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Newsletter
Your Dentist Has Already Solved the Water Line Problem - March 2000 Questions and concerns over dental water line contamination by "biofilm" heightened by recent news stories are both timely and appropriate. The answer is 1) that scientific reports have not linked illness to water passing through dental water lines, 2) by following the recommendations of' the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), most likely your dentist has already been routinely using these recommended procedures that are designed to make water line safe for the normal patient and 3) your dentist is probably using one or more of the 25 FDA approved products to further control biofilms in waterlines. First of all, what are biofilms? Biofilms are microscopic communities that consist primarily of' naturally occurring water microbes (germs) that form on all water-delivery systems, such as faucets, water fountains, shower heads and dental waterlines. For the normal person, exposure to these common microbes does not necessarily lead to higher risk of disease transmission. In the dental environment, biofilm has not been linked scientifically to illness. Your dentist likely further reduces presence of biofilms by following the recommendations of' the ADA and CDC. These recommendations include sterilization of all dental equipment and flushing of water lines before and between patients, and installation of anti-retraction valves to prevent back flow where appropriate. Additionally, your dentist may utilize one or more of some 25 FDA approved products to make the water lines even safer. These products include those that require the installation of a system to irrigate water lines with an antimicrobial solution and those that require the attachment of microfilters to the water lines to screen out biofilm. Even with all these safety procedures and products in place, you should still feel free to discuss water line issues with your dentist and ask for a tour of the office. Your dentist will welcome the opportunity to show you the methods and means he employs. It is advisable that persons whose immune systems are severely compromised because of age, smoking, heavy drinking, being a transplant or cancer patient or because of HIV infection inform their dentist. This is because patients with compromised immune systems may have more difficulty fighting off invading germs. Predictions for 21st Century The Best is yet to come - February 2000 In the next five to 10 years, innovations in the field of dentistry will continue to escalate but the pace will be quickened dramatically. Here are some changes to come.
Exciting things are happening in the field of dentistry on many fronts. No one can absolutely predict the future, but dentistry will be very different even a few years from now. Archives Flossing and Brushing May Lower Risk of Heart Disease - December 1999 In a previous column, we discussed the link between dental disease and heart problems shown by epidemiological studies involving literally tens of thousands of patients. New studies at the University of Minnesota and other research facilities shed light on how that connection works. University of Minnesota researchers found that certain bacterial strains, such as streptococcus sanguis, when injected into rabbits, induced increased blood pressure, faster heart rate and, ultimately, heart attacks. They postulate that these bacteria cause inflammation of the blood vessels, which, in turn, lead to narrowing of the pathway for blood flow, clot formation and eventual arterial blockage. Data from other research facilities indicate that some bacteria directly promote clotting in the arteries by mimicking collagen, an important ingredient in the clotting process. This results in platelet clots that can lead to the actual artery-blocking event. Oral bacteria easily enters the bloodstream where there is gum infection or disease. Thus controlling gum disease through regular dental treatment and home care would reduce bacterial invasion that may lead to heart disease. Flossing and brushing your teeth now has just as much impact on your overall health as a low fat diet, exercise and tobacco abstinence. Floss only the teeth you want to keep - April 1999 Flossing removes plaque lodged between the teeth that brushing alone cannot remove. Lack of flossing can not only lead to decay between the teeth, but also periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of teeth loss in adults. Therefore, the only teeth you can afford not to floss are the teeth you do not want to keep. Flossing and brushing when combined with regular professional care can prevent periodontal disease and minimize the risk factors associated with systemic disease. The following are some systemic conditions that may be impacted by periodontal disease:
What is the best type of dental floss for you? There are different kinds of floss to choose from waxed, unwaxed flavored, tape-shaped or regular. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist what kind is best suited for you. For hard-to-reach teeth, your dentist can show you how to use a floss-holder. It is Y-shaped with floss strung between two prongs. This may help you to slip the floss through the teeth with ease. Other interesting products and devises are on the market that simulates floss action. Ask your dentist if any one of these items are appropriate for you and your condition before you make a purchase. Here is the proper way of flossing. 1) Wrap 18 inches of dental floss lightly around your middle finger. 2) Firmly grasp the dental floss with your index finger. 3) Gently slide the floss in between both sides of your teeth and repeat until finished. 4) Form a "C" shape and carefully slide the floss up and down between your tooth and gum line
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