Dentist Buckhead: Mouthwash and Oral Cancer

There appears to be controversy over whether mouthwash containing alcohol may be related to oral cancer.  This controversy arises out the studies that show a link between oral cancer and the consumption alcohol.  By extension, if drinking alcohol may cause cancer than so should alcohol based mouthwash.  Michael Douglas is the most recent case in point.  He has been reported to be a heavy smoker and imbibe alcohol on what is rumored to be frequent in occasions.  The problem is there are no conclusive studies and at this time there appears to be insufficient evidence to alter the ADA’s approval of mouthwash containing alcohol as an effective method for the prevention and reduction of gingivitis and plaque.  The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance to alcohol based mouthwashes after a thorough review of data on their safety and effectiveness.

Of all the studies published on this topic, beginning in 1979, four studies reported some positive results while five found no association. (citations omitted)  What we know is that none of the criteria for causality have been fulfilled by the published studies so far.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an extension of the World Health Organization, now identifies the consumption of ethanol in alcoholic beverages as a carcinogenic risk.[1] Alcohol abuse is associated with cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. Ibid.  However, the reason for this association is not fully understood – it may be due to a direct effect of alcohol on these tissue.[2]  Because of the conflicting studies and endorsements I could advise you to keep using alcohol formulated mouth rinses.  But if you are concerned and wish to stay on the safe side of the debate, there are non-alcohol based mouth rinses available that appear to be effective in the prevention of gingivitis and plaque.

Our job is to try and educate you on the contemporary issues we face in addressing your oral health and if there are any questions you would like to pose, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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·    Johnson & Johnson sued over mouthwash cancer fears (guardian.co.uk)

·    Listerine maker sued over cancer test (telegraph.co.uk)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: The Mercury Filling Controversy (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: Wisdom Teeth Removal (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: The difference between Dental and Physician health care costs (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Buckhead: How Often Should I See the Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

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[1] International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Volume 96. Alcoholic beverage consumption and ethyl carbamate (urethane). Lyon, France: 6-13 February 2007.

[2] Lachenmeier DW. Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. J Occup Med Toxicol 2008;3:26.

Implant Dentist in Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs Periodontist William Zinney, DDS

Dr. Zinney is an Emory University trained specialist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases, oral inflammation and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.  In addition, Dr. Zinney is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathology.  On the north side of Atlanta, Dr. Zinney works in conjunction with Right Smile Center’s prosthodontist Dr. Novy Scheinfeld, also a graduate of Emory University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Zinney has a reputation of making your visits calm and soothing. He practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise ranging from dental implants, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting, to crown lengthening. Dr. Zinney has the training and experience to correct a wide variety of periodontal defects and periodontal disease.

Dental Implants are changing the way people live. And with them people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.  The entire RSC team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve.  If you are in need of a complimentary consult to determine your oral health situation please feel free to contact us.  Dr. Zinney will address your specific needs and considerations.  Contact us now and have your questions and concerns examined closely to make your decision a success.

William Zinney, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Dunwoody: Calcium and Women

While both men and women require an appropriate amount of calcium to build bone mass during their early developmental years, women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a progressive loss of bone mass due to aging. This makes women more susceptible to fractures and possibly loss of teeth from weakening of the jawbone.

For women in the age range of 19-24 years, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium is 1,300 milligrams.[1] This decreases to 1000 milligrams thereafter.[2] Foods rich in calcium include milk, cheese and ice cream, but these also are high in calories and fat.  So, shop wisely and check the labels. Alternatives such as skim or no fat milk can solve the problem. There are a reasonable variety of cheeses and yogurts that are low fat as well as ice cream substitutes. Besides dairy, other healthy foods rich in calcium are salmon, tofu (soybean curd), broccoli, peas, beans, nuts and calcium-enriched grain products.

If we can be of assistance or answer any questions surrounding your oral health, do not hesitate to contact us or call for a complimentary consultation.  We serve Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Dunwoody, East Cobb, greater Marietta, Woodstock, Acworth, Buckhead and Vinings communities.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS. PC.

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

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• Dentist Sandy Springs: Skipping Your Cleanings Costs Money and Health (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs: Teeth Cleanings, more than meets the eye. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs: Why do we survey patients? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

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[1] http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

[2] http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_RDA_for_calcium

Dentist East Cobb: Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are usually the last to erupt in your mouth and can cause crowding or food pockets which lead to undesired gum infections.  About 35% of the population never develops wisdom teeth at all.[1]  For those that do, it is often recommended that people from the ages 17 to 25[2] will need to have this extraction. Contrary to a lot of practices we judge each patient on a case by case basis.  If your wisdom teeth are not causing any noticeable problems, then it may be difficult to determine whether to have them removed to prevent future problems.[3]  It is quite possible that you may never have any problems.  On the other hand it is also possible their failure to erupt could result in problems like cysts, crowding, decay or hygiene issues.[4]

Many general dentists will attempt to extract a wisdom tooth.  Yet 90% of the time we refer out to one of our participating oral surgeons.  The procedure can be done in the office and most of the time that is the case.  However, it is possible that you could have the surgery in the hospital.  If the latter is the case, you may be at a higher risk for complications, so in the oral surgeon’s judgment, the use of a hospital is purely for precautionary measures.

As a part of the procedure, the tooth and the surrounding tissue are numbed with a local anesthetic prior to having the extraction.  Some people prefer to use nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”).  In some cases, there is the use of a mild sedation, where the patient is still conscious but truly unaware of the procedure.  It is even possible that you receive general anesthesia.  If you decide to use the nitrous or sedation dentistry then you will need someone to drive you home following the procedure.  The recovery time is usually 12 to 24 hours of rest, but usually no more than 48 hours.

One of the more notable post procedure recommendations is not to use a straw to drink.  The sucking through the straw may dislodge the blood clot formed in the socket area and delay the healing process.

If you feel you are a candidate for wisdom teeth removal, or we can be of service, please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A                                                                                    

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

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·    Dentist Sandy Springs: A Beautiful Smile Is Precious And Priceless (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: How much do dental fillings cost? and Why? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist East Cobb: Success Rates of Dental Implants (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: Why you might be better off seeing a Prosthodontist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

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[1] http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/parts/no-wisdom-teeth2.htm.

[2] http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php, Wisdom Teeth, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Retrieved 2011-26-08. "This generally occurs between the ages of 17 and 25".

[3] The Right Smile Center doesn’t push to have them extracted, we recommend you read up on the subject at http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php, to help make the final decision.   Please remember that an oral surgeon is going to have a bias towards removal.

[4] Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy Through Adolescence, 4th Edition. 

Oral Cancer Screening

There are eight steps you can engage in for self-examination of oral cancer.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  If you’re not going to see your dentist, then at least take the time to give yourself the exam.  You never know, you could save your life.

If you’re not sure or are concerned about what you see, we are offering free oral cancer screenings all of April.  It’s not a lost leader.  ‘NO’, we will not try to sell you anything.  We think it’s good Karma to give back.  So give us a call.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

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• Dentist Sandy Springs - April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Sandy Springs: Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Why is oral health care important during pregnancy? Because mothers with gum disease have a higher instance of preterm birth, a potentially serious pregnancy complication that may cause health concerns for the infant, typically due to low birth weight.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common form of gum disease known to develop in almost half of all pregnant women likely due to the change in hormones during the pregnancy.   With proper precautions, pregnancy gingivitis generally ends shortly after the birth of the child.  However, it should be monitored by a dentist periodically during pregnancy in order to prevent this form of gingivitis from progressing into more serious periodontitis, an advanced and irreversible form of gum disease that has been linked with preterm birth.

Pregnant mothers with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to go into preterm labor. Prostaglandin, a chemical found in oral bacteria, may induce labor.[1]  Also, high levels of prostaglandin have been found in the mouths of women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

The following guidelines were developed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)[2] in response to the growing concern surrounding oral health during pregnancy:

• Oral Health Education – Counseling and early intervention by healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and dentists to provide expectant mothers with the tools and resources necessary to understand the importance of oral health care during pregnancy.
• Oral Hygiene - Removing the bacterial plaque, which researchers have connected to preterm birth and low birth-weight babies, is essential. Using the correct brushing and flossing methods greatly increase the amount of plaque that is removed from the teeth and gums.
• Fluoride – The American Dental Association recommends the use of toothpaste with fluoride by persons over the age of six.  Echoing their sentiment, the AAPD oral health guidelines advise the continued use of fluoridated toothpaste during pregnancy, and recommends the use of an over-the-counter alcohol-free fluoride rinse to help reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth.
• Nutrition – Educating expectant mothers about proper diet and nutrition during pregnancy will limit unnecessary sugar intake and in turn, prevent plaque buildup.
• Treating Existing Tooth Decay – Expectant mothers are encouraged to have existing tooth decay treated during their pregnancy, which experts believe is a completely safe practice during pregnancy. Restoring decayed teeth will help achieve oral health by removing the bacteria associated with tooth decay.
• Transmission of Bacteria – Expectant mothers are discouraged from sharing food and utensils in order to prevent the transmission of the bacteria known to cause tooth decay.
• Use of Xylitol Gum – Expectant mothers are encouraged to chew xylitol gum (four times a day) as research suggests that chewing this gum may decrease the rate of tooth decay in children.

And ALWAYS Talk to Your Dentist!

Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant may want to consider their oral health before becoming pregnant.[3]  If we can be of assistance or answer any of your questions please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentist Dunwoody: Oral Health, Women and Pregnancy (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Dunwoody: Women and Oral Health Issues (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

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[1] Synthetic prostaglandins are used to induce childbirth or abortion.  www.En.wikipedia.org/wiki/prostaglandin

 

 

[2] http://www.aapd.org/

 

[3] Unfortunately, research suggests, treating existing gum disease in pregnant women does not reduce the instance of preterm birth.  Despite this fact, experts insist that regular oral health care should continue throughout pregnancy.



Dentist Sandy Springs: Cosmetic Dentistry is not a specialty!

Cosmetic dentistry is not an ADA-recognized specialty.  In order to be a recognized specialty a discipline must demonstrate 6 requirements, of which in pertinent part,

[t]he specialty must document scientifically, by valid and reliable statistical evidence/studies, that it: (a) actively contributes to new knowledge in the field; (b) actively contributes to professional education; (c) actively contributes to research needs of the profession; and (d) provides oral health services for the public; all of which are currently not being met by general practitioners or dental specialists.[1]

These requirements as they relate to a post-graduate dental degree are fulfilled by the specialty in prosthodontics.  So the next time you read about a dentist claiming to be a ‘cosmetic dentist’, you need question by ‘who’s’ authority or recognition does he or she make that claim, because it doesn’t exist[2].

Prosthodontists make up less than 2% of all the dentists in the United States.  Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory University trained prosthodontist and has practiced in metro Atlanta since 1988.  Go with a “PRO”.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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• ADA Accredited Prosthodontist is Your Cosmetic Dentist: Buckhead Atlanta (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Sandy Springs Dentist Novy Scheinfeld is a Prosthodontist. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Dunwoody: How Do You Find a Good Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

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[1] ADA News November 5, 2012, Pg. 27.

[2] This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmetic_dentistry

 

Dentist Dunwoody: Teeth Cleanings and Your Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is preeminent in maintaining your overall health.   Poor oral health has been linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, stroke, extremely high-birth weight, and premature births.  Often, diseases give their first warning signs in the form of oral problems.

There are four basic steps to maintain good oral health:

1. Brush at least twice daily.
2. Floss every day.
3. Limit your consumption of junk food.
4. Visit the dentist regularly.

When brushing and flossing, the proper technique is important.  Also, using the right products is equally important.[1] Without consistent care, several oral health problems can result.  Risks of gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and other gum diseases can lead to oral cancer or tooth loss.[2]

 Here are some simple lifestyle changes that will improve oral health:

1. Set an example for your children by practicing good oral health care habits.
2. Check your children’s mouth for bleeding gums, swollen gums, gums receding away from teeth.
3. Check for bad breath.
4. Eat a balanced and nutritional diet.
5. Educate your children about the health risks of tobacco use.[3]

Age-specific recommendations.

Infants:

• For mothers to be, tetracycline is a no no.[4]
• Teething usually starts at around 6 months and should be brushed and flossed daily.
• Avoid baby bottle decay by not allowing your baby to fall asleep with a bottle full of juice or milk.[5]
• If your water is not fluoridated, ask your doctor about daily fluoride supplements.[6]

Toddlers/Children:

• Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for toddlers, but the habit may result in permanent bite issues.[7]  
• Make sure to use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing your child’s teeth.
• At age two (2) schedule regular dental appointments.

Teenagers:

• Emphasize the importance of oral hygiene.
• Again, set a good example by practicing good oral hygiene yourself.
• Keep junk foods to a minimum for snacking.
• Discourage oral piercings as they increase the risk for oral infections and can cause injury to their teeth.

Adults:

• Brush twice daily, maybe more when possible.
• Floss at least once a day
• Watch for signs of gum disease such as redness, swelling or tenderness.[8]
• Visit the dentist at least twice each year for regular check-ups.[9]
• Limit sugary foods and soft drinks.

While practicing good oral hygiene is vital to your health, there is only so much that personal oral maintenance can do, so visiting your dentist for regular checkups is vital to your global health.[10]

The following is a list of reasons why you should visit your dentist frequently:

1) To prevent gum disease[11]

2) To prevent oral cancer[12]

3) To avoid losing your teeth[13]

4) To prevent dental emergencies[14]

5) To help maintain good overall health[15]

If we can be of service or answer any of your concerns, please call our office for a complimentary consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Article Sources:

Colgate World of Care http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/OralHygieneBasics/FamilyGuideOralHealth.cvsp

Learn4Good http://www.learn4good.com/health/dental_health.htm

Caucus Educational Corporation http://www.caucusnj.org/caucusnj/special_series/oralhealth/importance.asp

U.S. Surgeon General http://www.perio.org/consumer/children.news.htm

“Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Dentist” by Tammy Davenport http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalhealth/tp/visit_dentist.htm

The Oral Cancer Foundation http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/

The American Dental Association http://www.ada.org/

Colgate Family Guide to Oral Care http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/OralHygieneBasics/FamilyGuideOralHealth.cvsp

About the ADA seal of acceptance. (2005, March 14). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from American Dental Association Web site: http://www.ada.org/ada/seal/index.asp

American Dental Association News Releases. (2008, February 4). A reminder to parents: Early dental visits essential to children's health. American Dental Association. Retrieve February 6, 2009, from http://ada.org/public/media/releases/0802_release01.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006, December). Oral Health for Adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Oral Health. Retrieved February 6, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult.htm

Oral health in America: Summary of the surgeon general's report. (2006, April 16). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/Oralhealth/publications/factsheets/sgr2000_05.htm

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[1] When buying any dental products, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA seal is an important symbol of the dental product's safety and effectiveness (ADA Seal, 2005).

[2] This “silent epidemic” (U.S. Surgeon General) can be avoided by regular treatment at home and dental visits twice each year.

[3] Smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for gum diseases.

[4] A common antibiotic that causes tooth discoloration to your child and should not be used by nursing mothers or by expectant mothers in the last half of pregnancy.

[5] Try water or a pacifier and make sure to wipe teeth and gums with a gentle cloth or gums after feeding

[6] Fluoride is very important even before teeth start forming.

[7] Buck teeth or overbite.

[8] Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.

[9] Generally, plaque begins forming to maturity about every 3 months.

[10] "Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal" (American Dental Association [ADA], 2008).

[11] Gum disease, specifically gingivitis, is a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss. If gum disease is discovered and diagnosed early, it can be treated. However, if left untreated, gum disease can become periodontitis, a more severe and irreversible stage. This may lead to serious damage of the gum tissue and jaw bone, causing your teeth to fall out. This late stage of gum disease can also increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke.

[12] According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, a United States citizen will die from this type of cancer every hour of every day. Of similar concern is the fact that out of the 34,000 newly diagnosed Americans every year, only half of these people will be alive in the next five years. However, while attending your regular dental checkup, your dentist and oral hygienist screen you for this specific cancer. If diagnosed early, there is a good chance that oral cancer can be treated successfully.

[13] Without your teeth, normal eating habits can obviously be far more difficult. Also, taking care of your natural teeth now will help you avoid paying for dentures later. As stated previously, gum disease can easily lead to adult tooth loss, but regular visits to your dentist and good oral hygiene can prevent it.

[14] Toothaches, a broken jaw, chipped teeth, and other dental emergencies can be easily avoided with regular dental visits. Early signs or symptoms of these unpleasant conditions can be detected and treated by your dentist. If left untreated, you may have to endure root canals or forced tooth removals- these treatments are significantly more expensive than preventative care such as regular check-ups (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2006).

[15] Since gum disease is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer, regular visits to your dentist can help prevent and treat this disease. By treating conditions early and learning from your dentist how to prevent oral damage, you can achieve better health and ultimately better quality years of life.