Oral healthcare and the cancer patient

Sandy Springs Dentist - A higher standard through healthcare well planned

Management of a patient being treated for cancer, particularly where the cancer treatment is located near the head and neck should involve your oral healthcare provider, i.e. your dentist.  Unfortunately, there are very few published studies or guidelines on how to manage the cancer patient during therapy.  Accordingly, there is considerable variation across the medical community relative to specific non-medicated approaches to baseline oral care.

Oral-facial complications are common after radiotherapy to the head and neck, and after chemo-therapy for malignant diseases. Oral Mucositis, also called stomatitis is the most frequent and debilitating complication of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, occurring in about 40% of patients. Oral mucositis is inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth which ranges from redness to severe ulceration. Symptoms of mucositis vary from pain and discomfort to an inability to tolerate food or fluids.[1]

All patients at risk should receive a standardized oral care regime as an ongoing component of their cancer therapy.  Additional interventions may include dental brushing with toothpaste, dental flossing, ice chips, and sodium bicarbonate rinses. These regimens typically include dental work to eliminate caries and existing gum disease before beginning cancer treatment, followed by thorough and frequent cleaning of the oral cavity with a variety of products, some form of pain relief, anti-inflammatory treatment as required and aggressive antimicrobial treatment for any new mouth infections.[2] Patient compliance with these agents can be maximized by comprehensive overseeing by the oral healthcare professional.

Get the facts, ask the Right Smile Center.  If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC.

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] http://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/pdf/mucositis.pdf

[2] Ibid.

Tough Economy - NO Excuse to Skip Your Dental Visits : Dentist Sandy Springs

The first step towards good dental health is brushing and flossing, which costs all of $3.00 to $5.00 every 3 to 5 months.  After that it is about education and knowledge.

It’s pretty obvious that the last few years of this economic crisis may have caused people to make some tough choices with scarce funds.  And skipping dental visits may have risen to the top of the list of least likely things to do with your money.  But skipping dental visits may be more costly in the long run, and not just to your oral health, but to your overall health.  Difficult economic times often find people delaying or avoiding trips to the dentist is something we are seeing more and more these days.

Downsized employees not only have lost medical benefits, but dental coverage as well.  And without regular visits people may not be aware of the many subtle changes that may be occurring inside their mouth because they don’t feel them or recognize them.  And without seeing these changes patients feel they can delay or skip dental visits, not realizing that it takes a trained dental professional to see small changes that if left untreated may develop into major costly dental or even medical issues.

One of the key roles of a dental hygienist is to educate patients about the etiology of dental diseases and what individuals can do to prevent oral health issues. These issues if left unchecked or untreated could affect a person’s ability to eat properly, compromising one’s ability to maintain proper nutrition, which in turn may negatively impact one’s general health.  If left untreated bleeding of the gums or inflammation, which is a slow, relatively painless process, if left untreated, can result in bone degradation and eventual tooth loss.  It may also be a sign of other global health issues such as diabetes, heart related issues or even contribute to infertility or some form of birth complication in pregnant women.

Given these possibilities the dental office is the starting point for dental education.  Education about oral health allows you to take ownership of your success in taking care of your body.  Ask questions.  Proper flossing and brushing of teeth on a daily basis, preferably twice daily, is critical to remove bacterial plaque between the teeth that, if not removed, can destroy the fibers that hold the teeth in place.

In addition to brushing and flossing, good nutrition is key to good oral health as well as your global health.  It is one integrated process.  Certain drinks like red wine, soda, and even healthy fruit juice, can erode the enamel layer of your teeth.  Learn to balance the intake of acidic and alkaline foods. Ingesting high acidic foods and drinks as well as improper tooth-brushing technique are the two main reasons for tooth sensitivity.  Learn to drink more water as a part of your diet.

In this day and age, easily accessible internet websites, such as the American Dental Association offer information on various dental topics.  Read up on subjects that relate to your situation and discuss these topics with your dental professional.  That’s what they are there for.

If lack of dental insurance or sudden loss of income prevents proper professional dental care, talk to your dentist to see if some arrangements can be made to accommodate your new found circumstances. There are numerous low cost or free clinics you can go to as a temporary alternative.  Don’t make the mistake that your oral health can be put off, because your oral health is linked to your global health.

If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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4 Steps to Promoting Good Oral Health – Dentist Sandy Springs

Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining your overall health.  If you believe this and you should, then there are 4 essential guidelines of preventative care to maintaining good oral health[1]:

1.   Floss regularly and floss first- Individuals should floss on a regular basis after meals and before brushing their teeth.  The reason you floss first is to dislodge any food particles trapped between your teeth, which are disposed of while brushing.

2.   Brushing your teeth- If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, good brushing by hand should take a minimum of 2 minutes and should involve brushing in a circular motion.[2] We recommend using soft bristle brushes and toothpaste with fluoride.  The fluoride is important, because the rise in bottled water consumption has led to the decline in fluoride intake.

3.   Mouthwash- We am not sure how effective this is, but if you’re not going to brush twice a day, using a mouthwash that contains fluoride at least twice a day is a good preventative measure that kills the bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease.  Given recent research, we recommend a non-alcohol based rinse.

4.   Your Dental visits- Maintaining your oral health requires regular dental visits at least every six months.  You need to do this for early detection of potential global health problems that could develop into more serious issues and the hygienist can clean areas you might have been missed or areas resistant to the 3 steps above.

Finally, Finding a Dentist that is Right for You

Research shows that your dental care is an important aspect of your overall general health care.[3]  So you need to make sure you find a dentist that is right for you. This can be a difficult process.  Look for someone who’s competent and you feel comfortable with, one you can have a collaborative relationship with. This is important because there are conditions and problems that were not discussed in this article that the dentist will need to pay attention to during your regular checkups. Hopefully after reading this article, you will have a better understanding of the basics for good oral health.   I you have questions or concerns feel free to contact or call.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] All of which are endorsed by the American Dental Association

[2] The electric toothbrush does this for you.

[3] http://therightsmilecenter.blogspot.com/2014/04/global-health-windows-seen-through.html

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

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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 Dunwoody: Small Steps to a Healthy Mouth.

1. Brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste.

Aim for first thing in the morning and before going to bed. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food your toothbrush missed. Make sure you:

 •Drink water that contains added fluoride if you can. Fluoride protects against dental decay. Most public water systems in the United States have added fluoride. Check with your community's water or health department to find out if there is fluoride in your water. You also may want to use a fluoride mouth rinse, along with brushing and flossing, to help prevent tooth decay.

•Gently brush all sides of your teeth with a soft-bristled brush. Round and short back-and-forth strokes work best.

•Take time to brush along the gum line, and lightly brush your tongue to help remove plaque and food.

•Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the best way to floss your teeth.

•Change your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if the toothbrush looks worn or the bristles spread out. A new toothbrush removes more plaque.

•If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them before putting them back in the next morning.

2. Have a healthy lifestyle.

•Eat healthy meals. Cut down on tooth decay by brushing after meals. Avoid snacking on sugary or starchy foods between meals.

•Don't smoke. It raises your risk of gum disease, oral and throat cancers, and oral fungal infections. It also affects the color of your teeth and the smell of your breath.

•Limit alcohol use to one drink per day for women. Heavy alcohol use raises your risk of oral and throat cancers. Using alcohol and tobacco together raises your risk of oral cancers more than using one alone.

•Limit how much soda you drink. Even diet soda contains acids that can erode tooth enamel.

3. Get regular checkups.

•Have an oral exam once or twice a year. Your dentist may recommend more or fewer visits depending on your oral health. At most routine visits, the dentist and a dental hygienist will treat you. During regular checkups, dentists look for signs of diseases, infections, problems, injuries, and oral cancer.

•See your dentist right away if:

 ◦Your gums bleed often

◦You see any red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or floor of the mouth

◦You have mouth or jaw pain that won't go away

◦You have sores that do not heal within two weeks

◦You have problems swallowing or chewing

•Prosthodontists: Dentists trained in restoring and replacing teeth. Other providers include:

◦Dental hygienists: Members of the dental staff who clean gums and teeth and teach patients how to maintain good oral health.

◦Periodontists: Dentists who treat gum disease and place dental implants.

◦Oral surgeons: Dentists who operate on your mouth and supporting tissues.

◦Orthodontists: Dentists who straighten teeth and align jaws.

◦Endodontists: Dentists who perform root canals.

4. Follow your dentist's advice.

Your dentist may suggest ways to keep your mouth healthy. He or she can teach you how to properly floss or brush. Follow any recommended steps or treatments to keep your mouth healthy.

5. If you have another health problem, think about how it may affect your oral health.

For instance, if you take medicines that give you a dry mouth ask your doctor or nurse if there are other drugs you can use. Have an oral exam before starting cancer treatment. And if you have diabetes, practice good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Sandy Springs: 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 1,200 milligrams. This decreases to 800 milligrams thereafter. 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 will 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

Dentist Sandy Springs: Dental Care 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 periodontitus, 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.