Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (Temporomandibular Disorders)

Temporomandibular disorder(s) (TMD), or temporomandibular joint syndrome, is the most common cause of facial pain after toothache. In the past, many physicians called this condition TMJ disease or TMJ syndrome. TMD was previously known under the eponymous title of Costen syndrome, after Dr. James Costen, who elucidated many aspects of the syndrome as it relates to dental malocclusion. Today, a much more comprehensive view of this condition exists, and the term temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the preferred term according to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) and most other groups who sponsor studies into its origins and treatment.

Interestingly, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) puts TMJ and TMD together and refers to them as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). However, the term TMD is preferred and used in this article.

How to have a beautiful smile without pain?

Many people want to be beautiful and look pleasant. To achieve this pleasant look, many focus on their smiles. The best part of a beautiful smile is beautiful teeth. Beautiful teeth start by being healthy. To keep teeth healthy, one should pay attention to overall oral health.
Where would one go for assistance with oral health problems or to obtain oral health? To the dentist, of course. But some people are afraid to do so. They have variety of reasons why. Some are rational but slightly fearful, while others have high anxiety and some have dental phobia.

 People can take care of their oral health themselves, but it's very important to have expert guidance in doing so. People should not let their fear get in the way of having good oral health. A skilled sedation dentist can help patients who are afraid of the pain from dental procedures. With this, pain is no longer an accompaniment of dental procedures.

How To Whiten Your Teeth At Home?

Beautiful smile – is, first of all, healthy, white teeth. Modern successful person must have beautiful white teeth – it is an axiom!Tooth whitening – a procedure that is often used as smokers and coffee lovers, as habits lead to yellowing of the teeth. The color of the enamel and also affects the quality of daily cleaning of teeth, many of us do it hastily, and as a result of not fully cleaned enamel also becomes yellow. Dentists recommend brushing for at least three minutes. After cleaning the surface quality should not be flying food (most often it remains at the bottom of the teeth, gums near), which leads to the appearance of stone and yellow enamel.

Contrary to popular belief, white teeth – not a sign of increased calcium content and oral health, and genetic predisposition. Achieve whiteness of teeth can also be regularly using whitening toothpaste. It is interesting to learn that the most robust and rich in calcium enamel, in fact, has a yellowish tint.

Dental Management of the Organ Transplant Patients

Every year, more than 28,000 transplantation procedures are performed in the United States to replace solid organs, including the heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas. Patients with conditions including end-stage renal disease, severe diabetes, advanced heart disease, and liver disease may undergo transplant procedures. Because advances in medical techniques and drug therapy have extended lives of organ transplant recipients, you may treat some of these patients in your practice.

 Organ transplant patients need specialized dental care. The compromised health and immune system of patients place them at increased risk for systemic as well as oral infections. This fact must be considered when planning dental treatment before and after transplantation and requires consultation with your patient’s physician.

Tooth Infection Kills Unemployed Man!

An unemployed man died last week because he couldn't afford treatment for his infected third molar, according to news reports.
Citing physicians and family remembers, Cincinnati's WLWT television station said the infection killed 24-year-old Kyle Willis when it spread from his tooth to his brain.
Dentists advised Willis, the nephew of funk bass player Bootsy Collins, to have the tooth extracted 2 weeks earlier, but Willis had no insurance and decided to wait, according to the report.

"He should have gone to the dentist to take care of the toothache, and it wouldn't have escalated to this. It's a lesson learned by all," said Willis' aunt, Patti Collins.
Suffering from headaches and swelling, Willis later visited an emergency department, where he got prescriptions for antibiotics and analgesics.

Rinse By Chlorhexidine Do Not Help Caries

Chlorhexidine and thymol in a varnish can prevent root caries, but chlorhexidine rinse is probably useless against caries of all kinds. This finding is perhaps the biggest surprise in a comprehensive review of nonfluoride caries-preventive agents performed by a panel of the American Dental Association (ADA) and published in summary in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, with a more detailed report available on the organization's Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry Web site.

"We are moving toward management of caries as a chronic condition, rather than putting in a filling and watching until it breaks," Michael Rethman, DDS, lead author of the review and vice president for scientific research at the ADA foundation.

Neurological Effects of Dental Amalgam Tooth Restorations

The research, conducted by researchers from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, and the University of Washington, Seattle, studied the possible neurological effects of dental amalgam tooth restorations.

Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury combined with other metals such as silver, copper, tin and zinc to form a safe, stable alloy. For generations, it has been used to fill decayed teeth that might otherwise have been lost.

In the seven-year long study, the researchers studied 507 children aged 8 through 12 years who received either amalgam or resin-based composite fillings.

The research team conducted routine clinical neurological examinations to assess two types of neurological signs: hard (indicating damage to specific neural structures) and soft (subtle signs of central nervous system dysfunction that likely point to immature sensory-motor skills rather than to any structural damage in the brain).

Oral Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is most often defined as an oral disease that affects the lining of the mouth with inflammation.
Lichen planus is a pruritic, papular eruption characterised by its violaceous colour and polygonal shape, sometimes with a fine scale. Most patients come down with their first case between the age of 45 and 60, although a slowly increasing number of reports dealing with younger patients have trickled in. While lichen planus is most often associated with the interior of the cheeks, many cases will find the entire mouth is affected, including the gums, the tongue, the lips, and in rare cases, the throat or esophagus. Women are much more susceptible to lichen planus than men, although the reason for this is pure speculation. Lichen planus also occurs on the skin, as a skin disease, and often must be referred to specifically as skin lichen planus to differentiate between the oral type.

Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune condition which can be brought about by many external factors like allergens in dental materials or toothpaste, certain drugs, an allergic reaction to food, food additives, fragrances, dyes or other substances.

Lichen planus is a self contained disease that can last for weeks, months, and in some cases, years. It is not contagious. It is often mistaken for genital diseases, as the genitalia are often the most noticeably affected during the early development stage. Because the symptoms and outbreaks occur rapidly and then disappear, often for weeks, treatment is difficult. While some patients find great relief in cool compresses or tub soaks and cool baths, most patients require medical treatment in order to relieve their symptoms.

Lichen planus is most often recognized as a rash that irritates the wrists, ankles, forearms, and the mucous membranes of the genitals. The neck, lower back, nails, nostrils, and scalp are also commonly attacked as the rash progresses.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay (also known as baby bottle tooth) is a condition that occurs when sweet liquids are allowed to have frequent contact with your baby’s teeth. A common cause of this ailment is putting your baby to bed with a bottle of formula, milk, juice, soda, or sugar water. This can also be caused by giving your child several sweet drinks throughout the day.

 According to the ADA, “As soon as a baby’s first teeth appear, usually by age six months or so, the child is susceptible to decay.”¹ Treatment of baby bottle tooth decay varies greatly, from fluoride application to full coverage of teeth with stainless steel or veneered crowns, depending on the progression of the decay. It is best to contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to evaluate your child’s risk.

Treating The Causes Of The Oral Dryness

Since dry mouth is caused by many things, it should not be surprising that there are different ways to treat  it. If your physician or dentist can determine the cause of your oral dryness, he/she may be able to provide you with a specific cure. The trouble is, this is easier said than done.

If the dryness is due to drugs, it may be possible for your doctor to advise you to stop taking those drugs, reduce their intake or switch to another “less drying” medication. Sometimes, especially, in life threatening diseases, it may not be possible to change a patient’s drug intake pattern.. If the dryness is due to a specific disease, e.g. diabetes, proper treatment of the disease will decrease the intensity of your oral symptoms. Occasionally, we do not know the causes of the diseases which produce dry mouth. This, for example,  is the case with Sjögren’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. In such cases, we try to relieve the symptoms of the disease  rather than treat the disease itself.

Do you need an apicoectomy?

An Apicoectomy, or Root-End Resection, is the removal of the root tip and the surrounding infected tissue of an abscessed tooth. This procedure may be necessary when inflammation and infection persists in the area around the root tip after root canal therapy or root canal retreatment.Your teeth are held in their place by roots that extend all the way into your jawbone. Your front teeth usually have one root while other teeth like your premolars and molars may have two or more roots. The tips or the end of the roots are called the apex and this is where the nerves and the blood vessels enter the tooth. These nerves travel through the canal of the root all the way into the pulp chamber. The chamber is found inside the crown which is the part of the tooth that is visible in your mouth.

During root canal treatment, the canals are cleaned and any inflamed or infected tissue is removed. An apicoectomy is necessary when infection develops and refuses to go away after a root canal treatment. Root canals are very complex and they have several small branches off the main canal. There are times where even after root canal treatment; there will still be infected debris in the branches. This will prevent healing and may even cause more infections later on. In an apicoectomy, the root tip or the apex is removed along with the infected tissue. A filling is placed afterwards so that the end of the root is sealed. Apicoectomies are usually referred to as endodontic microsurgery since it is usually done under an operating microscope.

Dentistry: How To Detect People With Undiagnosed Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is more common in middle-aged and older people. Being overweight greatly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes may have few symptoms and as a result many cases are not diagnosed. 
Over 6 million people in the U.S. (both adults and children) have undiagnosed diabetes.In a study, Identification of unrecognized diabetes and pre-diabetes in a dental setting, published in the July 2011 issue of the Journal of Dental Research, researchers at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine found that dental visits represented a chance to intervene in the diabetes epidemic by identifying individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes who are unaware of their condition. The study sought to develop and evaluate an identification protocol for high blood sugar levels in dental patients and was supported by a research grant from Colgate-Palmolive. The authors report no potential financial or other conflicts.

"Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70 percent of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year," says Dr. Ira Lamster, dean of the College of Dental Medicine, and senior author on the paper. "Prior research focused on identification strategies relevant to medical settings. Oral healthcare settings have not been evaluated before, nor have the contributions of oral findings ever been tested prospectively."

For this study, researchers recruited approximately 600 individuals visiting a dental clinic in Northern Manhattan who were 40-years-old or older (if non-Hispanic white) and 30-years-old or older (if Hispanic or non-white), and had never been told they have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Types of Dental Filling Materials

To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material once lived.
Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding ).

Today, several dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); or tooth-colored, plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings. The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, patients' insurance coverage and your dentist's recommendation assist in determining the type of filling that will best address your needs.

Questions About Snoring Problem

The noise of snoring is caused by the vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway. During sleep the muscles of the upper airway relax resulting in the formation of bottlenecks or even complete obstruction of the airways. The body reacts by increasing the velocity of the air which in turn causes vibration of the soft tissues which generates the noise of snoring.

Q Who is likely to snore?

A Research has shown that approximately 40% of the adult population snore. As a person gets older the chances of snoring increases. (i.e. in men aged 60 this increases to 60%.) The chances of snoring are also increased if a person is overweight or drinks alcohol.

Q What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

A This is a medical condition. People suffering from it are heard to gasp for breath while they are asleep. Additional symptoms are daytime drowsiness or the feeling of not having a full nights sleep. Where Sleep Apnoea is suspected an anti-snoring device may still be prescribed but it is essential that you consult your medical practitioner and if he confirms that Sleep Apnoea is suspected, that you are referred to the sleep clinic of a hospital for further investigation.

Not everyone that snores suffers from Sleep Apnoea - but nearly everyone who suffers from Sleep Apnoea will snore.

Oral Bacteria May Stop Dental Plaque

What is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on our teeth. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease, and can harden into tartar if not removed daily.
Your gums and teeth are directly connected to the blood stream, therefore, they are your first line of defense against disease and should be treated with the care they deserve. Poor dental health has be linked to heart disease, stroke, gum disease and even premature births, according to recent research.

Dental plaque is difficult to see unless it's stained. You can stain plaque by chewing red "disclosing tablets," found at grocery stores and drug stores, or by using a cotton swab to smear green food coloring on your teeth. The red or green color left on the teeth will show you where there is still plaque—and where you have to brush again to remove it.
Stain and examine your teeth regularly to make sure you are removing all plaque.

Tooth Abscess Antibiotics

Tooth abscess, also known as dental abscess and root abscess, is a condition in which pus is collected in the tissues surrounding a tooth, due to a bacterial infection. It usually occurs in the tissues around a decayed tooth or due to a failed root canal. Tooth abscess is of three types - a periodontal abscess, a gingival abscess and a periapical abscess. A gingival abscess occurs in the gum tissue without affecting the tooth, a periapical abscess occurs in the dental pulp or the root of a tooth, and a periodontal abscess occurs in the tissues and bones of a tooth.

The practice of prescribing antibiotics for an abscessed tooth before extracton has died out. It used to be the norm many years ago, but no longer is. Once the tooth is removed, the abscess is gone as well.

That being said, you cannot get antibiotics over the counter for the reason mentioned by the dental student. They have been overused and often times do not work. You need to at least see a dentist to get a prescription for the correct amount of antibiotics to treat your particular case. Do not take any that have been prescribed to someone else and that they have left over. Antibiotics are designed to be taken at specific intervals and a person must take all of the prescribed amount for them to work properly.

Problem Of Dental Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis is a health condition caused by a person receiving too much fluoride during tooth development. The critical period of exposure is between 1 and 4 years old; although fluorosis can affect people of any age despite claims that it only affects children
Ingestion of excess fluoride, most commonly in drinking-water, can cause fluorosis which affects the teeth and bones. Moderate amounts lead to dental effects, but long-term ingestion of large amounts can lead to potentially severe skeletal problems. Paradoxically, low levels of fluoride intake help to prevent dental caries. The control of drinking-water quality is therefore critical in preventing fluorosis.

 The condition and its effect on people fluorosis is caused by excessive intake of fluoride. The dental effects of fluorosis develop much earlier than the skeletal effects in people exposed to large amounts of fluoride. Clinical dental fluorosis is characterized by staining and pitting of the teeth. In more severe cases all the enamel may be damaged. However, fluoride may not be the only cause of dental enamel defects. Enamel opacities similar to dental fluorosis are associated with other conditions, such as malnutrition with deficiency of vitamins D and A or a low protein-energy diet. Ingestion of fluoride after six years of age will not cause dental fluorosis.

Equipment test kits for HTM 01-05 compliance

Prestige Medical's new kits are in response to increasing requests from dentists for help with the challenges of meeting the requirements for testing, recording and storing data.

Each kit is designed to provide, in one simple format, all the materials needed to perform the appropriate daily/weekly/quarterly tests for the year.

A specially-designed log book is also provided into which to record the test data obtained.

Deep Teeth Cleaning For Perfect White Smile

Deep teeth cleaning process is used to remove the problem in order to avoid unnecessary consequences. However, besides all its benefits, professional teeth cleaning process has some complications you should expect afterward.

Without deep teeth cleaning left tartar and plaque provokes bacteria to thrive. The bacteria irritate the gums, it makes them bleed more easily. It can be noticed while eating, brushing or flossing your teeth. These first signs show that you have an early stage of gum disease called gingivitis and teeth cleaning should already be applied.

If it’s not treated then the inflammation will continue spreading down towards the tooth base causing a “periodontal pocket”. A deep teeth cleaning is still possible and necessary. If not then the bacteria can cause more damage.

Gum disease can destroy the support structures of the teeth. It will make you loose them. Unfortunately the highly possible damage is irreversible. Besides, the person can notice that only when everything gets quite sever. However, if gum disease is caught in time the professional teeth cleaning is able to halt its progression.

In order to do this your dentist may need to apply a periodontal therapy. It includes scaling and polishing your teeth, like deep tooth cleaning. An antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine may also be recommended. You’ll be shown how to brush your teeth correctly, too.

Mechanism In Saliva Production Could Lead To Advanced Therapies For Patients With Dry Mouth

University of Louisville researchers are one step closer to helping millions of people whose salivary glands no longer work because of disease or damage from treatment of diseases.

The scientific finding of Douglas Darling, PhD, professor, Department of Oral Health and Rehabilitation, UofL School of Dentistry, and his team identified a protein sorting mechanism used by the salivary gland. The National Institutes of Health supported study published on-line first this week in the Journal of Dental Research.

The scientific discovery could form the basis for advanced therapies for patients whose salivary glands are damaged or no longer function due to radiation therapy, prescription drugs or Sjogren's Syndrome - an immune system disorder often defined by its two most common symptoms - dry eyes and a dry mouth.

The salivary glands are essential for lubrication, defense and beginning digestion in the mouth. The largest of the salivary glands - the parotid - secretes important proteins into the saliva. As with all salivary glands, it has multiple secretion pathways, therefore it must sort proteins destined for saliva into the correct pathway for secretion. This can be tricky as there are seven possible pathways. One pathway takes proteins to the salivary duct, other pathways carry different proteins to the 'back' side of the cell to be secreted into the blood or to form a supportive matrix for the cells. Transport along these pathways occurs by sorting the proteins into vesicles (hollow membrane sacs) that carry their "cargo" to the correct destination.

Single and Multiple Tooth Replacements

Dental implants are a technology the gives you a permanent tooth. A titanium screw is drilled into the jaw bone where the old tooth used to be. As the bone heals, it grows in and around the screw, essentially creating a new root for a tooth. The healing process after this surgery can take from two to six months. The lengthy healing time is important because it allows the bone to adhere firmly to the screw, thus preventing it from moving after the tooth is attached to it and begins to be used. After the bone is healed, a new porcelain tooth is attached to the titanium screw. Made of an extremely strong and durable metal called titanium, the single tooth dental implant will stabilize your bite, help prevent possible speaking or chewing difficulties and maintain your beautiful smile.

Missing teeth can change the alignment of your bite, which may cause jaw joint discomfort. In addition, your surrounding teeth can shift which may create spaces where harmful plaque and tartar collect. Over time, this may lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

 Single Tooth Dental Implants May Be the Answer

Single and multiple tooth dental implants are crafted to look and feel like your natural tooth. It can be used in either the upper or lower jaw, where it functions either as a single tooth or as an anchor for other replacement teeth. Because the single tooth implant can stand alone, no adjacent teeth are affected during any part of treatment.

Fibrous dysplasia of the bone (types, description)

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) of the bone is a peculiar condition that affects either all bones or a single bone in the body. Most cases are diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood and remain unchanged throughout life. The initial manifestations of fibrous dysplasia are most commonly found in persons aged 3-15 years.
In the past, many conditions that could not be satisfactorily explained have been included under this disease. The bone in this condition is fibrous or plastic in quality and is defective in form as well.

Types

Fibrous dysplasia of the bone is divided into two types:

1· Monostotic fibrous dysplasia
2· Polystotic fibrous dysplasia

In monostotic type only one bone is involved, and hence the prognosis of this type is definitely better. In polystotic type, more than one bone or a group of bones is involved, and the prognosis is poorer. 

Xylitol: The sugar substitute that helps to prevent tooth decay

Wouldn't you find it amazing if you were told that there was a sweet tasting food item that, if just consumed in moderation on a daily basis over time, could reduce your potential for experiencing tooth decay on the order of 30 to even 70%. And, in addition, this food's beneficial effect could persist for some years even after you had discontinued consuming it?

Well, actually, this "miracle" food item does exist. It's a sugar substitute called xylitol. And while an absolute consensus regarding its exact mechanism of action and degree of benefit does not yet exist, there seems to be little reason why a person shouldn't use xylitol or xylitol formulated products as one of the means by which they can help to minimize their risk for dental cavities.

Preventive dental care for children

Preventive dentistry means a healthy smile. Preventive dental care for children includes:

•     Proper nutrition and dietary habits
•     Brushing and flossing
•     Fluoride
•     Regular dental check-ups
•     Assessing risk for developing cavities
•     Evaluating oral growth and development
•     Oral health education
•     Protection against injuries
•     Management of oral habits
•     Guidance of erupting teeth
•     Sealants 

Your pediatric dentist practices preventive dentistry. Preventive dentistry for children, in addition to regular dental visits, requires parental involvement with daily oral care at home.

What Causes Canker Sore (Mouth Ulcer)?

A canker sore is not a dangerous condition. It is a sore that has taken place in your mouth. Rather it is an open sore. They come up anywhere in your mouth, that is they come up on your tongue, or on your cheek and lips or on the gums of your teeth or on the soft skin in the mouth.

Canker sores do not have any limitations to age, but they are more often found in people within the age range of ten years to forty years. They can affect anybody at any age irrespective of gender. However they affect more women than men.

Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers or Ulcers – Aphthous.

Symptoms of a Canker Sore
Canker sores come up as a bump in the mouth. This later develops into a pain that is irritating. The initial signs are a tingling sensation or a burning sensation that later turns into a sore. The inner core of the sore is a white or yellow in color with the outer periphery a red in color. The size of the sore may vary from person to person and from sore to sore. This sore generally develops in the family and is considered to be hereditary. The sores develop after some dental procedures or due to aggressive brushing of the teeth.

What are the Causes of Teeth Discoloration?

 Teeth discoloration is a common dental problem that annoys men and women alike. Before you think about whitening your teeth, you should understand why teeth get discolored or yellow in the first place.

1. Cigarettes – If you want a beautiful smile, you should avoid smoking. Cigarettes and cigars stain the teeth and make them look dull and unattractive. Chewing tobacco can also stain the teeth. Keep in mind that if you quit smoking and get your teeth whitened, you will feel better about yourself and your teeth will look fabulous.

2. Medicine – Some over-the-counter medicines and antibiotics can dull the teeth and make them look yellow. Some antihistamines also stain the teeth. If you take medication, tell your dentist or doctor about it and find out if it’s affecting the appearance of your teeth...

A dental anaesthetic with greater control

Septodont, a global leader in dental pharmaceuticals and the UK's number one manufacturer of dental anaesthetics, is pleased to announce the launch of its new and highly innovative Septoject Evolution needle, designed to provide greater control for practitioners and less discomfort for patients.

Septoject Evolution is engineered for a smoother penetration with less displacement, meaning less discomfort for your patients, even when used for multiple injections.

Dangers of Dental X-Rays

There are a number of people today concerned with the dangers of radiation exposure that is associated with having dental x-rays.

There is an annual occupational exposure limit that has been set by the federal government. This limit is currently set at 5,000 mrem or millirems, which means that you can safely be exposed to any radiation limits that are below this level. 

 The average person is only exposed to around 350 mrem every year from background radiation sources such as flying on an airplane, living in a brick building and other sources.

Given the levels of background radiation, you would still need to endure close to 70 full mouth x-rays every year in order to reach the maximum exposure limit of 5,000 mrem.

WAND - A computer-controlled dental injection

The Wand is essentially a computer-controlled dental injection. The flow rate of the local anaesthetic is controlled by a computer. This means that the injection is guaranteed to be slow and steady and therefore comfortable.

Even though Milestone Scientific – the manufacturers of the Wand – now call their products CompuDent and STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System, we’ll still call it the Wand here – because a lot of people with needle phobia describe it as their “Magic Wand”!

Most people who have had a bad experience with injections think that needles sting because the skin is pierced, but this is usually not so! Most often, the sting was caused because the anesthetic was fired in too quickly. Obviously, it is possible for the dentist to control the speed with a standard syringe, but the idea of the Wand is to take out the “human error”. This can be very reassuring for people with previous bad experiences.

Oral Herpes

Herpes is the medical name for a group of similar viruses. This group includes the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chicken pox as well as shingles; the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis (mono); cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is responsible for infections that usually afflict newborns and people with defective immune systems; and the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes genital and oral infections.

To most people, however, herpes is the common term for infections caused by HSV.

Description of Oral Herpes 

There are two types of HSV, HSV-1 and HSV-2. In most cases, HSV-1 causes ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa/lips that are commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. HSV-2, on the other hand, generally causes genital herpes. However, some genital herpes may be caused by HSV-1 virus, and some oral herpes may be caused by HSV-2. This cross infection can happen when sexual partners have oral-genital relations...

cerabone - Natural Bovine Bone Grafting Material

cerabone® is a highly reliable, dimensional stable, purified natural bovine bone grafting material. The mineral composition, the three dimensional structure and the physico-chemical and biological properties of cerabone® are very similar to those of human bone.

Properties

•     natural bovine bone grafting material
•     slow resorption and directed integration by new bone formation
•     long-term dimensional stability
•     osteoconductive
•     100% pure bone mineral
•     no foreign body or inflammatory reaction
•     hydrophilic surface, optimal cell adhesion and blood absorption
•     interconnective porosity
•     safe and sterile
•     easy handling

How to floss teeth?

Babies & Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene should begin shortly after a child is born. A newborn oral care is important to maintain clean and healthy gums. After every feeding a clean, warm wash cloth should be used to gently cleanse the inside of the mouth. 

Thrush, a treatable fungal infection caused by Candida (yeast), often appears in areas of the mouth that may have torn tissue, caused by the constant sucking on a pacifier, bottle, or during breastfeeding. The tiny tears remain moist and, if not removed manually, the yeast may cause the painful condition. Signs of thrush include:

•     White patches that appear to coat the tongue, inside tissue of the cheek, and gums
•     Irregular-shaped patches that are not able to be wiped away, sticking to the tissue
•     Pain when feeding or using a pacifier

If left untreated, a nursing mother may develop thrush on her breast, although is not typically considered contagious. See your doctor or dentist and he may prescribe a medication to clear up the infection.

Help patients to see the future with digital imaging

Your smile is the most important aspect of your appearance and self-image. In addition to the care, skill, and knowledge needed to produce world-class dentistry, having the latest technological tools is a necessity. When choosing cosmetic dentistry treatments to revitalize your smile, how do you know which ones will deliver the results you want? So the dentist can give patients a glimpse into the future with digital imaging.

 Many dental offices are equipped with leading-edge tools and technology to provide patients with the best of modern dentistry. They believe in educating patients about their dental care choices. Computer-generated digital imaging lets you see the results of specific therapies before you begin treatment. You’ll get a glimpse of your new smile and information to make wise decisions.

Contraindications for removal of impacted teeth

All impacted teeth should be removed unless specific contraindications justify leaving them in position. When the potential benefits outweight the potential complications and risks, the procedure should be performed. Similarly, when the risks are greater than the potential benefits, the procedure should be deferred. Contraindications for the removal impacted teeth primarily involve the patient's physical status.

Extremes of age

The third molar tooth bud can be seen radiographically by age 6. Some surgeons think that removal of the tooth bud at age 7 to 9 can be accomplished with minimal surgical morbidity and therefore shoud be performed at this age. However, most surgeons believe that it is not possible to predict accurately if the forming third molar will be impacted. The consensus is that very early removal of third molars should be deferred until an accurate diagnosis of impaction can be made.

The most common contraindication for the removal of impacted teeth is advanced age. As a patient ages, the bone becomes highly calcified and therefore less flexible and less likely to bend under the forces of tooth extraction. The result is that more bone must be surgically removed to displace the tooth from its socket.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Simply defined, teeth grinding is the act of consciously or unconsciously clenching your teeth either during the day or while you sleep. Bruxism is considered both a medical and a dental problem. This is because it affects both the teeth and all of the structure near it, including the head.

 Teeth grinding usually happens during sleep. Have you ever had a roommate or a sleeping partner that snores? Well you might have had one that grinds their teeth in their sleep as well. Teeth grinding is as common as snoring. However, unlike snoring, teeth grinding sounds are a little on the low side, although it can be as bothersome as well.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.

How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.

A few facts about trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia causes facial pain.Trigeminal neuralgia develops in mid to late life. The condition is the most frequently occurring of all the nerve pain disorders. Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms may include one or more of these patterns:

•     Occasional twinges of mild pain
•     Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock
•     Spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks triggered by things such as touching the face, chewing, speaking and brushing teeth
•     Bouts of pain lasting from a few seconds to several seconds
•     Episodes of several attacks lasting days, weeks, months or longer —some people have periods when they experience no pain
•     Pain in areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve (nerve branches), including the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or less often the eye and forehead
•     Pain affecting one side of your face at a time
•     Pain focused in one spot or spread in a wider pattern
•     Attacks becoming more frequent and intense over time

People with trigeminal neuralgia become plagued by intermittent severe pain that interferes with common daily activities such as eating and sleep. They live in fear of unpredictable painful attacks, which leads to sleep deprivation and undereating. The condition can lead to irritability, severe anticipatory anxiety and depression, and life-threatening malnutrition. Suicidal depression is not uncommon.

People often call trigeminal neuralgia "tic douloureux" because of a characteristic muscle spasm that accompanies the pain.

Connections between obesity and gum disease

What’s the connection between being overweight and gum disease? Most theories suggest that fat cells produce many chemical signals and hormones that can increase inflammation in the body, decrease the effectiveness of your immune system, and increase your susceptibility to periodontal disease. 

Other theories point to the possible eating habits of overweight people and the connections to simple sugars that our mouths convert to plaque. As plaque accumulates on teeth and gums, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay may become inevitable.

Bacteria from gum disease may interfere with fat metabolism, leading to elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol.

Dry Mouth - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What Causes Dry Mouth?

   -  Side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson's disease. Dry mouth can also a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives.

   -  Side effect of certain diseases and infections. Dry mouth can be a side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and mumps.

 

  -  Side effect of certain medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that produce saliva, for example, from radiation to the head and neck and chemotherapy treatments for cancer, can reduce the amount of saliva produced.

   -  Nerve damage. Dry mouth can be a result of nerve damage to the head and neck area from an injury or surgery.

   -  Dehydration . Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth.

   -  Surgical removal of the salivary glands.

  - Lifestyle. Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva production and aggravate dry mouth. Continuously breathing with your mouth open can also contribute to the problem.

Dental tourism calls to travel

The term dental tourism can be defined as traveling to farther outposts to avail of quality dental care. Nowadays, several countries have emerged as preferred destinations for dental tourism due to their tremendous technological leaps in the same. Mostly, the dental patients can hail from as far as America, EU, Canada, Japan or the Middle East.

The countries who find themselves on the dental tourism radar are Hungary, India, Singapore, Philippines and Costa Rica, Colombia and the like. Usually, these are the countries which have been associated with local medicinal knowledge dating back to thousands of years. Coming to the present, people travel all over from western countries to these newly emerging treatment destinations because of the low cost factor of dental treatment.

New fiber reinforced composite dental implants

Fiber-reinforced composite is a new material that promises advantages for use in oral and craniofacial applications as well as in orthopedics. Discovering how it responds to stress and strain can help gauge its usefulness.

Fiber reinforced composites are replacing metals in aerospace and sporting goods do to weight, strength, and corrosion properties. In bio-medical applications, fiber reinforced composites have unique properties, such as being transparent to x-rays, and these are leading to an increased use.

 A new study compares fiber-reinforced composite and titanium implants. Researchers analyzed how the two materials affect stress and strain on the implant and the bone tissue surrounding it. They also compared interfacial stresses between the materials under three directions of load.

Distribution of stress and strain to the jawbone is significantly changed after reconstruction with oral implants. How an implant using fiber-reinforced composite reacts has not yet been well tested. This biomechanical connection between implant and bone can be different for each patient and is hard to measure.

Sedation in pediatric dentistry

Sedation may be indicated for children who have a level of anxiety that prevents good coping skills, those who are very young and do not understand how to cope in a cooperative fashion, or those requiring extensive dental treatment. Sedation can also be helpful for some patients who have special needs.

Most kids do quite well without any kind of extra medication to accomplish treatment. However, sometimes medications are needed to help kids to be comfortable and cooperate to accomplish extensive treatment. After training and a lot of experience, dentists use this valuable method of providing treatment nearly every day and am confident in the use of medications to relieve discomfort, reduce anxiety and provide a safe environment through concious sedation.

Professional (laser) teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening treatments (also called "laser" or in-office whitening) offer a good bleaching solution for some people. Many people simply don't have an interest in treating themselves with an at-home whitening system. They prefer the convenience and time savings that in-office treatment offers, even if their overall costs can be expected to be greater. 

Which is best for you, in-office whitening treatments or using an at-home product?

If you are considering whitening your teeth, you generally have two options available to you. One is to have your bleaching treatments performed by your dentist in their office (this is termed professional, in-office or laser whitening). The other is to opt to perform your whitening treatments on your own (unsupervised), on your own time...

Biomechanical factors affecting long-term implant success

Bone resorption around dental implants can be caused by premature loading or repeated overloading. Vertical or angular bone loss is usually characteristic of bone resorption caused by occlusal trauma. When preasure from traumatic occlusion is concentrated, bone resorption occurs by osteoclastic activity. 

 

In the natural dentition, bone reapposition would typically occur once the severe stress concentration is reduced or eliminated. However, in the osseointegrated implant system,after bone resorbs, it will not usually reform. Because dental implants can resist forces directed primarily in the long axis of the implant more effectively than they can resist lateral forces, lateral forces on implants shoud be minimized. Lateral forces in the posterior part of the mouth have higher impact and are more destructive than lateral forces in the anterior part of the mouth. When lateral forces cannot be completely eliminated from the implant prosthesis, efforts shoud be made to equally distibute the lateral forces over as many teeth and implants as possible.

The Fainting

Vasodepressor syncope, commonly known as fainting, is a frequent occurrence during stressful situations, which include the delivery of dental care. This condition is usually benign; however, if left untreated, it can be fatal. The common faint is caused by a transitory and sudden loss of consciousness following a period of cerebral ischemia. Patients usually fall to the floor or are placed in a supine position, which results in restoration of blood flow and return to consciousness. If the flow patterns to the brain are not restored, however, life-threatening cardiovascular and pulmonary effects can occur.

Oral care for people with diabetes

Periodontal disease can be life threatening for diabetic patients. The disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque—the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on teeth— cause the gums to become inflamed. In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. Contrary to popular belief, bleeding gums are never normal. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis often is caused by inadequate oral hygiene and is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Long-term studies have proven the value of consistent and regular oral hygiene care routines. Regular and timely dental visits are imperative to reinforce those habits and to minimize oral health problems.

The basics of oral care for all people include brushing, flossing, mouth rinsing and tongue cleaning. Special care in many of those areas is important for people with diabetes.

Tooth brushing

Teeth should be brushed at least twice daily with a soft brush. If possible, teeth also should be brushed after meals. The use of a brush with soft bristles is very important. Stiff bristles or too rigorous brushing can damage the gums and in-crease the potential for problems.

The variety of brushes available in-creases on an almost daily basis. Choices exist with regard to the size of the brush head, shape of the brush, and shape and flexibility of the handle. Patients should be encouraged to try different brushes so they can identify the one they find most comfortable. Consideration also may be given to electric brushes. A good-quality electric brush may make it easier for many people to brush more effectively without exerting unnecessary pressure that is potentially damaging...

New Evidence That Chronic Ulcerative Stomatitis Is an Autoimmune Disease

Chronic ulcerative stomatitis is characterized by painful, recurring sores in the mouth. Thus far, it has been diagnosed most frequently in white women in their 40's and 50's and may appear similar to oral erosive lichen planus. Only 39 cases of CUS have been reported in the English-language medical literature since it was identified as a clinically distinct condition in 1989, but it is likely under-diagnosed because of low awareness among clinicians and the extensiveness of the testing that would confirm its presence.

"Currently, diagnosing CUS requires a surgical biopsy which then must be sent to an outside lab for special processing for immunofluorescence microscopic examination. Accurate diagnosis is important because the usual treatment option for immunologically-mediated diseases, corticosteroids, is often not effective in treating CUS," said senior author, Lynn Solomon, DDS, MS, associate professor in the department of oral and maxillofacial pathology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM).

Toothbrush Ninja :)

Do you like ninjas?

Here’s a quick ninja-style rundown:

•  The “Hi-Ya” Zapi uses germicidal ultraviolet light to kill 99.9% of germs on your toothbrush in just minutes.
•  Simply insert your favorite toothbrush, press the button, and Hi-Ya goes to work, turning off automatically.
•  Your toothbrush is germ free and safely stored inside Zapi ready for the next time you brush.

Dental treatments & medications during pregnancy

If you are a soon to be mother, you might have many questions concerning your overall oral health, and whether it’s safe or not to do emergency treatments, or any other dental procedures.

Dental treatments for future moms

Most dental procedures can and should be done when the dentist diagnoses a problem, because anything that would promote your oral health, would also improve your baby’s health as well. There are however some elective treatments that should wait to be done after the birth of your baby.

Routine X-rays, such as the ones taken during a dental exam, should be avoided during pregnancy. If however you have a dental emergency, or are suffering from extreme pain in your mouth, your dentist would rely on X-rays to find out what the problem is. When X-rays are necessary, your dentist will use extreme caution to keep you and your baby safe. A blanket made out of lead is used to protect the uterus. The actual amount of radiation that passes through lead is insignificant...

Dental Procedure, Needle Phobia and Fainting

Some people faint at the sight of needles. This may be common if you have what is called a blood-injury-injection phobia, where you get very anxious by seeing blood or an injury or by receiving an injection.

According to some sources, many people (70-80%) who have a blood-injury-injection phobia faint. But other studies have failed to find such a high incidence of fainting. For example, in one study by DeJongh and his colleages (1998), none of the people with blood-injury-injection phobia fainted during dental treatment. So it is unclear exactly how common fainting is.

Millions wisdom teeth removed unnecessarily each year...

Most of the pain and illness surrounding wisdom teeth are not caused by the teeth themselves as one would expect, but rather the symptoms come from the surgery that removes the wisdom teeth. A report in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that 67 % or more of preventative wisdom teeth removals are unnecessary. Of the approximately 10,000,000 wisdom teeth removed each year in the United States, less than 20 extractions have proven medical indications which reference the requirement for extraction. In general, the preventative extraction of wisdom teeth has become a public health disaster and is a clear case of medically caused injury. Driven by lies, the wisdom tooth extraction industry has turned our mouths into a financial goldmine. It makes billions of dollars per year from performing these largely unnecessary surgeries.

Basic Informations About Dental Crown And Tooth Bridges

What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?

Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

How do Crowns Work?

A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.

How To Brush Teeth?

Children, how long you brush your teeth?

There are some who say you should brush for 4 minutes at least 3 times a day but I believe that is unrealistic. The general consensus is 2 minutes at least twice a day. When you actually spend 2 minutes brushing your teeth you’ll be amazed at how slowly time passes. Now imagine what it’s like for your kids!

Why Do I have to Brush My Teeth If I Brushed Them Yesterday!

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease.Plaque is bacterial film that clings to the surface of teeth and, when Kids Should Brush Their Teethexposed to sugar, produces acid that erodes tooth enamel and causes cavities. To show your kids how much plaque is on their teeth have them chew a disclosing tablet (available from drug stores or online). Disclosing tablets contain a harmless vegetable dye that will turn plaque red.

Prevention of Medical Emergencies In Dental Office

   Medical emergencies in the dental office are, fortunately, relatively rare. The ambulatory nature of dental practice is partially responsible. However,  the primary reason for the limited frequency of emergencies in dental offices is the nature of dental education, which prepares practitioners to recognize potential problems and manage them before they cause an emergency.
   A study by Malamed of patients in the dental school setting revealed that hyperventilation, seizures and hypoglycemia were the three most common emergency situations occurring in patients before, during, or soon after general dental care. These were followed in frequency by vasovagal syncope, angina pectoris, orthostatic hypotension and hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions.
  

Toothache, could it be more then just a little pain?

A "Toothache" can usually be referred to as pain that is felt around the teeth and or jaw. The cause of a toothache in most cases is by either problems with your jaw and or tooth. In most cases you (and I am talking from experience here) you would just leave it and wait for the pain to subside, but this isn’t the correct thing to do. Toothaches are a sign that there may be more to worry about then just a little pain. The causes of toothache are several but the major causes are, dental cavity, a cracked tooth, exposed tooth root, gum disease, disease of the jaw joint or spasms of the muscles used for chewing. It is possible for the cause of a toothache to originate from an entirely different problem such as heart attack or angina but this is quite rare. It can be noted however that some patients suffering angina will show toothache or jaw pain as the only symptoms so it is always best to let your dentist or doctor evaluate you. What are the most common dental causes for a toothache? 

Dirty Mouths Lead to Broken Hearts

"Poor oral health can lead to pneumonia and cardiovascular disease as well as periodontal disease," said Rita A. Jablonski, even though these illnesses are not usually associated with the mouth. According to Jablonski, assistant professor of nursing, Penn State, persons with dementia resist care when they feel threatened. In general, these patients cannot care for themselves and need help.

Jablonski and her team introduced an oral hygiene approach called Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction (MOUTh) specifically for dementia patients. Many of their strategies focus on making the patient feel more comfortable before and while care is provided, the researchers report in the current issue of Special Care in Dentistry.