Dental Did You Know: Ibucodone

Ibucodone is a new class of narcotic pain killer that combines ibuprofen (200mg) with hydrocodone (7.5mg). Clinical trials have shown a synergistic effect that is greater than the individual components. It has its maximal effect when taken before a procedure.

Source: Kermalli J and Tenenbaum H, Prevention and Management of Acute Orofacial Pain; Treating the Whole Spectrum, Feb 2008, Vol 98, No 2, pg 29-37.

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: Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a good pain killer for dental pain, but has minimal to no anti-inflammatory effects. It also has anti-fever properties.

Source: Kermalli J and Tenenbaum H, Prevention and Management of Acute Orofacial Pain; Treating the Whole Spectrum, Feb 2008, Vol 98, No 2, pg 29-37.


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

Oral Longevity: A Glaxo and ADA Initiative

GlaxoSmithKline and the American Dental Association (ADA) have partnered together, creating a program called OralLongevity (yes, all one word) which focuses on improving and maintaining good oral health throughout life. The program is offering free information to patients, caregivers and dental professionals with the goal of increasing awareness of the need for better oral health. There is a free DVD online and brochure at:
http://www.orallongevity.ada.org.

Source: FYI Health, AGD Impact, Jan 2008, Vol 36, No 1, pg 22.

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: February is National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association (ADA) has a nice web page discussing their recommendations for proper pediatric dental care. Here's the teaser quote:

The ADA recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and if necessary, fluoride treatments, provide children with 'smile' insurance. Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal.

Read the rest of the article here: February is National Children's Health Month

Source: American Dental Association, Online Media Release, Feb 4, 2008, http://www.ada.org/public/media/releases/0802_release01.asp

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

Smoking pot may fuel risk of early gum disease: Study

Found this article in Toronto Star online, here's the teaser quote:

There doesn't seem to be any shortage of reasons cited as to why marijuana is bad for health. Now from the world of dentistry comes another: regular pot-smoking seems to bump up the risk of developing gum disease – and earlier in life than expected.

In a study of more than 900 young adults, researchers found that heavy tokers were 1.6 times more likely to have at least mild periodontal disease, compared to those who had never smoked grass.

You can read the rest of the story here: Smoking pot may fuel risk of early gum disease

Source: Toronto Star Online, Feb 5, 2008 http://www.thestar.com/living/Health/article/300675

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: Whole Grain Intake and Periodontitis

Men who had a higher whole grain intake were 23% less likely to develop periodontitis than those who had less intake.

Source: Sevels I, Clincal Abstracts, Ontario Dentist, Jan/Feb, Vol 85, No 1, pg 16-17.

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