Monday, February 27, 2012

Toothpaste - not such a simple matter these days.

Dentists and hygienists are regularly asked by their patients: 'what’s the right toothpaste for me?'

With many selections of OTC dentifrices currently available, it can be overwhelming and confusing to select the proper toothpaste. The answer can vary, depending on the condition of specific patient: hypersensitivity, dental erosion, tartar, stain, plaque buildup, gingivitis, halitosis, high caries rate, dry mouth, etc.

The use of whitening toothpaste has been on the rise, understandably for a cosmetic, rather than a therapeutic benefit. Dentifrice abrasives from whitening toothpaste are a major cause of tooth paste abrasion; a condition that did not exist before dental hygiene products were available. RDA (Radioactive Dental Abrasivity) of less than 250 is safe for normal use. Certain inactive ingredients might trigger sensitivity/intolerance response. So before you direct the above question to your dental professionals, be prepared to voice your chief concern or be asked a few questions prior to your question being answered.

If you have questions, or want more info, visit us at http://www.myparkdental.com/ or call us to schedule your appointment at (239) 263-1151.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Oral Cancer Very Common Worldwide

Did you know that oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer worldwide? 95% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. 75% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are tobacco users. An individual smoker who also consumes alcohol has a 15X greater risk of developing oral cancer. There are many adjunctive screening devices available to help dentists detect oral cancers with the progressing of modern technology. However, a through dental examination is still the standard of care in detecting early signs of oral cancers. 3-6 month visit to a dental hygienist is a healthy routine for the general population. The hygienists will likely to report any warning signs to the dentists who will determine if a biopsy is necessary.

Since the median age at an oral cancer diagnosis is 60, it is critically important that denture wearers visit the dentists for an oral cancer screening at least once a year. It’s no longer acceptable to have a set of dentures made and never see the dentists again until problem arises.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment that includes a thorough oral cancer screening, see www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Minimally Invasid Dentistry (MID)

Minimally Invasive dentistry (MID) is a concept that many dentists embrace. In daily clinical setting, dentists still deal with gross decay, infection, periodontal abcess, dental emergency on a routine basis. However, with increased public awareness and its desire to look and feel better dentally, dentists are practicing MI techniques more now than ever before, especially with the improvement of adhesive dentistry. Tooth color fillings and resin veneers have benefited from many different bonding systems. CAD/CAM technology has offered patients the chance to conserve tooth structure via inlays, onlays in addition to all ceramic crowns made of of lithium disilicate (e-Max) porcelain system.

Implants are available as a better option to replace a single missing tooth instead of removing sound structure of the adjacent teeth as retainers for bridges. MID is not limited to various technical advancements, it involves the dental providers educating the public about preventive dentistry. It's no longer acceptable to see a dentist once a year. Depending on patient's condition, they might need to visit the hygienist four times per year to maintain their periodontal condition, minimizing gum surgery if possible. Topical fluoride every six month is the best insurance policy for healthy, caries-free mouth. Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry practices MID and advocates healthy mouth, healthy body via proper nutrition, making the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body's organ systems.

More information is available at http://myparkdental.com