It’s that time of year again when we hear weather forecasters predicting the pollen count.  If you live in Central Virginia, you are accustomed to that number being significant.  Many folks suffer from allergies during this time.  Allergic symptoms can take multiple forms.  Many of them are common and easy to diagnose, i.e. runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, etc.  But did you know that problems associated with sinuses can manifest as tooth pain?

For many years I experienced recurrent pain in an upper back molar.  Interestingly, it seemed to come around the same time of year and then disappear.  My husband, Dr. V., would routinely x-ray and check the tooth for signs of a cavity.  Alas, none was found and the pain would always dissipate.  I have suffered from chronic sinusitis for many years and this often led to pain in the tooth near the maxillary sinus, the sinus closest to the upper molars.

You’re probably wondering how you can know when the tooth pain is the result of sinus inflammation or infection and not a cavity.  Your dentist may need to eliminate the possibility that it is a cavity through x-ray and examination.  If that proves negative, he may suggest that you see your physician and be checked for a sinus issue.

Other clues that it may be a sinus problem is that the pain may increase or decrease when you change your head’s position, either when you lie down or stand up.  You may also find that humidifiers, nasal sprays, and decongestants make a difference.  If it is a sinus infection, you will probably need the addition of an antibiotic.

Unfortunately the beauty that surrounds us can also be a pain in the….mouth!

The recent report of an oral surgeon from Tulsa, OK who was found to be treating patients under unsanitary and unsafe conditions, has caused concern and even fear among dental patients.  His breach of established infection control procedures is serious and cannot be minimized.

As a patient, you may be wondering how you can know if appropriate procedures are being followed by your dentist and staff.  Since cross contamination is invisible, only your dentist can guarantee that it isn’t happening.  It becomes somewhat of a trust issue between you and your dental professional.

But it isn’t totally out of your control.  If you have questions about infection control in your dental office, by all means ask the dentist or assistant to explain what procedures they follow.  It will put your mind at ease to see how it is managed and they should be happy to show you.  Much management takes place between patients before you even arrive. 

When you are seated, watch the team as they move about and glove for procedures.  If they leave the room and return, they will need to re-glove with a new pair of gloves before they touch you.  As you look around the office, are there visible signs that point to strict adherence to guidelines.  Do you see lots of soap/sanitizer containers and staff using them?  Are some surfaces covered with replaceable plastic?

For more detailed information, visit the ADA website and watch the video http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/infection-control.aspx.

The dental community is aware of the recent scare and is sensitive to your concerns.  They are making special efforts to assure you that their environment is safe.  They should welcome the opportunity to put you at peace.

Smoking is harmful to your health.  We are all now aware of this.  But if you need one more reason to stop, ladies need to “listen up”! 

A study that involved one of the most comprehensive looks at women’s health, The Women’s Health Initiative out of the University of Buffalo revealed another interesting fact about smoking.  It linked higher periodontal (gum) disease in postmenopausal women to smoking. The women in the study were long term and heavy smokers. And the more they smoked, the greater the risk of gum disease.

Why is this important?  Because we know that periodontal disease leads to greater tooth loss.  Further, we also know that gum disease contributes to an inflammatory process that may lead to the development of cancer. 

Additionally, tooth loss leads to further issues involving both nutrition and aesthetics.  With the probability that you may live longer and the cultural emphasis on maintaining a youthful appearance longer, this seems like a “no-brainer”. 

Smoking is expensive, unattractive, inconvenient, and a health risk.  So, you’re still smoking because?

If you’re a smoker, make today “the first day of the rest of your life” and STOP!

It’s common knowledge that brushing and flossing contribute to good oral health.  A new study now shows that the use of a germ-killing mouth rinse is also beneficial. 

Many of us think of mouthrinse as a purely cosmetic accessory. We want to make sure our breath is “socially ready”.  While brushing also leaves our mouths feeling fresh, we reach only a small segment of the mouth, your teeth.  We are also prone to cutting brushing short when we are in a hurry and probably don’t even reach all of the teeth at times.  Let’s not even guess about how many folks skip flossing.

It seems like a no-brainer that mouth wash is likely to reach more surfaces in your mouth.  The study showed a clear reduction in the amount of plaque formation and gingivitis (early stage gum disease) in those who used germ-killing mouthrinse twice a day. 

Be sure and read the label.  Not all mouthrinses are created equal.  Choose the one that has germ fighting ingredients. 

This is truly a win/win.  Not only will your mouth feel and smell fresher, it will have the added benefit of contributing to your overall oral health. 

What’s not to love about this? Happy rinsing!

But, surprise there is one situation in which you should wait until you brush. The exception is when you have drunk or eaten an acidic food i.e., soft drink, fruits, or juices.  In those cases it is best to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to prevent weakening or damage to the enamel.  It can be helpful to swish water around in your mouth after consuming something acidic. 

If you’re really on the ball and want to keep those pearly whites in top shape, and you want to consume a soda, you COULD brush your teeth beforehand. 

Just sayin’.

This is particularly true when people are confined in close spaces.  Add to this that dentistry actually puts the practitioner in face to face contact with the patient.  If the patient or practitioner is wearing fragrance, it means that they are both breathing fumes from the perfume the entire time the patient is being treated.  While wearing a mask helps somewhat, it does not eliminate all of the fumes.  Additionally, more and more people are demonstrating allergies to different smells and find it very difficult to be in a space where any fragrance is present.  Your lotion or cologne may actually bother another patient in the reception area.

Compounding this are the numerous products that are used in the dental office both for treatment, cleaning, and sterilizing that emit various fumes and it is easy to see that air quality can become an ongoing concern.  More companies are slowly becoming aware of difficulties this can present and are marketing products that are less toxic or even fragrance free.  As consumers of these products, we are always looking for products that eliminate fragrance as much as possible.

The key to making a difference is creating awareness.  It is normal that when visiting our doctor or dentist, we want to “smell especially nice”.  Actually what would be most beneficial for our health care worker is no added fragrance when going for treatment.  And don’t be afraid to point out if something is making you uncomfortable.  

As our mothers and grandmothers often stated “cleanliness is next to Godliness”.  So take a shower and leave the perfume or cologne on the vanity. 

do everything I can to insure that my mental and physical health are maintained.  Today I was surprised to read of a study correlating dementia and oral health care.

In a release by the American Dental Association, a study out of the University of California, indicated that there may be a relationship between a person’s oral health habits and their risk of developing dementia later in life. In fact, of the 5000+ people who participated in the study, those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day as opposed to those who brushed three times a day, had an 85% greater risk of developing dementia.

While changes due to aging are inevitable, it just makes good sense to do whatever we can to insure that our brain continues to function as well as possible.  Word games, learning new skills, maintaining an active social life, reading challenging material all are helpful ways.  But who knew that brushing your teeth regularly might even give you an edge.

Happy “smart” brushing!

It’s that time of year when “excess” rules, too much of everything.  It is only natural to over indulge when that tray of sweets is staring you in the face or party libations are being passed around.  What does this have to do with your teeth?  Lots!

First and foremost, many of these treats are filled with sugar and often you are not at home.  No dental care supplies are available.  Add to that, arriving home late and tired.  Might just skip that brushing and flossing.  So off to bed we go with sugar and acid clinging madly to those pearly whites.  By the time the holidays are over, this scenario may be repeated numerous times.

What’s a spirited holiday girl/guy to do?  A few tips that you can follow may make a difference.  Put a small dental care kit together and keep it in your purse or car.  There are disposable toothbrushes available now.  Take a few minutes after dessert to excuse yourself and brush and floss your teeth.  Not only will you be exercising preventative care but you will experience the side benefit of refreshing your breathe!  Secondly, your choice of beverage can make a difference.  Avoid high sugar beverages such as mojitos, daiquiris, and pina coladas.  Stick to wine and club soda. 

Most importantly, when smiling broadly as the celebration goes on, be conscious of the importance of caring for that beautiful smile.  Chances are pretty good you will make the extra effort to protect it!  Happy smiling and Happy Holidays. 

Great news for the holidays!  It’s a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, found not only in fruits and vegetables but also in small amounts in the human body.   It looks like sugar and tastes like sugar without the negative effects of sugar.  It is low in calories and has little effect on blood sugar levels. It is tasty and thousands of studies have proved its effectiveness in fighting dental decay and other diseases.  What’s not to like?

This amazing substance is Xylitol, a natural sweetener with surprising benefits that has been given the seal of approval by health professionals around the world.  Xylitol has been studied for 40 years and its benefits go beyond the prevention of dental cavities. 

Xylitol is currently available in some gum, toothpaste, candy, and nasal sprays.  Read the labels, the amounts may vary.  It can also be bought in bulk or packets.  Check your local health food stores or go on online to find products.  Here is a link to local businesses where products can be found http://www.xlear.com/xylosweet.aspx.

Hopefully Santa will leave some of these products in your stocking!  Oh, and make sure the cookies you leave him are made with Xylitol.