Patient Education
- BPA
- Teething
Radiation
Radiation in the dental office is minimal. The average person receives more radiation from everyday activities, such as watching television or exposure to the sun than x-rays at the dental office. Routine (cavity detecting) x-rays are taken at our office once a year.
BPA (Bipherol A)
Recently concerns have been brought up questioning BPA in dental products such as composite fillings and dental sealants. BPA has been identified as an "estrogen-like" toxin, which could affect reproduction and development in humans. Based on Health Canada's evidence, there is no cause for concern regarding BPA being released from dental materials. After studies preformed with dental products containing BPA, extremely low levels of BPA were detected in the saliva of individuals tested with selected dental resins. No BPA was detected in the blood stream. The products containing BPA, release a low reading and are significantly lower then from other sources of exposure, and only a small number of Dental products contain BPA.
Amalgam Fillings
Many questions surround the safety of silver fillings and their metal components leaking into the saliva and entering into the bloodstream. These contraindications are the reason these fillings have been reduced for many years in most dental offices. It has been found that more tooth stucture has to be removed then what is actually needed in order to place an amalgam filling properly, making them less conservative. Overtime, silver fillings tend to darken teeth, and may break down leading to fractured teeth. You will find your smile will immediatly brighten with the removal of amalgam fillings, and replacement with composite resin fillings.
Periodontitis/Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stages of gum disease, which can be treated and reversed if detected early enough. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis can include red, swollen, tender, or receding gums. You may experience the presence of pus/abscesses, bleeding while brushing and/or flossing, teeth that are loose or persistent bad breath. If not treated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, an advanced and more serious stage of gum disease. Periodontitis can result in boneloss and is not reversible. It is also one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to heart attacks and strokes.
Oral Cancer
At your dental exam and cleaning our dentists and hygienists screen for oral cancer. This includes looking not only at your teeth, but at your gums and other oral tissues. If you notice any sores inside your mouth or on your lips that do not heal within two weeks, you should report this to your dentist or hygienist. Patients who do not have teeth should make it a priority to schedule an appointment at least once a year to have their mouth examined by a dental professional.
Teething
Teething can be a very uncomfortable experience for young children. Signs and symptoms are red cheeks, persistent drooling, the need to chew and possibly a slight fever. If your baby has red or swollen gums it could help if you massage the area with your finger for 2 minutes, or use a wet cloth that has been chilled in the fridge or freezer to massage the gums. Use a teething ring or cold wet cloth for your baby if he/she has the urge to bite or chew on things. The first tooth usually comes in around six to ten months of age, by the age of two and a half to three years children should have twenty teeth, at about the age of six, children begin to get their first permanent molar behind the baby molars.
