At what age should you begin orthodontic care for your child?

Why should I consider Orthodontic care for my child?

Seeking orthodontic care for your child is a personal decision. Some parents are very concerned with the aesthetics of the child’s mouth, while others a comfortable with some spacing or crowded teeth. Many children live with overbites or other alignment issues without the parents feeling the need to seek out orthodontic treatment.  Some people feel that orthodontic treatment is considered to be a cosmetic and an optional treatment, thus it is not sought out by parents as a result. 

Unlike strictly cosmetic procedures, orthodontic care has long-term medical benefits on your dental health. Teeth that are properly aligned allow proper brushing and flossing, and reduce the opportunity for bacteria and tooth decay to develop. Misaligned bites cause chewing and speech difficulties. Finally, misaligned teeth cause additional wear on tooth surfaces. 

When to begin treatment? 

It is quite common for parents to be confused over when to begin orthodontic treatment for their child. The opinions differ among orthodontists as well. Depending on the patient’s condition, the best age to consider orthodontic treatment will vary. Orthodontic treatment corrects overcrowding, underbite, overbite and crossbite. Depending on the age of the child, growth milestones, and the timing that the orthodontist is brought into the equation, the treatment may begin at a very young age. Inversely, children who start too early with treatment can end up needing a second phase of treatment in their teenage years.

Class II malocclusion, commonly known as overbite or buck teeth, is best treated in the adolescent and teen years. Early treatment is recommended for Class III malocclusion, commonly referred to as underbite to align and influence growth patterns of the jaw. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, most orthodontic treatment programs typically begin around 9 years old. The average patient’s treatment plan lasts from 1 to 3 years. (http://www.braces.org/learn/index.cfm)

How is a parent to know? 

The best way to assess your child’s individual situation is to begin a relationship with an orthodontist at the first signs of any abnormality or misalignment. Regular orthodontic checkups will allow your child’s condition to be assessed over time, which allows the orthodontist to make an informed decision about the necessary treatment. Regular visits to the orthodontist also enable treatments to be scheduled around growth spurts or certain milestones.

Unsure of how to proceed? Then make an appointment with an orthodontist. Have your child assessed and ask questions about recommended treatments. Once you take the first step, the rest is easy.

Oral Cancer and Dentistry

Oral Cancer and Dentistry

When a patient goes to the dentist for a checkup, the last thing he wants to think about is serious illness. Many people think that worrying about decay and periodontal disease is quite enough.

Nevertheless, the mouth is a complicated place. While there are pathological processes unique to the mouth, many diseases not generally thought of as "oral" may also occur or manifest themselves in this location. One such disease is cancer. There are nearly 30,000 new cases of oral cancer each year in the United States, and eight thousand people die each year (2-3% of cancer deaths). 1-3 For all the advances of modern medicine, five-year survival has changed little in several decades.1-3

The risk factors are well known, and have been for years. Tobacco use, alcohol, and chronic sun exposure are all associated with oral cancer. Most victims are male and over 40 years old.
2-3 People who both use tobacco and drink are at much greater risk than those who have only one of these risk factors.4 It should be noted that smokeless tobacco appears to be no safer to the mouth than smoking. Smokeless tobacco has gotten increasing attention as it has become more popular.5 Chronic irritation from ill-fitting dentures and human papilloma virus have also been implicated.

Since early oral cancers are painless, they may be easily overlooked. According to James Sciubba, professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, SUNY Stony Brook, "Pre-cancers and early stage oral cancers cannot be adequately identified by visual inspection and may easily be overlooked and neglected even by highly trained professionals with broad experience."
6,7

Patients who do not receive regular dental care may never have their mouths examined for signs of cancer, and even those who have regular care may never have an adequate screening. The American Cancer Society observed as long ago as 1967 that:
8

"the dentist too frequently looks only at the patient's teeth; the otolaryngologist, pediatrician, and general practitioner tend to concentrate on the tonsils; the internist on the tongue; and the general surgeon on the thyroid, lateral part of the neck, and lower lip. The angle of the mandible is the “no man's land” in which all these specialties converge, none as yet having staked out a valid claim. Nor has any specialty laid claim to the extracranial head and neck as a whole."
9

The US Department of Health and Human Services, in its program Healthy People 2010, has a reduced mortality rate from oropharyngeal cancers as one of its objectives.10 Dentists thus must be professionally responsible for providing a comprehensive oral cancer examination for their patients.11,12 There is evidence that recent dental school graduates are more likely to screen for oral cancer risk factors and are more likely to conduct regular oral cancer examinations.13 Screening for risk factors and preventive measures, such as counseling patients regarding the use of tobacco and alcohol, may be even more important than efforts aimed at early detection.14 This counseling may be difficult for dentists who have historically felt unprepared to provide tobacco or alcohol cessation education.13

In May of this year, Surgeon General David Satcher released Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. It is likely these services may be more easily implemented by referral to appropriate health care facilities.
15 The report found a large disparity in awareness of important oral health issues between different racial and socioeconomic groups. Minorities and the poor were found to be more poorly informed regarding oral health and its implications for general health. This had led to a "silent epidemic" of oral disease among the poor. The Surgeon General called for action to promote access to oral health care for all. Satcher's findings are borne out by the significantly higher mortality rates from oral cancer in blacks, when compared with whites. Increased vigilance of dentists, combined with the acknowledgement of the importance of all aspects of oral care by both health care workers and patients, will go a long way toward decreasing the toll taken by this terrible, largely preventable disease.

References

1. Greenlee RT, Murray T, Bolden S, Wingo PA. Cancer statistics, 2000. CA Cancer J Clin 2000;50:7-33

2. Silverman S. Oral cancer. 4th ed. American Cancer Society. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book; 1998:1-6

3. Swango PA Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx in the United States: an epidemiologic overview. J Public Health Dent 1996;56(6):309-18

4. Mashberg A, Samit A. Early diagnosis of asymptomatic oral and oropharyngeal squamous cancers. CA Cancer J Clin 1995;45(6):328-51

5.ADA news release--Oral Lesions from Smokeless Tobacco Dissipate after Stopping Use of Tobacco Products, Study Concludes: July 1999

6. Maden C, Beckmann AM, Thomas DB, et al. Human papilloma viruses, herpes simplex viruses, and the risk of oral cancer in men. Am. J Epidemiol 1992;135(10):1093-102

7. Fouret P, Monceaux G. Teman S, Lacourreye L, St. Guily JL. Human papillomavirus in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in nonsmokers. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;123(5):513-6

8. ADA news release--New Oral Cancer Scanner May Help Save Lives, Study Says: October 1999 |

9. American Cancer Society: The paradox of oral cancer. Brochure, 1967.

10. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy people 2010, conference edition. Washington: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2000:3-16-17

11. Horowitz AM, Goodman HS, Yellowitz JA, Nourjah PA The need for health promotion in oral cancer prevention and early detection. J Public Health Dent 1996;56(6):319-30

12. Meskin LH. Do it or lose it (editorial). JADA 1997;128:1058-60

13. Horowitz, AM, Drury, TF, Goodman, HS, Yellowitz, JA Oral Pharyngeal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: Dentist' Opinions and Practices, JADA April 2000
source: Mark Bornfeld

Sweet, Smile Friendly Valentine’s Day

Sweet, Smile Friendly Valentine’s Day
Is there anything sweeter than letting someone know they’re special on Valentine’s Day, and vice versa? Just as sweet gifts and gestures come in many shapes and forms, the same can be said of Valentine’s treats. From candy conversation hearts to huge boxes of assorted chocolates, Valentine’s Day is can be just as sugar packed as any other holiday.
Around this time of year, heart-shaped treats are offered in abundance around the office and in schools. For the sake of your teeth and your health, as well as those you love, the smartest way to express your Valentine feelings to choose a gesture or gift that bypasses the sugary, sticky sweets. That doesn’t mean having to spend more on holiday staples like flowers, jewelry and themed gifts. A special note, or gift that reflects the receiver more than the holiday, will surely mean more and last longer than a box of their favorite candy (no matter how big it is).
Still, if you can’t imagine a proper Valentine’s Day without sweets, you can find smile-friendly options that won’t ruin the mood. Here are some things to consider when treat shopping for your sweetie.

• Go Dark – Dark chocolate typically contains less sugar than milk chocolate or white chocolate, which has more sugar and fat than cocoa content. The rich flavor of dark chocolate also means you can feel satisfied with a smaller amount; it’s a matter of quality over quantity.  

• Skip The Assortments – Caramel, marshmallow, molasses, maple and other sticky fillings are very common in Valentine’s assortments. These chewy, sticky substances cling to the teeth, where it easily decays your enamel, and even worse, can dislodge dental work. Since chocolate assortment boxes are filled with these decadent downfalls, it’s better to choose a decorative box of one type of candy without a sticky filling, like a ganache truffle, chocolate covered nuts, or a bar of your special someone’s favorite chocolate. Assortment boxes also make it easier to pick and nibble throughout the day, prompting you to consume a lot more sweets than you realize.

• Rely on Xylitol – Xylitol based candy is both diabetic friendly and a natural cavity fighter. Gum, lollypops, mints and more classic candies are available in Xylitol varieties. If you’re going to be baking your own treats this Valentine’s Day, the sweetener can be purchased by the pound and used just like sugar.  

Regardless of how sensible or sweetly you indulge this Valentine’s Day, always make sure to brush and floss after sweets and schedule a comprehensive cleaning if you’re due. Remember, there’s more to Valentine’s Day than gifts and sweets. Make sure you’re wearing a clean, fresh and kissable smile as well!

Sources:
http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/valentines-day-present-healthy-kissable-mouth
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/best-worst-valentine-candy

Your 2015 Brushing and Flossing Routine

Your 2015 Brushing and Flossing Routine
Getting a better job, learning a new language, taking a class, losing weight, saving more money, quitting tobacco, and more are among the most popular new year’s resolutions. These are all great pursuits for improving your life and health, but did you know that only little more than half of Americans brush and floss on a daily basis? When you think about how important these two actions are to preventing the many pains and complication that result from gum disease, one would expect daily brushing and flossing to be somewhere on the list of popular resolutions; troublingly, it is not!
If you are making 2015 your year to lose some stubborn pounds, eat more greens and stay away from tobacco, you’re making a great choice--- and if you don’t do it already, why not add in a change that only takes minutes of your day and could add years to your health?
To help you make a new commitment to daily brushing and flossing, here are some tips to get you started and help you stick with it!
Fit It In With Your Current Routine
As you start and end your day, you probably have a routine that doesn’t vary that much from one day to the next. Whether it’s getting the kids on the school bus or checking your email before you head to work, find a way to work in an extra few minutes to care for your smile. Brushing and flossing is ideally done about thirty minutes after you eat. Simply brushing and flossing your teeth right when you leave the house in the morning and before you go to bed at night is an easy method of establishing routine.
Make It Easy
Since brushing and flossing only take a few minutes, it’s not something one can easily dismiss because they’re too busy. But if the act of brushing and flossing seems difficult or uncomfortable, it may be because you’re making it harder than it has to be. When you understand the proper way to do something, that means the habit is all the more likely to stick. Think about it; when you gave up resolutions in the past, your reason for doing so was probably because it felt too difficult or unnatural to keep up. Preparation and comfort makes it possible to avoid downfall. Try these steps for comfortable brushing and flossing:

1. Get a soft bristle toothbrush that’s easy to operate.  Soft bristles are better for your tooth enamel and more comfortable, but they should be sturdy enough to do the job of removing plaque. If a thick rubber handle, arched neck or electric toothbrush is preferable for your grip, stick with a type that works best for you. The advantages of one type of toothbrush over another really depends on what best suits the brusher, and which you’re able to use with greatest ease.       Remember to replace your brush every three months, after you’ve been sick, or if there is visible wear on the bristles.
2. Get toothpaste you like. There are countless flavors and formulas available in the toothpaste aisle. Find a taste you enjoy, just be sure it contains fluoride and is ADA approved.  An opaque white paste is best for those who are concerned with teeth staining. Toothpaste with potassium nitrate is great for individuals with sensitive teeth.
3. Try a waxed dental floss. Waxed floss cuts down on a lot of the mechanical difficulty of getting the floss between your teeth. Flavored floss can make the process more pleasant for some people, but keep in mind that flavored dental floss is slightly thicker, which can make a difference when you have smaller spaces between your teeth or dental work.
4. Try dental tape. Dental tape is thicker than regular dental floss, but patients with sensitive gums can find it more comfortable.  It also covers more of the tooth’s surface, making the flossing process more thorough.
5. A flossing aid or alternative is better than nothing at all.  If you can’t get into the habit of flossing with traditional dental floss, or find it tough to grip or get around dental work, using a floss pick or dental brush is better than nothing at all. Start out with one of these flossing aids and make an effort to transition into proper flossing.

Make It Rewarding  
As you commit to daily brushing and flossing, remind yourself of the rewards. You’ll have fresh breath, fewer stains and plaque, and a cleaner feeling as you face the day and settle for rest. Your teeth with remain stronger and healthier year after year. You’ll protect yourself from periodontal infections that are costly to your health and your finances. You’ll also have a better experience when you come in for your checkup. Think of how great it will feel to experience all of these benefits, and when you’re asked if you brush and floss every day, you can honestly say yes!

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/brushing-teeth-mistakes?page=1
http://www.statisticbrain.com/oral-hygiene-statistics/
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New-Years-Resolutions.shtml

Happy Holidays and Healthy Smiles – Good Choices for a Cavity Free Season

Happy Holidays and Healthy Smiles – Good Choices for a Cavity Free Season
Although it’s not as obvious as other icons, sugar is as much a connotation for the holidays as anything else. Treats like cookies, candy, pie, chocolate, sweet beverages and lots of carb-rich foods seem as essential to the season as any other form of tradition. While a lot of these fun and festive things make us smile, they’re not especially beneficial for the smile. This time of year is right up there with Halloween for boosting the cavity count, but does that mean you should sit out the season and insist your family do the same? With a few adjustments and a more mindful approach to holiday indulgence, you don’t have to.
When it comes to baking and preparing holiday favorites, whether for or with your family, choosing a recipe that’s naturally low in sugar or less chewy and sticky is better for your teeth. Remember, sugar content is not as big of a factor for cavities and tooth decay as the duration of the sugar contact on the tooth enamel. In other words, the longer the sugary, sticky or carb-rich food stays on or between your teeth, the more damage it can do.
That’s another reason why holiday eating damage control can help save your teeth from cavities. If you can, brush your teeth about thirty minutes after you’ve eaten or had an acidic beverage like coffee or wine. If you’re far from your toothbrush and floss (though it’s not a bad idea to bring them with you for holiday feasts), drink plenty of water before and after you indulge. Not only will you indulge less, you’ll flush away some of the food and drink residue that would otherwise stay on the teeth to stain and decay your enamel.
If there’s anything good about holiday feasting, it usually means there are plenty of choices and alternatives. As long as you’re mindful about what you put on your plate, it’s not hard to prevent and manage smile damage. Skip snacking on crackers and just go for the cheese-- even better than that, hover around the raw veggies. Stay away from hard and chewy candies all together and quell any sweet cravings with a piece or two of chocolate, or just have some xylitol gum or a mint to abstain. Make your side a salad, carrots, broccoli or cauliflower instead of candied sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce or beets. When it comes to sipping hot chocolate, cider or flavored coffee, try to use a straw to avoid slow sipping and contact with the teeth. This minimizes staining in addition to exposure to sugar and acidity.
Last but not least, try to let go of some of that holiday stress and make sure you get rest when you can. Everyone seems to be busy and overwhelmed this time of year, but much of it is preventable and takes a real toll on our health, including the teeth. Grinding and clenching of the jaw, whether conscious or unconscious, causes cavities, straining, cracks, chips and other forms of costly smile damage. The extra caffeine and alcohol or days when things become busy and festive can contribute to bruxism, TMJ and other problems. Enjoy yourself but don’t allow upcoming celebrations to be an excuse for excess or extra cause for stress.
And don’t forget, a new toothbrush makes a great gift for everyone on your list!
Happy Holidays to all!

Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/25884-christmas-cookie-makeovers/
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/cavities-myths
http://www.helium.com/items/2272287-ways-to-cut-back-on-sugar-during-christmas-holidays

Would You Rather Have A Root Canal?

Would You Rather Have A Root Canal?


Can you think of something you’d happily forgo in favor of a root canal appointment? The adage “I’d rather have a root canal” remains so effective because of the unpleasant, downright dreaded, connotations of this endodontic procedure. If you’d rather have a root canal, that other option must be seriously unpleasant.

While the “I’d rather have a root canal” saying will likely live on-- much to the dismay of modern dentists and endodontists – it’s fortunate for patients that the root canal isn’t all that terrible an experience. In reality, a root canal is probably pretty preferable to most of the unpleasant and inconvenient matters we all have to deal with from time to time. Go to the DMV? Be stuck in line at the post office? Lose an hour of sleep? Get a flat tire? Turns out a root canal can actually be less harsh than a lot of everyday things.

That’s because the modern root canal is a painless and efficient procedure—nothing like the torturous experience that plagues childhood memories, dental phobic nightmares, and common misconceptions. The most common cause of pain that’s related to the root canal is actually the infection which prompts the need for an endodontic procedure. So if you’re delaying a root canal due to pain, you’re actually hurting yourself more by not addressing the problem before it gets worse.

Rest assured that root canals can be performed painlessly under a minimal amount of local anesthesia. The process is no more invasive than filling a cavity. Once the infection has been identified with an x-ray and the anesthesia has taken effect, a small hole is drilled in the tooth. This entry point allows the tooth pulp, bacteria, and any infected tissue to be cleared from the root of the tooth. The hollow part of the tooth is completely flushed out and cleaned of all infection, decay and residue. Either during the same appointment or after a brief healing time-- during which medication may be used to ensure the tooth is infection-free-- the tooth is permanently sealed. The root canal procedure is then complete. It’s that straightforward.

Depending upon the need for restoration, the tooth may be protected with an inlay, onlay or full crown—all of which will not only preserve the tooth’s structure, but also make your smile look complete and beautiful.

The terrible reputation of root canals versus the reality is an interesting contradiction to consider. You may wonder why the root canal retains so many dreadful notions. A combination of primitive dental tools and methods throughout history, along with stories of recent day procedures performed without proper knowledge or equipment, likely account for many of the horror stories you’ve heard. You can take assurance that these situations are rare and can be avoided when you rely on accredited and trusted dentists and endodontists. When a root canal is performed by a qualified professional, with modern dental capabilities, there’s virtually nothing to fear or dread.  If you are experiencing tooth pain, don’t hesitate to call our office at 847-247-4444.

Healthy Halloween Smiles

Healthy Halloween Smiles  

It’s October, which means you’ve probably seen store shelves filled with costumes, jack-o-lantern kits, spooky decorations and, of course, candy. Once kids have gotten their back-to-school checkup out of the way and excitement for dress up, parties and trick-or-treating builds, sensible smile habits probably aren’t foremost in mind. Parents face an interesting dilemma in all this. Where do they draw the line between letting their kids enjoy Halloween to its fullest and make the types of memories they fondly look back on, and doing everything they can to protect their children’s teeth from decay, cavities and sticky braces? Are trick-or-treating and Halloween parties a time to indulge and enjoy, or is it an opportunity to teach kids about moderation and keeping healthy, resilient habits? Most parents decide to merge the two options, allowing their kids to have one or two pieces of candy a night, or a handful over the weekend. It seems like a good idea with respect to moderation and patience, but what few parents consider is that two or three weeks of nightly candy can actually be worse than a one night snack-fest, at least when it comes to teeth. One time exposure to excess sugar isn’t as bad for your tooth enamel as prolonged exposure, even if it’s in limited amounts and it’s followed by a thorough brushing. So what’s the best smile friendly way to enjoy Halloween parties and trick-or-treating? The tips below may help you find some balance between keeping the kids excited and smiling, without doing damage to their smiles?

Take Part in a Halloween Candy Buyback

More and more dental offices, as well as schools and other organizations throughout the country, will invite kids to bring in the spoils of their trick-or-treating adventure and donate them for care packages that are sent overseas to troops and charitable organizations. Kids can become very enthused by the idea of knowing their trick-or-treating fun will make someone else very happy as well, especially if they’re involved from the start. It’s a great way to teach a charitable lesson and give kids the wonderful feeling of helping others. Community members can plan a buyback event and offer incentives to kids, such as hygiene kits, gift certificates and prizes. You can also donate candy to a local food bank.

Have an After Halloween Party

Getting back to the idea of enjoying candy as an indulgence, rather than over a period of time, an after Halloween party can be a balance between letting your kids enjoy their candy, time with their friends, and sharing their treats with many others rather than just enjoying it on their own. Make or buy a piñata and fill it. Kids will be more focused on the fun of the party than the idea that they’re “giving away” their hard earned candy.  Provide colorful toothbrushes, mini toothpaste and flavored dental floss as the goody bag. This also gives kids another opportunity to show off their costumes. Lots of candy can be frozen, so if you have a party or celebration coming up in a few weeks, save it and bring it back out at a more appropriate sharing time.

Snack Smarter

If you’re going to go the traditional route and just let the kids have their cake (candy) and eat it too, choosing the right treats can be the best way to minimize the damage. The acidity levels of sour candy can be detrimental to teeth.   If possible, make sour treats like lemon drops, Sour Patch Kids, Pixy Stix and other sour candy off limits. If there’s no way around it, moderation is best. Drinking milk or water with candy can at least dilute the acidity and make it harder for residue to cling on and between teeth. It’s also best to wait before brushing after acidic foods, as acidity softens tooth enamel and can subject the teeth to abrasion. Treats like pretzel sticks, solid chocolate and gum flavored with the decay-fighting sugar xylitol are a bit better than taffy, hard candy, caramel and other sticky, chewy options.

If your kids are due for a fall cleaning, schedule an early November appointment. If you’re going to be indulging along with the kids, come and see us for a checkup and teeth whitening for yourself!