Cool Dental Consumer Site

Hi all,

I ran into a nice consumer (patient) dental site called Simple Steps Dental. It contains information in an easy to read and graphic format from Columbia University Dental School. It is maintained by Aetna (Dental Insurance Company).

I'm getting some feedback from people who are using the site. I'll get back to the blog on any critiques or praises they might have. As always, ask your dentist for answers to any dental questions you may have...websites can provide great information but your local health provider can tailor any information to your specific needs.

Take care,

Hans


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Methamphetamine and Salivary Flow

From the Academy of General Dentistry:

Methamphetamine , a sympathomimetic amine, acts on alpha adrenergic receptors of salivary gland vasculature, producing vasoconstriction and reducing salivary flow.

Translation for patients:

Meth reduces the blood flow in saliva glands which reduces the amount of spit produced. This increases the probability of getting cavities.

Source: Klasser G and Epstein J, General Dentistry, November-December, Vol 54, No 6, pg 431-439.


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Where Most Cavities Occur and Why Sealants are Needed

Pit and fissures (those grooves mostly on the chewing surfaces of teeth) are about 12.5% of the overall tooth surface but account for 88% of the caries (cavities) in children.

Source: Boksman L, Have Recent Advances in Adhesives and Materials Dictated a Change in Sealant Protocols?, Oral Health, October 2006, Vol 96, No 10, pg 69-78.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Saliva Properties

From the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association:

Saliva helps maintain a neutral oral pH and provides a reservoir of calcium and phosphate ions to remineralize teeth. Saliva protects oral mucosa and teeth against harmful substances; lubricates the mouth to facilitate chewing, swallowing and speech; and reduces tissue trauma. Saliva contains enzymes, immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, histatins and defensins, which provide local antimicrobial activity. Saliva also acts as a solvent to enhance taste and facilitate the initial steps in digestion.

Source: Gupta A et al., JCDA, November 2006, Vol. 72, No. 9 pg 841-846.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Absence of Teeth

6% of children may permanently be missing teeth (anodontia) with girls having a higher incidence than boys (3:2 ratio). A good indication of missing permanent (adult) dentition is missing primary (baby) teeth.

Source: Misch C, et al. Maxillary Partial Anodontia and Implant Dentistry, Oral Health, Vol 95, No. 8, August 2005


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Maxill and POW Laboratories: Partners in Excellence

A successful dental practice involves more than just the dentist and the professional staff at the office. A whole team of professionals in the sundries (supplies) and dental laboratory areas are needed to ensure the best experience and results for our patients.



I would like to thank Valerie from Maxill for providing quick service, a great product (the toothbrushes have been getting rave reviews), and more samples than I could ever expect!



I would also like to thank the team at POW laboratories. They have (over the years) provided immense guidance, great service and very good laboratory work for our patients in Mississauga and in Tavistock. Their latest endevour was a very nice lunch and learn on the Celera denture technique...I snapped a pic for the blog (hope everyone was having a good hair day).



Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Sipping Soda/Pop and Tooth Decay

From the Academy of General Dentistry:

"Sipping a soft drink all afternoon is more harmful to your teeth than drinking a large soda with a meal and then not drinking any soda for the rest of the day."

Source: Academy of General Dentistry:Children's oral health

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Fluoride and Infant Formula: ADA Position Statement

The ADA (American Dental Association) has released an interim position statement on the use of fluoridated water in reconstituted infant formula. In a word...don't. According to the organization, it is preferred that any formula for infants be created with non-fluoridated water, (since there is most likely enough in the baby's diet to provide an adequate supply for optimal tooth structure).

From the press release:

• Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends human milk for all infants (except for the few for whom breastfeeding is determined to be harmful).
• For infants who get most of their nutrition from formula during the first 12 months, ready-to-feed formula is preferred to help ensure that infants do not exceed the optimal amount of fluoride intake.
• If liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula is the primary source of nutrition, it can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride to reduce the risk of fluorosis. Examples are water that is labeled purified, demineralized, deionized, distilled or reverse osmosis filtered water. Many grocery stores sell these types of drinking water for less than $1 per gallon.
• The occasional use of water containing optimal levels of fluoride should not appreciably increase a child’s risk for fluorosis.

Take Care

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Engadget and Toothbrushes that send Music Through Your Head

Being a bit of a tech-head, I find that sites like www.engadget.com give me information on the bleeding edge of technology so that I can see what may be coming in terms of dental innovation (usually 1-2 years down the road for commercial products.)

The site is written with some dry (and not-so-dry) humour... I quite like it :)

A neat sample of their work that relates to dentistry is this article (in 2005) on toothbrushes that can conduct music through your teeth and bones to your ears.

Take Care,

Hans

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Added Yahoo Health News to Blog

Hi everyone

I'm still changing the layout of the blog, but this time I've managed to add Yahoo Health News articles in addition to the Yahoo Oral Health articles (both are on the side bar).

Take care,

Hans.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Treatment During Pregnancy

There was a great article in the September 2006 issue of Oral Health (Ontario Dental Association), relating to when dental treatment could/should be done on pregnant women.

The following is a chart taken from the article:

Recommended Timetable (Treatment Protocol) for the Management of Oral Health During Pregnancy

1st Trimester: Treatment may be limited due to morning sickness. Only emergency treatment should be rendered during this period.

2nd Trimester: This is the safest period to perform any necessary dental treatment. Pregnant women should be advised to consult their prenatal care providers about the use of anesthetics and medications.

3rd Trimester: Professional evaluation is necessary. Treatment may be impeded due to increased physical discomfort.

References: Gajendra S and Kumar J, Oral Health and Pregnancy: A Review, Oral Health, Sep 2006, Vol 96, No 9, pgs 81-88. Originally adapted from both the oral health topics area (consumer) from the Academy of General Dentistry http://www.agd.org/consumer/oralhealthtopics.html and the American Dental Association (1998)-Pregnancy and Oral Health Brochure.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

New Layout Trial

Hi everyone,

Most of you might have noticed a change in the design of the blog. I'm experimenting with new templates to improve readability and to further expand the features of the blog.

As always, the blog and the websites are a work in progress :)

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Post Halloween Reminders

Hi all,

Just a reminder that parents should always go over the candy handed to their kids. Only consume those that are well known candies, with the packaging intact and from known friends and neighbours. Of course, the candies most likely to enhance your chances of getting a cavity are the extremely sticky ones or the ones that require a long time to consume, (thus exposing the mouth to sugars over a long period of time).

The cute picture to the right is our neighbour's kid, (forget the candy, he's just happy to be out and about :)

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Tiger and Maria: Top Smiles as Rated from Dental Professionals

The AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) has released their list of the best smiles from athletes for 2006, taken from a survey of dental professionals.

Maria Sharapova and Tiger Woods won with over 42% and 59% of the vote respectively.


Reference: AACD, 2006


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100