You Can See What We See: Digital Dental Intraoral Cameras

We have a special post this week, written by our fantastic hygienist, Pam. Over to her ...

You’ll love our intra-oral camera!  You will now get to see up close and in detail, the state of your teeth. Our intra-oral camera is a small pen-like device that connects to our computer and a large monitor so that you can see what we see as we check out your teeth.

Benefits to you –

The intra-oral camera makes going to the dentist easier, provides patients with a greater understanding of their dental health and allows patients to be more interactive.

Early Detection of Dental Health Problems

The intra-oral camera enlarges your teeth to almost 40 times their actual size on a color screen display. By zooming in on problems we are able to see more than we could with the human eye alone. Often we can find the beginnings of dental disease (like decay and periodontal disease) that may have otherwise gone undetected.

Positive Patient Interaction

The intra-oral camera isn’t just a diagnostic instrument, but a great educational one as well. Most people cannot see into their own mouths, but with the camera we can point out areas of concern and the patient can see exactly what we see. This allows for a better understanding of oral conditions and creates an opportunity to ask questions and become part of the discovery process.

Great Record Keeping

The intra-oral camera helps make record keeping simple. The camera can take pictures of decay or the beginning of an oral condition and save images to a patient’s file. We can accurately track the progress of treatment or problems for years. In addition, we can print and send images to specialists and insurance companies.

The Intra-Oral Camera 

Because it is so small, the camera can reveal images of your teeth and tissues from angles previously unseen. Using the intra-oral camera is completely sanitary, as we use a different disposable camera cover for each patient every time. All images can be digitally stored, printed or discarded following an exam.

- Pamela Philips, RDH

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

This October marks the sixth straight year that the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is presenting National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM), with the Association and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) working collaboratively to increase public awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health.

This year's focus is on the four components of good oral care maintenance: brushing teeth twice a day, flossing every single day, rinsing with antimicrobial mouthrinse and chewing sugar-free gum (optional). We'd like to take this opportunity to remind our wonderful patients to "do the daily 4". During your next visit with Pam, let's start a conversation about how to integrate good oral health habits into your own daily routine. This practices will not only lead to a healthy mouth, but also contribute to improved overall health. 

“Each and every day, dental hygienists educate patients of all ages and walks of life on the value and importance of good oral health habits. The Daily 4 regimen is a great habit to implement, and talking to patients about brushing, flossing, rinsing and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production in between brushings is a great way to open a conversation before discussing patient-specific oral care needs,” said ADHA President Jill Rethman, RDH, BA. “The Daily 4 is simple and effective and can help patients have a bright smile, fresh breath and healthy gums. The ADHA is grateful to the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program for their commitment to help dental hygienists have this conversation with patients — a conversation that can have a huge impact on their oral and overall health. ”

If you want to check out some of the festivities going on this month, use the hashtag #NDHM2015 online to find pictures and stories. 

The Link Between Gum Disease and Prostate Issues

Ashland, OR – For many years now, we’ve known about the unique link between gum disease and other ailments such as increased risk of heart disease. A new discovery points to the likelihood that treating gum disease may also lessen symptoms of prostate inflammation.

“Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine recently released research that this may be the case,” says Ashland dentist Dr. Aron Kivel. “In the report, participants who suffered from prostatitis experienced fewer symptoms while also seeking periodontal (gum) treatment.” 

This isn’t the first time the correlation between the two have been studied. Previous research also proved the link between prostatitis and gum disease, but this new study shows proves the effectiveness of treatment in helping patients with prostatitis.  For those with inflammation of the prostate, urinating can be painful and laborious.  27 men with both prostate inflammation and gum disease were studied and after gum disease treatment. Even though these men received treatment for their gum disease only and not for their prostate issue, most showed significant improvement. Specifically, 21 of the 27 participants displayed decreased prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, which indicate a lessened likelihood of inflammation. Men with the highest levels of inflammation also exhibited the most improvement following periodontal treatment.

So How are the Two Linked?

Gum disease develops when plaque and calculus isn’t properly removed and with time, the bacteria can spread and grow below the gum line. This toxic bacteria can then stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. If left untreated, the bacteria can also spread to the bone, causing further infection and possible bone loss.

Our bodies’ systems are intimately related. The bacteria that cause periodontitis can travel to other organs of the body. While a definitive answer has not been reached for why gum disease is linked to so many other issues, inflammation is the strong common denominator.

Research continues to be conducted around the world exploring the link between gum disease and other serious medical issues, but the consensus is obvious – even without an exact reason why, the evidence points to the fact that periodontitis has an effect on your body as a whole. Undergoing proper treatment for gum disease can very well improve people’s overall health and well-being.

You can prevent gum disease before it becomes and issue by following a thorough home hygiene routine which includes daily brushing and flossing, and regular check ups at your dental office. Because periodontitis is often painless, you might not even be aware you have it until it is too late. By discovering and treating gum disease as soon as possible, your dentist can lessen its effect on your gum health as well as the rest of your body. If you’d like a thorough evaluation of your own gum health, make an appointment with us today. 

Electronic Cigarettes and Oral Health

Ashland, OR – Since their introduction to the market in 2004, electronic cigarettes have seen significantly increased popularity. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that convert nicotine into vapor. Publicized as a “healthier alternative” to regular cigarettes, many users have switched to help them quit smoking. The negative health effects of traditional cigarettes are well-know, but many people are now wondering what risks might be posed by e-cigarettes.

The main issue is electronic cigarettes have not been fully studied. “E-cigarettes are so new that long-term effects of their use are not yet know,” says Ashland dentist Dr. Aron Kivel. “Recent research does show that el- cigarettes can negatively impact oral health due to the presence of nicotine. Another concern is that they aren’t regulated by the FDA. “

The products are sold over the counter and are not subject to the same regulation as actual cigarettes. In fact, the FDA does not regulate them at all. Studies have shown that nicotine, delivered by traditional cigarette or other, does harm to the gums, mouth and tongue.

A report published by the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology stated that nicotine may contribute to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause inflammation and bad breath. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows the blood vessels and reduces the amount of blood that can flow. Without proper blood flow, the gums do not get the enough oxygen.

This constricted blood flow can also hide the symptoms of gum disease, making it harder to be diagnosed. When gum disease is present, it’s the increased blood flow to the gums that alerts your dentist or hygienist to the fact. Diseased gums are irritated and typically swell with blood, and when brushed or flossed, they bleed. This false positive caused by nicotine can fool you into thinking that things are going better than they are.

Nicotine can also be detrimental to people who grind their teeth as it is a stimulant. This fires up the muscles, which makes you grind your teeth more intensely. It may even prompt non-grinders to start grinding their teeth. 

The vaporizing liquid used in these cigarettes contains dangerous chemicals, restricts vital blood flow and more studies need to be conducted to further study the implications of e-cigarettes. Our final verdict? It is safe to say that the only safe alternative to smoking is quite simply not to smoke at all.