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J. Peter St. Clair, DMD Blog

FREAK OF NATURE

December 25, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 3:23 pm

I recently attended a dental continuing education course entitled “Hit Man or Healer?” The course was given by a well-known leader in the dental profession. The basic premise of the course was the notion that we have a lot more science, studies, and data available today to be able to make better decisions about the treatment that we dentists recommend to patients. The concept is called evidence-based dentistry.

The idea is that if a very structured examination and diagnosis is done, treatment recommendations can be made based on science. The problem is, many times the diagnosis leads to suggestions that without the proper dialogue can make the dentist look like a “hit man” (ie. patient perception of over-treatment) vs. “healer” (intervention with the intention to preserve the teeth better for the long-term).

The lecturer started by putting an image of a person’s teeth on the screen and asking the audience to guess how old the person was. Although it is relatively easy to estimate a person’s age during transition from the primary teeth to permanent teeth, it is apparently a little more difficult when all the permanent teeth are in. I guessed the age of the patient on the screen to be between 50 and 60.

The patient had great looking teeth. You could tell the person was a mature adult by the darkening of the teeth, but there was very little wear and very minimal dentistry. The patient ended up being 94 years old. The lecturer displayed the woman’s full face on the screen and said, “Is this the way teeth should look at 94 or is this woman a freak of nature?”

While there are definitely genetic factors that play a role, many of the problems we see today with teeth are 100% preventable. Take decay for example; decay is 100% preventable. However, it is still not uncommon today to have a patient (typically a teenager) come in for a routine dental hygiene appointment and be told they have decay, or multiple areas of decay, which were not present 6 months ago. In that scenario the dentist would be considered the “hit man”.

The “healer” may have taken a different approach and may have done a more thorough evidence-based evaluation and made recommendations based on diet, homecare habits and maybe even familial history that may have prevented the decay in the first place. Dentists have gotten good at telling patients how they can “fix” the problem, but need to consider changing their thinking and get more training in how to “prevent” the problems we see today in dentistry.

There are very few things I learned in dental school that I still use today. Many of the basic principles are used but there is continuous new data emerging that we as health care providers need to expose ourselves to, and decide on what and how to implement for the benefit of our patients. I hope to see major advancements in our approach to oral health care in my career. There is no reason you can’t live to 94 and have a great set of teeth.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

OUTSIDE THE BOX

December 17, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 3:03 pm

Dentistry is one of those things in life….as with most things…. that people view in different ways. Some are interested in their appearance, some are interested in their health, some both,and others none of the above. A major role of health care providers is to make patients aware of the possibilities to improve their quality of life. When our services are perceived as a commodity, expectations are often not achieved.

Dentists play a key role in screening patients for many disorders relative to nutrition and in providing appropriate referrals into the health care system. Although the importance of integrating diet and nutrition guidance into dental care has been advocated for decades by educators, it continues to be ignored except by a handful of prevention-oriented practitioners.

Many of the world’s most significant health problems are linked to poor dietary practices, including over-nutrition and under-nutrition. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in health, and dental professionals have the opportunity to be a critical link between discovery and wellness.

There is a great deal of evidence linking oral infections, including periodontal disease, nutrition and immunological response. We have clear evidence linking oral disease with adverse pregnancy outcomes, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. In addition, obesity, which is an epidemic facing our country, is significantly affecting the incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and overall lifespan. We know there are direct connections between these problems and oral disease. What is the role of the dentist? Should the dentist just be a tooth fixer?

As the body of data linking systemic health conditions and oral infection grows, this expanded understanding will result in more profound discoveries. However, we know right know that the scientific bridge between oral disease and systemic health is often mediated by diet and nutrition.

The beneficiary of this profound evidence should be you, the dental patient. It should not only be the responsibility of the physician or specialized nutritionist to incorporate this information into practice; the dentist should be playing a key role.

For the most part, the dentist is the only one who examines the mouth. It used to be that the dentist only looked at the teeth and only fixed problems if they arose. Most dentists screen for periodontal, or gum, problems as well as oral cancer. The trend is to address these problems earlier than ever before. Identifying developmental issues related to facial growth during childhood, for example, is much more than prescribing orthodontics. Lives can be changed with early intervention.

People tend to have ingrained in their head that the dentist just looks at the teeth and treatment should be the same as 25 years ago. The fact of the matter is, things change and there are no two dentists who practice identically. Each individual’s philosophy of care comes from personal experience, review of literature and the type and amount of continuing education taken.

One thing we all hope is that our health care provider, dentist or physician, has our best interest in mind. There is room for improvement in the communication between all health care providers. As science continues and evidence grows, it is the responsibility of all health care providers to work towards a more integrated health care system.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

DEFINE THE OBJECTIVE

December 10, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 7:01 pm

Gravity is precise in nature, governed by laws and formulas; it does not respond to individual circumstances or objectives. It’s easy because it always works. Clinical dentistry, on the other hand, is science for sure, but an inexact science at best. Inexact science requires the skill of an artist to create a consistent and predictable result since it is not a matter of an equation, hence the “Art and Science of Dentistry.” This inexactness is something that dentists struggle with daily.

I am currently treating a patient who presented with a bunch of broken teeth. The patient is frustrated because these teeth have been “fixed” numerous times over the past few years. His previous dentist had tried to bond things here and there to keep the cost down for the patient but they just kept breaking. The patient, an engineer, said that he even tried giving the dentist suggestions to make things “stronger”. Those suggestions only led to more failure. Predictable dentistry often requires doing things that you would rather not do.

I recently heard an ad on the radio with a famous actor talking about colon cancer screening. He describes that having a colonoscopy after age 50 is huge in finding and treating early changes that lead to colon cancer. Most people don’t want to have a colonoscopy, but also don’t want to get colon cancer, so there is a dilemma. These actions have now become inconsistent with the desired outcome, much like the patient I just described. He doesn’t want to have a complete exam and map out a precise treatment plan that will ensure a more predictable result, but he wants to save his teeth.

We have come to a fork in the road. If you don’t want to get colon cancer you get screened and treat any early signs of problems to help avoid the cancer. If you want to risk getting colon cancer, you don’t get screened. If this dental patient doesn’t want to lose his teeth, he should get a complete exam and address the issues in a more logical and predictable manner. If he wants to risk losing teeth, he can keep putting band-aids on the teeth, but they may not hold up as he has already experienced.

Dentists often struggle with patients whose actions are inconsistent with what they want from dental treatment. It is important for dentists to listen to people to know what they want. A patient who says she doesn’t want to do a crown on a tooth has not said she would not do crown. She is saying she doesn’t want to do it, would rather not spend the money to do it, she won’t enjoy doing it, and she will want it to be over as quickly as possible. What does she want the outcome to be?

Too many disappointments have occurred because a dentist compromised treatment and the result was not what the patient expected. The dentist and the patient need to be very clear on compromise. The patient must understand that, if there is failure, it is most likely the result of the decision not to do the more ideal treatment. The dentist needs to thoroughly explain to the patient the risks and benefits of any treatment they are doing so that everyone is on the same page.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

QUESTIONS ON DENTAL X-RAYS

December 3, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 4:03 pm

There are very few dental practices that still use analog film and chemicals to produce dental x-rays. With digital technology around for decades, and improving along the way, there really is no excuse not to be digital.

However, patients still often express concern with overexposure from radiation from dental x-rays. While I could bore you with statistics, to put it into perspective, it would take almost 400 dental x-rays in one year to equal the amount of radiation a person picks up from background sources each year.

Here are a few questions answered about dental x-rays:

I had a dental x ray while I was pregnant. I am worried that my unborn child might have been exposed to the radiation. Can you please tell me if there are any risks to my baby from this?

There is no information suggesting any risk to an unborn child from dental x-rays received by the mother. We were taught in dental school to avoid dental x-rays on pregnant patients. However, with newer technology the radiation dose to the fetus is insignificant. Prudent practice would dictate limiting x-rays on pregnant women, but there is absolutely no harm in taking x-rays if needed to diagnose a problem.

Is there residual radiation in a room after a dental radiograph has been taken?

X-rays cease to exist when the machine is switched off, much like the light from a light bulb when it is turned off. No residual radiation remains.

How much has dental x-radiation been studied and how concerned should I be about having dental x-rays done? Is there a limit on how many I can have?

We now have very complete information on patient radiation doses from dental x-rays. They are among the lowest radiation dose exams of any diagnostic radiologic procedure in the healing arts. Current practices deliver patient doses from a full-mouth series of intraoral films (usually 14-18 films) that are less than what a person receives in a month from natural environmental sources (commonly called background exposure).

Doses from bitewing or panoramic films are even less. New technology is reducing the doses still further. There is no limit on how many dental x-rays you can have. The decision to have a dental x-ray is based on the benefit of knowing whether or not there is a cavity, crack, or some other abnormality. The decision to have them is based on what you and your dentist agree on being best for your specific situation.

I recently had some dental x rays and the operator forgot to place the lead apron on me. Is this a problem?

Use of the lead apron to protect the patient undergoing dental radiographic examination was recommended some 50 years ago, when equipment was crude. This was because x-ray beams were not restricted to the area of clinical interest, beams were not filtered, and x-ray film was slower, causing radiation exposures 10 to 100 times higher than received today. With the current technology reducing radiation exposure significantly and the beam limited only to the area of interest, there is little or no measurable difference in whole-body dose whether a lead apron is used or not. The lead apron is no longer regarded as essential although some consider it a prudent practice, especially for pregnant and potentially pregnant patients.

If you have any other questions on dental x-rays, please e-mail them to me.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

Your Dentist Knows How to Avoid Emergency this Holiday Season

December 2, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 10:04 pm
Man with tooth pain.

The holidays are a time of fun and excitement, but unfortunately the cheer and joy can sometimes get cut short by dental emergencies. Whether you’re traveling, with friends, family, or at parties, this time of the year presents a lot of opportunities for dental disaster. Thankfully, there are some easy tips that you can use to keep your teeth safe for the holidays from a trusted emergency dentist.

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THE STRESS FACTOR

November 27, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 2:19 pm

Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is right around the corner – Are you stressed out? This time of year always seems more stressful, but stress in general is hard to avoid. We worry about school, work, finances, illness, children, relationships, and more. Some even worry about how much they worry. Not to add to your stress, but you should be aware that all that worrying could have a negative impact on not only your general health but also your oral health.

According to an article in the Journal of Periodontology, there is a strong relationship between stress and periodontal disease (gum disease). In addition to stress, other psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, are linked to an increased likelihood of periodontal disease.

So how does stressing out about your next car payment, for example, lead to gum disease? Researchers believe that the hormone cortisol may be a factor. Cortisol , also known as the “stress hormone,” is secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in many functions, including proper glucose metabolism, blood pressure regulation, insulin release for blood sugar maintenance, immune function, and inflammatory response. An earlier study published in the same journal the year before found that increased levels of cortisol can lead to more destruction of the gums and bone due to periodontal diseases.

Behavioral factors also may come into play. People who are under extreme amounts of stress or suffering from depression may be more likely to disregard good oral hygiene. They may even take on new behaviors that could negatively impact their oral health, such as the use of nicotine, alcohol, or drugs, all of which can affect the teeth and gums.

Your gums are not the only victims of stress. Another oral side effect is teeth grinding or clenching, which often occurs during sleep. This may lead to headaches, earaches, or toothaches. Facial muscles can become sore and jaw joints tender. Besides causing discomfort, grinding and/or clenching can lead to severe tooth wear, loosening of teeth, and cracked or fractured teeth.

It is important to find healthy things that help relieve stress. A regular exercise routine can do wonders for relieving stress, as well as having a balanced nutritious diet and getting enough sleep. You should be getting 7-8 hours of good sleep every night. If you are not getting that amount, you are depriving yourself of optimal performance.

If you find it difficult to manage your stress, you should see your physician. You should also make your dentist aware of your stress level so that he/she can determine if there are any notable effects going on within your masticatory system and make recommendations to help.

I’ll leave you this week with a quote from A. Cornelius Celsus’s DeMedicina. He was a Roman author and medical historian and wrote this about 2000 years ago.

Live in rooms full of light.

Avoid Heavy food.

Be moderate in the drinking of wine.

Take massage, baths, exercise and gymnastics.

Fight insomnia with gentle rocking or the sound of running water.

Change surroundings and take long journeys.

Strictly avoid frightening ideas.

Indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements.

Listen to music.

Stress cannot be avoided, but it can be managed and minimized by change.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

TOXIC FOR DOGS

November 19, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 2:21 pm

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that possesses 40 percent fewer calories than sugar and has been shown to help decrease cavities in teeth, among other things.  However, it is important to know that xylitol, even in small quantities, is very toxic to dogs.

The dental benefits of xylitol have been known since the 1970’s. Xylitol is not metabolized by the decay-causing bacteria Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), making it nonacidogenic and thus noncariogenic (not decay causing). Studies have also indicated xylitol decreases the levels of S. mutans in both plaque and saliva. As a result, patients who use xylitol have demonstrated a reduction in decay.

Xylitol is slowly absorbed by the human intestines; as a result, it has minimal side effects on humans. Some may experience minor side effects, mainly stomach upset, although this generally occurs after ingesting large amounts of xylitol (four to five times the recommended amount for cavity prevention). There are studies that the body can adapt to higher dosages of xylitol and that symptoms can subside as the body’s tolerance increases.

While the dental community embraces xylitol for its cavity prevention, many people, including dental professionals, are unaware of its toxic potential – not to humans, but to dogs. While xylitol has little effect on insulin production in humans, dogs can experience a rapid and severe increase in insulin production after just a small amount of xylitol ingestion. A dog that ingests a xylitol equivalent of three to four pieces of gum is at risk for hepatic (liver) failure and necrosis (tissue death).

Dogs tend to be scavengers by nature and their likelihood of encountering potentially toxic substances in and around the house is common. The ASPCA web site lists a multitude of substances, many of which are harmless to humans but potentially dangerous to dogs. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocado, onion, and citrus fruits make the list. However, xylitol is unique in that it is contained within foods; as a result, consumers may not even be aware that a product or food item contains xylitol.

For dogs suspected of ingesting xylitol, early intervention is paramount. Prompt medical treatment for uncomplicated xylitol-related hypoglycemia can yield a good prognosis. Once Xylitol has affected the liver, it yields a much graver prognosis.

While veterinarians have been aware of the potential danger of xylitol to dogs for several years, that awareness has escaped most of the dental community – and the general public. This has become a more significant issue as more dental professionals promote products that contain xylitol for its human benefits.

It is important for dog owners to know the different foods and products, such as xylitol, that can be harmful to their pets. Make sure to keep these items out of a dog’s reach – and that includes the garbage. If you suspect ingestion of any of these foods, including xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

Which Holiday Foods Should You Avoid If You Have Sleep Apnea?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 12:53 pm

A holiday table filled with foodSleep apnea affects an estimated 22 million people in the U.S. and can have serious consequences to their overall health. In fact, researchers have found a link between sleep apnea and many serious conditions like high blood pressure, depression, weight gain, and stroke. But even if you’re getting treatment for sleep apnea, you might not know that certain foods can aggravate it. With the holiday season upon us, keep reading to learn about which foods you can safely enjoy and which ones you should avoid!

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THE SMARTEST OF TEETH

November 13, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 2:33 pm

Most people who visit the dentist hope they leave the dental office hearing the final salutation from the dentist, “Everything looks great!” Teenagers who have made it without any cavities get used to hearing this…..until the wisdom teeth come into play.

Mother Nature is generous when it comes to our teeth. First, we get 20 baby teeth; next we grow 28 permanent teeth; and finally around age 16-18, we start getting our 4 wisdom teeth (unless of course teeth are congenitally missing).

There are usually 4 wisdom teeth, although some may have as few as none. The removal of wisdom teeth is usually recommended for one of the following reasons:

  • When the jaw is not large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth, causing the teeth to become impacted (unable to grow in) or misaligned.
  • When wisdom teeth only partially erupt, leaving an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause infection.
  • When there is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
  • When the wisdom teeth, because they are difficult to clean, cause periodontal (gum) problems with adjacent teeth.
  • When a cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms and destroys surrounding structures, such as bone or tooth roots.

As soon as it is determined that the wisdom teeth are, or will become partially or fully impacted, they should be removed. This usually occurs between ages 16 to 18, as soon as the jaw has attained the majority of its adult size. Although it is less common, there are times when wisdom teeth will fit and do not need to be removed. You need either a large mouth or small teeth for this to occur.

Removing impacted wisdom teeth at this time has several advantages. First, at this age, the roots are seldom fully formed, even though the tooth has become impacted. If left in place, the tooth will not erupt any further into the mouth but the roots will continue to grow.

Removing an impacted wisdom tooth before the roots are fully formed is easier and less traumatic for the patient. Also, at this stage in the patient’s development, the bone surrounding the impacted tooth is more pliable. Typically, patients having wisdom teeth removed in their mid-teens heal more rapidly and have a shorter and less complicated postoperative recovery.

There are many adults who still have their wisdom teeth. In my experience, I have seen very few adults who are able to keep their wisdom teeth for their lifetime. They usually cause some kind of problem, which often times does not hurt, as the problem develops. For example, my father-in-law recently needed a partially impacted wisdom tooth removed (which should have been removed about 50 years ago) and lost the molar in front of it because of the damage it had caused.

Today, the vast majority of patients have their wisdom teeth removed in an oral surgeon’s office. It’s not something anyone really wants to do, but the result in most cases is a lifetime of less potential issues.   If you still have your wisdom teeth, ask your dentist about their status.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

DENTURE MAINTENANCE

November 5, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD @ 7:51 pm

Contrary to what many denture-wearers believe, dentures require regular maintenance, including relines, repairs, and replacement. In fact, the average denture should be relined every two to three years and replaced every five to seven years for the most optimal fitting prosthesis. There are many reasons for this maintenance interval and for regular dental examinations, whether or not the patient perceives any problem.

The first problem has to do with the basic function of the bone surrounding natural teeth. Natural teeth are held in their sockets by thousands of “cables”, called the periodontal ligament that tug and pull on the supporting bone during function. The bone is designed to be strengthened and stimulated in this manner. When the teeth are removed, the bone no longer has appropriate stimulation, and shrinkage occurs unless it is directly loaded again with dental implants. Bone atrophy is accelerated by inappropriate forces caused by loose and ill-fitting dentures.

Relining, or replacing the tissue surface of the denture, helps preserve bone by adapting dentures to the gums as they shrink, but it is only helpful for dentures that are otherwise in good condition, which includes a proper bite relationship. Relining also helps to encourage health of the soft tissues because dentures plastic is porous and becomes heavily laden with bacteria and yeast over time. Relining refreshes the tissue surface of dentures with new acrylic. Sometimes a more advanced type of relining, called rebasing, is the treatment of choice when all of the pink portion of a denture is in poor condition and needs to be replaced.

New dentures should be made when relining or rebasing of dentures can no longer re-establish proper fit and function. Often this is obvious by wear or fracture of the denture teeth. When dentures contribute to headaches or when the patient’s face begins to look “collapsed” or “old”, the need for new dentures is likely.

Lastly, but certainly not of least importance, denture wearers need to stay current with regular dental examinations for inspection of not only the dentures but the tissue for pre-cancerous lesions. Since most people feel they do not need to go to the dentist once they have dentures, many early pre-cancerous lesions are missed.

Everyone is at risk for oral cancer, whether they have teeth or not. In fact, the constant “trauma” and lack of blood circulation caused by chronic denture wear increases the risk for oral cancer development. For this reason alone, annual dental examinations are recommended for denture wearers.

Many patients with older dentures report their dentures fit fine. You can relate this to the fit of shoes. Shoes get broken in over time and seem comfortable. However, the fact is, over time shoes lose their ability to provide proper support. Even though they may be comfortable, they may be causing other problems due to this lack of support.

If you are a denture wearer and have not seen a dentist in a year or more, it’s time to consider a dental visit. Learn about how your dentures are fitting and whether relining or replacing them makes sense. For most, it is also never too late to consider the benefits of dental implants to help preserve bone and secure dentures in place.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

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