What is Oral Cancer?

Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. In the simplest terms, oral cancer is any cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses and pharynx.

• According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 49,750 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.
• Worldwide, the problem is much greater, with new cases exceeding 650,000 annually.
• One person will die every hour of every day 24/7/365 from oral cancer in the US.

Who is at Risk of Oral Cancer?

While historically the majority of people were over the age of 40 at the time of discovery, it is now occurring more frequently in those under this age. Exact causes for those affected at a younger age are now becoming clearer in research, revealing a viral cause; the human papilloma virus number 16 (HPV16).

• The fastest growing population of the oral cancer population are those who have been diagnosed with HPV16 and young Non-Smokers.

Which means, do NOT wait until you are in your 40s to be screened! Remember, early detection can save your life! (see more about screening and early detection below)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

• A sore, lump or ulcer on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal
• A lump on the lip or in the mouth A lump in the neck
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
• Unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth
• Oral pain that does not go away or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty with jaw opening
• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
• Tooth loosening
• Bad breath
• Sensory loss of the face
• Abnormal taste in the mouth
• Swallowing difficulty

How Can You Check for Oral Cancer?

You can and SHOULD have an Oral Cancer screening performed by your dentists or hygienist.

At Northstar Family Dental, we use an innovative tool that utilizes light technology to enhance visualization of mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye. And unlike other fluorescence technologies and dye systems, our tool is Multi-Spectral with three distinct color wavelengths, making it easier to distinguish lesion morphology and vasculature aiding the dental professional in determining next steps.

In other words, we can complete a painless, non-invasive screening in a matter of minutes that can provide you with peace of mind. Or more importantly, can allow for early detection of suspicious tissue, in which case the proper next steps can be taken to ensure the most positive outcome.

Please consider completing an Oral Cancer screening during your next dental visit. And encourage your loved ones to do so as well. Currently, 40% of those diagnosed with oral cancer will die within five years because the majority of these cases will be discovered as a late stage malignancy. Help us make a positive shift in the percentages.

#EARLYDETECTIONSAVESLIVES #OralCancerAwarenessMonth

At Northstar Family Dental, our philosophy is preventative care. It is much easier to prevent gum disease and other common oral health issues than it is to treat them.

Plaque and bacteria, which are a leading cause of gum disease and tooth loss, can rebuild in as little as 90 days! Which is long before the traditional six-month cleaning appointment. Two is good. Four is better.

As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, the chance of this happening can be greatly reduced through frequent dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits. Two is good. Four is better.

The health benefits span far beyond your mouth. Studies have shown a connection between oral and overall health. Regular dental cleanings may help lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. Many medical conditions, some of them life-threatening, can be detected in their early stages by your dentist or hygienist during a routine oral exam. Two is good. Four is better.

In addition to the obvious health benefits of frequent cleanings, there are cosmetic advantages. Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco products can stain your teeth at a rapid rate. Dental cleanings can remove built-up stains which dull the luster of your teeth. A professional clean and polish results in a beautiful, bright smile like only a visit to the dentist can achieve. Two is good. Four is better.

And finally, there are social benefits. While good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bad breath, if you notice persistently un fresh breath, more frequent cleanings may be the best way to keep your mouth healthy and odor free, resulting in a boost in confidence in social environments. Two is good. Four is better.

Because we believe strongly in this preventative oral care philosophy, we are committed to offering this very important option to you and your family at an affordable cost. call our dental office in Westerville at 614-682-6213 or our Lewis Center office at 740-739-4240, to speak with a scheduling coordinator about possible insurance coverage and out of pocket costs.

If you’re a Northstar Family Dental patient, you have probably been offered a fluoride treatment during one of your routine visits. We’re often asked about the benefits, restrictions after treatment and the myths about negative effects of fluoride. So we thought we would answer the questions that we hear the most all right here!

Fact 1: Fluoride is a mineral from the crust of the earth that occurs naturally in all water sources. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. When it reaches your teeth, fluoride is absorbed into the enamel. It helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorous to keep your teeth hard. In other words, fluoride is GOOD!

Fact 2: Although fluoride is found in natural sources such as drinking water, it is often not in a high enough quantity to prevent dental decay. Which is why the ADA and our team suggest supplementing.

Fact 3: Topical versus Systemic Fluorides. Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel. Some examples include fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses, as well as fluoride treatment that we perform in our office. However, the fluoride treatment that we use in the office is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpastes or fluoride mouthrinses that may be available in a store or at a pharmacy. Systemic fluorides are those that are swallowed. Examples include fluoridated water and dietary fluoride supplements. The maximum reduction in cavities is achieved when fluoride is available both topically and systemically.

Fact 4: Your fluoride treatments will take only a matter of minutes, can be completed during your routine cleaning appointment and is painless. After the treatment, we ask that you not eat or drink anything hot or cold for 30 minutes or brush/floss for six hours. Other than that, there is no downtime or side effects.

Fact 5: Depending on your oral health status, we may recommend treatments every three, six or 12 months. If you are at moderate or high risk of developing cavities, we may discuss additional preventative care solutions.

The next time you’re in our office, we urge you to consider a fluoride treatment to further protect you and your loved one’s overall oral health. The best part…most months, we donate $2 for every fluoride treatment administered to a non-profit charitable organization.

http://www.northstarfamilydental.com/community-involvement/

Ask your hygienist for details!

Liza Green, RDH, Contributing Editor

Are you unhappy with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles?

Consider BOTOX^® Cosmetic, the only FDA approved treatment to temporarily improve both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and fine lines around the eyes (commonly referred to as “crows feet”) in adults. This simple, yet effective, treatment typically takes only about 10 minutes to complete in the comfort and privacy of our office – and has been proven to last up to four months.

Tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, biting pain, gum pain — they are all uncomfortable, annoying, and scary occurrences…  A sensation in your tooth can be cause by a multitude of things, ranging from gum recession and root exposure, to sinus pressure, to tooth decay and infection.

What’s a Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate?
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects — they happen when a baby is developing.
Cleft lip is a split in the upper lip — either one or two sides of the lip — creating a wider opening into the nose. Cleft Palate is a split in the roof of the mouth, leaving a hole between the nose and mouth.

How common are they?
Cleft lip and/or palate are very common and occur in about 1 or 2 of every 1,000 babies born in the United States each year.

When do they occur?
These defects occur between 6 and 12 weeks in utero. Because the lips and palate develop separately, it’s possible to have cleft lip alone, cleft palate alone, or both together.

What is the cause?
The cause is not always known. Sometimes it is hereditary or part of a syndrome (meaning there are birth defects in other body parts too), It may be related to what happened during a mother’s pregnancy (medications, lack of certain vitamins, exposure to cigarette smoke).

What other problems do these babies have?
Feeding problems… Because there is a hole between the nose and mouth milk can come out of the nose, can happen every time they drink.Ear/hearing problems… Can have hearing loss (may be caused by fluid building up inside the ear).Dental problems… Small teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth, crooked teeth, etc. Speech problems…Kids with cleft palate find their soft palate sometimes does not move well and lets too much air leak out the nose while speaking; makes them sound nasally.

What doctors treat babies with cleft lip and/or palate?
It takes a team of different types of specialists! (plastic surgeon, a speech-language pathologist, an orthodontist, an otolaryngologist (ENT), an oral surgeon, a dentist, a geneticist, a social worker, a psychologist, an audiologist)

What is the treatment for cleft lip and/or palate?
It takes several surgeries. Cleft lip is usually repaired between 3 to 6 months old; cleft palate is usually repaired at 9-12 months old. They then have a bone graft when they’re about 8 years old (usually from the kid’s hip, and uses it to fill in the gap in the upper gum area).

HOW CAN I HELP?
Help us Sponsor A Smile through the Free to Smile Foundation!! Free to Smile Foundation is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization with an all-volunteer staff who works together to help serve the impoverished cleft and palate population around the world.

We are raising money to “Sponsor A Smile.” It takes $275 to provide for one 60 minute surgery. Please stop in to make a donation, or call to donate over the phone. This is a great cause, and we are so thankful for your support!

Wisdom teeth, the last teeth in the mouth to break through the gums and located furthest back in the mouth, usually begin to form in pre-teen years. By late teen years, the these teeth will begin to erupt into the oral cavity… if there is room.

More often than not, our mouths lack the adequate space for these teeth, leading to either full impaction (where the tooth never fully erupts into the mouth), or partial impaction (where the tooth only has room to partially break through the gums). This usually means that the teeth are painfully lodged in the jawbone.

When wisdom teeth are either partially or completely impacted, complications can arise, such as damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, tooth disease, and cyst development. Sometimes, though, no symptoms are present.

3 Warning Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth:
– Pain and tenderness in the back of the mouth
– Difficulty chewing
– Redness and/or swelling of the gums in the back of the mouth

Treatment
The treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is usually removal. Modern surgical and anesthesia techniques allow for comfortable and efficient removal of wisdom teeth. Recovery time is minimal – usually less than a few days – and most patients experience no more than some swelling after the surgery. We screen for impacted wisdom teeth beginning in the teenage years, as removal can be more difficult with increasing age.

What Causes Bad Breath

Bacteria. And bacteria’s food is your food. Therefore, to avoid bad breath, the most important habit to maintain is to keep your mouth clean — brush, floss, rinse, and even use a tongue scraper. If you clean away their food, the bacteria can’t proliferate and bad breath is tamed. Cavities and periodontal disease will cause bad breath!

Some foods and drinks.Garlic and onions contain smelly sulfur compounds that linger in your mouth, and then are exhaled after they enter the bloodstream. Coffee and alcohol create an environment that favors bacterial growth. They also dry out your mouth, which perpetuates bad breath.

Dry mouth is a major factor. Saliva is a natural antibacterial, and it washes away food. Remember to stay hydrated. This can help keep nighttime dry mouth at bay and will help to keep away morning breath, as well as daytime bad breath.

A low carb diet can also cause bad breath. Because your body is burning fat instead of sugar/carbs, your body is under a state of ketosis. You develop “ketone breath” because some ketones made by your body are released in your mouth, and they are stinky!

Certain foods can help to banish bad breath.

Green tea – Green tea has antibacterial components that can kill bad breath germs.

Herbs – Herbs (parsley, coriander, cilantro, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary, cardamom) contain chlorophyll, which is a natural breath deodorizer. It helps neutralize body odors. Parsley is tasty when added to water. These herbs can also be juiced, chewed on their own, or added to food.

Water – Water helps to decrease dry mouth to neutralize the pH of your saliva, both of which help to fight bad breath. Rinse with water after eating and drinking.

Foods high in Vitamin C – These foods (think oranges, melon, berries) Can stop bacteria from growing and help to neutralize odors from smelly foods.

Yogurt – Live active cultures can help to reduce bad breath. Probiotics in some yogurt varieties can overpower the bad-smelling bacteria.

Cinnamon flavored gum – While mint flavor masks bad breath, cinnamon may actually fight the bacteria causing bad breath. Always remember to buy a sugar-free variety!

If you suffer from bad breath, be sure to discuss it with your dentist. We can offer dietary advice, recommend products, and determine the cause of the problem so that it can be effectively treated. Keep in mind that bad breath can sometimes be an underlying symptom of other health problems, including liver problems, acid reflux, diabetes, and sinus infections.

Ever wondered what Invisalign is like from a patient’s perspective? Watch the video below to hear our patient’s first-hand account. Ashley details what she liked about the treatment, the difficulties she faced, and her overall experience with our team. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/RznFnHnRC_0

For many people, visiting the dentist can be difficult due to anxiety, stress, or discomfort sitting for long periods of time. At Northstar Family Dental, your comfort is our priority, which is why we offer sedation dentistry as a way for people to completely relax during their visit.

We offer three forms of sedation; Nitrous Oxide Sedation, Oral Conscious Sedation and IV Sedation, providing the perfect options for those with mild to severe anxiety.

Dr. Kulesa recognized there was a need to help ease the stress and anxiety in nervous patients. In order to better serve her patients, she completed an extensive sedation training program to become certified by the Ohio State Dental Board to perform IV Sedation in her office.

IV sedation provides a higher level of sedation than nitrous oxide and offers more predictable results than oral medication, all while maintaining the patient’s consciousness—allowing them to completely relax and still interact as necessary.

If you experience dental anxiety and have been avoiding essential oral health care, the deep state of relaxation that can be achieved through IV sedation may provide you the solution you’ve been waiting for. Through the use of sedation dentistry, Dr. Kulesa and her team have helped many patients get the dental treatment that they so badly need, but have been too afraid to complete.

IV Sedation services at Northstar Family Dental are completely confidential; the office even provides a private back entrance and exit for patients who wish to skip the lobby area. When necessary, financing is made simple and affordable through Lending Club – a deferred interest medical loan provider.

If sedation dentistry sounds like it may be the way to go for you, feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation and we can discuss it further.

Does your spouse complain about the strange noises you make at night?  Do you wake up still tired, with a sore jaw?  Do you suffer from tension headaches?  Do your teeth always seem to be chipping and breaking?  You may be suffering from bruxism, or tooth grinding.

Studies have shown that up to 1/3 of the population suffers from chronic bruxism, and that 85-90% of people grind their teeth at some point during their life.

Symptoms:

• Tight, painful jaw muscles (especially in the a.m.)
• Dull a.m. headaches
• Pain/discomfort around the ears when chewing/yawning
• Sensitive, cracked, and/or worn teeth

Causes:

• STRESS
• Body’s reaction to poor tooth alignment
• Consuming stimulants (e.g. caffeine)

Complications:

• Migraine headaches
• Joint damage – TMJ
• Damage to teeth and existing dental work
• Chronic tooth sensitivity, tooth mobility (loose teeth)
• …and eventual tooth loss!

Treatments

Generally, as a first and sometimes only step, the pain and discomfort from bruxism (tooth grinding) is alleviated using a custom dental occlusal guard (night guard).  This appliance also protects the teeth from further wear damage. Pictured to the right is anAnterior Bite Plane (AKA occlusal guard/night guard), the appliance we most often prescribe for patients at NFD.

Other methods to treat the symptoms and prevent further damage may include:

• Relaxation methods
• TMJ Botox
• Orthodontics
• Train yourself to keep your lips sealed, but your teeth apart.  Try to relax your jaw throughout the day.  This will help to raise awareness of your habit, and keep you from doing damage during the day.

Kids and bruxism

Studies have shown that 15-38% of kids grind their teeth.  This phenomenon could be related to growth, teething, or coping with earaches or other illnesses.  However, kids who do this tend to outgrow the habit by adolescence.

And, yes, Bruxism runs in families!!

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, let us know! We can help. Protect your teeth from future damage and wear a night guard!

I am so excited to introduce 2 new products into our office: Dental Herb Co.’s Tooth & Gums Tonic and Tooth & Gums Paste.

I learned of these products in a seminar and Dental Herb Co. was kind enough to send me a patient kit, which I passed along to a someone that I hoped it would benefit. Honestly, a month later (also thanks to the help of Lisa, his hygienist) his gums looked amazing! He’s a fan, and made sure I knew that he’d be out of the product by March and wanted more. Honestly, that convinced me of its effects.

Ingredients

Dental Herb Co. products are made from pure essential oils & organic herb extracts. They are free of alcohol, fluoride, preservatives, SLS, artificial colors, & synthetic dyes

This specific blend of natural ingredients work together in amazing ways… The Tonic is antiseptic – it kills bacteria, while also conditioning and rebuilding oral tissues and fighting bad breath. Additionally, the Tooth & Gums Paste contains Green tea extract, which has been found to be a potent anticariogenic (anti-cavity forming) agent, by interfering with the ability of bacteria to adhere to your teeth.

Specific Indications

• Long-term periodontal maintenance – Tooth and Gums tonic is antiseptic.  Its ability to fight bacteria rivals that of other Rx-strength rinses.  However, unlike other products it is non-staining!
• Halitosis (bad breath) – The ingredients in T&G Tonic are scientifically proven to fight bad breath.  The product ranked as the #1 antihalitosis product in a large study conducted by the well known, independent research organization, Clinical Research Associates.
• Xerostomia (dry mouth) – T&G Tonic is alcohol-free, so it will not dry out your mouth.  Additionally, the blend of herbs and essential oils are found to have a soothing, conditioning effect.
• Those who prefer natural, fluoride-free, alcohol-free, and/or SLS-free products

…And, literally, anyone else!

If these products are of interest to you, let us know. Call, email, or come in… I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned about them with you!

Could Invisalign Work for Me?

Yes! Invisalign is a predictable orthodontic treatment method that could be of benefit to almost everyone. Potential cases include:

• Orthodontic relapse.  For example, if you stopped wearing your retainer, causing your teeth to shift out of alignment.
• Crowded teeth
• Spaced teeth
• Bite discrepancies, including overbites and underbites
• To align teeth in preparation for other dental work

What Exactly IS Invisalign and How Long Will it Take?

Invisalign is a method of orthodontics that utilizes a series of clear aligners to move teeth.  The aligners are specifically molded to fit each individual’s mouth.

On average, most cases take between 3 and 18 months.Treatment time depends on your specific goals, dental conditions, and the type of movement needed.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

Invisalign trays require at least 22 hours of daily wear.  The trays must be removed while eating, and while drinking anything other than water.  Teeth must be brushed before re-insertion.  Every 2 weeks, you will change to a new tray, and minimal soreness can be expected for a short time.

What is the Process From Start to Finish?

Consult.  We will discuss treatment goals, expectations, and the overall process in detail.

Records.  We will take a series of photographs and impressions of your teeth.

Monitoring Visits.  These will occur about every 6 weeks and should take under 30 minutes. We will check your progress, the fit of your trays, and give you 3 new sets of trays.

Retention.  When your treatment is complete, we will discuss what type of retainers would work best for you.  We will take records for their fabrication, and you will return in a week or so to receive your retainers.

What’s Different About Northstar Family Dental’s Invisalign Treatment?

Our goal is to make you happy. Mid course corrections and treatment refinements will be done at no charge to you(some other offices will try to charge extra for this). We are not satisfied until you are!

We are experienced. We are a Preferred Provider of Invisalign, and have a strong Invisalign patient base.

We can work with you on the financial part of treatment. We offer CareCredit, in-office payment plans, and work with most insurance companies.

Where Can I Find More Info?

Please visit the Invisalign website: Invisalign

Take the Invisalign Smile Assessment:  Smile Assessment

Check out our Invisalign Pinterest board for Before & After shots, and more Invisalign info: NFD Invisalign Pinterest Board

And, of course, we will be happy to see you for a complimentary consultation!

Could you be causing irreversible harm to your teeth every day?

Many of the foods and drinks we consume daily are acidic. In addition, health conditions such as GERD (acid reflux) and eating disorders subject one’s teeth to damaging acids.  Did you ever do that “science experiment” as a child when you put a dirty penny in Coca Cola and in a short time it was magically clean?  Now imagine a tooth dissolving instead of that penny.  Yeah, scary.

Signs and Symptoms of Acid Erosion:

• Sensitivity.  The protection against insult provided by the outermost layer of your teeth (the enamel) has become compromised.

• Discoloration.  When enamel is lost, the underlying dentin layer is more visible.  Dentin is darker in color (and more yellow!) than enamel.

• “Rounded” teeth.  Caused by acid wear patterns.

• Transparency.  This becomes apparent on the edges of front teeth.

• Cracks and roughness. Your teeth are no longer as strong as they once were!

• “Cupping out” of the chewing surfaces of back teeth.

Keep in mind…Anything with a pH below 5.0-5.7 triggers dental erosion, causing the hard outer enamel of your teeth to, basically, dissolve!!   While a lot of the foods and drinks that fall into this category are common knowledge, others may come as a surprise to most!

Acidic Foods and Drinks Include:

• Drinks:  Fruit juices, Lemonade, Sports drinks, some brands of bottled water, Coffee, Carbonated beverages:, Alcohol

• Most fruits & Some Veggies:  Including Rhubarb, Spinach, Mashed potatoes

• Condiments: Jellies and Jams, Honey, Molasses, Maple Syrup, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Chili Sauce, Ketchup

• American Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt

• Jell-O, Pickles

• Roasted Nuts:  Pecans, Walnuts, Cashews

Some Simple Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Your Teeth

1.  Don’t let acidic foods or drinks linger in your mouth

2.  Drink acidic drinks through a straw and NEVER swish your drink between your teeth!

3.  After consuming something acidic, rinse with water to help neutralize the pH of your mouth.

4.  After eating/drinking something acidic, wait at least an hour before brushing. Enamel remains soft for awhile after acid exposure, and brushing too soon can perpetuate the problem!

5.  The frequency of acid exposure is more significant than the amount of acidic foods/drinks consumed.  If you have to drink a soda, don’t sip it over a prolonged period of time.

6.  Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about various products and services that can be used to treat acid erosion.  To help with sensitivity, prescription strength toothpaste or Fluoride treatments can help.  If a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost due to acid erosion, your teeth may need definitive restorative treatment.

Let’s be real…  It is HARD to get kids to brush their teeth!  Children generally do not consider brushing enjoyable, or even a priority.  They would rather be watching cartoons, playing outside, playing with toys…  Below are tips that will help you to incorporate regular toothbrushing into your young child’s life.

1.  Have a proper introduction

Toothbrushing from a child’s perspective: Mom or dad forces a funny object in your mouth for 2 minutes and pretends it is fun.   Scary!  Let your child become comfortable with the toothbrush itself first.  Leave it somewhere visible and soon your child will be curious.  Put it in the bathtub and let your child “discover” it.   Soon, he or she will no longer dodge you when you are trying to help.

2.  1-2-3-4-5… Break!

For a child, brushing for a full 2 minutes without a break can seem suffocating.  Help your child brush for 5 seconds, take a break for a quick breath and a swallow, and then continue.  You can “sing” to 5, count in their favorite cartoon character’s voice… be creative!

3.  Let your child be a “copy cat”

Leave your child’s toothbrush on the counter while you brush, or while you help an older sibling brush.  Soon, your child will feel left out and want to do the same.

4.  Change locations!

Who says you have to brush in the bathroom?  Let your child brush in the kitchen after breakfast, or while watching TV.   Maybe your child just needs a location change!

5.  Have your child teach a “friend”

By “friend,” I mean a stuffed animal, a doll, etc.  You can even have your child pick out a toothbrush for his or her friend at the store.  If you’re daring, let your child “teach” YOU how to brush!  Half a tube of toothpaste smeared all over your face is a small price to pay for your child’s oral health, right?!

6.  Find the right toothbrush

…And let your child choose!  If they can’t pick one, buy two!  If that’s what it takes to get them to brush…

The bottom line is, make brushing your teeth fun and exciting for your child. It doesn’t have to be a chore, and surely shouldn’t feel like one.

Once a year, your friendly dental hygienist cheerfully exclaims that it is time to update your x-rays.  Yayyy, you think……Ok, probably not.  We know that these x-rays take extra time out of your appointment, they are generally uncomfortable, and yes, they expose you to a small dose of radiation.  However, they are of a great benefit to you as patients, and to us as providers.

Why Are Dental X-Rays so Important?
These images allow us to see cavities that cannot be seen clinically.  They also allow us to see the supporting structures of the teeth, making them a critical tool in the diagnosis of periodontal (gum) disease, oral infections, bone disease, and even some tumors.

Now, I can’t give any excuses for those films that seem so incredibly large inside your mouth, the seconds that seem like hours as you sit there, waiting for that “beep!…”  But I do want to give you some information about the #1 reason patients deny x-rays — RADIATION EXPOSURE.

How NFD Minimizes Your Risk:

• First, we use digital x-rays — digital technology uses 80-90% less radiation than traditional methods.
• Our equipment is very targeted and focused — with the help of the lead apron, a very small part of your body receives the dose of radiation.
• We determine each patient’s need for x-rays, both quantity and frequency, based on his or her dental history, medical history, and clinical presentation.  If you’re 40 years old, have never had a cavity, and brush, floss, and rinse twice a day (that’s all of you, right?), we may lengthen your check-up x-ray interval.  Someone with a more complex dental history may need more x-rays more often.  If you are, or could be, pregnant, we will refrain from taking x-rays.

And to put it all into perspective…

Every year most patients get 4 bitewing x-rays.  The radiation dose received is less than half of what you receive in a day from nature alone.  It’s also about the same dose of radiation you will receive by eating 300 bananas!

There is a great website that calculates the background radiation you are exposed to annually… The American Nuclear Society Radiation Dose Chart.  My dose is shown below!  (BTW if you live in Columbus, you’re at approx. 1000 ft above sea level, and there are no nuclear or coal power plants within 50 miles of us… now you don’t have to google it!)

And if you’re a visual person, this chart provides a great illustration of relative radiation doses.  A portion of the image is shown on the right.

Hopefully this helped you to weigh the definitive benefits of dental x-rays with the relative risks. If you truly have any hesitations about receiving dental x-rays, we are happy to discuss the topic with you, taking your specific situation into account.

Here is your glimpse inside my medicine cabinet. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite at-home dental products for your enjoyment. I know it can be hard to choose the right products when the aisle at the store seems endless, but keep in mind that what works for me may not be right for you. If you’re confused about what to use, please ask any of the clinical staff members at Northstar. We will be happy to point you in the right direction!

1. Phillips Sonicare DiamondClean.  I LOVE my Sonicare.  I own an Oral-B also, but Sonicare is the right electric toothbrush for me, personally. Ask your hygienist which would be right for you. It’s definitely worth the investment. You’ll never go back to that manual toothbrush!!

2. Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief.  Great toothpaste, especially for those of us with sensitive teeth.  It prevents cavities due to its fluoride content and its unique combination of arginine and calcium carbonate reduce sensitivity instantly, unlike other sensitivity toothpastes that take about 2 weeks to work.

3. Listerine Total Care.  I’m a die-hard Listerine fan.  This specific one contains fluoride in addition to the 4 essential oils that have made Listerine a go-to for over 100 years.  And it doesn’t burn!  (BTW you don’t NEED the burn.  Alcohol free mouthwashes work just as well!)

4. GC MI Paste Plus.  MI Paste is a great treatment for many conditions – dry mouth, sensitivity, acid reflux, acid erosion, “white spot” lesions…. the list goes on.  It contains Recaldent (a milk protein) — calcium and phosphate ions that actually penetrate your teeth and strengthen them from the inside out.  For me, it’s great for the areas where I have some gum recession.  Just rub it on at night after brushing, wait a few minutes and spit out the excess.

5. MI Varnish.  I know it’s not a take home product, but once applied in our office, it continues to work for months! In that sense it’s a take-home product that you don’t even have to think about! Your body does all the work. Yay!

6. Tongue Sweeper.  I never thought I needed a tongue scraper, but boy was I wrong.  Brushing your tongue is great, but using this product is incredible.  Definitely a must.  Makes your breath so fresh, and really makes your mouth feel impeccably clean.

7. REACH cleanpaste.  Choosing the right floss is really a personal preference.  I like thick floss, and this floss cleans well and tastes great.

Let us help you create your own “favorite dental products” stash. Our goal is for you to obtain perfect oral health, but we need your help!

Chances are, you or someone you know suffers from oral cold sores or canker sores. An estimated 57% of the population suffers from “cold sores,” (AKA oral herpes simplex), while an estimated 10% of the population has “canker sores.”  Today I want to discuss how these painful and stubborn mouth sores can be treated by us with our new laser.  (That’s it on the right.  It’s so pretty!)

First off, a little info about cold sores and canker sores…

Cold sores (AKA oral herpes simplex) are viral in nature.  Therefore, the lesions are contageous.  Once a person contracts the virus, it can lay dormant between outbreaks, which may be triggered by trauma, stress, sunburn, illness, or cold weather.  They are found on the lips, gingiva (“gums”), and hard palate, and are traditionally treated by antivirals (e.g. Acyclovir).

Canker sores (AKA recurrent aphthous ulcers) are likely autoimmune mediated, and are NOT contageous.  Possible etiological factors include stress/lack of sleep, trauma, immune system reaction, citrus fruit, a deficiency of B12, Iron, or Folic acid, hormonal fluctuations, and allergies (e.g. SLS in most toothpastes!).  They are found on the inner lips, tongue, soft palate, floor of mouth, and buccal mucosa (inner cheek), and are traditionally treated by steroids (usually a mouthwash or gel).

So how can a laser help?  The laser’s energy destroys the virus particles (of cold sores), dries out the lesions, relieves pain by killing nerve endings, and promotes healing via biostimulation from the light.  The procedure is quick and painless

Pain relief is immediate.  Healing time of the cold/canker sore will be significantly decreased.  The best time to come in for laser treatment of your cold/canker sore is when it is still in the burning/tingling stage. Treatment will be more predictable and effective, and the lesion may never develop.  After treatment, both the frequency and intensity of sores will decrease.

Who doesn’t want a white, bright smile?  Since tooth whitening has become so popular, I wanted to share some important information on who should bleach, how and when to do it, what to expect, and different products that can be incorporated into your whitening protocol

Contraindications to Whitening

• Being too young.  “Young” teeth have larger nerve canals and can become irritated from whitening.  Therefore, bleaching should be avoided for those under 16 years old.

• Being pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Sensitive teeth.  However, I will discuss ways to decrease sensitivity during whitening below.

• Having cavities or periodontal disease.  The whitening gel will irritate diseased teeth and gums, causing pain.

• Having large dental restorations.  These materials will not whiten, so they may become pronounced after bleaching.

Northstar Family Dental’s Whitening Protocol:

• Prior to treatment:  Brush and floss.  Make sure tray is clean and dry, as moisture will decrease the efficiency of the bleaching gel.

• Apply gel to trays.  Place a SMALL drop of gel on the inner front surface of the tray.  This small amount is all you need!  Any more will be waste, and if it seeps out of the tray, it will cause sensitivity!

• Insert trays.  Seat firmly and wipe excess gel with a q-tip or your finger.

• Wearing time.  If you are bleaching for the first time, wear your tray for half the recommended time, increasing the time if little to no sensitivity is experienced.

• After whitening.  Remove trays and rinse teeth.  Rinse trays and remove excess bleach  with a q-tip or toothbrush (not the one you brush with!)

It is very common for people to use too much bleach in their tray.  I used a blue marker for effect, but those small dots are exactly where the bleach should be placed, and how small those blobs of whitening gel should be!

Should I Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks While Bleaching?It is best to avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth during bleaching, and for about 3 days after your are done.  When you are actively whitening your teeth, they become dehydrated and more permeable to these staining substances.  Unfortunately, this list of things you should avoid happen to be some of the things we most enjoy!  But think of how white your teeth will be!!

• Dark beverages.  Coffee, tea, soda, etc.
• Red wine
• Juice, smoothies, slushies, popsicles
• Sauces or marinades that contain balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, beets
• Dark chocolate
• Dark soups, stews
• Smoking, and tobacco of any kind!  (Always!)
• Very hot or very cold foods and drinks.  They will cause sensitivity!

If you just HAVE to have that cup of coffee, use a straw, and make sure it is not hot!  Rinse your mouth out with water after drinking or eating anything that you think just might cause staining.  And if you slip up, do not worry… You just may have to buy some extra bleach!

What if I Have Sensitive Teeth?

Use a sensitivity toothpaste for 2 weeks prior to bleaching (Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Sensodoyne, or Prevident, which you can purchase in-office from us!) Use the toothpaste every time you brush! Purchase Topex White Care Post-Whitening Desensitizer from us, and use as directed. If you experience sensitivity when whitening, skip a day, and when you start again, leave your trays in for half the time. Ease back in to the directed time if you can… If not, you will just have more whitening sessions!

Color Stabilization and White Spots

Bleaching dehydrates your teeth. When you remove your trays, you may notice that some areas appear whiter, and some appear…well… more yellow. This color discrepancy will slowly stabilize. It may take hours to days. After your final bleaching session, your teeth will slightly rebound, then stabilize after 1-2 weeks. If you have white spots before bleaching that become more pronounced after, even, the rebound period, please let us know. There are other in-office treatments that we can use to correct this discrepancy. And always, feel free to call us or stop by if you have any questions!

I spent yesterday at the zoo, and of course, one of my main objectives was to get an amazing picture of an animal’s teeth to share on my new Blog.

I spent 10 minutes with my camera up to a window, trying to get a pic of this beaver’s teeth.  In addition to about 10 pictures of brown blurs, what I got was this… Needless to say, he (or she?) would not cooperate. Also, I am definitely far from a master photographer! But I did learn some interesting facts about the teeth of these interesting animals…

Did You Know…

• Beavers’ teeth never stop growing!

• Their teeth are self-sharpening.  They have hard (and orange!) enamel on the front of their teeth, and softer dentin on the back… the back wears faster, creating a sharp (and strong) cutting surface.

• Beavers’ lips are BEHIND their teeth.  This way, they can carry branches without drowning.

• Beavers can chew through a six inch tree in 15 minutes!!

We are so excited to launch the Northstar Family Dental blog!

To start, I wanted to share some fun, interesting, and strange dental facts with you.  At Northstar, we are all self-proclaimed “dental nerds”… I hope to invoke a love of dentistry in all of you, at least for the next couple minutes!!

• A lot of people would love to be at the dentist right now!  According to a recent Time Magazine survey, 59% of Americans would rather have a dental appointment than be sitting next to someone talking on a cell phone.

• Over 5000 years ago, ancient Egyptians used a “toothpaste” made of salt, mint, and pepper.

• Over a lifetime, ONE cavity will cost you over $2000!  We love to see you, but would rather you save your money…

• A toothpick is the object most choked on by Americans.  Use floss instead!

• Like fingerprints, each tongue print is different!  Wonder if that fact was ever used on CSI…

• There is someone whose job includes squeezing Prince Charles’ toothpaste onto his toothbrush!  The job belongs to Michael Fawcett, his personal valet.

• People who drink 3 or more sugary drinks daily have 62% more dental decay, fillings, and tooth loss!
• A snail’s mouth is no longer than the head of a pin, but can contain over 25,000 teeth.
• George Washington’s dentures were NOT made from wood.  They were actually crafted from gold, ivory, lead (eek!), and a mixture of human, donkey, and hippopotamus teeth!

Stay tuned for future blogs posts… I will cover issues such as the importance of sealants, the truth about fluoride and dental radiation, implants, bad habits, Invisalign, canker sores, implants, and tooth whitening.