LA is hip on teeth

Lights, camera, action! Los Angeles may be known as the movie capital of the world, but did you know they are so 'with it' when it comes to tooth health? LA County has embarked on a massive campaign around tooth health on social media, TV, and radio. Included are great videos and engaging materials to bring the health of the mouth, especially for children, top of mind. 

Here is an adorable video they created:

  

Check out the entire campaign here:

https://choosehealthla.com/Teeth/

Your Teeth and COVID

Like many industries and professions, dentistry has changed as a result of COVID. There are new recommendations and guidelines, and dental professionals are striving to ensure the safety of patients and staff as offices open back up.

So what has changed? As a patient there are many new procedures you may encounter when you go for dental treatment or for a dental cleaning. Here are some new things you may find:

Your dentist or dental office staff calls you prior to the appointment to ask you questions. These include questions about COVID-like symptoms, any new medical conditions or medications, and recent travel. You may be asked to do a "teledental" call that includes video to evaluate the problem you are having or if an appointment is needed at this time.

You are asked to wait outside or in your car prior to your appointment, or find that you are the only person in the waiting room. In the waiting room, there will no longer be any reading materials, so bring your own! 

The dental office will request you wear a mask or face covering over your nose and mouth to your appointment. How will you have your teeth worked on then? More about that in a bit.

Your temperature will be taken. A temperature of 100.4 or higher is considered a fever and you will be asked to reschedule your appointment. If you aren't feeling well, save yourself the trouble and stay home. 

You will be asked screening questions, again. A lot can actually happen in 24 to 48 hours when it comes to COVID. Depending on the area and infection rate, some dental and medical offices may require patients to have COVID testing (such as a nasal swab to test for active viral infection) prior to the appointment.

You may be asked to move about the office in a certain way. Dental offices with more than one accessible entrance and exit may ask that you enter in one door and leave through another. Offices with open bay areas may ask that you take a certain route as you walk. Often, this will be explained to you prior to your appointment.

Hygiene on Planet COVID

Once you have gotten to this point, the dentist, dental assistant, and dental hygienist, may look like people equipped to do hazmat decontamination. Starting at the top, hair coverings, goggles, face shields, masks, respirators, gloves, full lab coats, disposable gowns, and shoe coverings are being worn over traditional scrubs.

The exam or treatment room will have some new equipment, too, such as air filter units and/or new suction equipment designed to remove aerosols formed during treatment.

You will be asked to pre-rinse with a solution of hydrogen peroxide or similar type of rinse. This is when you finally remove your mask! 

You may find that your teeth are cleaned using tools different than those you are familiar with. Many dental hygienists are forgoing the use of electronic instruments, such as a cavitron, because they create aerosols that can contain the virus and take a long time to settle. Instead they are using hand scaling instruments. No worries there, your dental hygienist is a trained professional, however, it may take longer to have your teeth cleaned. 

In dentistry, infection control is done in a way that treats all patients as infectious. Because a person with COVID can be asymptomatic and still spread the virus, keeping aerosols as low as possible is considered to be safer. Likewise, your dentist may treat your small cavity with methods that don't require drilling, such as silver diamine fluoride, or interim restorative materials, that require less drilling. This may depend on what is going on in your community with regard to COVID rates of infection as well as your dental condition.

Your hygienist may not be her usual talkative self. Everyone has different personalities, but dental hygienists are known to be talkers, (if I do say so myself and may be so bold to generalize.) With all the extra equipment and new ways of working, your hygienist may not be up to conversation. 

These times are difficult, to say the least, and there is still much unknown about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It is important that everyone follow the recommended precautions to keep each other safe. If you are nervous about going to your dental appointment and do not have an urgent or emergency dental problem, it may be better to postpone it. If you can delay your dental cleaning or treatment, make sure you are doing your daily home care of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, and following any instructions from your dentist.  If you must or want to go for a dental appointment, make sure to ask any questions you may have about any new procedures you are asked to follow. If you are in pain or have a dental problem do not delay to call your dentist.

This blog and post are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or advise about any dental or medical condition. Please see your dentist or doctor for any treatment you need. Take care and be safe!

'Social Distance' Your Toothbrush

'Toothbrush distancing' photo:YM

In my post earlier this week, (https://bit.ly/3aNTgxG), I included a tip about getting rid of your toothbrush if you've been ill, letting toothbrushes air dry, and storing them in a cabinet. Coincidentally, I was on a conference call the following day with a group of dental professionals when the topic of toothbrush care and COVID was raised. For your information and interest, I am passing along a webpage that was shared.

Please check out these links:

https://www.unitedconcordia.com/docs/Dental_Distancing_infographic.pdf

https://www.unitedconcordia.com/docs/ToothbrushSafetyFlyer.pdf

Hoping you are safe and well.

This blog post is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure, any dental or medical condition or disease. Please consult with your medical or dental provider if you are ill. The sources cited do not constitute endorsement of any product or business, but are gratefully acknowledged. Source: unitedconcordia.com (accessed April 30, 2020).

Interview With a Vampire: Taking a (healthy) Bite Out of Fall

October and thoughts turn to pumpkins, pumpkin spice, pumpkin lattes, (let just say all things pumpkin), fall leaves, crisp air, and Halloween. My thoughts, as they often do, turn to oral health and healthy teeth. Pondering this intersection of autumn with a sugar-laden holiday, who better, thought I, to ask about healthy teeth than a vampire? After all, their “lives” literally depend on good, strong teeth! But I was at a loss as to where to find such an enigmatic being. So, I did the only thing I could think of and posted an ad on Craig’s List as follows: “Looking for a vampire to interview for a blog post on oral health. Please respond to this ad using the job posting number indicated above.” I received only one reply but received it surprisingly quickly. What follows is a transcript of that interview.

Y: Hi. It’s so nice to meet you!

Vampire: Likewise. It is my pleasure.

Y: Do you mind if I record our conversation? Wait. Is it possible to record you?

Vampire: Audio, of course. Video, no.

Y: I appreciate you agreeing to meet with me.

Vampire: I appreciate that you were able to meet in the evening.

Y: (laughing) No problem. It’s not so late - it gets dark earlier this time of year.

Vampire: I also appreciate you meeting me at my home.

Y: Again, no problem. You do live in a rather remote area so thank you very much for having your driver pick me up. I would have never found it. By the way, that’s a beautiful car.

Vampire: It’s quite old, a classic. And thank you for not prying regarding the address. You understand, it’s important that I protect my privacy.

Y: Certainly, certainly. I understand. (sneeze)

Vampire: Bless you.

Y: Wow. You can say that?

Vampire: Sure. Just can’t do it. (laughing) I hope you don’t have a cold.

Y: No, it’s these darn allergies. It happens every fall. Hope I don’t ‘fall’ asleep. I had to take some antihistamines.

Vampire: I’m sorry you are suffering so.

Y: Really, it’s nothing. Shall we begin?

Vampire: Let’s.

Y: This is silly and I totally do respect your privacy, but you were rather reluctant to give me your name. What should I call you?

Vampire: Please call me Dave.

Y: Dave.

Vampire: You sound disappointed.

Y: Well, I kinda thought, you know, vampire, pretty mysterious, conjures up far off, mist-covered mountains….

Vampire: Well, Dave’s not actually my name but I thought you’d like something that’s accessible, for your readers. Is that all right?

Y: I do like that feeling of accessibility. You know, Dave, I think you’re right. Dave. It’s perfect.

Vampire: Terrific.

Y: So let’s jump right in. As a dental hygienist, I’m terribly interested in good oral health, and particularly in people who keep their teeth in great shape and how they do it.

Vampire: Naturally, you would be. You seem to have a wonderful, innate curiosity.

Y: Thanks. The thing is, Dave, and I think what makes this interview unique, is I can think of no other beings that would have more stock in maintaining oral health than vampires.

Vampire: You are right, of course. Our lives, well, you know what I mean, depend upon it.

Y: Now, when you say ‘lives’, you mean that you’re actually undead.

Vampire: Well, I think of it as living. There are others that would disagree. But I say, let’s agree to disagree. (laughing)

Y: (laughing) You are charming! I’d love for my readers to know what you do to maintain such wonderful oral health, such strong, shiny, white teeth, over centuries.

Vampire: It’s rather simple, really. I brush two times a day for two minutes each time, using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Y: Anything else?

Vampire: Yes. I floss at least once a day and more often if I get someone – thing, stuck in my teeth.

Y: It’s that simple, isn’t it, Dave?

Vampire: Absolutely, yes.

Y: Let me ask you a more personal question.

Vampire: Yes.

Y: Have you ever have a cavity?

Vampire: I did. Back as a child, when I was mortal. The tooth decayed and I had to have it pulled. Dentistry was so awful back then. But I learned my lesson and took great care of my teeth from that day forward. Haven’t had any problems since.

Y: Let’s explore that experience a little more. How did you feel about it? To have decay, have a tooth pulled.

Vampire: It was a horror. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

Y: It’s so gratifying to meet someone who values his oral health as much as you do, Dave. It is really such a pleasure to hear.

Vampire: Again, the pleasure is all mine.

Y: I do have another question.

Vampire: Please, go ahead.

Y: Let’s say, hypothetically, someone puts a wooden stake through your heart. Is anything left? Do the teeth remain? Movies are so sketchy on this point and other than some books, I have no point of reference. Sometimes the vampire dissolves, sometimes bursts into flames…I’m sorry. Have I offended you?

Vampire: No. However, I am a little uncomfortable with this line of questioning. You know, I have heard that teeth can withstand temperatures over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Y: Actually, up to 2,000.

Vampire: That is interesting. I really admire your knowledge and passion about this subject.

Y: It’s what I do, Dave. Thanks.

Vampire: You’re welcome.

Happy Halloween. (Photo YM)

Dave was such a great interview but the recording cuts off here and I have to admit I don’t remember much of the rest of the evening. Antihistamines really knock me out! My eyes seem to have developed a bit of sensitivity to light as well, but my doctor assures me it’s the allergies. Happy Halloween!

For another Halloween post from this blog click here: https://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2015/10/

This post is not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease or condition. Please visit your dentist or medical professional if you are not feeling well, and if you are feeling well - go for your regular check-ups. Do not contact Dave. 

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Has it been a while since you've had a dental visit to have your teeth cleaned? No time like the present. Your dental hygienist misses you. Meanwhile:

Brush at least two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste - after each meal is ideal

Floss at least once a day

For more information on National Dental Hygiene month and other great oral health info visit:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/ada-october-is-national-dental-hygiene-month


This post is not intended to advise, diagnose or treat any condition nor is it an endorsement of any brand product. Please visit your dental office for regular check-ups and treatment.

Mind Your Mouth. Part 2.

My first post on the relationship between mental health and oral health focused on risky behaviors like drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, and the damage they cause the teeth, gums, mouth and throat. (http://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2018/01/mind-your-mouth.html )

The link between oral health and mental health, however, is a two way street. People who don’t like how their teeth look or who have crooked, missing, or decayed teeth can suffer from low self-esteem. They may not want to smile or talk and lack confidence because they feel ashamed by the condition of their mouth. They may avoid social situations and have difficulties finding or keeping a job. Isolation, worry, and lack of employment can further deepen a person’s depression. They may blame themselves for how their mouth looks, even if it is not their fault. Some people have dental conditions which may stem from childhood or may be economic in nature, such as a family’s inability to afford braces or to have trauma to the teeth repaired. This can further cause a person to feel helpless and hopeless about the condition of their mouth.

Many people feel anxious about dental treatment but those who avoid going to the dentist out of fear may develop oral health problems due to a lack of regular care and check-ups. Dental phobia, the fear of going to the dentist or having dental treatment, is a recognized condition and a very real problem for some people. It can be caused by fear of pain, lack of control, feelings of shame over neglect of health, or traumatic past experiences. People may wait to seek care until they are in extreme pain, their condition is much worse, or they may not seek treatment at all, which can result in severe or life-threatening infection or tooth loss. Lack of dental care, dental anxiety and oral health problems can be a very damaging combination for a person’s physical overall health and their mental well being.

People with self esteem or depression due to oral health problems and people suffering from dental phobia need help from both dental and mental health professionals. Receiving proper dental care can help to restore a person’s confidence and motivate them to get help for the mental health issues they developed as a result of their poor oral health. Behavioral and cognitive therapies can help a person explore the reasons for their phobia and develop the tools that they need to help get them through dental care visits. Some people may require anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications.

Dental health professionals should recognize that dental phobia affects many people and is more common than people realize. It is estimated that between 9 – 15% of Americans have true dental phobia. Pain management in the dental office through the use of good and proper anesthesia based on a person’s medical, dental, and mental health conditions is needed, as is empathy about the person’s phobia. Patients should be asked about their fears and be invited to use coping strategies, such as listening to music on headphones, or relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Open discussion can help to build trust and get patients to the resources they need to help them heal.

Sources

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/what-is-dental-anxiety-and-phobia

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/controlling-dental-pain#2

Kisely S. No Mental Health without Oral Health. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie. 2016;61(5):277-282. doi:10.1177/0706743716632523.

This blog is not intended to diagnose, advise, or treat any condition. Please get help from your medical, dental or mental health professional if you need it - you'll be relieved that you did.

Gum Disease and Cancer in Women

If you could reduce your risk of getting cancer by brushing and flossing, would you do it? 

There are two types of gum disease: Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease. Both of these mean that the gums are infected with germs and there is inflammation in the mouth.

Gingivitis is the “reversible” type of gum disease. It is characterized by bleeding, puffy gums and it’s the type commonly discussed on toothpaste commercials. Gingivitis can be reversed with regular brushing and flossing in addition to eating a healthy diet.

Periodontal Disease is an advanced form of gum disease and is what happens over time if you ignore gingivitis. In people with Periodontal Disease, germs in the mouth have increased in amount and changed in type. In an effort to get rid of the germs, the body’s immune system responds by destroying the tiny connective tissues that keep the teeth attached to the gums and by destroying bone levels in the jaw. Periodontal disease is “irreversible” yet it can be controlled with proper treatment. 

People are often unclear about whether they have gum disease yet over 50% of adults have some form of it.

If you have Periodontal Disease, your dentist or dental hygienist may have discussed with you the “pockets” in your gums and recommended “deep” cleanings. You may have been told that you have “receding” gums or you may feel like your teeth have “shifted.”  These simple terms are used to help people understand their gum health, however, Periodontal Disease is a complex and serious condition. It is important to manage periodontal disease before further destruction to the mouth, like tooth loss, occurs.

Avoiding Periodontal Disease may also help to guard against common cancers in women. 

A recent long-term study that followed over 65,000 women revealed that there is an association between certain cancers and Periodontal Disease. The association to esophageal cancer was strongest but it was also evident in cancers of the lung, gallbladder, breast, and skin. Overall, women with Periodontal Disease were 14% more likely to get cancer than women without Periodon

Gum disease, cancer & women yml

tal Disease; 20% more likely for women who are current or former smokers.

For more information on this study, go to: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-cancer-gum-disease-idUSKBN1AH4SN

Also: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/883628 

Sources: Reuters.com & Medscape; original source article:  bit.ly/2w2vmvi Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, published online August 1, 2017

This blog is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition or illness. Please consult your medical or dental professional for treatment.