FDA consumer update: dental amalgams
An amalgam is a blend of mercury with another metal used in dental fillings. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and other organizations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) are concerned about the safety of amalgams used in dental fillings, so they are investigating such. There has been no research or study done that proves that amalgams are harmful and have adverse effects on patients, with the exception of the occasional allergic reaction.
Analysis reveals significant drop in children's tooth decay
In a study performed by (JADA) Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that in today’s society, the number of children between the ages of 6 and 18 with decayed permanent teeth has decreased by 57.2 percent when compared to children from the early 1970s. It also revealed that the number of children between the ages of 2 and 10 with diseased or decayed primary teeth has decreased by nearly 40 percent.
Alternative Materials
With today’s technological advances in dental materials, there are now several different options to choose from when repairing chipped, missing, or decaying teeth. Before, the only option was a silver filling, but now there are ceramic and plastic compounds that are manufactured to have the look and feel of natural teeth. This doesn’t mean that there is no longer a need for traditional fillings; because of their strength and durability, they continue to be the first choice when they need to endure extreme pressure.
Below are some alternatives to traditional silver fillings:
- Composite Fillings –
A composite filling is made from a mixture of both plastic and glass and is used to repair and reshape decayed or disfigured teeth and when needing to repair staining or discoloration. These fillings are a good option for a tooth that will experience a moderate amount of pressure because they are durable and resistant to fracture. In comparison to other filling types, with composite fillings less tooth needs removed, which in turn may result in a smaller filling. These type of fillings are aesthetically pleasing, as they are bonded with, and made to look and feel like, a natural tooth. It is important to note that these type of fillings are not as effective as other filling options in areas of the mouth where there is a high amount of pressure, because they are less resistant.
- Ionomers –
An ionomer, also known as glass ionomer cement, is a material used for dental fillings and also to cement certain dental accessories into place, such as orthodontic brackets. An acid (commonly polyalkenoic acid) and a base (glass powder) are combined to make this tooth-colored ionomer. This type of filling is perfect for someone who needs a small cavity filled, or for a child who needs dental work done on their primary teeth. These types of fillings are recommended for a tooth that will experience low to moderate amounts of pressure, as they are susceptible to fracture.
- Porcelain (Ceramic) Dental Materials –
Porcelain (ceramic) dental materials are used in making fillings that mimic natural tooth enamel because of their color and translucency. These particular type of fillings are made from materials that can include ceramic, porcelain, or glass and can be used for a variety of dental procedures, including crowns, fillings, inlays or onlays, and veneers. These types of fillings can be used with any tooth and can withstand high levels of wear, however its strength depends on how thick the restoration is and how well it was bonded to the underlying natural tooth.
Sealants
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that is painted on the surface of teeth, quickly bonding and forming a protective layer over the enamel. This acts as a barrier for plaque and acids, preventing tooth decay. Scientists developed the first sealants in the 1950’s, but they weren’t available commercially until the 1970’s.
Sealants are recommended for people of all ages, but especially for children and teenagers. This will help them from getting cavities on their permanent teeth, while they are still learning and remembering to follow through with good dental hygiene practices.
Application
Sealant application is a quick, easy, painless procedure that only takes a few minutes to complete. First, the surface of the tooth must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, making sure to completely remove the cleaner from the teeth. Second, all moisture is removed and cotton or gauze is placed around the teeth in order to keep them dry throughout the sealing process. Third, an acidic solution is applied to the teeth, which is used to roughen them up, making them less smooth. This will aid in bonding the sealant to the teeth. Next the teeth are thoroughly rinsed and dried, ensuring that the area is free of any excess moisture. Finally the sealant is applied by painting it onto the enamel, which immediately bonds to the tooth and hardens. Some instances call for a curing light to be used in order to assist in the bonding process. After the sealant is applied and on the patient’s teeth, they should refrain from eating or drinking for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Infection Control
Standards and Best Practice
Understandably, many people are concerned about the spread of infection and disease at any medical or dental facility. This concern multiplies when the patient intends to undergo a medical procedure or surgery. We use only the highest level of dental equipment and sanitation processes. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs and disease and it is our practice to wash our hands frequently; first upon arrival, then before and after we use gloves, and then of course, if we come in contact with anything that may be potentially contaminated.
There are certain requirements that closely regulate what should be worn in a dentist’s office both during dental surgical procedures and routine cleanings. The environment must be sterile and sanitary at all times and disposable gloves, needles, scalpel blades, and drapes are used and then discarded and replaced after each patient. Most tools are not disposable, but they are thoroughly washed and sterilized with either chemicals or steam after each use to ensure that they are 100% sanitary.
Water Quality and Biofilms
Recently, some people have expressed concerns about the water quality and biofilms, thin films of microscopic bacteria that stick to virtually any surface, in the dental industry in general. But as long as the dental office is following the infection control guidelines laid out by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the ADA (American Dental Association), these concerns are unfounded. There is no scientific evidence that positively connects biofilms with disease. Biofilms can occur anywhere and everywhere up to and including your own home! Now, if you are someone with a compromised immune system, be sure to tell our office right away so that we can make appropriate accommodations, because in that case you would be susceptible to all types of germs everywhere.
Medication and Heart Disease
In many ways there is crossover between your overall general health, including medicines you take, and your dental health. There are a few different kinds of medications out there that can negatively affect your teeth. This is why it is so important to ask your medical provider what the side effects are of the medicines they are prescribing you. You should be sure that you are comfortable with what you are taking.
There are certain medical conditions where dry mouth is a common side effect, for example people who have eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes and people undergoing cancer treatments, taking certain medications, or who have a compromised immune system. Other common reasons could include tobacco use and eating certain foods. If your dry mouth is not caused by a medical condition, there are a few things that you can try such as chewing sugarless gum, sipping water, and you should avoid using tobacco products.
Dry mouth, also called Xerostomia, is a common condition where the mouth is very dry, the tongue is sensitive, and you are having a hard time speaking properly. Dry mouth can lead to several different dental health issues. When a person has dry mouth, their mouths are not producing as much saliva as it should. Saliva helps your mouth to stay clean and rinse away odor and cavity causing particles. So when the mouth is unnaturally dry, bacteria and food particles never get washed away and they just sit on your teeth, multiplying, which the end result is a mouth that is not only dry, smells bad, and if not properly treated could lead to serious health issues such as burning tongue syndrome.
Heart Disease
Everything in your body is connected, and this includes your heart and your teeth. So when you do not practice good dental hygiene habits, your heart may suffer the consequences. There are studies that have linked periodontitis (gum disease) with serious health issues, one of which is heart disease. One study even suggests that gum disease may even be more deadly than tobacco use. This is because the bacteria from your mouth can enter in your bloodstream where they eventually reach the heart and make any existing illness worse by causing widespread inflammation.