth starts with proper oral hygiene. It is important to brush regularly, preferably with a tooth whitening toothpaste. It is equally essential to floss after eating. This will effectively remove food in between teeth and thus, prevent staining them.

4• Stop using baking soda and start eating foods that are rich in cellulose

Baking soda is known to remove stains. However, this is not a long-term solution to getting white teeth. Because it is too abrasive, it can cause damage to the tooth enamel. So, instead of using this, you can just munch on cellulose-rich fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots. Cellulose functions as natural abrasives to clean teeth by lifting stain, without harming the tooth enamel.

About the Author

Annabelle is currently a loving and caring mother of two children. She lives outside of Milwaukee, WI and loves cheering for the Bucks and Badgers. She is a blog enthusiast and loves writing, if she is not writing she is cleaning up after her two lovely angels.


Source: Hive Healthy Media / http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/steps-to-make-your-teeth-super-white/ 

San Diego Cosmetic Dentist on Benefits of Straight Teeth

Dr. James Salazar of Mission Trails Dentistry Says Having Straight Teeth Provides Countless Benefits for Overall Health

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 6, 2013) - Straight teeth can impact overall health in addition to having a sure aesthetic impact. San Diego cosmetic dentists Dr. James Salazar and Dr. Bradley Ross say straight teeth can help patients avoid other health issues down the road that can impact more than just the mouth. By thoroughly examining patients' overall health, Dr. Salazar says he and his team can determine the most appropriate treatment options to suit their needs.

According to Dr. Salazar, the main benefits of straight teeth include:

    Easy maintenance (brushing, flossing, cleaning)
    Less wear and tear on the teeth over time; if the teeth are aligned properly, then each tooth is going to help share the load of biting and chewing
    Less dental work needed in the future
    More comfortable bite and relaxed jaw, meaning there is less pressure on the jaw joint

At their San Diego cosmetic dentistry practice, Drs. Salazar and Ross suggest two orthodontic options for aligning teeth into the proper position: Invisalign® certain plastic aligners and traditional braces, which require brackets and wires. Dr. Salazar says many patients do not desire to deal with the maintenance and appearance of traditional metal braces, which is why he recommends Invisalign definite plastic aligners.

He discusses every aspects of the treatment process during the consultation:

    Identifies concerns that can be treated with Invisalign
    Discusses the risks if left untreated (gum disease, tooth loss, collapse of bite)
    Clearly explains how the Invisalign system works
    Shows patients how their teeth will progress over time

Another option for cosmetic restoration treatment is to correct teeth mal-alignment with porcelain veneers and/or crowns. Crowns are used for teeth with moderate to severe rotation, while veneers are used to correct minor alignment issues.

Drs. Salazar and Ross have a goal of providing the most compassionate care in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. With that in mind, they take the necessary steps to evaluate patients' overall health to prevent any potential health risks in the future. Ultimately, Dr. Salazar says having properly aligned teeth is a positive step towards achieving this goal.

About James D. Salazar, DDS

Dr. James Salazar graduated from San Diego State University and the University of California - San Francisco Dental School. He is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Salazar is also a member of the Faculty Club of Spear Education, California Dental Association (CDA), American Dental Association (ADA) and the San Diego County Dental Society. He is available for interview on demand.

About Bradley A. Ross, DDS

Dr. Bradley Ross graduated from Oregon State University and received his dental degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He is a member of the San Diego County Dental Society, American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Ross is available for interview on demand.




Source: MarketWire / http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/san-diego-cosmetic-dentist-on-benefits-of-straight-teeth-1764817.htm

1 in 8 adults have sensitive teeth; at-home teeth whitening and other habits can contribute

If you sometimes get a jolt of pain in your mouth when you beverage or eat something hot or cool, you're not alone: A new survey of U.S. dental offices finds that one in eight people has over-sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth were most common in young adults, women and people who had receding gums or did at-house tooth whitening.

"The condition is impacting people's lives, and they may avoid some foods," said Dr. Joana Cunha-Cruz, a research assistant professor at the University of Washington and lead study author. Cold, hot, sweet and acidic foods and drinks often trigger the pain.

"But it's not like they are feeling pain all the time," Cunha-Cruz added. Teeth might be sensitive for a few weeks and then good for a few weeks.

Sensitive teeth often occurs when enamel on the outside of the tooth, or the tissue between the tooth and gum called cementum, wears away, exposing little tubes that connect nerves inside the tooth to triggers outside of the tooth, Cunha-Cruz said.

The current study included 37 general dental practices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Utah. A total of 787 adults were surveyed.

The results appear in the March issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Dentists in the study asked their patients if they had recently been bothered by pain, sensitivity or discomfort in their teeth or gums. Then the dentists examined the patients to make certain their pain was not due to another problem, such as a cavity, chipped tooth or swollen gums.

About 12 percent of patients had pain or sensitivity that was not related to another problem, and thus were diagnosed as having sensitive teeth.

Knowing the prevalence "gives dentists an idea of how much to see for this problem in their practice," Cunha-Cruz said.

Previous studies have reported that anywhere from 1 percent to 52 percent of patients at general dental practices have sensitive teeth. The wide range could be due to differences in how people in the studies were screened, the authors noted. Some studies asked people directly about sensitive teeth, whereas others asked about specific consequences such as problems drinking cold water.

"It's difficult to generalize, but probably for people that are visiting the general dentist, one in eight have sensitive teeth that is bothering them," Cunha-Cruz said.

However, study participants were predominantly white, nearly 82 percent, so it remains possible that teeth sensitivity could be more or less common in other racial groups, she added.

Another dental expert talked about vulnerability to the condition.

"Teeth sensitivity is universal, but some people and cultures could be more at risk depending on their diet, if it is very acidic, and if they beverage a lot of wine or alcohol," said Dr. Richard Trushkowsky, associate director of International Aesthetic Dentistry at New York University. He was not involved with the study.

The researchers found that adults between 18 and 44 were 3.5 times more likely than older adults to have sensitive teeth, possibly because the material inside the tooth called dentin gets thicker over time, providing more insulation, said Marilynn Rothen, a study co-author and lead regional coordinator for the network of dental practices in the study, called Northwest Practice-based Research Collaborative in Evidence-based Dentistry.

Women were 1.8 times more likely than men to have the condition, the study also found. However, it is not positive if women are more likely to have sensitive teeth or if they are just more willing to report pain, Cunha-Cruz said.

Additional risk factors for sensitive teeth in the study were having receding gums, which can expose the tubes in the inside of the tooth like loss of enamel can, and performing at-house tooth whitening.

"You are making teeth whiter using chemicals that change the physical structure of the tooth and can probably open the [tubes]," Rothen said.

Cunha-Cruz noted that "the important thing is to be aware that this might happen if you whiten your teeth." But, she added, "if you end the treatment, it will usually go away."

Contrary to the view held by many dentists, the study did not find that people who were aggressive tooth brushers were more likely to experience sensitive teeth, Cunha-Cruz said.

till, Trushkowsky recommends that "brushing with a soft brush and not using it horizontally, like a weed whacker," could help reduce your risk of developing sensitive teeth.

In addition, drinking water immediately after having acidic food or beverage, such as fruit, orange juice, wine or coffee, and avoiding brushing for 10 or 15 minutes could help prevent sensitive teeth, Trushkowsky said.

Wearing a mouth guard at night if you grind your teeth could also help prevent wearing down the enamel that can guide to sensitive teeth, Trushkowsky suggested.

For her part, Rothen said sensitive teeth is a "significant problem because it is difficult to treat and we do not have a good treatment for it."

Over-the-counter toothpastes for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne and Colgate's Sensitive Pro-Relief, can sometimes help treat the condition, Trushkowsky said.

If patients do not receive relief from special toothpastes, more invasive treatments include fillings, a bonding agent to seal the tooth, or grafting new gum tissue in the case of receding gums, he said.



Source: Courier Journal / http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130305/PRIME01/303050048/1-8-adults-sensitive-teeth-home-teeth-whitening-other-habits-can-contribute?nclick_check=1

Dental care for disabled kids often lacking

Developmentally disabled children often have higher rates of oral diseases because they have oral aversions or are unable to find dentists who are comfortable treating them, according to a new study in Pediatrics (February 25, 2013).

Children with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and craniofacial anomalies have a greater risk of developing dental disease, according to researchers at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The reasons include medications high in sugar, dependence on caregivers for oral hygiene, reduced clearance of foods from the oral cavity, and impaired salivary function.

Lack of dental insurance or difficulty in finding dentists who take Medicaid also pose barriers to dental care, the study authors noted.

Medications to manage seizures may cause gingival overgrowth. Other medications, such as glycopyrrolate, trihexyphenidyl, and some attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications such as amphetamine and atomoxetine can result in xerostomia, which increases the risk of dental caries, according to the authors.

Children with oral dysphagia often pocket food and fluids in their mouths, further promoting dental decay. Oral and severe motor impairments can result in hyperactive bites and gag reflexes, which can interfere with oral hygiene and also with the dentist's access to the child's mouth.

Deficiencies of vitamins A and C can result in poor healing and increased gum bleeding, while vitamin D deficiency can result in soft teeth, the study found.

Oral aversion can interfere with oral hygiene such as brushing or flossing. Behavioral problems pose another barrier to care, because parents are hesitant to bring disabled children to the dentist, and many dentists are uncomfortable managing them.

Children with Down syndrome are more likely to have crowding of teeth, making oral hygiene more difficult, and they are more susceptible to periodontal disease, the researchers noted. Children with cleft lip and palate may have extra teeth in or around the cleft, missing teeth, or malformed teeth, making it difficult to remove plaque and increasing the risk of dental caries.

Children with Goldenhar syndrome can have limited oral opening and/or malocclusions, making oral hygiene difficult and putting them at increased risk of both caries and gingivitis.

Children with disabilities should particularly follow the "first visit by first birthday" recommendation for dental visits, the researchers noted.

Since many disabled children find even routine dental procedure difficult to tolerate, many dentists use either sedation or general anesthesia to treat them. Such children often have exaggerated and unpredictable responses to sedation and conscious anesthesia, they noted. Therefore, dentists should take extra precautions with disabled children and seriously consider consulting an anesthesiologist before sedating them, they concluded.


Source: Dr.BiCuspid / http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=pmt&pag=dis&ItemID=312802

Tips to Improve Children's Dental Care and Common Problems Seen in Pediatric Dentistry

The month of February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and with that in mind we decided to speak to Dr. Nancy Jo Soporowski, a pediatric dentist and partner at Natick Dental Partners to find out some of the more common problems she sees in children's dental care, and also to find some tips to improving dental care.
"Prevention and education are everything," Soporowski said. "Sometimes if you see things early you can do things to lessen the problems in the future."

Here are some tips that Dr. Soporowski offered:

1. Once teeth touch you should start to floss. You should brush twice each day, while flossing once. Parents should be vigilant in supervising protocol for oral hygiene.
2. Establishing a routine is the key to oral hygiene and snacking. Soporowski talks a lot about the frequency of snacking and also what children are eating for snacks. She mentioned sticky foods and having a lot of sugary drinks as something to be careful of, also noting that diet soda, despite not containing sugar, has acid that isn't good for teeth.
3. If children are playing contact sports, they should wear proper protective equipment, such as a mouthguard.
4. Soporowski said children should get one visit to the dentist by the time they're one. This is important because the kids can begin to get educated on dental health early. Learning how to brush at a young age and seeing a dentist early can help catch problems early.
5. It's important to assess any orthodontic problems early. Two visits to the dentist each year can also help assess the growth and development of teeth, as well as catch problems.

Here are some common mistakes made in children's dental care:

1. Snacks and drink choices. Soporowski again mentioned sticky snacks, as well as sodas and sports drinks.
2. When children have orthodontic appliances it can be tougher for them to thoroughly brush their teeth because the appliances are obstacles. Because of this, Soporowski sometimes recommends a third cleaning
3. Oftentimes children don't brush for an appropriate amount of time. They should brush for two minutes. One suggestion is to try brushing with music playing. This makes it seem like it's not taking as long to some people. Also, children aren't supervised when brushing. Supervising a child ensures that (s)he is really brushing his/her teeth and doing it properly.
4. Make regular dental visits, and keep your ears open while there. Part of the routine is that everyone is different so the technique is different based on the teeth.
5. The frequency of snacking is a common mistake. Grazers, people who make a snack last for a long period of time instead of eating it all at once, will likely have more cavities.

Dr. Soporowski also mentioned that using an electric toothbrush isn't bad, but a manual can be good too if using the correct technique. Once-in-a-while a manual should still be used so the child can learn the skill.



Source: NaTickPatch / http://natick.patch.com/articles/tips-to-improving-children-s-dental-care-and-common-problems-seen-in-pediatric-dentistry