The Tooth Booth Dental Blog

Dental Did You Know: Dental Magnets

2008-06-21T14:00:00.001-04:00

A small rare earth dental magnet (the size of a pulp chamber, typically 0.2g) can easily suspend a 37g steel weight...a force to weight ratio of 185:1!

Source: Neilburger E, Death by magnets: An unrecognized danger in dentistry, General Dentistry, May/Jun 2008, Vol 56, No 4, pg 346-7.

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

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T13:03:00.002-04:00

To all the dads out there (especially my father): Happy Father's 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

Patient Question: Sensodyne-F and Insomnia

2008-06-15T12:56:00.002-04:00

Recently, a patient asked whether there was any relationship between using Sensodyne-F (a desensitizing toothpaste) and insomnia. I couldn't answer him definitively. However, a quick literature search on the Pubmed database including some of the major medicinal components of the toothpaste revealed no known relationship. I did find an anecdote on Google, but no scientific literature.

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

Dental Did You Know: Tooth Bleaching Using 10% carbamide peroxide and Enamel Hardness

2008-06-14T15:26:00.001-04:00

In a recent study, it was shown that bleaching teeth with 10% carbamide peroxide can reduce enamel surface microhardness. It was recommended by the authors to either add professionally administered or self-administered fluoride to remineralize the enamel.

Source: Leandro G et al, Effects of 10% Carbamide Peroxide Treatment and Sodium Fluoride Therapies on Human Enamel Surface Microhardness, General Dentistry, May 2008, Vol 56, No 3, pg 274-277.

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

OraVerse: Reversal of Dental Anasthesia

2008-06-07T08:25:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

The FDA in the US has approved OraVerse, the first reversal agent to reduce the length of effect of dental anaesthesia. Here's the teaser clip from CBS online via WebMD:

According to Novalar Pharmaceuticals, the drug company that makes OraVerse, the FDA approved OraVerse's use in adults and children based on several clinical studies in which patients got an injection of OraVerse or a placebo after undergoing dental procedures under local anesthetics.

In the clinical studies, the patients who got OraVerse regained normal sensation in their lips faster than those who got the placebo. Within an hour after getting OraVerse, 41% of the patients had normal sensation in their lower lip, compared with 7% of those who got the placebo. And 59% of the OraVerse patients regained normal sensation in their upper lip within an hour after getting OraVerse, compared with 12% of those who got the placebo.

Read the rest of the article here: New Drug Reverses Dentists' Anesthesia
Source:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/12/health/webmd/main4088132.shtml

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

Cosmetic Dentistry: Before and After Part 2

2008-06-01T23:36:00.002-04:00

Sometimes patients desire just subtle changes. In this case, the patient wanted his small maxillary laterals (upper teeth beside the two central teeth) to be enlarged to be more reflective of the general size of the rest of his teeth. The colour match was outstanding. Our thanks to Krest Labs for their work.

Before:

After:

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

Blooming Tree - Promenade Court Dental in Mississauga May 2008

2008-06-01T14:30:00.002-04:00

Blooming Tree - Promenade Court Dental in Mississauga May 2008
Originally uploaded by Promenade Court Dental Mississauga

Hi everyone, just testing the flickr to blogger interface (can a Yahoo service work with a google service...stay tuned.) This is the blooming tree in front of Promenade Court Dental in Mississauga.

The Amateur Photographer: May 2008

2008-05-29T10:55:00.004-04:00

I've always liked this little tree in front of the practice in full springtime bloom.

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: Kids and Brushing on their own.

2008-05-28T20:27:00.000-04:00

When is a good time to let kids brush on their own? When they have the ability to tie their own shoes.

Source: Dr. Kelly Blundell (Pedo), Victoria BC Canada, What's Up Kids, Spring 2008. pg 54-56.

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: Amalgam and Brain Development

2008-05-21T20:14:00.000-04:00

According to a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, dental amalgam fillings do not affect children's brain development and neurological status. The study tracked 507 children between the ages of 8-12 for seven years.

Source: FYI Health, AGD Impact, March 2008, pg 24.

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: Phenytoin and Gum Enlargement

2008-05-14T20:09:00.000-04:00

Anti-epileptic drugs like phenytoin can cause severe gingival (gum) enlargement.

Source: Lucchesi J et al, Severe Phenytoin-Induced Gingival Enlargement Associated with Periodontitis, March 2008, Vol 56, No 2, pg 199-203.

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

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T11:45:00.003-04:00

To all the mother's out there who work tirelessly for their families, have a great Mother's Day! (Especially to my mother and mother-in-law :)

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: Nicotine as a Psychoactive Drug

2008-05-07T08:28:00.002-04:00

Nicotine is a reinforcing drug which causes users to crave the drug despite the knowledge of the negative health effects.

Source: Clinical Tobacco Intervention Bulletin, Vol 7, No 1, pg 1, March 2008, http://www.ctica.org

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: Smoking and Life Expectancy

2008-04-30T08:26:00.001-04:00

You lose 3 months of life expectancy for every year of smoking past the age of 40.

Source: Clinical Tobacco Intervention Bulletin, Vol 7, No 1, pg 1, March 2008, http://www.ctica.org

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: Smoking and Doses of Nicotine

2008-04-23T08:23:00.001-04:00

A person who smokes a pack of cigarettes will inhale approx 70 000 doses of nicotine per year.

Source: Clinical Tobacco Intervention Bulletin, Vol 7, No 1, pg 1, March 2008, http://www.ctica.org

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: Smoking and Nicotine

2008-04-17T08:19:00.001-04:00

When delivered by smoking, nicotine reaches the brain in 7-10 seconds.

Source: Clinical Tobacco Intervention Bulletin, Vol 7, No 1, pg 1, March 2008, http://www.ctica.org/

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

Cosmetic Dentistry: Before and After Pics Part One

2008-04-16T00:17:00.011-04:00

I've always wanted to post a few pics of some of the more interesting cases I have done over the years. The first project is a maxillary (upper) reconstruction of a number of broken, decayed, and infected teeth with a combination of root canals, crowns and veneers.

My thanks as always to Krest Labs in Mississauga.

Before:

After:

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

First Nations and Inuit Dental Coverage

2008-04-11T08:47:00.006-04:00

We are pleased to offer dental care to our First Nations (Aboriginal) and Inuit patients, paid by the Government of Canada's NIHB program. To be minimally eligible, you must be a member of one of the above groups with a status card (bring this to your first appointment). Other requirements/information may be needed before accessing the full benefits of this program.

To take advantage of your benefits, contact Jodie at our office at 905 273-7100 stating that you are a First Nations/Inuit person wanting NIHB dental 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

Relaunched Ontario Dental Association Website

2008-04-08T15:25:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone,

the Ontario Dental Association has relaunched and redesigned their website. The new site: youroralhealth.ca emphasizes the new consumer-focus of the ODA's main internet property. Improved graphics, navigation, and interactive areas are just a few of the numerous improvements. I encourage everyone to check it out.

Cheers

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

Draft Preview: Tooth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

2008-04-07T20:12:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, I've been slowly working on this for our website, but I decided to put up a preview. It still needs to be fleshed out a bit and the references need to be put in, but I thought this might be useful as is. I will post a more complete version on the blog and website in the near future.

What is tooth whitening?

It is a process of using oxidizing agents, usually carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to "bleach" areas in the hard outer areas of the tooth (the enamel) that contain stain deposits. Over a period of time, whitening solutions can also lighten the inner areas of the tooth (the dentin).

What causes dark teeth?

In most people, staining of teeth is due to food and drink consumption, especially items that are known to stain teeth (e.g. coffee/tea/red wine). This stain buildup is also often seen with cigarette smoking. In other rare cases, medications such as tetracycline can cause teeth to get darker.

What is the ideal procedure to whiten my teeth?

Ideally, most people require 7 weeks to get a stable colour change with minimal sensitivity. We recommend to our patients to use a desensitizing toothpaste (like Sensodyne-F) for 2-3 weeks before starting to whiten. At the same time, our office takes two impressions, one each of your upper and lower teeth to fabricate custom trays. We then instruct our patients on the proper usage of each kit, usually inserting the trays with whitening gel into your mouth for a period of a few minutes to overnight depending on the type of bleaching desired. After a couple weeks of usage, the desired effects are usually achieved. However, the final stable colour is arrived at 2 weeks after bleaching due to a slight rebound effect.

Will I have sensitivity?

In most cases, yes...ranging from almost none to substantial (this is despite what most manufacturers say). Most sensitivity can be easily managed or eliminated through the use of desensitizing toothpastes and/or gel. This sensitivity is short term and usually stops shortly after the removal of the bleaching trays. Patients who have receding gums and/or many fillings should be aware that they are at a substantially higher risk of sensitivity.

How long does the whitening last?

Usually between 6-12 months before a touch up is required. The actual time depends on a number of factors including coffee/tea intake, staining food consumption, cigarette smoking, and general daily hygiene to name a few.

Will it whitening my fillings or restorations?

No, it does not change the colour of your fillings, thus it is important (if possible) to bleach and let the colour stabilize before restoring teeth so that colours can be matched more accurately.

Does bleaching affect the strength of my fillings and/or teeth?

In general, bleaching does not affect porcelain/gold restorations. It can slightly affect the strength of tooth coloured and silver fillings. It can also slightly weaken cements. To my knowledge, there is no significant evidence showing any structural or irreversible changes to tooth structure.

You seem to promote/prefer the custom tray option versus the in-office 1 hour whitening, why?

I believe it offers the best combination of performance (best results), value (best cost, since it is usually not covered by insurance) and longevity (touch up gels are sold at our cost and only need to be applied every 6 months or so and the custom trays can last up to 5 years).

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: Dental Amalgam

2008-04-06T11:04:00.004-04:00

Dental Amalgam is a mix of metal that is composed of mercury, silver, tin, copper and (in certain cases) other metallic elements. It is extremely durable, and is the most widely used and researched material for fillings. It has been in use for over 150 years.

Source: Fact Sheet-Amalgam, What's in a Filling, AGD Impact, March 2008, Vol 36, No 3, pg 52.

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

Carbamide Peroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide in Whitening Products

2008-03-31T10:36:00.003-04:00

I get this question quite often in interpreting the actual strength of whitening products. In general, carbamide peroxide converts to approx. 3 times less hydrogen peroxide. (i.e. 22% carbamide peroxide is generally equivalent to 7.5% hydrogen peroxide). Ask your dentist about the comparative strengths and weaknesses of dentist delivered vs. off-the-shelf whitening products.

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

Toothbrush Review in the Toronto Star

2008-03-17T10:38:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone, I just came across this review of the Ultreo ultrasonic toothbrush. Please remind yourself that this review comes from a non-dental professional and may contain biased or not sufficiently independent data from the manufacturer.

Here's the teaser quote:

The automation of personal grooming is upon us.

Not long from now, we will raise a generation of children who will not understand the purpose of a toothbrush that doesn't vibrate, beep and require recharging.

One of our most ancient personal hygiene tools has undergone dramatic technological change.

We've reviewed the Oral-B Sonic Complete and Philips' Sonicare brushes in this space before. But there's a new challenger putting its money where our mouths are.

The Ultreo ($170), the brainchild of scientists at the University of Washington, is the first to use ultrasound waves to break down plaque and attack oral stains.

The Ultreo brush head features, of all things, an "ultrasound transducer." The small orange lump surrounded by bristles is designed to channel ultrasound vibrations through water and saliva to create bubbles. Those bubbles, in turn, pulsate and do the cleaning work.

You can read the rest of the article by clicking the link below:

Source: Cribb R, Cribb Notes, Toronto Star Online: March 17/08, Another Leap Forward for our Pearly Whites

http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/346698

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 Testing

2008-03-13T09:34:00.002-04:00

Saliva (spit) can be tested for (among other things): salivary chemistry, oral bacteria counts, quantity, viscosity, pH and buffering capacity. A DNA sample can also be retrieved.

Source (partial): Feldman B, Upfront, OD Editorial: A Different Approach, Ontario Dentist, Vol 85, No 2, pg 6.

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

Closed today due to bad weather

2008-03-08T10:24:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone,

We are closing the practice today due to the bad weather (snow, freezing rain, very tough driving conditions). Jodie will be giving everyone a call to reschedule their appointments to another Saturday or weekday. Please call our practice number if you have an emergency.

Take care and everyone stay safe.

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