What is Biofilm?
April 19th, 2013
Biofilm, protective housing for bacteria, is a hot topic in the medical and dental fields. Routinely taking an antibiotic for a bacterial infection has become more complicated because of biofilm. Bacterial infections may become resistant to antibiotics in part because the biofilm allows for communication among the bacteria, allowing the infection to be sustained.
You’re probably wondering, Dr. William Hylton , what does this have to do with teeth? Since we’re dental professionals, we can tell you why it’s important and what you should know! There is biofilm in your mouth; healthy biofilm and diseased biofilm. Both are made of the same general compounds, but when combined with certain amino acids and cellular chemicals, the diseased biofilm conquers and destroys.
Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease or pyorrhea, is a biofilm disease. If you are undergoing treatment for gum disease and you do not continue with the treatment plan the disease will progress and/or spread due to the biofilm.
There are several ways to treat diseased biofilm. But remember, antibiotics cannot touch the bacterial infection if the biofilm is established.
When your regular cleaning exam is complete, the Ultrasonic or Piezo Scaler should be used. This method of spraying water disturbs the biofilm and provides an opportunity to treat the infection causing bacteria.
Remember, we all need healthy biofilm. Just as your skin protects your body, biofilm housing good bacteria protects your body. The bacteria in the biofilm replicate every twenty minutes. If your body has healthy bacteria, low levels of hydrogen peroxide are produced by the biofilm, preventing harmful bacteria from residing. Harmful bacteria do not like oxygen.
At your routine exam the dental hygienist will take measurements around your teeth checking for “pockets”. The higher the number, the deeper the pocket giving more room for harmful bacteria where there is no oxygen. Ask what your numbers are and be involved in restoring your healthy biofilm.
Make Every Day Earth Day
April 19th, 2013
Earth Day began in 1970 as an event to raise awareness of our environment. What began as a single day in April is now recognized around the world to bring attention and education to global environmental issues. Conserving our natural resources, reducing water and air pollution, and developing green technologies are all ways in which we can improve the environment around us.
Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse
One of the easiest ways to participate in Earth Day is by simply reducing the amount of refuse that ends up in landfills. Many communities have recycling programs for paper, plastic, and metal refuse. By keeping recyclable items out of landfills, we reduce the need for new disposal space and the amount of energy needed for burning refuse. Recycling products also helps conserve the resources that are used in making new products.
You can save money by reducing your consumption of many everyday products. Single disposable water bottles can be recycled but they are costly. By using filtered faucet water, you can conserve your financial resources. Disposable paper towels can also be wasteful. Consider reusable cleaning rags for the majority of your chores.
Reusing items saves both the environment and your finances. A large number of products can be re-purposed to create a new item. Old furniture can be remade into a new piece. Old clothing can be used for craft items. If you are not able to find ways to reuse your old items, donate them to a charity. Remember to continue your positive environmental steps on a daily basis.
Other things you can do to improve the environment
April 22, 2012 marked the 42nd Earth Day celebration. The event was recognized in 192 countries around the world. Everyone, young or old, can find ways to participate in improving the environment. Some ideas include:
- Planting trees
- Picking up litter
- Reducing energy consumption
- Walking, bicycling, or carpooling to work or school
- Disposing of hazardous waste properly
- Using rain barrels to conserve water for plants
Earth Day is designed to appreciate and celebrate the health of the earth. Keeping the earth healthy is important, but keeping your mouth healthy is important too. Healthy teeth and gums contribute to your overall health and well-being, so remember to call our team at Savin Dental Care today for a checkup. Have a happy and healthy Earth Day, from Dr. William Hylton!
How can a dentist help alleviate my headaches?
April 18th, 2013
Dentists generally aren’t the first professionals people think about when they experience facial pain, but our team utilizes TruDenta systems, which have been designed to relieve headaches, migraines, jaw pain, or facial pain. Through proven, state-of-the art technologies in advanced dentistry and medicine, you can finally get the headache and migraine relief you’ve been searching for.
If you experience recurring headaches and muscle aches due to tension from jaw clenching, grinding, and popping, you may want to discuss TruDenta® treatment options with our practice. Within your head and mouth is a complex network of muscles, tendons, joints, and bones, which create forces that, when improperly balanced, can lead to chronic headaches and jaw clenching.
As a TruDenta practice, we are specially trained to examine and diagnose these forces that affect your teeth and your overall health. TruDenta uses modern technology to examine the opening and closing of your mouth to better evaluate the forces within your head, neck, and jaw. A specialized device will calculate the motion of your head and neck. These comprehensive exams determine a series of painless treatments that are adapted from sports medicine therapies and customized to your particular needs.
The result is healthier teeth and gums, as well as lasting relief from headaches without the dependence on painkillers. If you’ve been suffering from headaches, tooth grinding, or jaw tension, please give us a call at our office and schedule a consultation today.
April marks National Facial Protection Month
April 1st, 2013
With spring here, many children, teens and adults will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April, which is only a few days away, is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, we urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. If you play sports and are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important that you consult us for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.
In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with our office. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment.
