My musings about Dentistry. From the desk of Dr. Hans Skariah: Dentist at Promenade Court Dental and Plattsville Dental.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Dental Injection Pace
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Mandibular Block Failure Rates
Source: Lecture from David Isen, May 26, 2010 (d.isen@rogers.ca) from a Powerpoint Slide referencing Claffey et al, J of Endo Aug, 2004.
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
Friday, June 11, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology
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
Friday, May 21, 2010
Our New Logo!
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Our New Logo! |
Thanks everyone!
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
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Long Term Care Residents and Lack of Denture Hygiene
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Long Term Care Residents and Lack of Tooth Hygiene
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
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Vacation Day Today: Office is Closed
I am taking some time off this weekend for my wedding anniversary. (7 years on May 10th!) Oh my, time has flown by! The practice will be closed on Saturday and will resume normal operations on Monday afternoon at 3pm. As always, our emergency number is available by calling our main number and you can always leave a message on the voicemail. Jodie and I will be checking the messages over the weekend.
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
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Increases in Blood Pressure with Dental Anesthetics
Most dental anesthetics that are typically used contain epinephrine (adrenaline). Studies have shown an increase of 10-20 mmHg (to between 130-150 mmHg) in the systolic blood pressure vs non-epinephrine containing anesthetics.
Source: Wahl M and Brown R, Dentistry's Wonder Drugs: Local Anesthetics and Vasoconstrictors, Dental Style (Canadian Edition-Academy of General Dentistry), May 2010 pg 48-66.
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
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Dental Infections Part 4...The Three Stages of Infection (Abscess)
- mild, localized discomfort
- usually fluctuant and tender to touch
- pus is present
- skin is usually red in the periphery
Source: Gregoire C, How are Odontogenic Infections Best Managed?, JCDA, April 2010, Vol 76, No 2, pg 114-116
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
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Dental Infections Part 3...The Three Stages of Infection (Cellulitis)
Source: Gregoire C, How are Odontogenic Infections Best Managed?, JCDA, April 2010, Vol 76, No 2, pg 114-116
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
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Dental Infections Part 2...The Three Stages of Infection (Inoculation)
Source: Gregoire C, How are Odontogenic Infections Best Managed?, JCDA, April 2010, Vol 76, No 2, pg 114-116
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
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Dental Infections Part I
The first line of defence is a prescription for Penicillin V, 600mg every six hours, supplemented with 500mg of Metronidazole twice a day for advanced cases.
Source: Gregoire C, How are Odontogenic Infections Best Managed?, JCDA, April 2010, Vol 76, No 2, pg 114-116
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
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Tooth Whitening in the Past
Source: Alford A, Clinical Report: The use of 10%, 16%, 22% Carbamide Peroxide and 3%, 7.5%, 9.5% Hydrogen Peroxide Materials for at-home Vital Tooth Bleaching in Combination with Active and Passive Treatment Modalities for Control of Tooth Sensitivity and Gingival Irritation, Oral Health, March 2010, Vol 100, No 3, pg 90-101.
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
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Practice Philosophy
Dear Patient,
We understand that choosing a new dentist and dental health team can be a challenge, leaving you feeling somewhat uncertain. Let us welcome you and share some insights about what we do for our patients. The philosophy guiding our practice is as follows:
In other words, we help you be or become as healthy as you choose. Instead of just telling you how healthy you ought to be, we will try to help you understand your choices about dental health and then let you make a free and informed decision. Your first choice in this regard is how you would like to begin with us. There are five levels on which people may choose to be seen in our practice:"Our purpose is to help people achieve the highest level of dental well-being and in so doing, to enhance the quality of their lives."
- Level 1...URGENT CARE: People in crisis or with an emergency problem such as pain, swelling, or bleeding that need our immediate help are at this level. We see urgencies immediately, whenever possible.
- Level 2...REMEDIAL CARE: People who choose this level of care desire treatment only when something breaks or becomes uncomfortable. Generally people at this level expect a limited type of examination, focusing on obvious problems. They usually want to correct immediate problems with as little effort and cost as possible.
- Level 3...SELF-CARE: Patients who choose this level of care want a thorough examination and take an active part in the treatment and prevention of present and future disease problems. However, they usually choose repair solutions that are short range in nature.
- Level 4...COMPLETE DENTISTRY: Patients at this level are similar to people described in level 3. They choose to have a thorough examination. However, they decide on a MASTER PLAN to formulate a long-term treatment plan for health and repair. These patients are very concerned about treating the causes of dental disease, not simply the effects. These patients want all dental treatment provided to be completed in the most lasting fashion possible.
- Level 5... LOOK YOUR BEST: People in this group are in level 4 as far as dental health is concerned, but also want to look their best at all times. They know that their smile is one of the first things others notice about them and want to put their best foot (face) forward.
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
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Baby's Death Linked to Pregnancy-Related Gingivitis
In a landmark case, researchers were contacted by a 35 year old woman who had recently delivered a still-born baby at 39 weeks and 5 days gestation: full term. Postmortem microbial studies found the presence of F. nucleatum in the lungs and stomach. The baby died from a septic infection and inflammation caused by bacteria.
Researchers used DNA-cloning technologies found a match between the oral bacteria of the mother and the bacteria in the baby's lungs. Bleeding associated with gingivitis allowed the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and work its way to the placenta. The mothers immune system usually takes care of this situation, but she also experienced a upper respiratory infection which may have weakened her immunity enough to allow the bacteria to colonize the uterus.
Source: Han Y et al, Term Stillbirth Caused by Oral Fusobacterium nucleatum, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feb 2010, Vol 115, Issue 2, Part 2, pp 442-445.
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
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Article: How a family reduced its toxic footprint
I saw this interesting article in the Toronto Star Online Edition, about reducing/eliminating toxic products in everyday hygiene items. Here's the teaser quote:
I stick my nose deep into Marika Goode's armpit and inhale. She's right. She doesn't stink. Not bad for a woman who hasn't purchased deodorant for a year. Her breath smells minty. And her hair is voluminous and shiny. She hasn't bought toothpaste or shampoo for a year either.
How does she do it?
"I'm going to make you some toothpaste," says Goode, 47, setting a white mixing bowl on her kitchen counter. "Do you like spearmint or peppermint?"
Although, I like what she is doing, a warning needs to be let out on the toothpaste side, especially concerning people with sensitive teeth. Baking soda is an abrasive that might make sensitive teeth even more sensitive after use.
As always, when using a particular item we all have to weigh the pros and cons and come up with a decision on whether there is a net benefit. (By the way, the greatest impact in cleaning your teeth is not your toothpaste or toothbrush but the time spent brushing...2 minutes/twice day is great)
Source: Porter C, Porter: How a Family Reduced its Toxic Footprint, Toronto Star Online, March 24, 2010, Read on March 24, 2010, http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/784935--porter-how-a-family-reduced-its-toxic-footprint?bn=1
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
Friday, March 19, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Dental Personnel and TB
Source: Cleveland J et al, Tuberculosis Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Infection Control Recommendations for Dental Settings, Peak Dispatch, Feb/Mar 2010, Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
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
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
PepsiCo Pulls its Sugary Drinks from Schools (finally!)
The world's No. 2 soft drink maker, PepsiCo Inc., has pledged to pull high sugar soda from schools around the world by 2012. The company said Tuesday it is "voluntarily adopting" the global policy following discussions with the World Heart Federation in Geneva. The decision to pull the calorie-laded mainstay of the company's product line from every school marks the first such move by a major soft drink producer.
It comes after years of campaigning by public health agencies to limit children's access to foods linked to the rising tide of childhood obesity.
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
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
New Ad: (Proposed) Final Edition
Here's the (proposed) final edition of the advertisement. Thanks to friends, family and patients for their feedback (wow!). This will be posted in the elevators in the buildings surrounding our practice.
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
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Glaxo Removing Zinc from Denture Creams: Part 2
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) warns about a potential health risk associated with long-term, excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives Poli-Grip "Advanced Care," "Extra Strength" and "Ultra Fresh."
Media Releases from Glaxo Smith Kline:
GSK will stop manufacturing these zinc-containing denture adhesive and plans to replace them with zinc free products.
While zinc is an essential part of the diet, recent publications suggest that an excessive intake of zinc-containing denture adhesives over several years may lead to the development of neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulties with walking and balance, and blood problems such as anemia.
Poli-Grip is safe to use as directed in the product label. However, some consumers apply more adhesive than directed and use it more than once a day. Therefore, as a precautionary measure to minimize any potential risks to these consumers, GSK has voluntarily stopped the manufacture, distribution and advertising of these products.
Health Canada has not to date issued a recall of the product. These measures are being taken by GSK.
ODA Members may wish to advise patients who use denture adhesives to:
- follow package instructions
- use zinc-free alternative such as Poli-Grip "Original," "Comfort Strips" or "Powder" and
- arrange a consultation with you to assess ill-fitting dentures.
Consumers with questions may call GSK at 1-888-521-8033.
Source: ODA Advantage Email Sent Feb 22, 2010, Read on Feb 23, 2010.
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
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Glaxo Removing Zinc from Denture Creams
I saw this article on Zinc and denture creams and the link with neurological problems. Here's the teaser quote from the Globe and Mail:
You can read the rest of the article here: Zinc to be removed from some denture creamsAfter being hit with dozens of lawsuits and growing questions about product safety, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Inc. announced yesterday it will stop selling denture creams that contain zinc.
Excessive zinc intake can cause serious neurological problems and lead to numbness, tingling or weakness in the limbs as well as difficulty walking and balancing or anemia and other blood problems, the company said.
The company said it’s a precautionary move designed to prevent any potential long-term health problems in people who use zinc-containing Poli-Grip in excess of the amount indicated on the label.
And they’re also warning consumers who are using too much of the product to immediately stop and see their doctor if they have any concerns.
Source: Globe and Mail Online, Feb 19, 2010, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/zinc-to-be-removed-from-some-denture-creams/article1474174/ Read Feb 20/2010
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
Thursday, February 18, 2010
I'm wanting feedback on this potential advertisement
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
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Dental Did You Know: What's in your Toothpaste Part 2
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
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Dental Did You Know: What's in your Toothpaste Part 1
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
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Dental Radiation and Airport Scanners?
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
Monday, February 01, 2010
Dental Records for Canadians Missing in Haiti
The massive earthquake that recently struck Haiti has affected an estimated 3 million people according to the Canadian Red Cross, resulting in extreme injuries and significant loss of life. As of January 22, over 300 Canadians are still unaccounted for in Haiti.
Canada is responding to the disaster in several ways including providing troops and personnel for humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and disaster victim identification (DVI). Dental records are one of the most important sources of identification for all DVI efforts. Since Canada has such a high standard of dental care, dental records will form the basis of the positive identification of missing Canadian citizens. Using dental records is a highly accurate and inexpensive method of identifying a person during a disaster.
Original dental records and radiographs of all types are needed to help identify missing citizens. Chief coroners, chief medical examiners and/or police departments in each province will develop a list of missing and presumed deceased persons. They will then attempt to acquire antemortem records for these people, including dental records from treating dentists and data from other sources such as medical records, fingerprints or DNA.
As always your generosity to the people of Haiti is needed at this time...please give generously.
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
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Early Childhood Caries and Body Weight
Source: Ezer M et al, Early Childhood Caries: The Dental Disease of Infants, Oral Health, Jan 2010, Vol 100, No 1, pg 8-12.
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
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Dental Did You Know: Early Childhood Caries (Cavities)
Source: Ezer M et al, Early Childhood Caries: The Dental Disease of Infants, Oral Health, Jan 2010, Vol 100, No 1, pg 8-12.
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
Friday, January 29, 2010
Dental Did You Know: First Visit to the Dentist
The concept of a dental home refers to the establishment of an early relationship between the child, parents and the dentist. This initial meeting allows the dentist to record a thorough medical and dental history, oral exam, establish the child's risk of developing dental disease, establish a patient-specific recall interval and educate the parents early on to prevent dental disease. (edited for brevity-HS)
Source: Farkouh D, Infant Oral Health-Establishing a Dental Home, Oral Health, Jan 2010, Vol 100, No 1, pg 3.
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
Friday, January 01, 2010
Mobile Dental Website
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
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Have a Merry Christmas and our Holiday Hours
First of all, thanks for a record breaking year in terms of patients, procedures and gifts! (wow!). Jodie, Gloria and myself are truly blessed to have a great pool of patients. We are adding another hygienist to accomodate our growth as well as new computers in 2010. Our new flat screens (long anticipated.... should be a reality this year for our operatories). You'll be able to listen to a vast selection of music and shows as well as watch the Raptors and Leafs lose in stunning HD while having a procedure done.
On a more serious note, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Treasure your time with family and friends, life is very fast and getting faster by the day!
Just a reminder that we are closed the 25th and 26th and will return with limited hours on the 28th. We are closed on 29th and 30th as well as the 1st of January. Limited hours continue that week also, (we are closed on the 5th and 6th). Normal operations begin on the 7th.
Have a great holiday!
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
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Ministry of Health Website for Health Professionals and Consumers
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 Family Health Teams On The Way
December 11 - Ontario is creating 19 new Family Health Teams across the province to provide better access to family health care.
December 4
Ontario Expands Flu Immunization Program
December 1
New Law Increases Access to Health Care
November 29
Ontario Expands Access to Cancer Drug
November 27
Monday, December 07, 2009
Dental Did You Know: Dentists in Canada
Some quick facts about dentists in Canada:
- There are over 18 000 dentists in Canada
- Approximately 76% of Canadian dentists are male
- Over 80% of Canadian dentists are 40 years of age or under
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
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Second hand (Passive) Smoking and Caries
- The PS group had few caries free children
- PS children had a mean DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) score two times higher
- PS children had higher counts of S Mutans and lactobacilli
- PS children had declines in salivary pH, flow rate and buffering capacities
Source: Sevels I, Clinical Abstracts, Cigarettes and Cavities, Ontario Dentist, Nov 2009, Vol 86, No 9, pg 14-15.
Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMDPromenade 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
Friday, November 20, 2009
New York Times Dental Article: A Dental Shift: Implants Instead of Bridges
If I have one serious regret about my age, it is that my permanent teeth developed before New York, my hometown, got fluoridated water. I first lost a permanent molar to decay in my early 20s, and the resulting bridge has had to be replaced several times in subsequent decades, ultimately as a four-part apparatus.
Now that has to go as well. Because I could not floss and clean properly under the bridge and between the supporting crowns, I developed a severe periodontal infection.
Dr. Michael Zidile, the young periodontist I consulted, took one look at my mouth and said: “This is not how we do restorations nowadays. A bridge is not a permanent solution and makes it too hard for most people to keep their gums and underlying bone healthy. Now we do implants and individual crowns where needed.”
Read the rest of the article here: A Dental Shift: Implants Instead of BridgesSource: New York Times, A Dental Shift: Implants Instead of Bridges, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/health/17brod.html?_r=1&ref=health Read on Nov 20, 2009
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
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Dental Did You Know: Lung Cancer Risk After Quitting Smoking
Source: Smoking Cessation Rounds Vol 3, Issue 4 (Table 1) 2009, Available at http://www.smokingcessationrounds.ca
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
Monday, November 09, 2009
Dental Did You Know: Dental Services Most Valued by Canadians 40+
In a survey on dental services most valued by Canadians 40+ as reported in October's Oral Health Journal:
- 75% wanted fillings for cavities
- 74% wanted to prevent gum disease
- 63% wanted treatment to prevent cavities
- 40% wanted implants
- 25% wanted cosmetic treatment
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
Monday, November 02, 2009
Web article: How to keep treats from doing scary things to teeth
I saw this article online on the CBC.ca website, here's the teaser quote:
Here are a few things to keep in mind before allowing children to dig into a bag of tasty treats.
Read the rest of the article here: How to keep treats from doing scary things to teeth
Source: http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009/10/29/f-halloween-dental-health-candy.html Read on Nov 2, 2009.
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
Friday, October 30, 2009
H1N1 Update
- Children under 5
- Women who are pregnant
- People with chronic conditions such as: heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma and chronic lung disease, liver disease, blood disorders, severe obesity, immunosuppressed people, neurological disorders
- Wash your hands frequently (for 20 seconds or use an alcohol based sanitizer)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Cough and sneeze into your arm
- Get your H1N1 shot
- Keep common surfaces clean and disinfected
- If you get sick...stay home!
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
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Diazepam (Valium) Usage in Dentistry: Basic Facts
Diazepam (Valium), a longer acting sedative, has been used on anxious patients to allow dental procedures to be done in a more reliable fashion. The usual use of Diazepam are as follows:
- Dose range: 2-20mg
- Tablet form: 2, 5, 10mg
- Oral Solution: 5mg/5ml and 5mg/ml
- Onset: 20-40 minutes
- Half Life: >24 hours
- Best used: in the evening before a sedation appointment and can be followed on the appointment 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
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Shortage of Dentists for our American Friends?
Residents of the United States who need teeth extracted may soon have to do it the old-fashioned way — with pliers, whisky and elbow grease — because there may not be enough dentists to go around.
The number of practicing dentists is projected to start declining in 2014, which will likely exacerbate an existing problem: the unwillingness of many to practice in rural areas. Further compounding the problem are such factors as a continuing migration from general practice to specialties like orthodontics, the closure of dental schools, a decrease in the size of graduating classes, the forthcoming mass retirement of older dentists and the growing number of female dentists, who tend to work fewer hours than their male colleagues.
You can read the rest of the article here: United States Faces Dentist Shortage
Source: Canadian Medical Journal Website http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/21oct09_dentist_shortage.shtml Read on Oct 27/2009
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
Monday, October 26, 2009
Triazolam (Halcion) Usage in Dentistry: Basic Facts
Triazolam (Halcion), a shorter acting sedative, has been used on anxious patients to allow dental procedures to be done in a more reliable fashion. The usual use of Triazolam are as follows:
- Dose range: 0.125-0.5mg
- Tablet form: 0.125, 0.25mg
- Onset: 15-30 minutes
- Half Life: 1.5-5 hours
- Best used for: short to moderate length dental appointments (2-4 hours)
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
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Ativan Usage in Dentistry: Basic Facts
- Dose range: 0.25-4mg
- Tablet form: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0mg
- Liquid form: 2mg/ml
- Onset: 30-60 minutes
- Half Life: >8 hours
- Best used for: longer dental appointments (3 hours)
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
Friday, October 23, 2009
Chewing Gum...It Really is Good for you!
London researchers have found the simple act of chewing gum helps people with Parkinson's swallow, reducing a major problem for those with the debilitating disease.
Researchers believe repeated chewing leaves a lingering memory in the brain that can help patients cope a bit better.
"It was very helpful in terms of improving drooling and swallowing," Dr. Mandar Jog, London Health Sciences Centre neurologist and director of the Movement Disorders Centre, said yesterday.
You can read the rest of the article here: Chew gum, it's good for you
Source: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Science/2009/10/23/11497311-sun.html Read on October 23, 2009, Chew Gum, It's Good for you.
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
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Poor Hygiene and Orthodontic Treatment Times
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
Monday, September 28, 2009
Dental Care During Pregnancy
- 50% of women experience gingivitis during pregnancy due to increased hormone production
- Roughly half of those women do not seek dental care
- A study of 823 women at 13-21 weeks did not show any adverse fetal outcomes when periodontal disease was treated by scaling and root planing using local anaesthetic
- Local anaesthetics are generally safe during pregnancy. However proper aspiration is particularly important to prevent inadvertent intravascular injection
- Health Canada recommends that amalgam fillings should not be placed or removed during pregnancy. This approach is conservative since studies have failed to show an increased incidence of birth defects, spontaneous abortions, neurologic or infertility problems.
- Prenatal x-rays are a small dose of radiation that has not been shown to be associated with any adverse fetal abnormalities
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
Friday, September 11, 2009
Cosmetic Makeover in a few Pictures: Part I
I just wanted to give everyone a sample of how we do a nice cosmetic case. In this case, our patient had missing upper laterals that were replaced by some bonding a number of years ago. She was not confident in her smile, and therefore wanted her front 6 teeth redone with two bridges. Here's the before photo (and yes, those devices around her lips are just lip retractors...thanks to Deborah for the photos):
Notice the poor contour of the teeth, not to mention the lack of strength this type of restoration has. It will be much better with two bridges cemented in. After a consult with the patient, as well as getting all necessary hygiene appointments done beforehand, we had a few goals in mind with this case:
- Improve the shape of the teeth to a more natural contour
- Make the teeth larger for a more youthful look
- Improve the colour so that the teeth look whiter
- Improve the contacts so that we have a good chance at having the gingiva (gums) nicely fill in the space in between teeth.
So with the help of Krest Labs, we treatment planned the case.
Coming up in Part 2: The preparation of the teeth and the shape of temporary teeth.
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
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Unfortunate Terminology: CBC.ca article - Will face masks protect you from the flu?
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
Friday, August 21, 2009
Dental Did You Know: Oral Appliances
Source: Klasser G and Greene C, Oral Appliances in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders, Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario PEAK Publication, Aug 2009.
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
Monday, August 17, 2009
TWiD: This Week in Dentistry (Episode 2)
Sorry about the delay in posting. I was on vacation in Europe (it was *fantastic*). I just wanted to acknowledge everyone's patience while I was gone and especially thanks to Jodie and Gloria for keeping things together while I was away. Anyways, this week had a few items of dental interest:
1) Do Redheads Feel More Pain?
A new study has found that redheads are more than twice as likely to avoid a visit to the dentist - possibly because they are more sensitive to pain. But does hair colour really mean more discomfort in the dentist chair?
(Wow, this is news to me...apparently redheads may need as much as 20% more anesthesia for the same affect...I think I'll wait for corroborating studies before I take it as canon)
Source: BBC online, Aug 11, 2009, Do Redheads Really Feel More Pain? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8195177.stm
Read: Aug 18, 2009
2) Canadians Reducing Dental Visits During Recession
The economic downturn is delivering a beating to Canadians' health as well as their wealth, a new poll shows. 25 per cent said they have cancelled or delayed a dental appointment to save money
(This is not a surprising result given the recession, it is unfortunate though)
Source: The Globe and Mail Online, Aug 16, 2009, Poor economy hammers Canadians' health, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/poor-economy-hammers-canadians-health/article1254083/
Read on Aug 17, 2009
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
Monday, July 20, 2009
TWiD: This Week in Dentistry
Crest Pro-Enamel Shield May Stain Teeth (Miami Herald)
Sensational headline for something we've known for a while about stannous fluoride.
Dental Floss Still #1 Choice for Cleaning in Between Teeth (The Wealthy Dentist)
Not really a scientific survey but not a surprising result either.
Lawsuit: Dentist Dropped Tools Down Man's Throat (Associated Press)
Oh my...and he did it twice to a 90 year old.
Schulich Dentist Takes Bite out of Cold Cases (Western News)
Love it! A real life dental CSI (kinda).
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
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hepatitis B Dental Facts
Why is this needed and why are regulatory colleges so strict about it?
- Worldwide, there were an estimated 350 million carriers of Hep B
- 10-18% of surgeons worldwide have Hep B
- The estimated risk of transmission from an infected worker is 240-1400 per 1 million procedures
- The sero (blood) conversion rate from a potentially infected workers is 19-30%
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
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Happy belated Father's Day and the "Principles of Waiting"
I was scanning some of the dental publications at the office and came upon this little gem from Dentaltown Magazine. The publisher, Howard Farran had a list of the "Eight Principles of Waiting" first created by Harvard Business School professor David Maister:
The Eight Principles of Waiting:
- Unoccupied time feels longer than occupied time
- Pre-process waits feel longer than in-process waits
- Anxiety makes waits seem longer
- Uncertain waits are longer than known, finite waits
- Unexplained waits are longer than explained waits
- Unfair waits are longer than equitable waits
- The more valuable the service the longer I will wait
- Solo waiting feels longer then group waiting
What a great list! Jodie, Gloria and myself will try to adjust our process flows so that any waiting time is perceived as short as possible.
Source: Farran H, The Waiting is the Hardest Part, Dentaltown Magazine, Vol 10, No 6 June 2009 pg 12-14.
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
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Cochrane Library Available to All Canadians!
Source: JCDA Vol 75, No 5, pg 323, June 2009 http://www.ccnc.cochrane.org/en/index.html
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
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Evidence Based Dentistry Website from the American Dental Association

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
Sunday, June 07, 2009
The British Columbia Oral Cancer Prevention Program Website: Orcanet.ca

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
Monday, June 01, 2009
Pancreatic Cancer and Periodontal Disease
Source: Kammer C, Gum Disease is Killing Our Patients (and Our Profession is About to be Busted)! Dentaltown, May 2009, Vol 10, No 5, pg 20-23.
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
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Demi Moore and the Missing Tooth
When it comes to twittering, Demi Moore is known for really sinking her teeth into the latest communication craze. At least the ones she has left.
The 46-year-old actress hopped on her account over the weekend to post a couple of pictures in which she's smiling in a dentist's chair and revealing a gaping hole where a tooth used to be.
"I lost it and had to have it fixed! I personally thought this look went out after you were eight, didn't know I would be rocking it again!" she wrote. "Happy to share and always appreciate the opportunity to find humility!!! Or at least be able to laugh at myself!"
Read the rest of the story on E Online and see the pictures here: For Demi, Less is More
Source: E Online, Read on May 28/09 http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b125706_demi_sometimes_less_moore.html
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
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Smoking Related Deaths in Canada
Source: Smoking Cessation Rounds Vol 2, No 9, 2009.
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
Monday, May 18, 2009
Dental Did You Know: Breastfeeding Duration and Non-nutritive Sucking Habits
Source: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 130:531-534, 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