Drkam’s Blog

Periksa klinik gigi – Tiong Lai

Posted by: drkam on: February 7, 2010

Oleh HATA WAHARI
pengarang@utusan.com.my

Feb 07, 2010

Doktor gigi ‘palsu’ di mana-mana!

Kementerian Kesihatan telah mengarahkan Ketua Pengarahnya, Tan Sri Dr. Mohd. Ismail Merican melakukan pemeriksaan ke atas semua klinik gigi swasta bagi memastikan doktor yang bertugas di situ berdaftar dengan Majlis Pergigian Malaysia (MDC).

Menterinya, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai menegaskan, mana-mana doktor yang tidak berdaftar dengan MDC hendaklah didakwa kerana memberi perkhidmatan tanpa tauliah walaupun mempunyai kelulusan sebagai doktor pergigian di bawah Akta Doktor Pergigian 1971.

”Doktor-doktor gigi ‘palsu’ ini boleh dikenakan denda RM10,000 hingga RM50,000 ataupun penjara tidak melebihi lima tahun jika didapati bersalah.

”Kementerian melihat perkara ini dengan serius yang mana doktor gigi perlu berdaftar dengan Majlis Pergigian Malaysia dan mana-mana yang tidak berdaftar tidak boleh memberi perkhidmatan kepada orang ramai,” katanya.

SESEORANG terpaksa belajar sehingga lima tahun dan membayar kos sehingga RM500,000 sepanjang tempoh pengajian untuk bergelar doktor gigi. Namun siasatan Unit Khas Utusan Malaysia mendapati gelaran itu dikongsi doktor gigi ‘palsu’ yang turut membuka ‘klinik gigi haram’ di negara ini.

Daripada 95 nama doktor gigi yang disiasat, 28 daripadanya atau hampir 30 peratus tidak berdaftar dengan Majlis Pergigian Malaysia (MDC). Manakala daripada 122 nama klinik yang disiasat, 29 buah atau 25 peratus tidak mendapat tauliah daripada Cawangan Kawalan Amalan Perubatan Swasta (CKAPS), Kementerian Kesihatan.

Pada masa ini, terdapat 3,567 doktor gigi berdaftar dengan MDC di seluruh negara. Oleh itu, jika hasil siasatan tersebut diambil kira iaitu nisbah terdapat 28 doktor ‘palsu’ bagi setiap 67 doktor sah, maka di seluruh negara kini terdapat tidak kurang 1,490 doktor gigi ‘palsu’.

Penemuan wartawan penyiasat, MUHAMAD AMIRUL AFIQ MASTOR dan ROSALINDA MD. SAID bersama jurugambar ZAINI HUSIN serta WAHIDAH ZAINAL dalam Bahagian I laporan khas ini pasti menggerunkan orang ramai terutama mereka yang selalu membuat pemeriksaan, menampal dan mencabut gigi atau melakukan kosmetik ortodontik iaitu mencantikkan kedudukan gigi.

Risiko menggunakan khidmat doktor gigi ‘palsu’ dan ‘klinik gigi haram’ termasuk kesukaran menuntut ganti rugi jika berlaku komplikasi yang tidak diingini terhadap muka atau wajah akibat kecuaian. Malah ia mengancam kesihatan dan boleh meragut nyawa terutama ketika peringkat tampalan, mencabut atau membius.

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai memberitahu, Majlis Pergigian Malaysia mempunyai kepakaran dan pegawai yang mencukupi bagi memastikan tindakan segera diambil terhadap doktor gigi ‘palsu’ dan ‘klinik gigi haram’.

Katanya, mengikut rekod Majlis Pergigian Malaysia terdapat 3,606 doktor gigi yang berdaftar di seluruh negara yang mana 48 peratus berkhidmat di klinik swasta dan 52 peratus lagi berkhidmat di klinik gigi kerajaan.

Tegasnya, doktor gigi warga asing yang berdaftar pula dilarang membuka klinik di negara ini tetapi boleh berkhidmat di klinik-klinik gigi swasta yang berdaftar dengan Majlis Pergigian Malaysia.

”Sehubungan itu, saya meminta orang ramai agar membuat pemeriksaan di laman web Majlis Pergigian Malaysia untuk mendapat pengesahan sama ada klinik gigi atau doktor yang berkhidmat berdaftar dengan kerajaan,” katanya.

KESIMPULAN

* 95 doktor disiasat, 28 daripadanya tiada dalam senarai terkini Majlis Pergigian Malaysia.

* 29 daripada 122 nama klinik gigi yang disiasat, tidak berdaftar dengan Kementerian Kesihatan.

* Kebanyakan doktor gigi ‘palsu’ ini adalah warga asing yang diupah oleh pemilik ‘klinik gigi haram’.

* Pesakit gigi yang mendapat khidmat doktor palsu, berisiko wajah jadi cacat, gusi dan tulang muka rosak atau nyawa melayang.

Rata rata pengamal pergigian yang bertauliah mengambil rakan sejawat (locum) untuk mengganti mereka tanpa mendaftar dengan Majlis Pergigian Malaysia. Kebanyakan mereka mungkin tidak tahu mengenai prosedur ini atau sengaja malas untuk mendaftar atas nama beberapa klinik . Ini sering terjadi kepada ‘pakar’ pergigian yang cuma membawa alat-alat khas ke klinik yang di lawati mereka tanpa memikir risiko kepada pesakit. Satu lagi golongan adalah mereka yang bekerja dengan Kementerian Kesihatan dan bercuti pada hari Sabtu dan Ahad seringkali tidak mendaftar sekali lagi dengan klinik yang mereka berkerja di hari cuti mereka , walaupun kebenaran mudah diperolehi dari kementerian.

Selain dari itu kita juga terpaksa ‘bersaing’ dengan tukang tukang gigi yang memiliki kemahiran dari ilmu yang diturunkan oleh ibu bapa atau nenek moyang mereka. Mereka mereka ini selalunya menggunakan saluran politik untuk membolehkan mereka mengamal kebolehan yang diwarisi ini.

Akhir sekali, sikap pengguna atau pesakit yang tidak mengendahkan tahap pelajaran tukang tukang gigi ini, kebersihan persekitaran ‘klinik’ dan mahukan rawatan yang murah dan mudah!!___ dr.kamsiah

 

MDC akui terima aduan wujud pengamal pergigian palsu

MDC akui terima aduan wujud pengamal pergigian palsu

KUALA LUMPUR 7 Feb. – Majlis Pergigian Malaysia (MDC) mengakui pernah menerima aduan berhubung kewujudan doktor gigi ‘palsu’ iaitu pengamal pergigian yang tidak berdaftar dengan majlis itu.

Perbuatan tersebut menyalahi Akta Pergigian 1971 yang mewajibkan setiap lepasan ijazah pergigian supaya berdaftar dengan MDC iaitu majlis yang ditubuhkan di bawah akta berkenaan.

Setiausaha Majlis Pergigian Malaysia, Bahagian Kesihatan Pergigian, Dr. Elise Monerasinghe berkata, sebelum ini pihaknya menerima beberapa kes melibatkan pengamal pergigian palsu.

“Bagaimanapun, sepanjang tahun lalu hanya satu kes dilaporkan kepada kami mengenai perkara ini.

“Siasatan hanya dilakukan apabila terdapat laporan daripada orang ramai,” katanya kepada Unit Khas Utusan Malaysia mengulas mengenai pendedahan kewujudan doktor gigi ‘palsu’ di Malaysia.

Hari ini, laporan penyiasatan muka depan Mingguan Malaysia mendedahkan mengenai siasatan Unit Khas Utusan Malaysia yang mendapati 28 orang atau 30 peratus daripada 95 doktor gigi yang disiasat tiada dalam senarai terkini dikeluarkan MDC.

Selain itu, laporan itu juga mendedahkan, 29 daripada 122 klinik gigi yang disiasat di Lembah Klang tidak berdaftar dengan Cawangan Kawalan Amalan Perubatan Swasta (CKAPS), Kementerian Kesihatan.

Di Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur terdapat 1,409 doktor yang berdaftar dengan MDC dengan 555 orang berkhidmat dengan kerajaan manakala 854 orang lagi di klinik persendirian.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Kanan Kesihatan Pergigian, Bahagian Kesihatan Pergigian, Datuk Dr. Norain Abu Talib ketika dihubungi berkata, semua doktor perlu berdaftar sebelum mempraktikkan amalan kedoktoran pergigian di negara ini.

“Pengamal perlu mendapatkan lesen daripada MDC dan kementerian dan lesen tersebut juga perlu diperbaharui setiap tahun sebelum mereka boleh menjalankan tugas.

“Lesen mereka juga perlu dipamerkan bagi membolehkan pesakit mengenal pasti sama ada doktor tersebut sah atau pun tidak,” jelasnya.

ScienceDaily (Jan. 8, 2010)

The teeth of a 30,000-year-old child are shedding new light on the evolution of modern humans, thanks to research from the University of Bristol published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Virtual 3D reconstruction of four deciduous and one permanent teeth assessed for linear, surface, and volumetric tissue proportions. (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Bristol)

The teeth are part of the remarkably complete remains of a child found in the Abrigo do Lagar Velho, Portugal and excavated in 1998-9 under the leadership of Professor João Zilhão of the University of Bristol. Classified as a modern human with Neanderthal ancestry, the child raises controversial questions about how extensively Neanderthals and modern human groups of African descent interbred when they came into contact in Europe.

‘Early modern humans’, whose anatomy is basically similar to that of the human race today, emerged over 50,000 years ago and it has long been the common perception that little has changed in human biology since then.

When considering the biology of late archaic humans such as the Neanderthals, it is thus common to compare them with living humans and largely ignore the biology of the early modern humans who were close in time to the Neanderthals.

With this in mind, an international team, including Professor Zilhão, reanalysed the dentition of the Lagar Velho child (all of its deciduous — milk — teeth and almost all of its permanent teeth) to see how they compared to the teeth of Neanderthals, later Pleistocene (12,000-year-old) humans and modern humans.

Employing a technique called micro-tomography which uses x-rays to create cross-sections of 3D-objects, the researchers investigated the relative stages of formation of the developing teeth and the proportions of crown enamel, dentin and pulp in the teeth.

They found that, for a given stage of development of the cheek teeth, the front teeth were relatively delayed in their degree of formation. Moreover, the front teeth had a greater volume of dentin and pulp but proportionally less enamel than the teeth of recent humans.

The teeth of the Lagar Velho child thus fit the pattern evident in the preceding Neanderthals, and contrast with the teeth of later Pleistocene (12,000-year-old) humans and living modern humans.

Professor Zilhão said: “This new analysis of the Lagar Velho child joins a growing body of information from other early modern human fossils found across Europe (in Mladeč in the Czech Republic, Peştera cu Oase and Peştera Muierii in Romania, and Les Rois in France) that shows these ‘early modern humans’ were ‘modern’ without being ‘fully modern’. Human anatomical evolution continued after they lived 30,000 to 40,000 years ago.”

The team was led by Priscilla Bayle (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, France) and Roberto Macchiarelli (Université de Poitiers, France) and included Erik Trinkaus (Professor of Anthropology at Washington University, St.-Louis, Cidália Duarte (Câmara Municipal do Porto, Portugal), and Arnaud Mazurier (CRI-Biopôle-Poitiers, France).

Story Source:Adapted from materials provided by University of Bristol.

 

An Update On Cosmetic Dentistry!

Posted by: drkam on: January 1, 2010

drkam

Introduction

We all want to have a beautiful smile. It is not wishful thinking. Given the state of research, technology and advancement in the practice of dentistry, it is possible for us to make our dream real. Seek an appointment with a good cosmetic dentistry in our town.

When searching for a cosmetic dentist  to handle your oral health needs, trust your care to a skilled professional who knows what it takes to achieve a beautiful result. You deserve a total smile that looks attractive and functions well.

Many dentists only provide patients with healthy teeth, often ignoring the critical impact of the other elements of a Total Smile. We realize that to give a patient the Total Smile they deserve they must also have healthy, pleasant looking gums and appealing lips.

Beautiful Teeth

Our approach to dentistry and periodontal plastic surgery provides patients with a solution for all three aspects of achieving a great Total Smile:

Don’t trust your smile to just any dental surgeon. Go to  cosmetic dentist ,  implant dentist or periodontist;  we understand what it takes to make your teeth shine. In cultures across the globe, a dazzling smile is a sign of health, status, and vitality. Carefully aligned, pearly white teeth are perhaps the most important component of a radiant smile, and strong teeth are essential for chewing and speaking clearly. If your teeth are painful or unattractive, know that you have more options than ever to achieve the smile of your dreams.

A highly trained  periodontist,  can help you achieve the smile makeover of your dreams. We  been helping dental patients everday of our practice for over two decades and understand that your teeth can be important contributor to your overall health and beauty and self confidence. Dental implant is today an option that is increasingly popular.

Dental Implant Procedure

If you are embarrassed by missing teeth or tired of not being able to eat your favorite foods, we offer dental implants, a permanent way to replace gaps in your smile. An increasing number of our patients choose  dental implants to replace missing teeth with artificial ones that in most cases can’t be distinguished from the real thing.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from high-strength titanium that we position in the jaw to anchor a replacement tooth or bridge. Imagine how good it will feel to smile, speak, and eat with confidence, leaving your discomfort behind.

Crowns, Bridges, & Veneers

A crown, bridge, or dental veneers can improve the look of your smile, naturally replacing and enhancing teeth that are missing, cracked, or badly discolored. Dental crowns are custom-designed caps that fit over your existing tooth to increase strength and restore appearance of weak, misshapen, or cracked teeth.

Bridges use crowns on either side of a tooth gap to anchor false teeth, making it easier to chew and speak while preventing teeth from becoming misaligned.

Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of a tooth, ideal for patients who have small gaps between their teeth, or whose teeth are discolored, worn down, or chipped.

Orthodontics

Your teeth need to do more than looking good – they help you speak clearly and chew food comfortably. Misaligned jaws and teeth that are crowded or out of place often cause patients extreme discomfort and lead to excessive wear.

Orthodontics is the specialized branch of dentistry that repositions crooked teeth and jaws. The most common orthodontic device is braces, but at my clinic we offer several other orthodontic treatments that will improve both the general appearance of your smile and the functionality of your teeth and jaws, such as Invisalign®.

Laser Tooth Whitening

The dental care market is flooded with tooth whitening products, but if you’ve tried some of them, you’ve probably been disappointed by poor results and end u with teeth that don’t look much whiter. Also, if you have sensitive teeth and gums, many of these over the counter treatments are too harsh and usually cause discomfort.

Laser tooth whitening offers  a fast, comfortable way to remove stains and discoloration caused by disease, heredity, smoking, or drinking coffee and cola. We perform laser tooth whitening at my clinic, with most patients completing their treatment in about one hour.

Appealing Lips

Very few cosmetic dentists   offer  procedures to improve “gummy smile” or high lip line; at my clinic we  offer a convenient procedure to lower the upper lip so that it reveals less of your gum line when you smile.

gummy smile - before

Gummy smile revision is popular to patients who visit my dental clinic. When you watch the news, read a magazine, or leaf through your old photo albums, you can see that there is a certain beauty to all smiles, because smiles show our inner happiness and enjoyment. But when it comes down to it, some people have unattractive smiles because of discolored or missing teeth, discolored gums, or upper lip that reveals too much of the gum line when you smile. After the surgery, you’ll enjoy a smile that better fits your facial features and have the confidence to show it off.

gummy smile - after

Candidates for High Lip Line Lowering

Very simply, if your upper lip reveals a substantial amount of gum tissue when you smile, you can benefit from this procedure. Sometimes, people don’t realize that their high lip line is the problem, and instead think that they need to have their teeth lengthened or gums raised. Often, lip lowering will give you the smile you’re looking for, and is a much less invasive surgical correction. In some cases, combining upper lip lowering with crown lengthening or excess gum tissue removal may be required to create an attractive smile.

Lip Lowering Benefits

This procedure offers a number of advantages to my patients:

  • Lip lowering exposes your teeth more evenly and shows off a more “normal” amount of teeth and gums when you smile.
  • The procedure reassures those patients who are afraid to smile and reduces the amount of self-consciousness you feel every time you show your smile to the world.
  • In general, lip lowering makes the smile more attractive and offers a better “fit” with the rest of your face.

The Surgical Procedure

Some dentists might tell you that nothing can be done to fix your high lip line, or may only suggest treatments that raise the gum tissue instead of lowering the lip. At my clinic, I perform a procedure that repositions the upper lip in relation to the gum line. The surgery requires only local anesthesia.

First, our surgeon  makes a set of careful incisions in the existing tissue that connects your lip to your gums. These incisions are made entirely inside your lips, so there’s no scarring or marks on your outer lip. Then the surgeon  uses a technique that limits the vertical movement of the upper lip, which when you smile will keep the lip closer to your teeth.

Risks and Recovery

There are practically no risks associated with the lip lowering procedure, and your recovery time is fairly short. Smile enhancement will vary from patient to patient, but most people are very satisfied to be freed from their gummy smile. Remember that lip lowering surgery will not cause a dramatic change to the appearance of your lips, but mainly control how high your upper lip lifts when you smile.

Attractive Gums

Most dentists will focus their smile improvement efforts on perfectly-aligned, pearly white teeth. But unlike other  dentists, my colleagues and I at my clinic also take the time to remind my patients about the importance of healthy-looking gums. Gums and jaw bones play a critical role in supporting your teeth and contributing to the overall health of your smile.

A periodontist, or cosmetic dentist  who specializes in treatment of the area around your teeth, will acquire the specialized skills and knowledge needed to help you keep your gums looking and feeling their best. Whatever issue you may have with your gum health or appearance, we  at my clinic are committed to providing thorough treatment in a comfortable and conducive environment.

Aesthetic Gum Treatment & Gum Bleaching

Many of our patients find that dark gums, or gums with splotchy dark patches, are very unappealing and detract from their smile. Generally, this condition may not be a sign of a dental health problem, but instead it is primarily an appearance issue. Both men and women seek treatment, though women are often more self-conscious about their discolored gum appearance.  Learn more about how our gum bleaching treatments can improve your smile.

Dark gums can be caused by many factors. Most commonly, discoloration occurs due to a buildup of melanin in the gum tissue, turning otherwise healthy-looking, pink gums to a brown or even black color. People who have darker skin are more susceptible to melanin buildup in the gums.

Smoking is thought to be a factor that can cause or worsen the appearance of gums with dark patches. Certain medications and gum diseases may cause gum discoloration to develop as well. Sometimes, gum discoloration can occur because of amalgam tattoos – areas of gray or blue coloring caused by silver filling particles that have migrated to the gum tissue.

Gum Grafting & Treating Gum Recession

Patients may experience a receding gum line either because their gum tissue is overly thin and delicate or because they are suffering from periodontal disease. Without treatment, most gum recession will continue to worsen, and eventually cause bone deterioration, raising the risk of tooth loss.

In addition, receding gums, especially at the front of the mouth, look unattractive and unhealthy. To treat gum recession, we can perform gum grafting, which involves transplanting gum tissue to shore up the receding area. Instead of using tissue from a patient’s own palate, which causes unnecessary discomfort through an additional surgery, over the  years we have been using  naturally-derived material, with tremendous success.

gum grafting

Bone Grafting & Ridge Preservation/Augmentation

A missing tooth is not only unsightly, it can also cause harmful bone deterioration, which may lead to jaw pain, headaches, poor nutrition, and further tooth loss. For our patients who are missing their teeth, we often need to reinforce and build up surrounding bone by performing bone graft or ridge preservation before we complete any tooth restoration procedures, such as placement of a dental implant. These procedures provide good outcomes for patients who have already seen some bone deterioration, or need to augment the height or width of bone, fill anatomical voids, or correct congenital defects .

Dentist Treating Periodontal Disease

Almost nine out of 10 Malaysian adults over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause bad breath, swollen and receding gums, extremely sensitive teeth, and eventual tooth loss. Also, independent studies have indicated a relationship between gum disease and development of cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and other conditions such as pancreatic cancer. At our clinic, we can professionally treat periodontal disease treatments to help you maintain your overall health.

L before scaling and polishing

Laser Tooth Whitening

The dental care market is flooded with tooth whitening products, but if you’ve tried some of them, you’ve probably been disappointed by poor results and teeth that don’t look much whiter. Also, if you have sensitive teeth and gums, many of these over the counter treatments are too harsh and cause discomfort. Laser tooth whitening offers  a fast, comfortable way to remove stains and discoloration caused by disease, heredity, smoking, or drinking coffee and cola. We perform laser tooth whitening in our office, with most patients completing their treatment in about one hour.

Conclusion

Dental treatment is increasingly sophisticated because of research into ways and means into general and cosmetic dentistry.  The practice of dentistry in Malaysia is of high quality and treatment for all sorts of dental problems are readily available these days. Cosmetic dental services can be had at reasonable cost but I would not say that such services are cheap. But if you are prepared to invest in maintaining an attractive smile to enhance your personality and believe that proper dental care is key to your oral and general health, you should not hesitate to use the services of  a cosmetic dentist or highly trained  periodontist.

Visit one in your neighborhood dental surgeon for consultation and discuss what can be done for you and in accordance with what you can afford. I wish to remind all readers of this blog that they should make a point to visit your dentist at least twice a year. Regular maintenance of teeth is essential.

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Posted by: drkam on: December 24, 2009

Introduction

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons care for patients with problem wisdom teeth, facial pain, and misaligned jaws. They treat accident victims suffering facial injuries, place dental implants, care for patients with oral cancer, tumors and cysts of the jaws, and perform facial cosmetic surgery. Their advanced training in anesthesia allows them to provide quality care with maximum patient comfort and safety in the office setting.

Treatment and Procedures

Among the conditions and symptoms treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons are:

  • Diagnosis and management of impacted teeth, tooth extraction and dentoalveolar surgery;
  • Facial pain, including problems related to issues relating to temporomandibular joint disease;
  • Diagnosis and treatment of oral cancers. Patients are encouraged to perform routine oral exams and to see their general dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon annually for a professional examination.
  • Pathologies in the maxillofacial region, including the performance of biopsies and other diagnostic tests and procedures required to diagnose the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan;
  • Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition affecting approximately 45% of the US population in which breathing ceases for a brief period of time. Often characterized by loud and frequent snoring, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, poor work performance and such cardiovascular disorders as hypertension, arrhythmias and congestive heart failure.

The oral and maxillofacial surgery residency enables oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform a wide variety of procedures in both an office setting and a hospital environment. These four to six year residencies incorporate extensive training in anesthesia administration, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, all of which the surgeon  can appropriately, competently and safely administer in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office to meet the unique requirements of the patient and the procedure. Office-based surgery is often the most efficient and cost effective way to perform many procedures while maintaining maximum patient comfort and safety. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to perform the following treatments and procedures:

  • Reconstructive surgery to address hard and soft tissue injuries in the upper and/or lower jaws resulting from injury or trauma, tumor surgery or long-term denture wear.

  • Dental implant placement to replace a single tooth, several teeth or an entire mouthful of teeth. Dental implants offer a long-lasting, comfortable and functional alternative to conventional dentures.

  • Diagnosis and treatment of infections in the maxillofacial region, which can develop into life-threatening emergencies if not treated promptly and effectively.

  • Treatment and repair of injuries to the face, jaws, mouth and teeth caused by trauma. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in treating trauma, including fractures of the upper and lower jaws and orbits, and the cosmetic management of facial lacerations.

  • Surgical correction of oral and facial deformities caused by differences in skeletal growth between the upper and lower jaws; and congenital deformities like cleft lip and palate, which occur when all or a portion of the oral-nasal cavity does not grow together during fetal development.

  • Their surgical and dental background and their ability to reconstruct facial structures damaged through trauma, enable oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform facial cosmetic procedures on an outpatient basis in the oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s office under local anesthesia, IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Dental Implants

Smile

Did you know that dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth? Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that your oral and maxillofacial surgeon surgically places in the jawbone.

A Solution of Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth

Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore, by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.

Twenty years ago, these patients would have had no alternative but to employ a fixed bridge or removable denture to restore their ability to eat, speak clearly and smile. Fixed bridges and removable dentures, however, are not the perfect solution and often bring with them a number of other problems. Removable dentures may slip or cause embarrassing clicking sounds while eating or speaking. Of even greater concern, fixed bridges often affect adjacent healthy teeth, and removable dentures may lead to bone loss in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing. Recurrent decay, periodontal (gum) disease and other factors often doom fixed bridgework to early failure. For these reasons, fixed bridges and removable dentures usually need to be replaced every seven to 15 years.

Before Dental Implant After Dental Implant
Before (left) and after a dental implant

Today there is another option for patients who are missing permanent teeth. Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that your oral and maxillofacial surgeon surgically places in the jawbone. Composed of titanium metal that “fuses” with the jawbone through a process called “osseointegration,” dental implants never slip or make embarrassing noises that advertise the fact that you have “false teeth,” and never decay like teeth anchoring fixed bridges. Because dental implants fuse with the jawbone, bone loss is generally not a problem.

After more than 20 years of service, the vast majority of dental implants first placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States continue to still function at peak performance. More importantly, the recipients of those early dental implants are still satisfied they made the right choice. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Anatomy of a Dental Implant

Dental Implant

A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown, which is created by a prosthodontist or restorative dentist and fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance.

Many people who are missing a single tooth opt for a fixed bridge; but a bridge may require the cutting down of healthy, adjacent teeth that may or may not need to be restored in the future. Then there is the additional cost of possibly having to replace the bridge once, twice or more over the course of a lifetime. Similarly, a removable partial denture may contribute to the loss of adjacent teeth. Studies show that within five to seven years there is a failure rate of up to 30% in teeth located next to a fixed bridge or removable partial denture.

Fixed bridges may require the shaping or cutting down of adjacent healthy teeth.

Bone is maintained by the presence of natural teeth or implants (a). Bone loss occurs with the loss of teeth (b).

Further, conventional dentures may contribute to the loss of bone in the area where teeth are missing. As illustration (a) indicates, the presence of natural teeth preserves the jawbone. When a tooth is missing, as in illustration (b), the bone may erode and weaken until it may be necessary for your oral and maxillofacial surgeon to graft bone to the area to strengthen it for placement of a dental implant. When a missing tooth is replaced by a dental implant, the fusion, or osseointegration, of the implant and bone provides stability, just as the natural tooth did.

If you are missing several teeth in the same area of your mouth, you may still enjoy the confidence and lifestyle benefits that come with dental implants. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will place two or more dental implants, depending on the number of teeth that are missing. Your replacement teeth will be attached to the implants to allow excellent function and prevent bone loss. The implants will serve as a stable support that tightly locks into your replacement teeth and dentures to prevent slipping and bone loss.

With an overall success rate of about 95% and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.

Dental Implants vs. Conventional Dentures

Implants can be used to replace one missing tooth so that the replacement looks and feels natural (a). Also, two or more implants can serve as a stable support for the replacement of many teeth (b).

Many patients who have selected dental implants describe a quality of life that is much more comfortable and secure than the lifestyle endured by those with fixed bridges or removable dentures. Dentures often make a person feel and look older than they are, cause embarrassment in social situations when they slip and click, and restrict the everyday pleasure of eating comfortably.

When they count the benefits they enjoy as a result of their dental implants, patients say their implants eliminate the day-to-day frustrations and discomfort of ill-fitting dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restrictions many denture wearers face. With a sense of renewed self-confidence, many people rediscover the excitement of an active lifestyle shared with family and friends and the chance to speak clearly and comfortably with co-workers. For all these reasons, people with dental implants often say they feel better… they look better… they live better.

Dental Implantation is  a Team Effort

Dental implants combine the best of modern science and technology, including a team approach spanning several disciplines. A successful implant requires that all parties involved — the patient; the restorative dentist, who makes the crown for the implant; and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who surgically places the implant, follow a careful plan of treatment. All members of the implant team stay in close contact with each other to make sure everyone clearly understands what needs to be done to meet the patient’s expectations.

The team is organized as soon as the decision for placing a dental implant is reached. Following an evaluation that includes a comprehensive examination, x-rays and a consultation with the patient and members of the implant team, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon surgically places the posts, or implants, in the patient’s jaw.

When the implants have stabilized in the jaw, the restorative dentist prepares an impression of the upper and lower jaws. This impression is used to make the model from which the dentures or crowns are created.

The teamwork continues long after the implant and crown have been placed. Follow-up examinations with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and restorative dentist are critical, and progress is carefully charted. Both the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the restorative dentist continue to work together to provide the highest level of aftercare.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Whether you are a young, middle-aged or older adult; whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, there is a dental implant solution for you. With the exception of growing children, dental implants are the solution of choice for people of all ages, even those with the following health concerns:

Existing Medical Conditions. If you can have routine dental treatment, you can generally have an implant placed. While precautions are advisable for certain conditions, patients with such chronic diseases as high blood pressure and diabetes are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment.

Gum Disease or Problem Teeth. Almost all implants placed in patients who have lost their teeth to periodontal disease or decay have been successful.

Currently Wearing Partials or Dentures. Implants can replace removable bridges or dentures, or they can be used to stabilize and secure the denture, making it much more comfortable.

Smokers. Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of getting them.

Bone Loss. Bone loss is not uncommon for people who have lost teeth or had periodontal disease. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained and experienced in grafting bone to safely and permanently secure the implant.

Implant tooth replacement in children is usually deferred until their jaw growth is complete. There are, however, some instances when a dental implant may be appropriate, such as when it is part of the child’s orthodontic treatment plan. Your family dentist or orthodontist can guide you in this instance.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Smile

Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.

Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:

  • difficulty chewing, or biting food
  • difficulty swallowing
  • chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
  • excessive wear of the teeth
  • open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
  • unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side
  • facial injury or birth defects
  • receding chin
  • protruding jaw
  • inability to make the lips meet without straining
  • chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
  • sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?

People who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and birth defects may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually correct bite, or “occlusion,” problems when only the teeth are misaligned, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct misalignment of the jaws.

Evaluating Your Need for Corrective Jaw Surgery

Your dentist, orthodontist and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery. The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take several years to complete. Your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and orthodontist understand that this is a long-term commitment for you and your family.They will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment.

Corrective jaw surgery may reposition all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin. When you are fully informed about your case and your treatment options, you and your dental team will determine the course of treatment that is best for you.

Correction of Common Dentofacial Deformities

Open Bite before diagram Open Bite after diagram Open Bite before photo Open Bite after photo

Correcting an Open Bite: Some of the bone in the upper tooth-bearing portion of the jaw is removed. The upper jaw is then secured in position with plates and screws.

Protruding Jaw before diagram Protruding Jaw after diagram Protruding Jaw before photo Protruding Jaw after photo

Correcting a Protruding Lower Jaw: The bone in the rear portion of the jaw is separated from the front portion and modified so that the tooth-bearing portion of the lower jaw can be moved back for proper alignment.

Receding Jaw before diagram Receding Jaw after diagram Receding Jaw before photo Receding Jaw after photo

Correcting a Receding Lower Jaw or “Weak Chin”: The bone in the lower portion of the jaw is separated from its base and modified. The tooth-bearing portion of the lower jaw and a portion of the chin are repositioned forward.

What Is Involved in Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Before your surgery, orthodontic braces move the teeth into a new position. Because your teeth are being moved into a position that will fit together after surgery, you may at first think your bite is getting worse rather than better. When your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon repositions your jaws during surgery, however, your teeth should fit together properly.

As your pre-surgical orthodontic treatment nears completion, additional or updated records, including x-rays, pictures and models of your teeth, may be taken to help guide your surgery.

Depending on the procedure, corrective jaw surgery may be performed under general anesthesia in a hospital, an ambulatory surgical center or in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office. Surgery may take from one to several hours to complete.

Your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will reposition the jawbones in accordance with your specific needs. In some cases, bone may be added, taken away or reshaped. Surgical plates, screws, wires and rubber bands may be used to hold your jaws in their new positions. Incisions are usually made inside the mouth to reduce visible scarring; however, some cases do require small incisions outside of the mouth. When this is necessary, care is taken to minimize their appearance.

After surgery, your surgeon will provide instructions for a modified diet, which may include solids and liquids, as well as a schedule for transitioning to a normal diet. You may also be asked to refrain from using tobacco products and avoid strenuous physical activity.

Pain following corrective jaw surgery is easily controlled with medication and patients are generally able to return to work or school from one to three weeks after surgery, depending on how they are feeling. While the initial healing phase is about six weeks, complete healing of the jaws takes between nine and 12 months.

Enjoy the Benefits

Corrective jaw surgery moves your teeth and jaws into positions that are more balanced, functional and healthy. Although the goal of this surgery is to improve your bite and function, some patients also experience enhancements to their appearance and speech. The results of corrective jaw surgery can have a dramatic and positive effect on many aspects of your life. So make the most of the new you!

Treating and Preventing Facial Injury

Smile

Maxillofacial injuries, also referred to as facial trauma, encompass any injury to the mouth, face and jaw. Almost everyone has experienced such an injury, or knows someone who has. Most maxillofacial injuries are caused by a sports mishap, motor vehicle accident, on-the-job accident, act of violence or an accident in the home.

If a person is unconscious, disoriented, nauseated, dizzy or otherwise incapacitated, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move the individual yourself. If these symptoms are not present but the injury is severe or you are uncertain about its severity, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Treat Injuries to Teeth, Mouth, Jaws and Facial Structures

At the hospital, the individual will most likely be seen by several medical personnel, one of whom will probably be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, the surgical specialists of the dental profession, are specifically trained to repair injuries to the mouth, face and jaws. After four years of dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete four or more years of hospital-based surgical residency training that may include rotations through related medical fields, including internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other medical specialty areas.

At the conclusion of this demanding program, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are well-prepared to perform the full scope of the specialty, which includes emergency care for the teeth, mouth, jaws, and associated facial structures.

Treating Facial Injury

One of the most common types of serious injury to the face occurs when bones are broken. Fractures can involve the lower jaw, upper jaw, palate, cheekbones, eye sockets and combinations of these bones. These injuries can affect sight and the ability to breathe, speak and swallow. Treatment often requires hospitalization.

The principles for treating facial fractures are the same as for a broken arm or leg. The parts of the bone must be lined up (reduced) and held in position long enough to permit them time to heal. This may require six or more weeks depending on the patient’s age and the fracture’s complexity.

When maxillofacial fractures are complex or extensive, multiple incisions to expose the bones and a combination of wiring or plating techniques may be needed. The repositioning technique used by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon depends upon the location and severity of the fracture. In the case of a break in the upper or lower jaw, for example, metal braces may be fastened to the teeth and rubber bands or wires used to hold the jaws together. Patients with few or no teeth may need dentures or specially constructed splints to align and secure the fracture. Often, patients who sustain facial fractures have other medical problems as well. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon is trained to coordinate his or her treatment with that of other doctors.

During the healing period when jaws are wired shut, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon prescribes a nutritional liquid or pureed diet, which will help the healing process by keeping the patient in good health. After discharge from the hospital, the doctor gives the patient instructions on continued facial and oral care.

Don’t Treat Any Facial Injury Lightly

While not all facial injuries are extensive, they are all complex since they affect an area of the body that is critical to breathing, eating, speaking and seeing. Even in the case of a moderately cut lip, the expertise of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is indispensable. If sutures are needed, placement must be precise to bring about the desired cosmetic result. So a good rule of thumb is not to take any facial injury lightly.

Prevention — The Best Policy

Because avoiding injury is always best, oral and maxillofacial surgeons advocate the use of automobile seat belts, protective mouth guards, and appropriate masks and helmets for everyone who participates in athletic pursuits at any level. You don’t have to play at the professional level to sustain a serious head injury. New innovations in helmet and mouth and face guard technology have made these devices comfortable to wear and very effective in protecting the vulnerable maxillofacial area. Make sure your family is well-protected. If you play the sport, make the following safety gear part of your standard athletic equipment.

Football: Helmets with face guards and mouth guards should be worn. Many of the helmets manufactured for younger players have plastic face guards that can be bent back into the face and cause injury. These should be replaced by carbon steel wire guards.

Baseball: A catcher should always wear a mask. Batting helmets with a clear molded plastic face guard are now available; these can also be worn while fielding.

Ice Hockey: Many ice hockey players are beginning to wear cage-like face guards attached to their helmets. These are superior to the hard plastic face masks worn by some goalies, as the face guard and the helmet take the pressure of a blow instead of the face. For extra protection, both face and mouth guards — including external mouth guards made of hard plastic and secured with straps — can be worn.

Wrestling: More and more high school athletic associations require wrestlers to wear head gear. A strap with a chin cup holds the gear in place and helps steady the jaw. Recently, face masks have been developed for wrestlers, who should also wear mouth guards.

Boxing: Mouth guards are mandatory in this sport. A new pacifier-like mouth guard for boxers has been designed with a thicker front, including air holes to aid breathing.

Lacrosse: Hard plastic helmets resembling baseball batting helmets, with wire cage face masks, are manufactured for this sport.

Field Hockey: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend that athletes participating in this sport wear mouth guards. Goalies can receive extra protection by wearing Lacrosse helmets.

Soccer: Soccer players should wear mouth guards for protection. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons advise goalies to also wear helmets.

Biking: All riders should wear lightweight bike helmets to protect their heads. Scooters and Skateboarders: Bike helmets are also recommended for those who ride two-wheeled scooters and skateboards.

Skiing and Snowboarding: The recent surge in accidents among skiers and snowboarders has encouraged many safety conscious participants to wear lightweight helmets that will protect the maxillofacial area in the event of a fall or crash.

Horseback Riding: A helmet and mouth guard are recommended for horseback riding, particularly if the rider is traveling cross-country or plans to jump the horse.

Basketball, Water Polo, Handball, Rugby, Karate, Judo, and Gymnastics: Participants in these sports should be fitted with mouth guards.

A Word about Mouth Guards

New synthetic materials and advances in engineering and design have produced mouth guards that are sturdier yet lightweight enough to allow the wearer to breathe easily. Mouth guards can vary from the inexpensive “boil and bite” models to custom-fabricated guards made by dentists, which can be adapted to the sport and are generally more comfortable.

A mouth protector should be evaluated from the standpoint of retention, comfort, ability to speak and breathe, tear resistance and protection provided to the teeth, gums and lips.

There are five criteria to consider when being fitted for a mouth protector. The device should be:

  1. fitted so that it does not misalign the jaw and throw off the bite;
  2. lightweight;
  3. strong;
  4. easy to clean; and
  5. should cover the upper and/or lower teeth and gums.

By encouraging sports enthusiasts at every level of play to wear mouth guards and other protective equipment, oral and maxillofacial surgeons hope to help change the “face” of sports.

In the event a facial or mouth injury occurs that requires a trip to the emergency room, the injured athlete, his parent or coach should be sure to ask that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is called for consultation. With their background and training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists most qualified to deal with these types of injuries. In some cases, they may even detect a “hidden” injury that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery

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Facial cosmetic surgery has long been the solution of choice for the correction of physical malformations resulting from aging, disease, injury and birth defects. In recent years, however, a growing number of men and women of all ages are choosing facial cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance and reduce the signs of aging.

Is Cosmetic Surgery for You?

Thanks to the development of advanced medical devices and biomaterials, many of today’s facial cosmetic procedures are minimally invasive and can be performed in an office setting using local and/or intravenous anesthesia. Some procedures may require use of an outpatient or same day surgery center, or hospital.

Because of their surgical and dental background, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform cosmetic procedures that involve the functional and aesthetic aspects of the face, mouth, teeth and jaws. Extensive education and training in surgical procedures involving soft tissue (skin and muscle) and hard tissue (bone and cartilage) finely attune the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to the need for harmony between facial appearance and function.

Following are some of the procedures available to you. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon may perform other surgeries not listed here. Make an appointment to discuss your personal situation.

Common Procedures

Cosmetic Chin Surgery

Before

After*

Cosmetic Ear Surgery

Before

After

Facelift & Forehead Brow Lift

Before

After

Nasal Reconstruction

Before

After*

* procedures done in conjunction with corrective jaw surgery

Cheekbone Implants (Malar Augmentation) create the appearance of higher, more prominent cheekbones and better facial balance.

Chin Surgery (Genioplasty) increases or reduces the length and projection of the chin.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head, or to change the shape or reduce the size of large ears.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) removes fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids, and can be done alone or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) provides a more youthful appearance by tightening facial skin, muscles and removing excess skin. A mini facelift is a minimally invasive technique involving only small incisions.

Facial and Neck Liposuction can help sculpt the face by removing excess fat. Neck liposuction is often performed in conjunction with such procedures as genioplasty and corrective jaw surgery.

Forehead/Brow Lift is often done in conjunction with blepharoplasty to improve brow positioning, minimize frown lines and reduce forehead wrinkles.

Lip Enhancement can reshape the upper and lower lip to give a more aesthetic or youthful appearance. Augmentation of the lips is accomplished using various materials that help “plump” the lips, creating fullness and decreasing vertical lines.

Nasal Reconstruction (Rhinoplasty) can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.

Conclusion :Facing the Facts

Facial cosmetic surgery may refine, enhance and/or rejuvenate existing features. It will not give you a new face or a new life. How much or how little change is realized depends on the individual and the extent of the surgical procedure. Your age, health, skin texture, bone structure, healing capacity and personal habits, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, are all factors that may affect the results of your surgery.

Each procedure outlined here entails a reasonable recovery period during which you may experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort. These are part of the normal healing process.

If you are interested in learning more about these procedures and determining whether you are a candidate for cosmetic surgery, please schedule a consultation with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Ref: The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)

Introduction

Your teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances which help strengthen and protect the teeth. It also means that we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will eventually build up over time, like limescale in a pipe or kettle. Usually it is tooth coloured and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it also can vary from brown to black in colour. By removing plaque, that soft, sticky bacteria infested film, and tartar (calculus) deposits, you are, in fact, ensuring that your teeth stay healthy and clean. It also protects gums and teeth.

If the scale, or calculus (tartar, as dentists like to call it) is not removed, bacteria will thrive next to the gums. The purpose of the cleaning and polishing is basically to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth and remove  bacteria . In that way,you have a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular home care, and protect your gums.

 

Also it leaves your teeth feeling lovely and smooth and clean, which is nice when you run your tongue around them. Actually, come to think of it, there’s nothing worse than someone you fancy running their tongue around your teeth and finding a piece of food in between their teeth!

The professional cleaning of teeth is sometimes referred to as prophylaxis (or prophy for short). It’s a Greek word which means “to prevent beforehand” – in this case, it helps prevent gum disease.

 

How are dental cleanings done?

The  dentist uses specialized instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth or damaging your gums. The instruments which may be used during your cleaning are described below.

Ultrasonic instrument

 

The ultrasonic instrument  uses tickling vibrations to knock larger pieces of tartar loose. It also sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away debris and keep the affected area at a proper temperature. The device typically emits a humming or high pitched whistling sound. This may seem louder than it actually is because the sound may get amplified inside your head, just like when you put an electric toothbrush into your mouth.

The ultrasonic instrument tips are curved and rounded and are always kept in motion around the teeth. They are by no means sharp since their purpose is to knock tartar loose and not to cut into the teeth. It is helpful if you inform the  dentist  if the sensations are too strong or ticklish so that he can adjust the setting appropriately on the device or modify the pressure applied.

It can take some time to remove  larger deposits of tartar, just like trying to remove baked-on grime on a stove that has been left over a long time. So your first cleaning may take longer than future  ones. Imagine not cleaning a house for six months versus cleaning it every week. The six-month job is going to take longer than doing smaller weekly jobs.

Fine hand tools

Once the larger pieces of tartar are gone, the dentisy will switch to finer hand tools (called scalers and curettes) to remove smaller deposits and smoothen the tooth surfaces. These tools are curved and shaped to match the curves of the teeth. They allow smaller tartar deposits to be removed by carefully scraping them off with a gentle to moderate amount of pressure. Just like taking a scrubbing brush to a soiled pot, the dentist has to get the areas clean and smooth.

Polishing

Once all the surfaces are smooth, the dentist will polish your teeth. Polishing is done using a slow speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Prophylaxis (short for prophy) paste – a special gritty toothpaste-like material – is scooped up like ice cream into the cup and spun around on the teeth to make them shiny smooth.

Airflow Technologies

The AirflowSystem employs air and water for preventive and restorative dental treatments. Its precise jet of air and powder is uniquely wrapped in a shield of pure temperate water thus enabling less aerosol output. With the combination of special alumina powder, air and water, the  Airflow system functions as an air abrasion equipment for prophylaxis and restorative treatments.

Advantages of Airflow:

1.Cleans and opens fissure for sealing.

2.Creates micromechanical retention for improved sealant adhesion.

3.Enables caries diagnosis and simplifies treatment of small defects.

4.Allows minimal invasive treatment of caries without anesthesia.

5.There is no noise or odour.

6.Allows painless treatment and there is no bleeding.

7.Able to repair composites and remove old composites.

Fluoride

Your dentist may also apply fluoride. This is the final part of the dental cleaning process! Fluoride comes in many different flavours such as chocolate, mint, strawberry, cherry, watermelon, pina colada and can be mixed and matched just like ice cream at a parlour for a great taste sensation! Make no mistake though, this in-office fluoride treatment is meant for topical use only on the surfaces of the teeth and swallowing excessive amounts can give a person a tummy ache as it is not meant to be ingested.

Fluoride foam or gel is then placed into small, flexible foam trays and placed over the teeth for 30 seconds. Afterwardsthe patient is directed to spit as much out as possible into a saliva ejector. The fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth since the acids from bacteria in dental tartar and plaque will have weakened the surfaces. It is best not to eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes after the fluoride has been applied.

 

Is it going to be painful?

Most people find that cleanings are painless; the sensations — tickling vibrations, the cooling mist of water, and the feeling of pressure during “scraping” – do not cause discomfort. A lot of people even report that they enjoy cleanings and the lovely smooth feel of their teeth afterwards! There may be odd  sensations, but many people don’t mind  that as they only last a nanosecond.

Be sure to let your dentist know if you find things are getting too uncomfortable. They can recommend various options to make the cleaning more enjoyable.

Painful cleaning experiences can be caused by a number of things: a rough dentist , exposed dentine (not dangerous, but can make cleanings unpleasant), or sore gum tissues.

In case you may have had painful cleaning experiences in the past, switching to a gentle dentist and perhaps a spot of topical anaesthetic can often make all the difference. You could also choose to be numbed. If you opt for local anaesthetic, you may want to break down the cleaning into 2 visits: dentists don’t like numbing both sides of the mouth at the same time, because people may accidentally bite their tongue until the numbness has worn off. If you find the scaling a bit uncomfortable because the gum tissues (rather than the teeth themselves) are sensitive, topical numbing gels can be used.

Conclusion

Oral Hygiene Instruction is given to you at each hygiene appointment with the dentist. Each client will be given instructions on how to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy on an individualized basis. Because every mouth is different, instructions should be individualized to achieve the best results. If you do not understand something that is being explained to you, please feel free to ask questions during the oral hygiene instruction. Usually, a good dentist can explain the processes involving in dental cleaning in very understandable language.


Adult: Basic Oral Hygiene

Posted by: drkam on: December 10, 2009

Introduction

For most of us, thorough daily oral hygiene lays the groundwork for a healthy smile. Just a simple routine of brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental checkups, can be enough in most cases to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. The article seeks to suggest some techniques such as brushing and flossing and dental hygiene practices, and provide you with some basic information on dental care.

It is important to always remember that regular visits to your dentist will help you to maintain a healthy set of teeth. I have often reminded my readers that having a good set of teeth does wonders to your self confidence and personality. But it takes self pride and discipline to maintain your general and dental wellbeing.  You want a charming and attractive smile, well it is not impossible. All you have to work hard at perfecting your daily routine of brushing and flossing. And at the first sign to a dental problem, please see your dentist

BRUSHING UP ON TECHNIQUE

Since there are various techniques for brushing your teeth, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist which one to use .Here are a few tips to help you develop a good brushing routine:

Brush at least twice a day.

Use a fluoridecontaining toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. Place your brush at a slight angle toward the gums when brushing along the gum line.Use a gentle touch—it doesn’t take much pressure to remove the plaque from your teeth, and a vigorous scrubbing could irritate your gums.Concentrate on cleaning all the surfaces of the teeth.
Brushing your tongue gently can help remove bacteria that cause bad breath.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING

Cleaning between your teeth is every bit as important as brushing. Since brushing can’t effectively clean between teeth, it’s important to use floss to get to those areas.


Other items also are available to help you clean between your teeth. Ask your dentist which ones to use.Clean between your teeth once a day. As with brushing, use a gentle touch to avoid injuring your gum tissue.

INTERDENTAL BRUSHING

Interdental Brushes – are used for cleaning by using the interproximal brush with medical solution to clean and treat between teeth. Interdental brushes are usually very small and specially designed brushes for cleaning between the teeth. Interdental brushes are best when the spaces between your teeth are too wide to use floss. Interdental brushes come in different widths to match the space between teeth.

interdental brushing

Interdental brushes are easier to use than floss. The Interdental brushes should be used by pushing gently back and forth between the teeth and the gumline. The Interdental brush should never be forced into the space between the teeth as this can cause trauma to the teeth and gum. Your dentist or hygienist will advice and show you how to use Interdental brushes.

IT’S YOUR CHOICE

Sometimes just walking down the oral health care aisle in your local drug store is enough to make your head spin. With so many choices, how can you choose which products are best for you? Ask your dentist to help you select the best products for your needs. Because there are distinctive oral hygiene routines and techniques, some products seem to work better for some individuals than for others. The best brush or interdental cleaner you can buy is the one you will use regularly and properly.

Talk to your dentist or dental dental assistant about your home care routine and technique— he or she can help you get the job done properly.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

There is a wealth of information on dental care at your fingertips.
Here are some quick and easy ways to narrow your selection:
Just go to the  Dental Web site or blog such as mine.(www.drkamsiah.com)

Conclusion

You will realise it is not rocket science to maintain a good set of teeth. All you have to do is to establish a good daily routine of brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. This article give you a general idea that good oral hygiene practices can be learned easily. But it will take constant application of the techniques to anchor your habit of brushing and flossing. If you are determined to have a beautiful smile, you must work hard for it.

Juvenile periodontitis

Posted by: drkam on: December 2, 2009

Introduction

Many people think of periodontal disease as an adult problem. However, studies indicate that nearly all children and adolescents have gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. So periodontal disease can be a problem for all children and young adults.Generalized juvenile periodontitis which includes early onset adult periodontitis, recurrent necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis and the true generalized form of juvenile periodontitis.

Periodontitis in systemically diseased individuals can be divided into three subgroups: juvenile periodontitis associated with primary neutrophil disorders, juvenile periodontal disease in which neutrophils are secondarily abnormal, and juvenile periodontitis associated with other diseases. Juvenile periodontitis is perhaps the best understood form of periodontal disease. As always, it should be accepted practice not only for adults but also for children to visit the dentist at least once every six months.

Juvenile periodontitis.

A degenerative periodontal disease of adolescents in which the periodontal destruction is out of proportion to the local irritating factors present on the adjacent teeth; inflammatory changes become superimposed, and bone loss, migration, and extrusion are observed. Two forms are recognized: localized, in which the destruction is limited to the incisors and first molars; and generalized, involving all the teeth.

Juvenile periodontosis is defined as a disease of the periodontium occurring in otherwise healthy adolescents (onset as low as 11 and as high as 20 years of age) and characterized by rapid alveolar bone loss in one or more permanent teeth (2:73). The disease has been classification” (3:268) and usually occurs in young adults, though much earlier onset, around puberty, has been observed (1:58).

Localized Juvenile Periodontitis (LJP)

LJP is different from all other periodontal infections, as it is not associated with plaque accumulations or calculus (in fact the absence of such led early investigators to consider it as a degenerative condition), is localized to certain anterior or front teeth and first molars, and is seen following puberty. It is a rather rare entity, occurring in about 0.1 to 0.5% of teenagers, but when found, is often clustered within families.

This familial background suggested a genetic predisposition, which subsequently has been identified as a neutrophil defect associated with reduced chemotaxis. Bacterial examinations of subgingival plaque from affected teeth and adjacent healthy teeth, revealed that the diseased teeth were colonized by an essentially Gram-negative flora dominated by organisms subsequently identified as various Capnocytophaga and Wolinella species and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. It is A actinomycetemcomitans that appears to be the etiologic agent of LJP, and the arguments for its involvement are illustrative of the arguments made to implicate other species in other forms of periodontitis.

Once LJP has been recognized clinically, most of the tissue damage has already occurred, thereby permitting only a retrospective diagnosis of an A actinomycetemcomitans infection. A actinomycetemcomitans is found at a higher prevalence in tooth sites associated with LJP and at a lower prevalence in healthy sites in the same mouth, or at sites in periodontally healthy individuals.

It is often found among other family members in a household with an LJP individual, and indeed among siblings at risk to LJP, there is suggestive data that colonization by A actinomycetemcomitans precedes the development of a pocket and subsequent bone loss. But what has been the most important reason for implicating A actinomycetemcomitans as a periodontopathogen, is its killing effect on neutrophils.

A actinomycetemcomitans produces a leukotoxin that kills neutrophils in vitro. It is clear that this leukotoxin is expressed in vivo, because patients with LJP have developed circulating antibodies which can neutralize this toxin in vitro. From this finding, a scenario can be developed that explains the localized nature of LJP.

Children with a neutrophil chemotactic defect become colonized by A actinomycetemcomitans in early life, presumably by contact with infected household members. The colonization spreads to those permanent teeth that erupted at ages 5 to 7, but remains quiescent as an infection during the time that the primary or baby teeth are lost, and new permanent teeth appear at about ages 11 to 13. The individual entering puberty, has a dentition composed of first molars and incisors that are colonized by A actinomycetemcomitans and newly erupted teeth that either are not colonized or only minimally colonized.

Something then triggers the relative overgrowth of A actinomycetemcomitans in the subgingival plaque, and some of these organisms invade the gingival tissue and cause attachment and bone loss in the absence of an obvious inflammatory response. The latter can be explained by both a sluggish neutrophil response to the bacteria and by the leukotoxin inhibiting the neutrophils, and thereby preventing a protective host response in the pocket microenvironment. The leukotoxin is antigenic and elicits an antibody response which may neutralize the leukotoxin at other tooth sites, thereby limiting the infection to the originally colonized molars and incisors.

This scenario, while incomplete, does explain the localized nature of LJP, partially explains the absence of an inflammatory response in the tissue, and demonstrates the dynamic role of neutrophils and circulating antibodies in defending the periodontium. Presumably, this theme is operating in the more commonly found cases of adult periodontitis. Certainly, the central role of the neutrophils in host defense is unquestioned, as individuals with neutropenias, chronic granulomatous disease and various leukemias often present with advanced forms of periodontal disease.

Generalized juvenile periodontitis

Generalized juvenile periodontitis which includes early onset adult periodontitis, recurrent necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis and the true generalized form of juvenile periodontitis. Periodontitis in systemically diseased individuals can be divided into three subgroups: juvenile periodontitis associated with primary neutrophil disorders, juvenile periodontal disease in which neutrophils are secondarily abnormal, and juvenile periodontitis associated with other diseases. Juvenile periodontitis is perhaps the best understood form of periodontal disease. A major infecting organism, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, is strongly associated with the disease, and may be an exogenous pathogen since it is not found in healthy individuals or in healthy sites in LJP patients. It is virulent with marked leukaggressive properties and it induces a marked antibody response in infected patients. Eradication of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans requires attention to the fact that it invades the tissue and hence systemic antimicrobials or surgical excision of the tissues is necessary for eradication. Marked suppression of the organism from subgingival sites is associated with healing. Host responses in LJP have also been well described and most immune functions studied appear to be normal. The notable exception is neutrophil chemotaxis which is depressed. Associated with depressed neutrophil chemotaxis is a reduction of neutrophil receptors for several chemotactic factors including C5a, the fifth component of complement.

Conclusion

Many people think of periodontal disease as an adult problem. However, studies indicate that nearly all children and adolescents have gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than adults, but can occur.

Types of periodontal diseases in children

Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. Gingivitis is both preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing and professional dental care. However, left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.

Aggressive periodontitis can affect young people who are otherwise healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth. It is marked by inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus. Eventually it can cause the teeth to become loose.

Periodontitis associated with systemic disease occurs in children and adolescents as it does in adults. Conditions that make children more susceptible to periodontal disease include:

  • Type I diabetes
  • Down syndrome
  • Kindler syndrome
  • Papillon-Lefevre syndrome

It is good practice for adults as well as children to make regular visits to their dentist (at least once every six months).  The problem of juvenile periodontitis can be eliminated through good oral hygiene habits and dental care.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Posted by: drkam on: November 30, 2009

Introduction

drkam

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which, in turn, can lead to  blood sugar and diabetic complications.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t control their diabetes are especially at risk.

A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are.

Research has emerged that suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.

This recommendation is supported by a study reported in the Journal of Periodontology in 1997 involving 113 Pima Indians with both diabetes and periodontal disease. The study found that when their periodontal infections were treated, the management of their diabetes markedly improved.

Other Mouth-Body Connections

Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases

Journal of Periodontology Supplement on Inflammation

In January 2008 the Academy held a workshop on inflammation, inviting a select group of medical and dental experts on the subject of inflammation. The proceedings from the supplement were published in August 2008, and are available online at the links below.

  • Journal of Periodontology Supplement Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases: A Reappraisal
  • Dr. Robert Genco’s paper, which appeared in the supplement, discusses the clinical implications of managing inflammation and periodontal diseases.
  • Press Release announcing the supplement “Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases: A Reappraisal” supplement

Gum Disease and Osteoporosis

Researchers have suggested that a link exists between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies indicate that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation. However, hormone replacement therapy may offer some protection.

Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke

Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.

Heart Disease

Diagram Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation.

Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

 Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

Gum Disease and Pregnancy Problems

Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

For a long time we’ve known that risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight.

Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor – periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. The Academy recommends that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal evaluation.

Gum Disease and Respiratory Diseases

Bacteria in your mouth can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with gum disease.

Bacterial respiratory infections are thought to be acquired through aspiration (inhaling) of fine droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. These droplets contain germs that can breed and multiply within the lungs to cause damage.

Recent research suggests that bacteria found in the throat, as well as bacteria found in the mouth, can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract. This can cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions. People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, typically suffer from reduced protective systems, making it difficult to eliminate bacteria from the lungs.

Scientists have found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lung to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease. This discovery leads researchers to believe that these respiratory bacteria can travel from the oral cavity into the lungs to cause infection.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) cause persistent obstruction of the airways. The main cause of this disease is thought to be long-term smoking. Chemicals from smoke or air pollution irritate the airways to cause obstruction. Further damage to the tissue and working function of the lungs can be prevented, but already damaged tissue cannot be restored – untreated or undetected COPD can result in irreversible damage.

Scientists believe that through the aspiration process, bacteria cam cause requent bouts of infection in patients with COPD. Studies are now in progress to learn to what extent oral hygiene and periodontal disease may be associated with more frequents bouts of respiratory disease in COPD patients.

Conclusion

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Diagram comparing healthy and diseased gums

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following.

  • Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
  • Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
  • Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
  • Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

Find a Periodontist

Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and can help you keep your teeth for life!

 

Some Interesting Dental Health Facts

Posted by: drkam on: November 28, 2009

Introduction

It is a widely accepted view that the more you know about a particular topic, the better you are prepared when it comes to  sharing  your perspective, experiential knowledge and research with others  through of dialogues and discussions. The basic  observation also applies in  the area of dental health.  It follows then that  some general knowledge of dental health  enables  us to  understand why it is important for our general health. At the same time, it will motivate us to care of our teeth so that they can last a lifetime so that we  do not experience severe toothaches and weak gums .  Did you know that your teeth were intended to last a lifetime?

Here are some fun facts about teeth that you might find interesting.  50% of people say that a smile is the first feature they notice about someone. This article attempts to share a interesting and useful information when it comes to the care and maintenance of  our teeth.

How people take care of their mouths is often a reflection about how they feel about themselves.  At  birth the only fully developed organ is the tongue.  It is needed for sucking.  For the first two months of life our mouth is our primary organ.  We use it for survival, to express ourselves and to explore our new world.  Because of this it is my opinion that how we take care of our mouths is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.  People who feel good about themselves take good care of their mouth and people who have a poor self image generally do not take good care of their mouth.

Here are some interesting facts:

Chewing gum may not be so bad, yes, you read that right, if  it is of  the sugarless variety. Even then, we cannot  say  that  chewing a piece of gum for hours on end  is good, even when it was found that chewing gum may help after every meal to remove food particles caught in the teeth are and in the production of saliva, which prevents plaque.

Recent surveys  showed that men and women feel guilty if they forget to clean their teeth; apparently, most people feel that brushing is a kind of obligation. About 80 per cent of respondents  say that they brush their teeth, because it is something that they have been asked to do in their lives.

The reality is that most people do not actually do so since  over 75% (three out of four people) of these respondents do not change their toothbrushes as often as they should. It is recommended by dentists that  for reasons of good hygiene, we should replace our toothbrushes every two to three months. Most of us  apparent do not  adopt this practice.

Smoking is hazardous to our health, yet most of us who smoke  ignore  this. Oral cancer occurs twice as often in men than in women and  smoking one pack of cigarettes per day and with smokeless tobacco, the risk of developing oral cancer is expected to increase by four times.

You get 2 sets of teeth in your lifetime.

The first set is your baby teeth. You will start to lose your baby teeth at around 6-7 years of age. By the time your 21 years old, you will only have one set of permanent teeth.

  • New born babies have no caries forming bacteria. In fact, it is the baby’s mother who transmits the plaque forming bacteria by blowing on food before feeding and kissing the baby’s mouth.
  • Saccharine Sodium which is generally used as a sweetening agent in toothpaste is 500 times sweeter than sugar.
  • Always replace a toothbrush after you had a cold, sore throat or some bad infections. The bacteria planted on the toothbrush can lead to reinfection.
    Replace toothbrush Replace toothbrush
  • Contrary to popular belief, there is no significant advantage of an electric or powered toothbrush over the normal toothbrush except ease of use.
  • You should always maintain a distance of 6 feet between the toilet and where you brush. The air borne particles from the flush can travel up to 6 feet.
  • The teeth whitening toothpastes that claim to whiten your teeth have been found to be no more effective than their normal counterparts.
  • There was a sudden massive surge of patients with tooth decay the year coke was launched.
  • The swallowing of a fluoride containing toothpaste can cause many harmful effects such as fluoride toxicity. (Hence kids below 5years should be given non fluoridated toothpastes)
    toothpaste-150x121 10 Amazing Facts about oral health you did not know Toothpaste
  • The popular practice of placing a cap on toothbrush head actually favors bacterial growth on it as moisture is increased in enclosed containers favoring the growth of bacteria.
    • Vigorous brushing does more harm than good. Overzealous brushing can lead to eroded enamel which never grows back causing teeth sensitivity along with other oral problems.

    More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones.

    Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is different.

    The average toothbrush contains about 2,500 bristles grouped into 40 tufts per tooth brush. The tufts are folded over a metal staple and forced onto pre-cored holed in the head and fused into the head with heat. The handle is made of at least two materials, using plastic and rubber. The grip used for the handle is: precision, power, spoon and distal oblique.

    The average woman smiles about 62 times a day!

    A man? Only 8!

    Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Grown-ups just 15:-(

    Smilers in school yearbooks are more likely to have successful careers and marriages than their poker faced peers

    Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children ages 5-17 with 59% affected.

    More than 51 million hours of school are lost each year by children due to dental related illness.

    Employed adults lose more than 164 million hours of work each year due to oral health problems or dental visits.

    Just 40% of children in poor or near-poor poverty level had a preventive dental visit in the past year.

    44% of dental care expenditures are paid out-of-pocket.

    Conclusion

    Some general knowledge of dental health  enables  us to  understand why proper dental hygiene and care are  important for our general health. At the same time, it will motivate us to care of our teeth so that they can last a lifetime .  We  do not experience severe toothaches and weak gums .  Do you know that your teeth were intended to last a lifetime?

    In order to have your teeth for a lifetime it is essential that you take good care of them by cleaning your mouth and brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, particularly after every meal. This habit will enable you to have both clean teeth and healthy gums. You should also make it a personal duty to visit your dentist on a regular basis. The dentist will be able to treat cavities and inspect our mouth and gums. Prevention is always better than cure.

    For patients with chronic and disabling conditions, it is mandatory that they see their dentist regularly. This is a good habit because several diseases can be identified  and can be successfully treated in their early stages . A dentist screens for health problems such as eating disorders, diabetes, drug abuse, and HIV infection.

    Source: Issue Briefs on Challenges for the 21st Century

    Dental Health is ignored by Malaysians

    Posted by: drkam on: November 23, 2009

     

    Comment:

    drkam

    It is shocking to learn from this Bernama report which stated that only six percent of Malaysians (total population of 28 million) are utilising dental services available in our country. Given rising living standards, one would have expected adults would be conscious of good oral hygiene and dental care. Children are setting the good example, given that free dental care is provided by clinics on wheels that come to our schools regularly.

    The Ministry of Health Dentistry Division Director  Datuk Dr. Norain Abu Taib attributes the low turnout of adults at dental clinics, both government and private clinic, to their not being able to “understand the importance of dental health”. Blogs like mine have been spreading the message that apart of considerations of personality of having a good set of teeth, oral hygiene habits must be inculcated early in our young Malaysians preferably at school. Obviously, Datuk Dr. Norain and her team are  doing their best  in this  regard.  But more needs to be done to ensure that a higher percentage of  Malaysians see their dentists regularly.

    Parents too have a critical role to play and should be example of good practitioners of oral hypiene, encouraging their children to see their dentist at least once every 6 months. Adults too can be encouraged to take preventive measures to ensure that they can enjoy having good teeth throughout their lifetimes. It pays off if they undertake preventive measures like proper brushing and flossing of their teeth and going off to see their dentists at the slightest sign that they have cavities or swollen gums.

    Early attention saves lots of cost and inconvenience. The visit to dentist should be liken to a visit to a beautician, hair stylist or a masseur. But then, all attempts to look good would come to naught if one carries a poor set of the teeth.  A good set of teeth enhances one’s personality and does wonders to one’s self confidence.  Furthermore, one must not compromise on one’s health, including dental health–drKam.

    KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) — Only six per cent of Malaysia’s 28 million population are utilising dental services and half of them are schoolchildren, Health Ministry Dentistry Division director Datuk Dr Norain Abu Talib said on Sunday. She said the small percentage was mainly due to the fact that most of the people in the country would only seek dental treatment if they were having dental problems. “They will only go to the dental clinic when they have toothache. That will be too late because by then you have to extract the tooth.” She said this after opening the 20th Convention and Science Exhibition of the Malaysian Private Dental Practitioners Association here. She said although the country was facing a shortage of dentists, it was not the main reason why most Malaysians did not seek dental treatment. “The main reason is that most of the people are not aware of the importance of dental health,” she said.

    Nevertheless, Dr Norain said the ministry had targeted to have a ratio of one dentist for every 4,000 patients by 2020 to ensourage more people to visit the dental clinics. “Although we aim to achieve that target by 2020, with 11 institutions of higher learning offering dentistry, we are confident that the target can be achieved by 2018,” she said, adding that the current ratio was one dentist for every 7,800 patients. — BERNAMA