As reported by heraldsun.au.com, all but one patient treated at Australia’s Bundaberg Hospital dental health clinic has returned a negative result for blood-borne viruses.  The treatment stemmed from a problem which occurred in the cleaning process of dental instruments.  Some of the instruments used were thought to be unsterile, and thus, tests were carried out to see if an infectious viral disease was passed on to any of the patients.  This makes you wonder whether or not the dentists were using high quality disinfectant sprays or wipes.  Before going any further, I will simply say that it’s always important to use a medical grade disinfectant.

Original Source: Herald & Weekly Times

The results for the final patient are expected tomorrow.  Thirty-three patients were treated at Bundaberg Hospital’s dental health clinic on November 6, the day a problem occurred in the cleaning process for dental instruments.   Two were not treated with instruments, but Queensland Health tested the remaining 31 patients for Hepatitis A, B and C and HIV.

The tests were done to determine whether any of them might have passed on an infectious viral disease to anyone of 235 patients treated the following week.   Queensland Health initially said the 31 patients visited the clinic “prior” to the bungle occurring.   However, yesterday, they admitted some of the 31 patients may have also been operated on with unclean instruments, as it is believed the cleaning mishap occurred at about 10am (AEST) on November 6.

Queensland Health director-general Mick Reid said the issue had been complex, but admitted his department should have been more clear in communication.   “While we are confident there is a very minimal risk to patients, we know this is a difficult time for them,” Mr. Reid said.  He said he would be placing the highest importance on getting to the bottom of what occurred.  “What occurred was not good enough and I apologize for any confusion and distress caused by this episode,” he said. “Yesterday I directed that Queensland’s chief dental officer assume operational control of the oral health services for the northern cluster of the Sunshine Coast-Wide Bay Health Service District, while the issues that have arisen are examined.  I hope that this action will go some way to restoring the community’s confidence in the services provided by the Bundaberg oral health service.”

This article reminds us that it’s always important to be sterile.  Keeping clean can usually be as simple as using a high grade disinfectant spray or even disinfectant wipes.  It is important to use a medical grade disinfectant – one that is certified to kill H1N1, MRSA, Hepatitis, HIV, and other bacteria and viruses.  Most over the counter disinfectants are not strong enough to kill these germs.  Remember, a good disinfectant cleaner can mean the difference between passing and not passing a deadly disease.  Stay sterile and use high grade spays and wipes.

ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Facial piercings in the lips, tongue and cheeks have become popular forms of self-expression among teens and young adults.

But for those considering a facial piercing, there are some important factors to consider first, said Minnesota Orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. While they may appear stylish to some, there are some oral health risks associated with this trend.

Many people who have these facial piercings develop a habit of playing with them. For example, those with tongue rings sometimes run the barbell against their teeth or bite on it. This can damage the surface of the teeth and even chip teeth. Eating with this jewelry in can chip the teeth as well, Eisenhuth said.

Lip rings can rub against the teeth and scratch the surface or even wear a groove in them. For patients with braces, there is a slight chance that oral piercing jewelry can damage orthodontic appliances, which could lengthen treatment time. Patients who wear clear aligners don’t have this problem, said Eisenhuth, who also is a Minnesota invisible braces provider.

Other problems associated with oral piercing jewelry include increased tooth sensitivity, gum damage and gum recession.

Researchers from Ohio State University College of Dentistry and the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry conducted research on 52 people with pierced tongues and discovered that among those whose tongue piercings had been in place for four years or longer, 35 percent of them had experienced gum recession.

Among people in the study who had worn long-stemmed barbells for two years or longer, half of them were diagnosed with receding gums.

“Long barbells have an increased opportunity to damage the gums because they reach the gums more easily than short barbells,” Eisenhuth said. “Gum recession is bad on its own, but long-term consequences can mean some pretty significant dental problems.”
Eisenhuth said she is particularly surprised when her orthodontic patients have facial or oral piercings.

“These are patients who are here to improve their smiles, their self-confidence and their long-term oral health by undergoing orthodontic treatment,” said the Minnesota braces specialist. “To put something near your teeth that can work against all the improvements being made through orthodontic treatment doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.

Infection is another common side effect of oral piercings, often because of touching them or getting food caught around the piercing site.

“Touching oral piercings increases the opportunity for bacteria from your hands to enter piercing sites,” said Eisenhuth.

Bleeding and nerve damage is an issue for some with facial piercings. Damaging the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss. These piercings also can cause swelling and discomfort. When it comes to tongue piercings, the tongue can swell enough to close off the airway, Eisenhuth said.

Facial and oral piercing jewelry, which can include studs, rings, barbells and hoops, can affect a person’s ability to eat and speak properly.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about orthodontic treatment using heat-activated arch wires, you want to learn more about the Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth’s orthodontic practice or you would like to schedule a consultation with her, please call: (651) 406-8100 or visit her Web site: http://doctorjennifer.com/.

About Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth

Dr. Eisenhuth attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and graduated in the top of her class. She earned the Minnesota Association of Orthodontic Achievement Award and several academic achievement awards. She entered her orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree.Dr. Eisenhuth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

She takes pride in caring for the orthodontic needs of residents in the Twin Cities- St. Paul and Minneapolis, and their surrounding regions, including Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan, Minnesota. Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Court, Eagan, Minn., 55121.

© 2009 Sinai Google SEO Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Patients of the Apple Valley orthodontics practice of Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth gave generously once again this year during her annual candy buy-back program.
Patients donated close to 800 pounds of candy, which will be donated to U.S. Troops serving overseas, said Eisenhuth, an Apple Valley, MN orthodontist.

The candy buy-back program, which is in its fifth year, was designed to remove the temptation among Eisenhuth’s patients to eat chewy, sticky candies that could damage their braces by donating those potentially damaging candies in exchange for tokens that could be turned in for prizes. Patients received one token for every pound of candy they donated, and prizes included gift cards and toys.

The donated candy is shipped to U.S. soldiers who are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Eisenhuth also ships toothbrushes and dental floss along with the candy, she said.
“Eating candy is fine, as long as you brush your teeth afterward,” said the Apple Valley Invisalign provider. “That’s why we include the dental care products in our care package to the soldiers.”
Eisenhuth said she is amazed each year by her patients’ generosity.

“We ask them to donate the candies they get during Halloween festivities that might harm their braces,” she said. “But we find that once the patients learn that the candy will be given to soldiers, they often donate candy that would have been OK for them to eat.”

Eisenhuth’s staff collected all of the candy on Nov. 2 and soon will box it up and ship it to Iraq.
“We get lots of e-mails from soldiers who receive the candy, thanking us for the treats,” Eisenhuth, an Apple Valley orthodontist, said.

Soldiers frequently give the candy and the toothbrushes to the children they encounter in remote areas of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Learn More
If you would like to more information on Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth’s Appley Valley, MN orthodontics practice or you would like to schedule a free consultation, please call: (651) 406-8100 or visit Dr. Eisenhuth’s Web site: http://doctorjennifer.com/. Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Ct. in Eagan.

About Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth
Dr. Eisenhuth, Apple Valley Invisible Braces, attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and graduated in the top of her class. She earned the Minnesota Association of Orthodontic Achievement Award and several academic achievement awards. She entered her orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree.

Dr. Eisenhuth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
She takes pride in caring for the orthodontic needs of residents in the Twin Cities- St. Paul and Minneapolis, and their surrounding regions, including Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan, Minnesota.

Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Court, Eagan, Minn., 55121.
© 2009 Sinai  SEO Services Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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I was privileged to meet Gary last year and listen to many of his ideas on business and blogging. I have even recently incorporated a few of his suggestions from his book into this blog including the link on the sidebar for those interested in making an appointment with our office:

I love my profession and I love to blog about it here. I hope to develop professionally and personally by following my passion blogging here about Pediatric Dentistry. It takes long hours and hard work, but constant improvement and excellence is something to which we all should all aspire.

(Gary if you read this, and I know you might, please feel free to comment).

This article was syndicated via RSS From: http://cyberdentist.blogspot.com/

About 100 Million people in the United States are without dental coverage, and more than 1/3 have not visited a dentist within the past year.  Several dentists around the country, including those from Montana, are stepping up to the plate and offering free or low cost dental care to those who cannot afford it.  Read this article from DentalPlans.com…

Original Source: DentalPlans.com

The New York Times recently reported that more than 100 million people in the U.S. don’t have dental care and that roughly 35 percent of Americans haven’t seen a dentist in the last year.

Several dentists in Montana decided they wanted to do what they could to remedy America’s dental care problem, according to NBC. Coming from Billings, Broadview and Laurel, these dental care professionals decided to hold Give Back a Smile, a one-day free event for individuals without coverage.

“I don’t think anyone really enjoys coming to the dentist, but everyone we’ve had in here have just been very thankful and very grateful,” Dr Christopher Hirt told the news provider. “These are the sort of toothaches that have been keeping people up at night they can’t function, they can’t eat, and they’ve just been so grateful for us to get them to a place where they can just resume a normal life.”

The event was held on November, 20, and the dentists saw 92 patients. While free care days such as this one are a good temporary solution for people without dental coverage, they can’t permanently replace regular visits to the dentists because they’re often held on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning treatment isn’t necessarily provided to everyone who attends.

The Mayo Clinic says health problems such as periodontitis can be avoided by brushing twice a day and seeing a dentist regularly.

The second case of an H1N1 infected cat surfaced in Utah last week.  The cat’s owner tested positive for H1N1 swine flu, also.  This is believed to be the second case of an H1N1 infected cat in the area.  There is now cause for concern, as it is feared that infected cats can transmit swine flu to not only other cats, but to human beings as well.  Preventing the spread of this virus might prove more difficult that we first thought if house pets such as cats (and perhaps dogs) can carry and pass the strain.

Like the first cat reportedly diagnosed with H1N1 (in Iowa), this most recent situation involved an older female cat – a spayed female, much like the one from the first case.  Dr. Carl Prior, owner of the Park City Animal Hospital, was one of the people who initially treated the cat.  He stated that the cat presented heavy breathing issues and that its apparent illness seemed quite serious; “I was thinking pneumonia or cancer of the lungs,” he said.  “It (the cat) looked so sick.”

Upon arrival, blood work was performed on the cat.  It was then placed in an oxygen chamber set to about 50%.  Over the next four to five hours, the oxygen percentage was decreased.  The veterinarian later took X-rays of the cat’s blood samples – which showed low white blood cell counts.  An influenza A/B type test (typically used on humans) also came back positive, according to Prior.  Prior didn’t immediately assume H1N1, but began thinking about the first Iowa cat that had been infected; at least one of the cat’s owners was suffering from influenza and another occupant of the house had contracted the H1N1 virus.

A test conducted at Iowa State University came back seropositive, so more samples were sent in for screening (including a PCR test – which came back negative).  Iowa State veterinarians were surprised at the negative result, but, indicated that the first cat had tested the same way.  More testing will be needed before any definite conclusion can be released.

Dr. Carl Prior suggested that the virus is probably not shed for very long, adding that a second blood test confirmed an H1N1 infection in the cat.  The cat’s health improved after several hours of antibiotics and oxygen care, and it did not have to be hospitalized overnight.  Park City Animal Hospital vets will continue to monitor the cat, and test another cat from the same household to see if there is a link.  “It hasn’t shown any signs on illness,” Prior explained, though he does plan to monitor the animal and stay alert to the possibility of a cat-to-cat and cat-to-human H1N1 transmission.

Safeguard yourself.  Try DCA Disinfectant Spray – this commercial grade disinfectant kills H1N1, HIV, MRSA and many other viruses and bacteria.

Monday, November 2, 2009 –LOS ANGELES AND SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – In the United States each year, one in 800 newborns is born with a cleft palate or cleft lip.
Of those, parents of many of these children will seek treatment that will include orthodontics at some point in their lives, said Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, a California orthodontist.
Nikaeen treats a handful of cleft lip/palate patients annually.
What is cleft palate and cleft lip?
WebMD defines cleft palate as a condition babies sometimes are born with in which the roof of the mouth- or palate- fails to normally develop during pregnancy, and an opening- or cleft- is left that may go through to the nasal cavity . Cleft palate may involve the hard palate, which is the front part of the roof of the mouth, or the soft palate in the rear of the mouth. It can occur alone, or in conjunction with other facial and cranial birth defects such as cleft lip.
Cleft lip is when there are one or more splits in the upper lip and it can very from a small indentation in the lip known as an incomplete cleft to a split that extends into one or both nostrils
Cleft lip forms early in a baby’s development prior to birth. Genetic reasons and environmental exposures of the mother during pregnancy, can be the cause of cleft lip.
Cleft palate and lip are the most common birth defects of the neck and head, according to the WebMD site, but cleft lip is more common in males.
Correction Methods
There are a few orthodontic treatments that can be performed on babies  prior to surgery, said Nikaeen, who runs a California orthodontics practice, but surgery typically is performed within a child’s first three to six months to correct cleft lip. Depending on the severity and type of deformity, additional surgeries may be necessary as the child grows.
The surgery performed to correct cleft palate is known as palatoplasty. A child must be a bit older for this surgery- typically a year to 18 months old, according to WebMD. More than one procedure may be necessary and the last of these procedures may spread into the child’s teen-age years.
Children with cleft palate sometimes wind up having missing, extra or misshapen teeth, california  braces expert, Nikaeen said.
Cleft lip and palate also can cause problems with breathing, eating and swallowing, and can lead to dental and skeletal development issues that could require treatment by an orthodontist. The surgeries used to correct these birth defects also can cause dental problems as the adult teeth erupt, Nikaeen said.
“The surgeries performed to correct these deformities have been known to affect upper jaw growth in particular,” she said.
If palatal scar tissue interferes with the natural widening of a child’s upper jaw arch, the child could develop a condition known as crossbite.  Crossbite occurs when the outside cups of the lower teeth are lateral to the outside cups of the upper teeth, according to this website.
When the child reaches about age 7, Nikaeen may take mouth photos, X-rays and models to assist in further evaluating the condition. In cases that require bone grafting, the child typically must wait until he/she is between 8 and 10 years old.
Once the child’s surgeries have been completed, Nikaeen can begin the process of correcting the child’s adult teeth through Phase II orthodontics. This typically calls for the use of traditional braces with arch wires and metal or ceramic brackets, said Nikaeen, a California invisible braces provider.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about treating cleft lip/palate in children and their orthodontic treatment options, visit Dr. Nikaeen’s Web site: http://www.invisibraces.com or call her office for a free consultation: (310) 444-1113.
About Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen
Dr. Nikaeen, california lingual braces expert, graduated with honors from dental school in 1993 and received a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS). She gained experience practicing general dentistry for several years before attending Columbia University School of Dentistry and Oral Surgeons in New York, where she earned her post-doctoral education in orthodontics and received an orthodontic specialty certificate.
In addition to running her practice, Dr. Nikaeen is a faculty member at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) Orthodontic Department and teaches orthodontic residents.
Dr. Nikaeen’s Los Angeles practice serves patients throughout Southern California, including Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
© 2009 Sinai Free SEO Marketing and Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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LOS ANGELES, SANTA MONICA AND BEVERLY HILLS CALIFORNIA —  Los Angeles and Santa Monica CA Orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen has started using the Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device on more patients in her practice who need overbite correction and don’t wear their headgear or elastics as they should.
The Forsus, which is manufactured by 3M Unitek, is used with orthodontic braces to move the lower jaw forward and correct overbite, Nikaeen said, adding that the Forsus is proving to be superior to traditional headgear or elastics in patients who aren’t good at wearing the removable devices.
“Headgear can be uncomfortable, and some patients simply won’t wear it as they should,” said the Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA braces expert. “With elastics, their effectiveness is reliant upon the patient wearing them correctly.”
Prior to the Forsus, options for correcting overbite were limited to products that were simple to install, but relied on patient compliance for ultimate success, according to the 3M Unitek site. Products such as headgear and elastics are put in and removed by the patient, but the Forsus device is installed at the orthodontist’s office and cannot be removed by the patient. It provides better strength and reliability.
Basically, the Forsus device takes patient compliance out of the equation, which makes it a “great intra-oral appliace for non-compliant patients,” she said.
Nikaeen said some patients initially are bothered by the appliance being in their mouths, but they seem to get used to it. They also realize that it means less maintenance for them, and there is the possibility that it can be removed sooner because it can generate quicker results in patients who previously didn’t wear their removable appliances as they should.
“The Forsus doesn’t limit jaw movement, so it’s comfortable to wear,” said Nikaeen, who also is a Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA Invisalign provider.
Another benefit of the Forsus device is that it can improve the way the teeth fit and can potentially eliminate the need for jaw surgery in some patients.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about the Forsus, Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen’s orthodontic practice,  santa monica lingual braces or you wish to contact her for a free consultation, please visit her Web site:  http://www.invisibraces.com/.
About Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen
Dr. Nikaeen graduated with honors from dental school in 1993 and received a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS). She gained experience practicing general dentistry for several years before attending Columbia University School of Dentistry and Oral Surgeons in New York, where she earned her post-doctoral education in orthodontics and received an orthodontic specialty certificate.
In addition to running her practice, Dr. Nikaeen is a faculty member at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) Orthodontic Department and teaches orthodontic residents.
Dr. Nikaeen’s Los Angeles practice serves patients throughout Southern California, including Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
© 2009 Sinai SEO Marketing and Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth placed directly into the jaw (by a periodontist).  They are considered a type of cosmetic dentistry.  Dental implants are great for people who are in good health, but, who have lost teeth due to any number of misfortunes.  Implants are very natural looking and feel almost exactly like “regular teeth” when you bite or chew food.

With normal conditions and proper patient maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.  Since they are connected to the gums and bone in your mouth, a periodontist will be the primary member of any tooth implant team (as they deal with gums).  They will usually give you an initial consultation, and let you know where the implant will be placed.  Depending on the type of implants you wish to use, and, your mouth’s current condition, the periodontist will create a custom tailored treatment plan.  Many things can alter this plan.  For instance, will you be replacing a single tooth, or several teeth?

Single tooth replacement can be carried out with an implant and a dental crown.  This procedure replaces not only the tooth, but also the tooth’s root.  It also carries a number of advantages over other options; it looks like a natural tooth, and, the implant can be placed in the mouth without harming neighboring teeth.  Since the dental implant replaces the root in addition to the crown, your bone usually remains intact.  In the long run, a single tooth replacement can be easier to keep clean than a dental bridge, and, your gums will not recede around the metal.  Single tooth implant is a great option.

When replacing multiple teeth or an entire mouthful, a dental bridge is usually necessary.  These bridges will replace both your lost and natural teeth, and, many of the roots.  First, implants that look like screws are placed within your jaw and left to heal.  A few months later, the implants and bone will have usually bonded together.  Next, abutments (small metal posts) are installed to complete the foundation.  Your gums are then allotted a few weeks to heal before the process continues. Finally, bridges (or replacement teeth rows) will be created for you, and installed by your periodontist.  These replacements are attached to the before mentioned abutments.

After your implants have been installed the recovery process begins.  Full recovery and healing usually takes about 3-6 weeks – this of course, will depend on the number and type of dental implants used in your procedure – the more implant, the longer the healing time.  To combat the pains of healing, one should avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking through a straw.  Doing either can decrease blood supply to the tooth area and potentially cause dry socket.  It can also be beneficial to use ibuprofen, which will decrease swelling and ease pain.  Proper oral hygiene and the use of a mouthwash will keep the implant areas clean and sterile while you heal.  And what is the cost of dental implants?  While prices will vary, individual implants typically cost between $1,250 – $3,000 per tooth.

How far do your patients travel for orthodontic care?  How far would you?  In the article below, attributed to Johnston Press Digital Publishing, we see that some United Kingdom patients travel up to 50 miles each way to see their orthodontist.  Why would they go to this extent?  Isn’t there a closer option?  Is orthodontic treatment in the UK that much different than that of the United States?  The answers may surprise you.  Read more below:

Original Source: SpaldingToday

Patients in Crowland and the Deepings face a 50-mile round trip for specialist dental care after being told they are no longer welcome in Peterborough.

In the past NHS orthodontic treatment has been given to Lincolnshire residents living near the Cambridgeshire border due to their proximity to the city, but NHS Peterborough has stopped offering the service to people living outside of the city council boundaries.

And with Spalding’s orthodontic services dealing with an 18-month waiting list, patients on the fringe of the county – many of whom are children – may have to travel to Boston to receive care.

Crowland dentist John Hartley said: “It’s become a postcode lottery. Traditionally people from this area have gone to orthodontists in Peterborough – they have no alternative unless they pay for private care.

“I think more than 20 per cent of the children treated by NHS Peterborough orthodontists are from outside the area, but now they’re being bounced back.

“Historical pathway access is supposed to be honoured by the NHS but it’s clear that Peterborough doesn’t want to pay for Lincolnshire patients anymore.”

NHS Peterborough said that existing appointments for Lincolnshire residents would be honoured, but it will not accept any new referrals.  A spokesman said: “Any new funding that may be spent on orthodontic treatments services to improve waiting times in Peterborough would be spent on Peterborough residents.”

NHS Lincolnshire said: “Orthodontic provision is available in Spalding but because of the demand some of the patients may have to go to Boston.”