Voyage dentaire Hongrie

Le tourisme dentaire est un phénomène tout à fait général partout en Europe. Dans le domaine du tourisme dentaire, la Hongrie est le leader de la région européenne.

De plus en plus de patients étrangers arrivent en Hongrie pour se faire soigner les dents. Des Français, des Britanniques, des Irlandais, des Suisses prennent des vols low-cost, descendent dans des hôtels à plusieurs étoiles, séjournent dans le pays pendant 8 à 15 jours et, hors des sièges des dentistes hongrois, ils font connaissances également avec les curiosités de la Hongrie. De plus, ils économisent les coûts d’un nouveau déplacement à l’étranger.
Des articles de journaux parlent de l’ouverture d’une clinique en France qui s’est spécialisée dans le tourisme dentaire et oriente ses patients vers la Hongrie. Néanmoins, elle n’est pas la seule à mener cette activité. Il y a longtemps que nous offrons le même type de prestation en Angleterre et en Irlande.
De nos jours, il est tout à fait naturel que des patients des pays riches d’Europe de l’Ouest se rendent en Hongrie pour se faire soigner les dents. Il est moins connu en revanche, que le niveau de prix des soins dentaires en Hongrie soit avantageux à tel point que même des patients anglais et irlandais voire d’outre-mer s’y rendent afin de faire vérifier leur statut dentaire et de faire faire des interventions nécessaires.
De plus, ceux qui se font soigner les dents en Hongrie, pendant le séjour, peuvent découvrir aussi la Hongrie. Après avoir quitté le siège du dentiste, le patient aura à sa disposition un vaste choix de programmes culturels, pourra découvrir les curiosités de notre pays, faire des promenades, jouer au golf ou passer son temps dans les bains ou piscines. L’une des cliniques spécialisées dans cette activité est le propriétaire du site Internet Implant-Dentaire-Hongrie.fr. L’entreprise a acquis sa réputation en particulier en Europe de l’Ouest constituant sa principale région de fonctionnement. De nos jours, plusieurs milliers de patients contents visitent notre clinique par an.

Est-ce qu’il vaut la peine de faire un voyage dentaire en Hongrie?

Le tourisme dentaire est un phénomène tout à fait général partout en Europe. Dans le domaine du tourisme dentaire, la Hongrie est le leader de la région européenne. Les soins sont offerts par des cliniques dentaires privées. Puisque leur nombre est élevé, chacune d’entre elles est contrainte d’utiliser les meilleurs instruments et de proposer des prestations de plus haut niveau. En ce qui concerne la qualité des soins et des matériaux utilisés, il n’y a aucune différence entre les cliniques dentaires d’Europe de l’Ouest et celles de Hongrie.

Pourquoi les patients étrangers se font-ils soigner les dents en Hongrie?

Le principal moteur, la motivation est très simple. C’est l’argent. En Hongrie, les patients étrangers bénéficient de la même qualité de soins en moyenne, 40% à 50% moins cher qu’aux cliniques de France et des autres pays d’Europe de l’Ouest. Même si l’on compte les frais de déplacement et d’autres coûts, la différence reste énorme entre les tarifs des cliniques françaises et ceux des cliniques hongroises. La raison de cet écart consiste en le fait que les dentistes hongrois travaillent à des tarifs plus bas que leurs homologues français.

Les voyages dentaires de Hongrie sont subventionnés même par le gouvernement de la Hongrie

Lors d’une conférence professionnelle ayant eu lieu à Herceghalom, dans le département Pest, Viktor Orbán premier ministre hongrois a qualifié le tourisme dentaire de l’un des débouchés les plus importants de l’économie. A l’issu de cet événement, le chef du gouvernement a signé un accord de coopération avec le président-directeur général de la société Office de Tourisme Médical, l’un des fondateurs du programme de développement.
Lors de la première conférence pour le développement du tourisme dentaire de Hongrie, le premier ministre a expliqué que l’Etat hongrois soutenait le programme de développement élaboré par le segment dentaire, en plein floraison en Europe, car ce dernier produisant une recette annuelle de 60 milliards de HUF pourrait devenir l’un des principaux débuchés de l’économie hongroise ainsi qu’il pourrait créer de nombreux nouveaux emplois.
Dans son discours, le chef du gouvernement a insisté: l’avantage concurrentiel du tourisme dentaire doit être exploité. Puis, il a ajouté: la Hongrie doit devenir championne dans le segment où il vaut la peine d’investir et, le tourisme dentaire l’est exactement. Viktor Orbán a affirmé qu’il espérait que l’accord conclu à l’occasion de la conférence, à base de respect et de confiance mutuels des partenaires, servirait de modèle pour d’autres secteurs prometteurs.
György Matolcsy, ministre de l’économie nationale, parrain de la conférence, a souligné que le tourisme de santé – dont le tourisme médical et le tourisme dentaire – avait également une place prioritaire au sein du Plan Széchenyi. Le ministre a ajouté qu’il y avait à peu près un an que les magistrats avaient décidé d’attribuer un rôle important à l’industrie de santé – dont au tourisme médical et au tourisme dentaire – au sein de l’économie hongroise.

L'allergie aux métaux dans la dentisterie

Après avoir développé, l'allergie aux métaux est incurable.

Il est très important donc de connaître les symptômes, le caractère des symptômes, et les possibles solutions en cas d'une intervention dentaire qui nécessite un contact de longue durée avec des métaux, le plus souvent en cas des remplacements de dents.

L'allergie aux métaux peut conduire à la gingivite, au saignement ou à l'ulcération de la bouche. Ces troubles peuvent engendrer de longues maladies qui ne peuvent pas être traitées que d’une manière douloureuse. En cas d’une allergie ignorée aux métaux, le port d’une prothèse dentaire contenant du métal peut provoquer les symptômes suivants :

• sensation de brûlure dans la bouche
• fourmillement de la langue
• sécheresse de la bouche
• ulcères buccaux
• chute de cheveux
• énanthèmes
• gingivite et saignement de la gencive
• inflammation de la peau autour de la bouche
• sensation d'un goût acide, métallique
• fatigue
• élévation de la température corporelle

Si vous manifestez ces symptômes, consultez immédiatement un médecin, car, pour éviter leur aggravation, il faut le plus tôt que possible éliminer le métal causant l'allergie.
En cas d'une allergie connue aux métaux, il est conseillé de faire un examen d'allergie afin de déterminer le type de métal causant les symptômes. Cela aidera le médecin à choisir la prothèse adéquate.

Les prothèses recommandées en cas d'une allergie aux métaux

Prothèse céramo-métallique sans nickel et béryllium

Le nickel et le béryllium sont les deux métaux qui provoquent le plus souvent des allergies. L'armature de la prothèse céramo-métallique peut être fait d'un alliage qui ne contient ni de nickel ni de béryllium. Le plus souvent, il s'agit des alliages en métaux précieux, donc l'or allié avec le platine, le palladium, l'argent ou le cuivre. Les alliages sans métaux précieux sont des alliages de cobalt, de chrome, de molybdène, de fer, de manganèse ou de silicium.
Prothèse à armature en oxyde de zirconium

Si vous optez pour la prothèse traditionnelle, du point de vue de l'allergie aux métaux, la meilleure solution est l'armature en oxyde de zirconium. L'armature de cette prothèse ne contient pas de métal. Elle ne provoque pas de réaction allergique et en plus, elle est parfaitement esthétique.
Implant en titane non allié

La racine artificielle (implant) est en titane non allié. Sur la surface de l'implant se forme une couche d'oxyde de titane qui ne dissout pas dans les fluides corporels, ainsi il n'engendre pas de réactions allergiques.
Inlay or ou inlay céramique.

Lors de la fabrication d'un inlay, il est favorable d'utiliser l'or, puisqu'il est parfaitement façonnable, ainsi il peut être lissé minutieusement sur la dent. Même si c'est très rare, l'or peut également provoquer une réaction allergique. Dans ce cas-là, il faut opter pour l'inlay céramique.
Le remplacement du plombage

L'amalgame est aujourd'hui un matériau dépassé, en plus, il peut déclencher une allergie aux métaux. En fonction de l'état de dégradation de vos dents, il est recommandé de faire remplacer vos plombages anciens en amalgame par une obturation en composite ou par un inlay or ou céramique.

The Loss of Teeth May Be Linked to Dementia

There is another reason to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and maintain good oral hygiene. A new research links dementia with tooth loss. For a long time, dentists have known that people suffering from dementia have a worse dental hygiene than the general population, and are more likely to lose their teeth. But this research wanted to demonstrate the other direction of that association, meaning that people who have missing teeth are more likely to develop dementia when they get older.
Dementia is a condition characterized by a loss of cognitive function of the brain. A person who has developed that condition can have a loss of memory, loss of attention, or loss of language understanding. In an advanced case, a patient may have no idea what date it is, where he is, or even who he is.
The University of Kentucky in the United States conducted a study on 144 nuns of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. This research has lasted 12 years and examined dental and medical records. All nuns were aged between 75 and 98 years. The results of this study show that the nuns who had between 0 and 9 teeth were more likely to develop dementia than the ones who had more than 10 teeth in their mouths.
Further research should be conducted to determine the exact relationship between tooth loss and dementia. But among the reasons suggested it is proposed that periodontal disease, lack of nutrition and infection can all affect brain function.

Diabetes and Dental Care

Diabetes is a serious health problem and the precautions that must be taken become a daily ritual. Not only you must be careful with your medication, with the food you eat and make sure you exercise regularly, but you must also be cautious in certain situations, such as getting ready for a dental appointment. In fact, when you are diabetic, there are several things to consider with your dental health in general.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease described by a high level of sugar in the blood. This metabolic disorder results from an insufficient level of the hormone called insulin, or a failure of using it. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, is responsible for the transformation of sugar into energy, which will be used by cells of the human body. Typical symptoms of diabetes are excessive production of urine due to high level of glycaemia (sugar in the blood), thirst and increased intake of liquids to compensate the rise of urine, blurred vision, an unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
There are two main forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs at a younger age, especially in early teenage years, and is described by the complete lack of insulin production. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults of 40 years and older, and is characterized by insufficient production of insulin which is done gradually. The majority of diabetics, nearly 90%, suffer from type 2 diabetes. There are other more rare forms of diabetes, such as pregnancy diabetes, which occurs only when a woman is pregnant.
The complications of diabetes are very serious. They include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness or amputation. Although this disease is still incurable, a diabetic person that is well treated and that is careful with his or her health can live a very long time.

Diabetes and Oral Health

People with diabetes should pay special attention to their oral hygiene because they are more prone to certain problems. The main oral complications of diabetes are infections and dry mouth. Together they can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and delayed healing after surgery.
When these problems are early diagnosed, it can help decrease most of these symptoms. But if you wait too long, some of these oral complications may be irreversible.

Dry Mouth

Xerostomia is defined by a state of dryness in the mouth caused by a lack of saliva, or a lack of saliva production by the salivary glands. If you are diabetic, the increase of sugar in your saliva leads to a decrease in the quantity of your saliva in your mouth.
Suffering from dry mouth can lead to complications such as dental caries, because saliva contributes to a natural cleaning of teeth. Moreover, a lack of moisture leads to the development of ulcers, fungal infections and difficulty to wear removable dentures and partial. One of the best ways to treat xerostomia is to drink water more frequently. But in some more serious cases, drug therapy is recommended.
Another consequence of xerostomia is burning mouth syndrome, which is described as a burning sensation on the tongue or and other parts of the mouth. It is a painful situation that can be frustrating for the person that has it. It can sometimes be felt like putting very hot liquid into your mouth. If burning mouth syndrome is caused uniquely by xerostomia, it should be treated as described above.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that occurs around the gums that can eventually reach the fibres and bone that support teeth. If gum disease is not treated, your teeth can eventually start to move (dental mobility), and you can even lose them.
People with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease, probably because they are more likely to develop infections and take longer to heal. If you do not control your diabetes, you may be more affected by gum disease, and it becomes more difficult to control the damage.
Research has shown that the relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes in both ways. Diabetes increases the risk of contracting the gum disease. But also, gum disease makes it more difficult to control the rate of blood sugar if you have diabetes.
It is very important to check the condition of your gums on a regular basis, and treat periodontal disease if you are diabetic. Dentists and periodontists also recommend a dental cleaning every three months rather than six months to remove plaque and tartar that affect the health of the gums.

Hygiene and Dental Treatment

Because diabetes makes teeth and gums more susceptible to certain diseases, it is important to give special attention to dental hygiene. If you take care of your oral health it is possible to avoid or delay several complications of diabetes.
Here is a summary of advice offered to diabetics:

• You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but preferably after every meal. You should also floss your teeth to complete the brushing by removing plaque and food particles that can remain between teeth and the surrounding gums. Because there is less saliva in the mouth, which normally contributes to a natural cleaning of teeth, a meticulous dental hygiene is therefore very important.
• Periodontal disease can reach an advanced level without necessarily feeling any kind of pain, and without your gums bleeding. Regular dental checkups, preferably every three months, are then recommended to detect any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, but also dental caries.
• If the gums bleed in an abnormal way when brushing your teeth, it is important to consult your dentist quickly. Moreover, you must notify the dentist of any major change in your mouth, like a bad taste, a lack of saliva, or the presence of white patches on the tongue.
• It is important during dental checkups to update your medical history, and notify the state of your diabetes. If you suffer from periodontal disease, it is important to inform your doctor about the status of the disease.
• With few exceptions, people with diabetes can receive dental treatment as anyone normally could. Dentists recommend short dental appointments taken preferably in the morning. You must also take your meals and your insulin as you normally do without any changes.
• If tooth extraction or any kind of surgery is necessary, you must expect a longer healing period and a good follow-up with your surgeon or your dentist. Any surgery must only be accomplished if the level of blood sugar is well controlled. Otherwise, you must postpone the treatment, unless there is an infection or an abscess, which should then be treated immediately.

If you have diabetes, it is very important to monitor your diet and control your weight by exercising regularly. It must also carefully consider your dental and oral condition, which with the help of your dentist, will help your keep a good health for a very long time.

References

Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca).
American Academy of Periodontology (www.perio.org).

Avulsed Tooth – What to Do When a Tooth Falls after an Accident

The accidental loss of a tooth is a serious situation but it can be resolved if we act quickly. Dental avulsion usually occurs after a horizontal shock which removes tooth completely out of the mouth. Following such an accident, dentists recommend these instructions in order to increase chances to keep the avulsed tooth.

Instructions to follow

A tooth that fell out, and which structure is maintained without any major fracture, must be re-implanted in its socket within 60 minutes after the accident for best chances for it to remain in position.
The best therapeutic option is when re-implantation is carried out at the site where the accident occurred, within a few minutes. The tooth should be placed in the socket by an adult, either by the person who lost his or her tooth, or by another adult if a child has suffered the shock. If the tooth is in its exact position, so that it does not move when the person in biting his teeth together, the process would have been successful.
If the tooth is dirty, it is important that the patient cleans it with his own saliva by putting it in his mouth. The tooth should then be removed from the mouth and the patient should spit all blood and dirt. While spitting hard, you can remove the blood clot that could have formed in the socket, which can make the re-implantation of the tooth easier. When the tooth is clean enough, it should be quickly put in the socket. The more it is done quickly, the better are the chances of success.
If the tooth cannot be repositioned in its place for one reason or another, then it should be transported to the dentist as soon as possible. There are several ways to do so.

• The tooth should be cleaned with saliva as described above. The person who had the accident must then keep the tooth in his or her mouth, either under the tongue or between the cheek and back teeth, of course without chewing on it. If it’s a young child under the age of eight who has lost his tooth, it should not be kept in his mouth because he can swallow it.
• After cleaning with saliva, the tooth can rather be put it in a saline solution (water and salt). Half-teaspoon of salt must be mixed in a cup of water. It is better to use bottle water if it is available immediately, but tap water is also acceptable. We must carry the patient and the tooth in the saline solution to the dentist as soon as possible.
• After cleaning with saliva, the tooth can also be placed it in a cup of fresh milk, preferably at room temperature. Any fat content is suitable. The patient and the tooth in milk should be taken to a dental office as soon as possible.

Exceptions

These instructions are recommended for adult teeth only. If a primary tooth has fallen-out following an accident, the re-implantation will not really work, and will not really serve to maintain space for the eruption of adult teeth.
If the adult tooth is broken after the accident, and its root remained in the socket, the relocation is not possible, because the tooth does not glue to its root.
If the adult tooth is completely removed from the socket after the accident, but it is broken at the root level, the re-implantation will not be possible either.

Long-Term Prognosis

It should be noted that even if you follow these recommendations, the tooth in question may eventually need to be extracted. If the instructions are followed correctly, there are good chances that the tooth will remain in position for the patient’s lifetime. It could eventually require a root canal and possibly a crown.
The re-implantation can partially work, for a few months or even a few years, but can eventually need to be extracted. In this case the tooth can be replaced by a dental implant preferably, or even by a bridge or a partial.
If the tooth is not placed on time, within 60 minutes after the accident, or if the re-implantation does not work, it is preferable to extract the tooth and have it replaced.

References

Source of some pictures : Journal de l'Ordre des dentistes du Québec.

Providing the Best Dental Care for Your Kids

What is more beautiful than a child’s smile! Seeing your child happy and smiley can make you forget all your worries. But to keep your child’s teeth healthy, you must keep good hygiene measures. These measures are not difficult to maintain, they just need to be applied regularly starting at a very young age.
Parents play an important role in maintaining dental health of their children because a child cannot take care of his own teeth when very young. Preventing tooth decay and other dental problems therefore begins at home.
Nowadays, most parents are well informed and ensure that their children brush their teeth every day. But maintaining good dental health goes beyond brushing in the morning and at night before going to bed. This article summarises some important tips to remember.

Avoid Sugar

We all know that sugar is bad for teeth, but why? Sweet food and sweet beverages mix with bacteria that are already in the mouth. These bacteria, particularly those known as Streptococcus mutans, digest the sugar and create an acid that attacks the enamel of teeth. When this process has begun, there is an inevitable development of dental caries.
Sugar is found in almost all foods, even in breast milk. Refined sugar makes the most damage to teeth. It is contained in candies, chocolate, cookies, and fruit juices. You must especially avoid soft drinks that are not only very sweet, but are also very acid, and they will attack the enamel of teeth very quickly.
Sugars that cause less damage are natural sugars contained in fruits and vegetables. That's why fruits are recommended for snacks if your child cannot brush his teeth immediately. He must of course clean his teeth as soon as he can, even after eating a fruit.
You must not confuse fruits and fruit juices, which contain much more sugar and considerably damage teeth. For a child who has enough teeth to eat food, the best liquid to be taken when he is thirsty is simply water.
Complete article: Nutrition for Kids.

Clean Teeth

You must start cleaning your baby’s mouth even before he has teeth, in order for him to become accustomed to oral hygiene. You must continue brushing your child’s teeth in the early years of his life because he or she cannot do it alone.
When can a child brush his teeth by himself? One tip: if your child can write his name with a pencil, he has enough dexterity to use a toothbrush. At that time, you can let your child brush his teeth alone, but you must supervise him up to the age of 6 or 7 years.
Complete article: Brushing Your Child's Teeth.

Visit your Dentist

The Canadian Dental Association recommends to consult a dentist 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth in the mouth of your child. Some other dental associations advise a first visit around the age of two. The more the first introduction to the dental practice is done at an early age, the better the child becomes accustomed to the environment without developing phobia of the dentist.
During the first visit, the dentist will check the state of the teeth, the gums, and that tooth eruption is proceeding normally. If there are cavities, they can be repaired quickly before they cause more serious problems. If necessary, a cleaning may also be advisable.
This first visit is also used to determine whether the efforts made on your child’s oral hygiene are well done, and you can ask for advice to the dentist for improvement.
Complete article: Your Child's First Dental Visit.

Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking

The action of sucking on an object is normal for a baby because it helps to relax. It is very important never to put sugar, honey or corn syrup on a pacifier because it would quickly lead to the creation of cavities.
It is best to get your baby used to sucking on a pacifier rather than his thumb because parents can better monitor the behaviour of the baby. The thumb is always available and it is more difficult for the parent to supervise.
Around the age of two or three years, the child no longer needs the sucking action, and this habit should be stopped. If the child persists and continues to suck his thumb, it is important to talk about it to the dentist in order to find solutions.
Complete article: Thumb Sucking.

Help Prevent Early Childhood Tooth Decay

Early childhood tooth decay used to be called baby bottle tooth decay because it is caused by the fact that a baby sleeps with a bottle in his mouth containing a sweet liquid.
Once a baby has teeth in his mouth, he is susceptible to cavities. Breast milk, cow milk, and fruit juices all contain sugar. You must never leave your child asleep with a bottle in his mouth containing a liquid other than pure water.
Complete article: Early Childhood Tooth Decay.

References

Canadian Dental Association (www.cda-adc.ca).

A few Good Reasons why Flossing your Teeth every Day is so Important

Flossing should be part of good oral hygiene habits. It is a step often forgotten because even nowadays, many people think that you can avoid problems only by brushing your teeth regularly. But if your dentist and your hygienist constantly repeat to you that you need to floss more, it’s because it’s very important step. Flossing completes tooth brushing because dental floss goes where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Here are 6 very good reasons why flossing is so important:

To avoid gum disease

Dental plaque is made up of harmful micro-organisms which include bacteria, viruses and protozoa (microscopic parasites). If there is plaque left between teeth and near gums, it can accumulate and cause inflammation. This is the first phase of gum disease which is called gingivitis.
If gingivitis is not taken care of, it may develop into periodontitis, a more advanced and more severe stage of the disease. Periodontitis damages the alveolar bone that holds teeth in the jaw. If not treated, this disease may therefore eventually lead to tooth loss.

To avoid dental caries

Brushing alone can not clean the whole area around a tooth when there is another tooth beside it. Flossing completes tooth brushing by removing dental plaque and food debris remaining in the inter-proximal region (the area that is between two teeth). That region is a place where tooth decay commonly forms.

To prevent halitosis

If dental plaque that is found between teeth is not cleaned, it will eventually release a bad smell from your mouth. This is a major reason why a person may suffer from bad breath (halitosis). Tooth decay and gum disease, also caused by dental plaque, are a source of a bad smell in the mouth as well.

To prevent tartar build-up

If dental plaque accumulates around the teeth without being removed, it can turn into tartar by the calcifying action from the saliva. Tartar can also cause gum disease. The continuous cleaning of plaque, mainly by using dental floss, can delay its formation. But only regular cleanings and scaling in a dental office can remove the tartar around teeth.

To reduce the risk of heart disease

People suffering from heart disease must be very vigilant with their oral hygiene. The mouth is an entry point to harmful bacteria that may reach cardiac tissue. Infective endocarditis is the inflammation of a part of the heart caused by bacteria. One of these bacteria is the streptococcus which enters the body from the oral cavity.
Moreover, if you suffer from heart disease, by keeping your mouth and teeth clean, you can reduce the risk of complications. You must be very thorough by brushing at least twice a day, and also floss daily.

To avoid the complications of diabetes

There is evidence that diabetes can be aggravated when someone has gum disease. That's why oral hygiene measures of brushing and flossing are very important to accomplish.
In addition, a person who suffers from diabetes has organs that usually heal more slowly. Tissue inflammation can therefore develop more rapidly, particularly at the gum level. It is very important to remove dental plaque and tartar regularly to avoid developing or complicating gum disease.

References

Canadian Dental Association (www.cda-adc.ca).

Cancer Treatments and Oral Health

Were you diagnosed with cancer? This scary disease, if not in a too advanced stage, can be treated or slowed down with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Those methods of treatment can be very effective, but often have very uncomfortable or even painful side effects that can occur all over your body, including your mouth. Teeth, gums, oral tissues and salivary glands can all be affected.
Some of the oral problems caused by cancer therapy can be so agonizing that a patient might need to delay or stop the treatment. But knowing about these side effects can help you reduce and manage them, with the help of your physician and your dentist.

How can your mouth be affected?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have oral side effects that vary depending of the type of cancer and the intensity of the treatment. Those side effects can display themselves in different manners:

• Xerostomia or dry mouth follows a reduced production of saliva because salivary glands are affected during treatments.
• Cavities can appear quickly because of the low amount of saliva.
• There might be a painful or burning feeling in the mouth, tongue and gums which also follow a low amount of saliva in the mouth.
• Jaws might experience stiffness.
• Problems with eating, speaking, and swallowing.
• The ability to taste foods decreases.
• Periodontal disease might emerge.
• The immune system weakens in general.

In order to manage all those side effects, your dentist can make you recommendations to keep your mouth comfortable and healthy.

going a cancer treatment, you might experience nausea and a loss of appetite. But it’s important to get the right amount of nutrients and calories. Protein intake is something important to consider as well. You must also make sure you get enough vitamins by eating fruits and vegetables. If needed, you may use vitamin supplements that also provide essential minerals.
The bones of your jaws support your teeth. Therefore when your bones are strong and healthy, you teeth have a stronger foundation to hold them when you eat and chew foods. Many doctors recommend taking vitamin D and calcium to keep your bones healthy. If you have bone diseases such as osteoporosis you may need additional supplements.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during cancer treatment. Tobacco is a strong carcinogen and should never be consumed in the first place, even less if you are diagnosed with cancer.
Acidic foods can irritate your mouth. You should avoid acidic, high-sugar beverages like soft drinks and energy drinks. Consumption of grapefruit, orange juice, and tomato juice should also be reduced because they are natural acidic foods.

References

Cancer Information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (www.cancer.net).
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (www.cancercenter.com).

Pregnancy and Dental Care

Dental treatments can often be needed during pregnancy. Dentists generally recommend having elective treatments done before conceiving or after giving birth. But if you are a soon to be mother, you might have many questions concerning your overall oral health, and whether it’s safe or not to do emergency treatments, or any other dental procedures.

Caring for you teeth and gums

Bleeding gums is considered as being a secondary reaction to pregnancy. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is caused by a hormonal change that increases blood flow towards the gums. Gum disease can be controlled with thorough oral hygiene which includes brushing and flossing. Sometimes rinsing with water and salt is recommended in some extremes cases of bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not taken care of, it can affect the health of your baby. It is not clear if gum disease can lead to premature birth, but physicians consider it.
Brush your teeth regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush after every meal to help prevent gingivitis and tooth decay. Make sure to also floss after each meal. Dental floss should all the way down (or up) around each tooth to clear gums from all plaque. Do not worry if your gums bleed as you floss; bleeding should be reduced as the health of your gums improve.
Do not delay your regular dental cleanings. When your dental hygienist removes hidden plaque and tartar, it helps keeping your gums healthy. Dentists recommend a cleaning every six months. A pregnant woman may want to get cleanings done more frequently if she has trouble controlling gingivitis.

Dental treatments for future moms

Most dental procedures can and should be done when the dentist diagnoses a problem, because anything that would promote your oral health, would also improve your baby’s health as well. There are however some elective treatments that should wait to be done after the birth of your baby.
Routine X-rays, such as the ones taken during a dental exam, should be avoided during pregnancy. If however you have a dental emergency, or are suffering from extreme pain in your mouth, your dentist would rely on X-rays to find out what the problem is. When X-rays are necessary, your dentist will use extreme caution to keep you and your baby safe. A blanket made out of lead is used to protect the uterus. The actual amount of radiation that passes through lead is insignificant.
Having dental fillings does not harm your health or your babies. Your dentist can safely repair your cavity under local anesthesia (novocaine or lidocaine). Many dentists do not however recommend replacing old amalgam-containing grey fillings with new ones. Some studies say that the amalgam vapour created from drilling into a grey filling might be toxic.
Some procedures, like tooth extraction or root canal therapy, can be done during pregnancy, under local anesthesia, without causing risk to your baby. Sometimes your dentist can start a root canal and finish it after you give birth, delaying the need to take many X-rays. General anesthesia should be avoided during pregnancy.

Dental medications for future moms

The first trimester of pregnancy is the period of greatest risk for the baby because during this stage the baby's organs are developing. Some medicines taken during this time have the potential to affect this development, which could result in malformations or birth defects. Some other medicines are however considered safe.
Local anaesthetics such as novocaine and lidocaine are considered safe for pregnant women and their babies. They are preferred over intravenous or inhaled agents which may increase the risk of miscarriage if used during the first trimester. The anesthetic solution does cross the placenta, it is therefore recommended not to use excess anesthesia during dental treatments.
Antibiotics often need to be prescribed by dentists to either treat or prevent an infection. If we don’t consider allergies, the penicillin and cephalosporin families are safe to take. Erythromycin, which is prescribed for people who are allergic to penicillin, is also acceptable. Metronidazole, which is sometimes used for serious abscesses, can be taken during pregnancy as well. Tetracycline should be avoided because it can affect the colour of the teeth and bones of a developing foetus.
The safest pain medication is Acetaminophen (Tylenol) which is believed to be harmless throughout pregnancy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) are generally considered safe, but only until around 32 weeks of pregnancy; after that, they can interfere with childbirth. If stronger pain medications are needed, narcotics such as Codeine or Percocet can be used, but for a period of less than a few weeks.
Fluoride protects developing teeth from cavities, but it's not known whether it poses any risk to the foetus. The use of supplemental fluoride in pregnancy is controversial among dentists. Some studies have concluded that babies whose mothers received fluoride during their pregnancies developed fewer cavities; other studies found no benefit to fluoride use. As a general rule, it is advised not to take fluoride more than the amount contained in city water.

References

Dr Spock Parenting (www.drspock.com).
WebMD, better information, better health (www.webmd.com).
Last update: 15th of February 2009.

Causes and Consequences of Tooth Loss

If you don’t take care of your teeth, they will simply just go away.
Tooth loss is normal with baby teeth, where at some point in a child’s life, a tooth becomes lose and then falls off, but is later replaced by an adult tooth. Otherwise loosing a tooth is unfavourable and if it happens with adult teeth, it’s the result of injury, tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Decades ago it was considered normal to lose your teeth as you grew old. But if you have missing teeth, you lose the ability to chew on food and stay healthy. Nowadays there are methods to replace missing teeth, or to care for your oral health in order to keep your teeth forever.

What causes tooth loss?

There are many reasons why you might lose a tooth. Understanding those causes might help you be aware of your mouth’s health state and prevent problems that contribute to tooth loss.
Poor oral hygiene If you don’t brush and floss daily, cavities and gum disease can occur, making tooth loss more likely to happen in the future. Dentists recommend to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss at least once a day. It is also advisable to visit your dentist every six months for a check-ups and cleanings.
Poor nutrition Foods that contain a lot of sugar, carbohydrates and acids can damage your teeth and gums. Such diets initiate tooth decay.
Poor habits Tooth grinding (bruxism) uses up your teeth over the years and make them shorter. People who grind strongly can also fracture their teeth. Smoking or chewing tobacco can aggravate gum disease that leads to tooth loss.
Contact sports Some kids, teenagers or young adults play contact sports regularly. These include football, hockey, basketball, martial arts and so on. Wearing a mouth guard is very important to prevent trauma that can fracture of injure a tooth.
Fear Some people are afraid of dentist and never consult one, even if they have a tooth ache. Not consulting for a problem in your mouth can worsen the condition over time and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Finances Many people assume that dental treatments are too expensive. Sometimes they are, but other times there are alternative treatments that are less costly. Put also in mind that prevention costs less than treatment.

Who is at risk?

Everybody is at risk of loosing a tooth, but depending of a person’s age, reasons of tooth loss can be different. Although tooth loss is mostly associated for the elderly, research shows that 27 percent of people lose their first tooth between the ages of 21 and 30.
Children become more active as they grow and the chances of tooth trauma increases. Such tooth injuries can occur on baby teeth and adult teeth. If your kids play sports, make sure they wear a mouth guard.
Adults must pay attention to brushing and flossing because poor oral hygiene is the main cause of periodontal disease (gum disease). As periodontal disease progresses, tooth loss becomes an inevitable outcome. Gum disease also affects your health in general, especially if you have diabetes or heart disease.
Seniors are the most affected by tooth loss for the same reasons mentioned above. As people grow old, they have more chances of getting certain diseases that decreases the immune defence, affecting the mouth as well. Maintaining good oral hygiene is very important for your health in general.

Consequences of tooth loss

Losing your teeth can cause more than health problems. It directly affects your self-esteem as tooth loss impinges on your smile and the way your face looks. Here are some consequences of tooth loss:

• Speech problems.
• Avoiding certain foods because of chewing problems.
• Avoiding going out in public because of social embarrassment.
• Anxiety and self-consciousness.
• Stiff jaws and problems with relaxation.
• Weakening of other teeth because there are less teeth to use when you eat.
• Movement and inclination of other teeth and their possible loss.
• Nutrition problems.
• For baby teeth, potential loss of space for adult teeth.

In order to prevent all those problems, there are many options to replace your lost teeth and keep you healthy. But prevention remains the best resolution.

Tooth replacement options

If you have one or more missing teeth, or if you must absolutely extract a tooth, there are many effective options for replacement that are available. You may discuss the different options with your dentist in order to decide which solution is right for you. However, you should not remain without replacement of a lost tooth in order to avoid problems mentioned above.
Dental implants are considered to be the best and most comfortable tooth replacement solution. They are also the most expensive. An implant is an artificial root that is anchored to the bone and on which a crown is placed. It feels like a real tooth and does not require other teeth for support.
A fixed bridge is a set of three or more crowns fused together, where the one in the middle (pontic) replaces the missing tooth. The crowns on the edge cover your own teeth which are used as anchors. A bridge can not be removed and is very aesthetic, looking like your real teeth.
Partial and complete dentures are removable and replace several (partial) or all (complete) missing teeth. Since they are not fixed, they are not as comfortable as implants or bridges, and do not help you chew foods as effectively. But depending where your missing teeth are, dentures can give your smile an aesthetic look. Partials also prevent your other teeth of shifting and moving.

References

Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).

Sexual Hormones - Are Women more Prone to Cavities?

If we follow statistical data gathered from current and even prehistoric populations, it is noted that women have had more dental cavities than men have. This distinction has previously been linked to foods consumed and society changes which might have triggered off an increase of cavities among women. But a physiological reason may be at cause, more than just a behavioural observation.
Some anthropological studies have concluded that both biological and external factors are to blame. Such studies examine both, prehistoric societies and modern health records. The results attribute women’s higher rates of cavities to three main features: female hormones, saliva composition, and food cravings during pregnancy.

Female sex hormones

The most important hormones made by the ovaries are known as female sex hormones (sex steroids) and the two main ones are oestrogen and progesterone. Female hormones like oestrogen can influence considerably tooth decay development.
During puberty, oestrogen stimulates the development of female sex organs which includes breasts, uterus, etc. Oestrogen, with the help of progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), plays a vital part in regulating a woman's menstrual cycle. Oestrogen is also produced by the placenta throughout pregnancy, increasing its normal quantities. This female hormone is known to endorse dietary changes and cavity formation, especially when a woman is pregnant.

Saliva

Women naturally produce less saliva than men. This natural substance has normal cleaning and disinfecting effects that naturally clean the mouth after a meal. When there is less saliva, the regular removal of food residue from teeth is reduced. This situation is called xerostomia or dry mouth.
During pregnancy, the chemical composition of saliva changes, which reduces its antimicrobial capacity. Therefore the possibility of getting tooth decay increases for pregnant women.

Food cravings during pregnancy

Most women will experience food cravings at some point or another during pregnancy. In fact, as many as half of all pregnant women will crave some type of cuisine. They will often crave high-energy, sweet, salty, spicy or fatty foods. This occurs especially during the third trimester of pregnancy.
These high-energy drinks are often acid. When mixed with sugar, acidic drinks (sodas, ice tea or energy drinks) quickly initiate cavities on teeth. It is therefore very recommended that a pregnant woman keeps a toothbrush very close to her chocolate bars.

References

Know Your Teeth (www.knowyourteeth.com).
NetDoctor - Female Hormones (www.netdoctor.co.uk).
US News and World Report (www.usnews.com).
Last update: 22nd of February 2009.

How Smoking affects Dental and Oral Health

Smoking is not only linked to lung cancer and heart disease, but it also damages the state of the mouth. Smoking increases the risks of tooth loss, but more importantly, it is the main cause of throat and oral cancers. In fact, smoking sets off 75% of all cancers of the mouth.

Smoking and overall health

Here are some facts of how smoking affects someone’s health:

• Smokers have an increased risk of heart disease (including stroke, chest pain and palpitations), cancer and emphysema. In fact, emphysema is found almost exclusively in smokers, and 35% of all cancers are from smoking.
• 95% of those who die from lung cancer are smokers. Lung cancer is killing more women than breast cancer, and cervical cancer in smokers is increased 8 to 17 times because of the increased concentration of nicotine on the cervical mucus.
• No amount of smoking is free of risk. The exact amount of risk depends on how long someone has smoked and how deeply were the inhale, as well as genetic factors.
• Tobacco smoking reduces the effectiveness of medications, such as pain relievers, antidepressants, tranquilizers, sedatives, ulcer medication and insulin.
• Smoking destroys certain vitamins and creates the need for other specific nutrients.
• With every puff of cigarette a person breathes in 4,700 different chemicals.
• Smokers are 4 times more likely to have gray hair and increased hair loss.
• More than 90% of all regular smokers began using tobacco at or before age 18.
• People who smoke are more likely to have sinusitis. 

Smoking and oral health

Although smoking and chewing tobacco does not increase the risk of having cavities, it can do lots of damage to the gums and other parts of the mouth:

• The risk of tooth loss in smokers is twice more than in non-smokers.
• Smoking is the main cause of throat and oral cancers.
• Smoking increases periodontal disease (gum disease). In fact, according to the Journal of Periodontology, smokers are about four times more likely than people who have never smoked, to have advanced periodontal disease.
• Smoking can cause inflammation of the salivary glands.
• Smoking delays healing after tooth extraction and can lead to a temporary and painful condition known as dry socket.
• Smokers have less success with periodontal treatments and dental implants.

Besides the significant and dangerous hazards mentioned above, other factors that smokers should consider include:

• Smoking is a major source of halitosis (bad breath).
• The loss of taste and smell can be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Smoking stains teeth reducing the aesthetics of a smile.
• Tobacco use can cause black hairy tongue, which refers to growths on the tongue, making it look hairy and turning it yellow, green, brown or black.
• Smoking might produce constant plaque and tartar build up.

Recommendations for smokers

To say "stop smoking" is an easier thing said than done. Nicotine addiction can be very strong and hard to lose, that is why tobacco companies are so successful with their products. But to stop smoking is also the most effective way to eliminate all the hazards that tobacco can cause, not only to oral health, but also to increase the chances of living a long and healthy life with the people we love.
Here some tips for smokers concerning their oral health:

• Although it's easier said than done, stop smoking or stop chewing tobacco!
• Have regular checkups with the dentist in order to verify the state of the gums and make sure no oral cancer is developing.
• Maintain a thorough oral hygiene plan by regularly brushing, flossing, using mouthwash and tongue cleaner, and by having regular professional cleanings at the dentist's office.
• Learn how to do an oral cancer self examination:
• Check for any sores around the face, neck or mouth that do not heal within two weeks.
• Check for frequent bleeding in the mouth.
• Check for white, red or dark patches on the cheeks, palate, tongue, or under the tongue; if such lesions do not disappear after two weeks, have them checked by a dentist.
• Check for swellings, lumps or bumps on the lips, gums, or other areas in the mouth.
• Notice any numbness, pain or loss of feeling in any area of the mouth.

It is evoked that the fresh clean feeling a person feels in the mouth after brushing and flossing may restrain the urge of smoking. Ironically, these simple tips also help to prevent periodontal diseases.

References

1. Medical News Today (www.medicalnewstoday.com).
2. Health News, More Natural Health (www.healthnews.com).
3. Family Gentle Dental Care (www.dentalgentlecare.com).

The information above should be used as a reference only. Any medical decision should not be done before consulting a health care professional.
Last update: 29th of January 2010.

Heart Disease and Dental Care

There are various heart conditions that need special precautions when it comes to caring for teeth and the mouth. If someone has suffered from a heart attack, high blood pressure, angina, stroke, or congestive hear failure, the situation should be discussed with the dentist or the physician prior to dental procedures.
Someone with heart disease should be responsible for maintaining a healthy mouth by practicing good oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist. It would be also important to follow the physician’s or the dentist’s instructions when they prescribe particular medications such as antibiotics.

Infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is a relatively uncommon infection of the heart valves, although that can be life threatening. The infection occurs when bacteria or other micro-organisms enter the body and reach the heart. A very common way of bacteria entrance is through the mouth. To prevent infective endocarditis in patients with a weakened heart, antibiotics should be taken before doing certain dental treatments.
The American Heart Association recommends taking antibiotics before dental treatments for patients with:

• Previous history of infective endocarditis.
• Prosthetic (artificial) heart valves.
• Recipients of heart transplant who have cardiac valvular disease.
• Some congenital heart defects.

The American Heart Association also advises taking antibiotics before the following dental treatments:

• Tooth extraction.
• Endodontic procedures (root canals).
• Placement of implants.
• Tooth or implant cleaning, if bleeding is anticipated.
• Intraligamentary local anesthetic injections.
• Reimplantation of natural teeth after dental avulsion (a tooth that falls out completely after an accident).
• Periodontal procedures (gum exams, cleanings, and surgeries).
• Placement of orthodontic bands, but not brackets.
• Placement of antibiotic fibres or strips below the gum line.

High blood pressure

There are a few drugs that are prescribed to treat hypertension that cause xerostomia (dry mouth) or dysgeusia (altered sense of taste). Other medications may prompt to fainting when the patient is raised from the somewhat flat position in the dentist's chair to a standing or sitting position.
Some anti-hypertensive drugs, such as calcium channel blockers, can cause gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of the gums). Gingival hyperplasia can begin as soon as one month after someone starts taking the drug. Some people's gums become so large they have difficulty chewing and surgery is required to make the correction. If the dentist detects that problem, the patient must follow detailed hygiene instructions and have more frequent cleanings.
Before someone with hypertension undergoes dental treatments, the dentist might need to take a blood pressure reading. Local anaesthetics can be safely received even if they contain epinephrine (adrenaline). Also, most people with high blood pressure can safely take anti-anxiety medication, such as nitrous oxide or diazepam (Valium), for dental procedures.

Heart attack

The symptoms of myocardial infarction (heart attack) can be described like a pain that starts in the chest and that radiates to the lower jaw.
Someone who’s had a heart attack should wait at least six months before having dental treatments. It’s important to give the dentist a detailed list of the drugs taken to prevent complications. For example, if a heart attack patient takes anticoagulants, the blood is less likely to clot and treatments like tooth extraction may need a temporary modification of the drug intake.

Angina

Just like a heart attack, an angina attack can be felt like pain that starts in the chest and radiates to the lower jaw.
Some drugs such as calcium channel blockers might cause gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of the gums), which can start as soon as one month after someone starts taking the drug. Some people's gums become so large they have difficulty eating and surgery is necessary to make the correction. If the dentist detects that problem, the patient must follow detailed hygiene instructions and have more frequent cleanings.
Patients with stable angina can be treated like any other patients and proceed with any dental treatment. But people who suffer from unstable angina should not receive elective dental procedures and concentrate only on emergency treatments.
It’s recommended to reduce stress during a dental appointment because stress can trigger angina attacks. It is also important to bring angina medications to the dentist's office. Some ways to reduce stress are sleeping well the night before seeing your dentist and avoiding caffeine before the appointment.

Congestive heart failure

Many medications prescribed to treat congestive heart failure may cause xerostomia (dry mouth) or dysgeusia (altered sense of taste).
There are usually no special concerns in undergoing dental treatment for someone being treated for congestive heart failure if he or she has no complications or side effects.
People who have severe heart failure should consider dental treatments done in a hospital clinic. They should not stay lying down in the dental chair too far because the fluid build-up in their lungs may affect breathing. It’s also recommended to go slowly when moving from a standing position to the chair, and when standing up from the chair, because dizziness can come easily.

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery (or heart bypass surgery) is a surgical procedure which consists of bypassing a narrowed or a blocked coronary artery by grafting another artery or vein taken from another area of the body.
If a patient who has had coronary artery bypass must get a dental treatment, he or she might experience severe pain when reclining in the dental chair. This is a side effect of the surgery. Taking antibiotics before dental treatment is usually not required unless surgery has been done several weeks before seeing the dentist.

Pacemaker

A pacemaker is a medical device which uses electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart. The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart's native pacemaker is not fast enough, or there is a block in the heart's electrical conduction system.
It’s very important to inform the dentist if a patient has a pacemaker because all dental electromagnetic devices should be avoided. More thorough dental treatments should be postponed several weeks after surgery. If an emergency dental procedure must be conducted, the dentist or the physician may prescribe pre-treatment antibiotics.

References

1. Dental Care and Heart Disease - American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org).
2. Heart Disease and Dental Treatment - Colgate (www.colgate.com).

The information above should be used as a reference only. Any medical decision should not be done before consulting a health care professional.
Last update: 29th of June 2010.

Oral Hygiene Kit for Travellers

Have you put away your camera, your passport, and all the necessary clothing for your next trip? It can be quite stressful because you don’t want to forget anything, whether it’s important documents or all the money or credit cards you need to pay for everything. You must also not forget to bring what you need to brush your teeth and keep your mouth clean. This article makes recommendations on the oral hygiene items to bring with you, creating the perfect kit to keep you smiling throughout your trip!

Dental floss

Flossing is as important at home as it is away from home. If your trip lasts a few weeks and if you don't floss during all that time, you are at risk of developing gum disease and even cavities in between your teeth. That's why it's important to always carry dental floss with you when you travel. It can also be handy to remove fibrous foods stuck between your teeth after a meal!
Remember that if the spaces between your teeth are tight, a waxed floss can be easier to use.

Toothbrush

For centuries, the basic device for oral hygiene has been the toothbrush because it removes most of dental plaque, most of food debris, and its cleaning action is well completed when you floss right after.
An electric toothbrush can even clean your teeth better, especially if you have braces on, and don't forget to put the charger in your luggage with the rest of your stuff!
But if you have to buy a new toothbrush during your trip, remember to get a soft or ultra-soft one.

Toothpaste

You can always buy toothpaste from wherever you are travelling to. Each supermarket of every country should have a variety of toothpastes to choose from. But some travellers have preferences in the toothpaste they like, whether it's the taste or if they want a tooth sensitivity fighter, and are better off bringing their own.
Remember that big tubes of more than 100 ml of toothpaste cannot be kept with you on an airplane; it has to stay in your checked in luggage.

Sugarless gum

Sometimes you eat a snack, or you want to try local food, and you can't necessarily brush and floss right after. Chewing on sugarless gum for 10 minutes after a meal can stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, which is a natural cleaner. Gum also reduces the acidity of the mouth, making it a less cavity prone environment.
It does not replace brushing and flossing of course, but it's a temporary solution that also makes your breath more fresh!

Interdental brush such as the Proxabrush

If you have braces on your teeth, or if you have receding gums, it's a good idea to have an interdental brush with you. Such brushes are small, and are manufactured by several companies like Gum for the Proxabrush. Sometimes even floss or an electric toothbrush doesn't remove a tiny piece or rice stuck between your tooth and your wire, but in that case an interdental brush can do wonders!

References

1. Oral hygiene (www.wikipedia.org).
2. Oral Hygiene & Dental Care Information (www.colgate.com).
3. 7 travel tips for good oral health (www.besthealthmag.ca).

The information above should be used as a reference only. Any medical decision should not be done before consulting a health care professional.
Last update: 20th of August 2011.

10 myths and facts about root canals

When someone says root canal, people around usually clench their teeth in nervousness. But why do root canals scare people so much? Most individuals think that a root canal is a very painful treatment. But with the advancement of dentistry and dental technologies, root canal procedures have considerably changed.
I wrote this article to make things clear about any types of myths surrounding root canal treatments and help people know the real facts and what to expect if they ever need one.

1 - A root canal treatment is a painful procedure

False. A root canal does not cause pain. In fact, root canals are performed to relieve pain caused by inflammation of the pulp chamber (where the nerve is located) or a dental infection. The belief that a root canal hurts goes way back in the past. With modern anesthesia, this procedure is no more painful than doing a filling.
If there is severe dental infection, anesthesia may be more difficult to achieve and your dentist may decide to prescribe you antibiotics prior to the root canal treatment. If a root canal seems very complicated to achieve, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist, who is a colleague dentist that specializes in root canals.

2 - A root canal is a costly treatment

True. Although a root canal is a pricey treatment, it does save a tooth and helps a person keep it and use it to maintain normal chewing functions. Having a root canal and a dental crown remains less expensive than extracting a tooth and then replacing it with a bridge or a dental implant.
Costs vary on how many canals a tooth has, whether it’s the first time the root canal is achieved or retreatment, or on who performs the root canal (general dentist or specialist).

3 - A root canal removes the pain immediately after the procedure

False. After a root canal, the patient will feel significant improvement. However, it is normal for the tooth to be sensitive the first few days after treatment and the use of pain killers can help. Mild pain can be followed, especially while chewing, and it can last a few weeks. The pain should disappear completely however after that time.
Is it possible not to feel any pain at all after a root canal procedure? Yes it's possible, and this depends on how complicated was the treatment and on whether or not the tooth was infected before treatment.

4 - Root canals do not work

False. Although nothing can replace your tooth completely, a root canal that is done well, with an appropriate filling or crown, has a very high success rate. In about 85% of cases, treatments can last a lifetime.
If a tooth becomes infected again years after root canal has been done, it can often be retreated. However, in certain situations, such as tooth fracture, root decay that is too deep, or severe bone loss around the tooth, your dentist may have no choice but to extract the affected tooth.

5 - It is normal that a tooth remains a little sensitive after a root canal

False. It is not normal to experience persistent pain that could last a few months after root canal treatment has been performed on a tooth. Among the causes of pain that remains are hidden canals that were not cleaned during the procedure, or the tooth itself being broken all the way to the root.
In these rare cases of persistent pain, patients could be referred to consult an endodontist, who is a specialist for root canals, to get a diagnosis and have the tooth treated. In cases where the root of a tooth is fractured, no treatment can be done to save that tooth and the only thing to do is to have it extracted.

6 - A root canal "kills" the tooth

False. A root canal cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth to allow it to heal; it does not kill a tooth. The nerves and the blood vessels located in the pulp chamber server for the development of a tooth when a person is a child or a teenager.
Later in life, the nerve's function is to cause pain when something is wrong with the tooth, whether it's decay, infection, inflammation or trauma. Pain is therefore a defence mechanism that alarms a person to seek help.

7 - It is necessary to take powerful painkillers after a root canal

More or less true. The pain experienced after a root canal is usually caused by inflammation around the tooth and it only lasts for a temporary amount of time. This inflammation is often best treated with common pain killers like anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or with acetamynophen (Tylenol).
In case of more severe pain that persists months after the root canal procedure has been done, it is recommended to consult your dentist or your endodontist search for possible complications.

8 - Teeth undergoing root canal treatment often need a crown

True. Usually teeth that need root canal treatment have very big cavities or big fillings. A tooth with a big filling is more at risk to be fractured. For this reason, your dentist may recommend the placement of a post and a crown after the root canal procedure.
Some dentists place a post and a filling on a tooth right after the root canal has been done. Although the post gives more strength to the tooth than placing just a filling alone, a crown is still recommended to make the tooth stronger.

9 - Root canal treatment is a lengthy process that requires several appointments

False. Today, root canal treatment may take between one and two hours if there are no complications. The number of appointments often depends on the condition of the tooth and the number of canals it has.
In cases where infection is severe, your dentist or endodontist may place a drug inside to help disinfect the interior of the roots, and then finish the root canal treatment a few days later. But if there is no infection or no complications, the procedure can be completed in one single appointment.

10 - A tooth with a root canal treatment that has failed should always be extracted

False. The success rate of root canals is about 85%. If a root canal has been done years ago and re-causes pain or infection, the tooth can often be retreated.
A retreatment is a procedure of redoing the root canal by re-cleaning the inside of the roots, disinfecting and obtruding each canal. Some teeth may require an apectomy instead, which is a microsurgery used to remove the tip of the root. Modern techniques of restatements and microsurgeries work well.

References

1. Root Canals Myths (American Association of Endodontists).
2. Ouch! 10 Mythes et réalités à propos du traitement de canal (styledevie.ca.msn.com).

The information above should be used as a reference only. Any medical decision should not be done before consulting a health care professional.
Last update: 9th of September 2011.

Hygiene and Dental Treatment

Because diabetes makes teeth and gums more susceptible to certain diseases, it is important to give special attention to dental hygiene. If you take care of your oral health it is possible to avoid or delay several complications of diabetes.
Here is a summary of advice offered to diabetics:

• You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but preferably after every meal. You should also floss your teeth to complete the brushing by removing plaque and food particles that can remain between teeth and the surrounding gums. Because there is less saliva in the mouth, which normally contributes to a natural cleaning of teeth, a meticulous dental hygiene is therefore very important.
• Periodontal disease can reach an advanced level without necessarily feeling any kind of pain, and without your gums bleeding. Regular dental checkups, preferably every three months, are then recommended to detect any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, but also dental caries.
• If the gums bleed in an abnormal way when brushing your teeth, it is important to consult your dentist quickly. Moreover, you must notify the dentist of any major change in your mouth, like a bad taste, a lack of saliva, or the presence of white patches on the tongue.
• It is important during dental checkups to update your medical history, and notify the state of your diabetes. If you suffer from periodontal disease, it is important to inform your doctor about the status of the disease.
• With few exceptions, people with diabetes can receive dental treatment as anyone normally could. Dentists recommend short dental appointments taken preferably in the morning. You must also take your meals and your insulin as you normally do without any changes.
• If tooth extraction or any kind of surgery is necessary, you must expect a longer healing period and a good follow-up with your surgeon or your dentist. Any surgery must only be accomplished if the level of blood sugar is well controlled. Otherwise, you must postpone the treatment, unless there is an infection or an abscess, which should then be treated immediately.

If you have diabetes, it is very important to monitor your diet and control your weight by exercising regularly. It must also carefully consider your dental and oral condition, which with the help of your dentist, will help your keep a good health for a very long time.

References

Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca).
American Academy of Periodontology (www.perio.org).

School of Dentistry

La Faculté de Médecine Dentaire de l’Université Libanaise offre depuis 27 ans une formation de chirurgien dentiste ainsi que des diplômes universitaires dans toutes les spécialités dentaires.
 Cette Faculté détient des relations Arabes et Internationales par le biais de l’Association des doyens des facultés de chirurgie dentaire arabe et la conférence internationale des doyens des facultés partiellement ou totalement de langue française de même une convention est signée avec l’Université de Sydney en Australie.
Moyennant une année préparatoire à la Faculté des Sciences de l’Université Libanaise et suite à un concours d’entrée, la faculté s’ouvre à toutes les classes sociales, à toutes les confessions, et à toutes les régions du Liban, en ne retenant comme critère de sélection pour l’admission que les candidats qui sont classés en rang utile. C’est grâce au niveau de nos étudiants présélectionnés et très motivés dans leurs études et de nos enseignants titulaires de diplômes post-universitaires venant d’origines diverses, Anglophone et Francophone et la qualité des soins rendus par nos diplômés à la population, qu’émane notre réputation.
 La faculté œuvre pour intégrer le système LMD (licence, maîtrise, doctorat) et de cette façon contribuer à promouvoir les nouvelles approches internationales d’enseignements académiques.
Du point de vue recherche les enseignants détiennent plusieurs axes de recherche en étroite collaboration avec le CNRS Libanais et l’Ecole Doctorale en vue de l’obtention de diplôme de Doctorat en Sciences odontalgiques (D.S.O) qui sera intégré bientôt dans le système LMD.
 La médecine dentaire n’est pas seulement un art, c’est une science qui joint l’art à la médecine pour sauvegarder la Parole, un Sourire éclatant et une Beauté dans les traits du visage.

Professeur Mounir Doumit
Doyen de la Faculté de Médecine Dentaire