- THE SIGN OF A GOOD MOUTH RINSE IS THE BURN
The myth that the burn is good, that it’s doing something or means it’s killing germs has been going on long enough. Truth be told, the sign of a burning mouth rinse is a warning sign. Burning the tissues of your mouth can be very harmful. And not just for your tissues, but for the precious investment in your dental work as well. The cause of the burn is the alcohol contained in rinses. The alcohol content in some rinses (up to 27 percent) is not only responsible for the burn, it also causes dryness to the tissues in the mouth. The dehydration affect can place an individual at risk for an increase in caries, increase in the risk of oral cancer (for smokers), increase in malodor or bad breath and cause discomfort in the mouth and even compromise the integrity of composite, bonding (or tooth colored) filling materials. One other note, the alcohol content in mouth rinses has been the cause of concern for toxicity in small children, which is why child resistant closures are required for those particular rinses. - MOUTH RINSES ALL DO ESSENTIALLY THE SAME THING
Mouth rinses are not all created equal. The need for a mouth rinse was first developed as a result of a growing concern with oral malodor or bad breath. Original mouth rinses were developed accidentally, by way of trial and error and through the use of other product demands and concerns. However, as we have advanced, so has our research and product development in this area. There are growing options in home care products that serve a variety of consumer wants and needs. Many mouth rinses are now answering to the demand of the consumer and offer specialized ingredients such as aloe vera, fluoride, Xylitol and zinc. Some are alcohol-free and dye-free. Many product lines offer unique, customized programs and systems as well as individual products that address specific concerns. - IF A MOUTH RINSE TASTES "BAD" IT MUST BE GOOD
This is the decades-old myth, “good medicine tastes bad.” In fact, in the 1970s a commonly known mouthwash used an ad slogan that read, “The taste you hate twice a day.” It’s time to move past this myth and understand we now have incredible tasting options in mouth rinse that have phenomenal cosmetic and therapeutic benefits as well as great value. Hating your mouth rinse is no longer necessary. - ALL MOUTH RINSES ELIMINATE BAD BREATH
The source of oral malodor is linked to elevated levels of anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria termed, VSCs (volatile sulfur compounds). Unfortunately, most mouth rinses only contain strong flavorings that may mask bad breath temporarily and do not address the source. Also, mouth rinses that contain alcohol may dry the tissues and mouth, encouraging more odor-causing bacteria to accumulate, thereby worsening the condition. The truth is, only specialized mouth rinses that contain an effective ingredient to neutralize odor-causing bacteria will produce the best results in eliminating breath concerns. - USING A MOUTH RINSE REGULARLY WILL ALLOW ME TO EXTEND MY HYGIENE VISITS
Not so fast. There is never a replacement for regular visits to the dentist and hygienist for check up and cleaning, no matter what you’re using or how well you’re taking care of your teeth and gums at home. By using recommended home care products and devices, you may enhance the effect of the office treatment, ensure the longevity of your smile, the health of your teeth, fresher breath and enjoy whiter teeth longer. You must always follow the guidelines set by your dental care professional when it comes to the frequency of your visits.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Top 5 Mouth Rinse Myths
The Oxyfresh newsletter included an interesting article in their newsletter about mouth rinses.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Heads Up! - The Facts about Oral Cancer
It is now commonplace to annually get a Pap smear for cervical cancer, a mammogram to check for breast cancer, or PSA and digital rectal exams for prostate cancer. These screening efforts have been possible as a result of the increased public awareness of the value of catching cancers in their earliest forms, combined with effective technologies for conducting the examinations. Oral cancer is no different.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
Primary risk factors
• age 40 and older
• tobacco use including “smokeless” tobacco
Other risk factors
• heavy or chronic alcohol consumption
• viral infections, particularly HPV 16/18
• long term exposure to the sun (lip cancer)
• a history of white or red patches on the oral tissue.
According to many sources, oral cancer is the sixth deadliest cancer in the world with close to 390,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Approximately 8,000 Americans die each year – an average of one per hour – compared to cervical cancer with 3,710 deaths per year, 66 percent of the oral cancer cases are not diagnosed until they are in the late stages, and approximately 50 percent of the victims will die within five years. This death rate is higher than Hodgkin’s disease and cervical, skin, ovarian, and brain cancers. The real issue is that oral cancer is 80 to 90 percent survivable if caught early.
Within the past couple of years, as a result of a heightened awareness and technological advancement, several new products have come into existence that aid in the detection of oral cancer in the earliest stages possible. ViziLite, for example, is an oral lesion identification and marking system that is used as an adjunct to the conventional head and neck examination. It is comprised of a unique light source which improves the ability of a healthcare professional to accurately identify lesions that may become cancer.
In general, most people see their dental health provider at least twice a year and their general physician… not as often. It is for this reason that dental health providers have taken an active role in examining more than just the health of your teeth and gums. Traditionally, a dentist or hygienist performs screening for oral cancer by visually examining the mouth for any abnormal looking areas, and feels the neck for unusual lumps. The only downside to this type of screening is the cancer must have advanced to a stage that has visual symptoms, decreasing the chances of it being treatable.
Dr. Omeltschenko and his staff continue to perform the visual and manual screening for oral cancer for every patient. Dr Omeltschenko believes ViziLite improves the ability to identify suspicious areas at their earliest stages, and recommends it to his patients on an annual basis. This exam takes only a few minutes and can be done at any visit.
If you would like to improve your next oral cancer screening with ViziLite, or would like to schedule a visit for an oral cancer screening, call us today at 513-245-2200.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
Primary risk factors
• age 40 and older
• tobacco use including “smokeless” tobacco
Other risk factors
• heavy or chronic alcohol consumption
• viral infections, particularly HPV 16/18
• long term exposure to the sun (lip cancer)
• a history of white or red patches on the oral tissue.
According to many sources, oral cancer is the sixth deadliest cancer in the world with close to 390,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Approximately 8,000 Americans die each year – an average of one per hour – compared to cervical cancer with 3,710 deaths per year, 66 percent of the oral cancer cases are not diagnosed until they are in the late stages, and approximately 50 percent of the victims will die within five years. This death rate is higher than Hodgkin’s disease and cervical, skin, ovarian, and brain cancers. The real issue is that oral cancer is 80 to 90 percent survivable if caught early.
Within the past couple of years, as a result of a heightened awareness and technological advancement, several new products have come into existence that aid in the detection of oral cancer in the earliest stages possible. ViziLite, for example, is an oral lesion identification and marking system that is used as an adjunct to the conventional head and neck examination. It is comprised of a unique light source which improves the ability of a healthcare professional to accurately identify lesions that may become cancer.
In general, most people see their dental health provider at least twice a year and their general physician… not as often. It is for this reason that dental health providers have taken an active role in examining more than just the health of your teeth and gums. Traditionally, a dentist or hygienist performs screening for oral cancer by visually examining the mouth for any abnormal looking areas, and feels the neck for unusual lumps. The only downside to this type of screening is the cancer must have advanced to a stage that has visual symptoms, decreasing the chances of it being treatable.
Dr. Omeltschenko and his staff continue to perform the visual and manual screening for oral cancer for every patient. Dr Omeltschenko believes ViziLite improves the ability to identify suspicious areas at their earliest stages, and recommends it to his patients on an annual basis. This exam takes only a few minutes and can be done at any visit.
If you would like to improve your next oral cancer screening with ViziLite, or would like to schedule a visit for an oral cancer screening, call us today at 513-245-2200.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Don't Let Fear Stop you From Seeing the Dentist
Since I am a dentist I thought it might be appropriate for me to post an article about Dental Fear. I got this article from http://www.about.com/ I am also very impressed with http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/ they have a helpful forum of people who have had huge breakthroughs in going to the dentist after using the site as a resource. I found a cool site that offers a course on getting rid of all kinds of phobias. I have not read or know anything about the site, I will be doing some research and some posts in the future. The site is http://www.phobiascured.com/ they are pretty organized and that usually means they put out a good product. I will keep you posted.
WHAT IS DENTAL PHOBIA?: Prevalence and Etiology by Dr. Michael Krochak
Dental phobia is the serious, often paralyzing fear of seeking dental care. It has been reliably reported that 50% of the American population does not seek regular dental care. An estimated 9-15% of all Americans avoid much needed care due to anxiety and fear surrounding the dental experience. This translates to some 30 - 40 million people so afraid of dental treatment that they avoid it altogether, In terms of your dental health and overall well-being, this can have serious ramifications. Besides chronically infected gums and teeth which can affect your medical status, your ability to chew and digest can be seriously compromised. Without healthy gums and teeth, your speech can be affected as well. Your self confidence can be compromised if you are insecure about your breath and smile. This can lead to serious limitations in both your social and business environments.
WHY DO I FEAR THE DENTIST? by Dr. Michael Krochak
Dental phobias and anxiety stem from various sources. These can lead to a strongly conditioned fear response. The following are the most common origins of dental fear:
Previously painful or negative experiences during visits to a dentist's office. This can even include careless comments made by a dentist or hygienist during a past examination.
A severe discomfort with feeling helpless and/or out of control in the dental situation.
A sense of embarrassment of your dental neglect and fear of ridicule and/ or belittlement when you present to the dental office.
Scary anecdotes of negative dental experiences learned vicariously from family and friends.
Negative, menacing portrayals of dentists in movies, TV, newspapers and magazines.
A sense of depersonalization in the dental process, intensified by today's necessity for the use of barrier precautions, such as masks, latex gloves and shields.
A general fear of the unknown.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY DENTAL FEAR? by Dr. Michael Krochak
The first thing you can do is to realize that your dental fear can be overcome. Fear is a learned behavior which, therefore, can be unlearned. Patient-centered behavior modification that treats you as a whole person, not as a set of teeth can help you overcome your fears. This will obviously take a team approach between you and your dentist and his/her staff. Communication is the key. You must feel comfortable expressing your fears and concerns and have a sense that you are being listened to. If you feel that the Dr. and/or staff is not genuinely concerned and listening, then absolutely feel comfortable with seeking out referrals to other offices.
You should never compromise the level of communication that you feel is necessary to give you a sense of control over your situation in the dental office. Modern dentistry with a compassionate dental team can be truly painless. You can desensitize yourself to your fears if you take the first step and allow the right team to help you overcome your fears. (Look for a future article on "How to Choose the Right Dentist")
A Sense of Control
Explanation and clarification of any and all procedures proposed is your right as a patient. If you have a question about a particular procedure, ask it! Empower yourself with the knowledge to alleviate fear of the unknown. You should have input into treatment decisions and choices. You should be honest with your dentist regarding how much treatment you think you can tolerate at first. As you build confidence in yourself and trust in the team that is caring for you, the length of your appointment and the amount of work accomplished will increase.
A Signaling System should be established allowing you to stop for any reason, whether it be because you need more anesthesia, want to rinse out, or simply need a two second break. The most common signal is raising your hand.
Never be Embarrassed
If you have been ridiculed in the past for your behavior or if you are embarrassed by your present dental condition caused by your neglect, please express yourself honestly and give your present dentist a chance to understand your concerns and show you that they care. You will be amazed at the wealth of treatment options that you might not have thought were possible. With modern dentistry, it's never too late to recreate a new smile!
Relaxation Techniques
If you feel tense in the chair, the easiest way to relax is through forms of physical relaxation. A relaxed body promotes a clear and relaxed mind. The human body cannot be physically relaxed and mentally anxious at the same time! The brain won't process these feelings simultaneously. Physical relaxation methods are easier to accomplish at first as compared to cognitive ones, so practice forms of physical relaxation first.
Examples of physical relaxation are Diaphragmatic Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and various methods taught in yoga . There are numerous books and sources for these methods. If you induce relaxation in the presence of the stimuli that normally induces your fears (the dental environment), the fear response will be greatly diminished over multiple exposures and you will gradually desensitize yourself to these fears as you build confidence. The memories of traumatic visits will be replaced with more innocuous ones and this less threatening environment coupled with your relaxation methods will help you eliminate your fears.
Distraction
As you get more comfortable in the dental environment, you can engage in various distraction techniques that many offices have. The use of a Walkman or Discman is a common technique. Many offices now are equipped with Virtual Reality-like glasses that provide both visual and auditory distraction by allowing you to view videotapes through these glasses while having dental work done. We only suggest using distraction techniques once you have established some trust and confidence because your ability to communicate will be compromised, although it is easy to stop any of these devices if need be.
Predictable Pain Control
Modern dentistry has many new techniques with regards to the administration of local anesthetics to block any possibility of pain. There are many people who have anatomical or biologic variations that do require more individualized techniques in order to predictably achieve proper local anesthesia. This variation must be respected and communicated to your dentist. All injections should be given slowly. The needle itself is not the major cause of discomfort, but in fact, it is the pressure and volume of the fluids being injected that causes the discomfort. There are also great differences in the types of tissue in various locations, anatomically and from person to person, that must be considered when administering injections. There are even computer-controlled machines that are now available to standardize the injection process and make it more predictable than the conventional hand-held syringe.
COMMUNICATE, EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH KNOWLEDGE AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FEARS!
Dental Anxiety Self-Test
Many people have a high level of anxiety and avoid visiting the dentist. This can cause future dental problems. Below are some questions that, if answered yes, may signify that you have some form of dental anxiety. It is important to note, however, that many new, wonderful products and procedures are available that can make the dental visit a pleasant experience.
Do you feel slight uneasiness and tension the evening prior to your dental visit, which makes you cancel your dental appointment?
While waiting in the reception area of the dental office, do you feel nervous about the visit?
Have you had a prior dental experience that was unpleasant?
While in the dental chair, do you feel uneasy and anxious?
Does the thought of having a dental injection make you feel physically ill and tense?
Does seeing the dentist or dental hygienist's instruments make you anxious?
Do you feel embarrassed that the dentist will say you have the worst mouth they have ever seen?
Do objects placed in your mouth during the dental visit make you panic and feel like you cannot breath correctly?
Do you feel that your dentist is unsympathetic only with you?
Fear In The Dentist's Chair
What is the cause of dental phobia? According to a recent study in the British Dental Journal, dental phobia is initiated by a bad experience that unknowingly has become associated with dentistry.
The study has found that despite the advancement of modern techniques and the use of very effective anesthetics, patients still seem to maintain the same level of anxiety as they did years ago. The proportion was shown to be the same today as it was in the 1930's.
Dr. Ruth Freeman of Queens University Dental School in Belfast, wrote the article and explains that if all dental phobia were related to painful experiences from a patient's life, the condition should have gotten better over the years because of all the advanced techniques available today. This however is not the case and it suggests that dental phobia is brought on by outside experiences which are then related to dental experiences.
There are some techniques for relaxation that a dentist can put into practice for people with such trauma. Patients may be given sedation and be informed about pain control and they may be given the advantage of being able to control their own pain by stopping and starting treatment using hand signals.
WHAT IS DENTAL PHOBIA?: Prevalence and Etiology by Dr. Michael Krochak
Dental phobia is the serious, often paralyzing fear of seeking dental care. It has been reliably reported that 50% of the American population does not seek regular dental care. An estimated 9-15% of all Americans avoid much needed care due to anxiety and fear surrounding the dental experience. This translates to some 30 - 40 million people so afraid of dental treatment that they avoid it altogether, In terms of your dental health and overall well-being, this can have serious ramifications. Besides chronically infected gums and teeth which can affect your medical status, your ability to chew and digest can be seriously compromised. Without healthy gums and teeth, your speech can be affected as well. Your self confidence can be compromised if you are insecure about your breath and smile. This can lead to serious limitations in both your social and business environments.
WHY DO I FEAR THE DENTIST? by Dr. Michael Krochak
Dental phobias and anxiety stem from various sources. These can lead to a strongly conditioned fear response. The following are the most common origins of dental fear:
Previously painful or negative experiences during visits to a dentist's office. This can even include careless comments made by a dentist or hygienist during a past examination.
A severe discomfort with feeling helpless and/or out of control in the dental situation.
A sense of embarrassment of your dental neglect and fear of ridicule and/ or belittlement when you present to the dental office.
Scary anecdotes of negative dental experiences learned vicariously from family and friends.
Negative, menacing portrayals of dentists in movies, TV, newspapers and magazines.
A sense of depersonalization in the dental process, intensified by today's necessity for the use of barrier precautions, such as masks, latex gloves and shields.
A general fear of the unknown.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY DENTAL FEAR? by Dr. Michael Krochak
The first thing you can do is to realize that your dental fear can be overcome. Fear is a learned behavior which, therefore, can be unlearned. Patient-centered behavior modification that treats you as a whole person, not as a set of teeth can help you overcome your fears. This will obviously take a team approach between you and your dentist and his/her staff. Communication is the key. You must feel comfortable expressing your fears and concerns and have a sense that you are being listened to. If you feel that the Dr. and/or staff is not genuinely concerned and listening, then absolutely feel comfortable with seeking out referrals to other offices.
You should never compromise the level of communication that you feel is necessary to give you a sense of control over your situation in the dental office. Modern dentistry with a compassionate dental team can be truly painless. You can desensitize yourself to your fears if you take the first step and allow the right team to help you overcome your fears. (Look for a future article on "How to Choose the Right Dentist")
A Sense of Control
Explanation and clarification of any and all procedures proposed is your right as a patient. If you have a question about a particular procedure, ask it! Empower yourself with the knowledge to alleviate fear of the unknown. You should have input into treatment decisions and choices. You should be honest with your dentist regarding how much treatment you think you can tolerate at first. As you build confidence in yourself and trust in the team that is caring for you, the length of your appointment and the amount of work accomplished will increase.
A Signaling System should be established allowing you to stop for any reason, whether it be because you need more anesthesia, want to rinse out, or simply need a two second break. The most common signal is raising your hand.
Never be Embarrassed
If you have been ridiculed in the past for your behavior or if you are embarrassed by your present dental condition caused by your neglect, please express yourself honestly and give your present dentist a chance to understand your concerns and show you that they care. You will be amazed at the wealth of treatment options that you might not have thought were possible. With modern dentistry, it's never too late to recreate a new smile!
Relaxation Techniques
If you feel tense in the chair, the easiest way to relax is through forms of physical relaxation. A relaxed body promotes a clear and relaxed mind. The human body cannot be physically relaxed and mentally anxious at the same time! The brain won't process these feelings simultaneously. Physical relaxation methods are easier to accomplish at first as compared to cognitive ones, so practice forms of physical relaxation first.
Examples of physical relaxation are Diaphragmatic Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and various methods taught in yoga . There are numerous books and sources for these methods. If you induce relaxation in the presence of the stimuli that normally induces your fears (the dental environment), the fear response will be greatly diminished over multiple exposures and you will gradually desensitize yourself to these fears as you build confidence. The memories of traumatic visits will be replaced with more innocuous ones and this less threatening environment coupled with your relaxation methods will help you eliminate your fears.
Distraction
As you get more comfortable in the dental environment, you can engage in various distraction techniques that many offices have. The use of a Walkman or Discman is a common technique. Many offices now are equipped with Virtual Reality-like glasses that provide both visual and auditory distraction by allowing you to view videotapes through these glasses while having dental work done. We only suggest using distraction techniques once you have established some trust and confidence because your ability to communicate will be compromised, although it is easy to stop any of these devices if need be.
Predictable Pain Control
Modern dentistry has many new techniques with regards to the administration of local anesthetics to block any possibility of pain. There are many people who have anatomical or biologic variations that do require more individualized techniques in order to predictably achieve proper local anesthesia. This variation must be respected and communicated to your dentist. All injections should be given slowly. The needle itself is not the major cause of discomfort, but in fact, it is the pressure and volume of the fluids being injected that causes the discomfort. There are also great differences in the types of tissue in various locations, anatomically and from person to person, that must be considered when administering injections. There are even computer-controlled machines that are now available to standardize the injection process and make it more predictable than the conventional hand-held syringe.
COMMUNICATE, EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH KNOWLEDGE AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FEARS!
Dental Anxiety Self-Test
Many people have a high level of anxiety and avoid visiting the dentist. This can cause future dental problems. Below are some questions that, if answered yes, may signify that you have some form of dental anxiety. It is important to note, however, that many new, wonderful products and procedures are available that can make the dental visit a pleasant experience.
Do you feel slight uneasiness and tension the evening prior to your dental visit, which makes you cancel your dental appointment?
While waiting in the reception area of the dental office, do you feel nervous about the visit?
Have you had a prior dental experience that was unpleasant?
While in the dental chair, do you feel uneasy and anxious?
Does the thought of having a dental injection make you feel physically ill and tense?
Does seeing the dentist or dental hygienist's instruments make you anxious?
Do you feel embarrassed that the dentist will say you have the worst mouth they have ever seen?
Do objects placed in your mouth during the dental visit make you panic and feel like you cannot breath correctly?
Do you feel that your dentist is unsympathetic only with you?
Fear In The Dentist's Chair
What is the cause of dental phobia? According to a recent study in the British Dental Journal, dental phobia is initiated by a bad experience that unknowingly has become associated with dentistry.
The study has found that despite the advancement of modern techniques and the use of very effective anesthetics, patients still seem to maintain the same level of anxiety as they did years ago. The proportion was shown to be the same today as it was in the 1930's.
Dr. Ruth Freeman of Queens University Dental School in Belfast, wrote the article and explains that if all dental phobia were related to painful experiences from a patient's life, the condition should have gotten better over the years because of all the advanced techniques available today. This however is not the case and it suggests that dental phobia is brought on by outside experiences which are then related to dental experiences.
There are some techniques for relaxation that a dentist can put into practice for people with such trauma. Patients may be given sedation and be informed about pain control and they may be given the advantage of being able to control their own pain by stopping and starting treatment using hand signals.
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