Britten Periodontics dontics & Implant Dentistry is looking forward to holding our 6th annual Free Dental Day for Veterans on Friday, November 13, 2020. Once again this year, with the help of our restorative specialists, we hope to be able to provide extractions, full dentures, fillings, dental implants, dental cleanings, x-rays and exams. We are at capacity for our screening in September for this year’s veterans.
In our past events, sedation dentistry in our office has been very helpful for those veterans needing advanced treatment, suffer from PTSD or have a fear of the dentist. This is something we look forward to every year! www.brittenperio.com
We appreciate the cooperation of all our patients, team members and colleagues since we returned in May of this year after the temporary shut-down of non-emergency dental services back in March because of COVID-19! We have to say, thanks to everyone’s diligence and cooperation, our dental office is truly a safe place to be!
We continue to the guidance of the American Dental Association and also the American Academy of Periodontology (APA). The APA has been diligently monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the American Dental Association (ADA), and state and local agencies.
The AAP recommended that periodontists refer to all appropriate state and federal recommendations and mandates and regularly consult state dental boards or other regulating agencies for information and rules specific to their jurisdictions. The CDC has provided guidance specifically for dental professionals, interim infection prevention and control guidance for dental settings, and a framework for healthcare systems to be followed. We are diligently following this advice here at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida.
At Britten Periodontics, we continue to use evidence-based decision making in our practice to ensure our team and our patients remain healthy. We are keeping with the most up-to-date global and national information regarding the virus.
We know that it hasn’t been easy for everyone, but the outstanding cooperation and kindness of our extraordinary patients and team has made it so easy to continue doing what we love – which is to deliver comfortable care and ethical treatment in a welcoming and SAFE environment.
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) stresses the importance of maintaining periodontal health during the COVID-19 outbreak. The AAP also announced that its members are committed to implementing rigorous safety measures in an effort to ensure the health and well-being of patients and reduce the risk of exposure during the pandemic.
“It is well-established science that periodontal disease and systemic disease are interconnected,” said Dr. Bryan Frantz, President of the AAP. “As a result, establishing and maintaining healthy teeth and gums is fundamental to overall health. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected most aspects of life, but with the right patient safety measures in place that align with state and local guidelines, it should not impact your ability to receive periodontal care.”
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and if left untreated lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease has been linked to several other serious conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
The WHO’s recent recommendations to delay non-essential dental care cite the risk of disease transmission as a result of the close proximity between dental professionals and patients and due to the aerosols produced by certain dental procedures. However, there is limited evidence to support the claim that dental offices pose an increased risk of spreading disease, including COVID-19.
Additionally, the AAP states that routine visits with a periodontist are crucial to maintaining the health of teeth and gums. “Many patients under the care of a periodontist are undergoing a comprehensive treatment plan,” says Dr. Frantz. “Regular check-ups are an important part of this treatment, and any delay in care could lead to a worsening of their periodontal condition.”
Accordingto Dr. Frantz, periodontists are uniquely experienced in infection control and other safety measures to protect themselves and their patients from disease exposure. “As dental professionals who are predominantly involved with surgical procedures, periodontists have always been committed to ensuring that effective safety barriers are in place for patients. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, members of the AAP are adhering to COVID-19 mandates issued by state and local agencies and implementing additional measures to ensure the safety of both their patients and their staff.”
Additional measures include regular temperature checks for both staff and patients, social distancing, the use of personal protective equipment such as face shields, masks, and gloves, and rigorous infection control and sanitation procedures.
For more information or to find a periodontist, visit perio.org.
Source: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/american-academy-of-periodontology-stresses-the-importance-of-periodontal-health-during-covid-19-1003954235/
About the American Academy of Periodontology:
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the leading professional association of periodontists, dentistry’s experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. AAP members are dedicated to supporting the optimal oral and overall health and excellent quality of life for their patients through exceptional periodontal care. Periodontists receive three years of additional training following dental school to hone their clinical, surgical, and anatomical skills. Periodontics is one of the twelve recognized specialties of the American Dental Association (ADA).
What role does the tooth fairy play in teaching children oral hygiene habits?
A new study by Delta Dental surveyed parents who “allow” the tooth fairy into their homes, had a pleasant surprise that the tooth fairy’s visit inspires kids to create and maintain good oral hygiene habits.
The same study found 80% of households with children receive visits from the tooth fairy, and the average payout by the fairy for a tooth is $4.03, up 9% compared to last year.
This a study and story we are happy to report!
The BBC recently reported some alarming DIY beauty trends found online. One of these urged people to use bleach to whiten your teeth! The BBC reports “TikTok videos with the hashtag “teethwhitening” have amassed about 284 million views. Some recommend applying bleach to teeth, to avoid “expensive” over-the-counter treatments.”
In-office bleaching materials contain high hydrogen peroxide concentrations (typically 15-38%), while the hydrogen peroxide content in at-home bleaching products usually ranges from 3% to 10%; however, there have been home-use products containing up to 15% hydrogen peroxide.
The American Dental Association states that while tooth bleaching is one of the most conservative and cost-effective dental treatments to improve or enhance a person’s smile, it is not risk-free
The ADA also recommends that tooth bleaching or whitening should be performed under professional supervision and following a dental examination and diagnosis. Often, the most appropriate bleaching treatment should be selected and recommended based on the patient’s lifestyle, financial considerations, and oral health. Patients considering OTC products should have a dental examination and should understand these products may have little or no beneficial effect on the color of their teeth and may also have the potential to cause harm.
Household bleaches may also contain other bleaching compounds and administering the wrong products at home could cause permanent damage. Using higher concentrations of over the counter whitening products unsupervised, or straight bleach, as some videos advocate, raises the risk of damage to teeth and gums. These would include burns to the mouth, tooth and gum sensitivity, as well as irritated or inflamed gums (British Dental Association).
It is safe to say, the best way to go about whitening your teeth, is to first contact your dental professional for the safest and most effective tooth whitening product for you!
Dental Floss:
Tight spaces/Good for those spaces that other floss shreds easily https://www.listerine.com/toothpaste-floss/listerine-ultraclean-floss
A great, thin, unwaxed floss, POH dental floss: https://buypoh.com/oral-hygiene/
GUM expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gum+expanding+floss
Hayden expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W6X77J7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9VxtFbXM2P084
Dr. Tung’s expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016790E7Q/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_V1xtFb19B30YV
Coco Floss: https://cocofloss.com
Bridge & Implant Flossers: https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/floss-threaders.html
Floss with threader attached for tight spaces: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPZWBR9/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_UKTlFbYGFPKGN
PROXYSOFT floss – 3 in 1, periodontal floss, or Bridge and Implant Floss: https://proxysoft.com/shop/product-features/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvqj34-WJ6gIVGopaBR1g3QeSEAAYASABEgJoNfD_BwE
INTERDENTAL BRUSHES AND SOFTPICKS
SOFTPICKS (Original, Advanced, or Wider Spaces): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning.html
GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html
TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!): https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original
GUM Brand rubbertip stimulator: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-stimulator.html
Plaque Buster travel rubbertip stimulator: https://www.theplaquebuster.com/Oral B end tufted brush: https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush
TEPE compact end tufted brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft
GUM brand tongue scraper: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html
Oral B end tufted brush: https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush
TEPE compact end tufted brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft
GUM brand tongue scraper: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html
Proxysoft Bridge & Implant Floss: https://proxysoft.com/product/proxysoft-bridge-implant-cleaners/
TEPE Universal Care Brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-universal-care
Thinner floss with threader attached for tight spaces: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-easythread-floss.html
GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html
TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!): https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original
Here at Britten Periodontics, Dr. Britten and his dental hygiene team work together with our patients to tailor home oral care recommendations, focusing on a very personalized approach to treatment and prevention.
Home oral care is such an important contributor to oral health, and can help lessen the need for extensive dental problems. Here are some of our top tips to good oral hygiene!
Our last Blog Article Covered the Importance of Proper Toothbrushing. Now, let’s talk about how and why to clean well between your teeth – daily!
The areas in between the teeth cannot be reached with a toothbrush. This is the primary cause for most gum disease and dental decay!! This is why it is so important to clean between your teeth every day. Traditionally, floss has been used to remove this disease producing bacteria, but softpicks and interdental brushes (also known as proxabrushes) are available in sizes and gaining in popularity because they are easy to use, and for some patients, even more effective than flossing alone!
Softpicks are also a great tool for daily use between the teeth, for tighter spaces. They come in Original, Advanced (With a curved, longer handle) and a bigger size for Wider Spaces
LINK FOR PRODUCTS WE LOVE: https://mailchi.mp/85b2a6a889d6/britten-perio-homecare-products-we-love
Here at Britten Periodontics, Dr. Britten and his dental hygiene team work together with our patients to tailor home oral care recommendations, focusing on a very personalized approach to treatment and prevention.
Home oral care is such an important contributor to oral health, and can help lessen the need for extensive dental problems. Here are some of our top tips to good oral hygiene!
Part 1: PROPER TOOTHBRUSHING
- A proper toothbrushing technique is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
- Brush gently, thoughtfully and thoroughly twice a day to minimize the debris and bacteria in your mouth.
- Bristle selection: Bristles that are too hard, or an incorrect technique of brushing can cause your gums to be damaged during the toothbrushing process and can cause them to recede (gum recession) or cause destruction (abrasion) to the teeth and roots.
- We recommend changing your toothbrush at least every 90 days or after an illness.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle so that the filaments reach the gum line. Brush with light pressure using small circular or vibrating movements. Brush the inside, outside and biting surfaces of the teeth.
- Brush twice a day for at least four minutes if using a manual toothbrush.
We recommend the Sonicare Power Toothbrush for our patients.
- Divide your mouth into four quadrants. This can help ensure that you brush each section of your teeth and mouth cavity.
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum line with a Sonicare or 90 degrees with an oscillating brush such as the Oral B.
- Apply gentle pressure, keeping the bristles in contact with your tooth surface and gum line, which can help ensure you get the most effective result possible.
- Stay on each area for 30 seconds, moving the brush only when it is time to go to the next area. Once you’ve completed this procedure for a quadrant, move to the inner surfaces of your teeth and repeat the same procedure.
- To brush behind your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically using only the front half of your brush.
- Clean biting surfaces, your tongue, and soft palate. This can help remove debris and other odor causing bacteria.
Stay Tuned for Our Next Blog Article – Where We Will Talk About How To Take Care of Your Teeth In Between and Other Oral Hygiene Aids!
From Colgate.com
“In addition to your regular daily brushing, it’s necessary to use a deep-cleaning solution periodically to soak off food deposits from the denture. These solutions typically come in the form of effervescent tablets, which are specifically formulated to clean dentures.
Avoid using abrasive materials such as brushes with stiff bristles, whitening toothpastes or products containing bleach, according to Mayo Clinic, because these can damage the dentures. Also keep in mind that hot or boiling water can warp your dentures, and soaking items that have metal fittings in any solution containing chlorine can cause the metal to tarnish.
After soaking, check the inside of the denture for any remaining food particles, and brush or scrub using a soft-bristled toothbrush whose shape is conducive to denture care.
Ultimately, ensure that you rinse the dentures exceptionally well afterward; even the gentlest cleansing solution can contain chemicals that are harmful to your mouth’s natural tissues.
Just because you wear dentures doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the pleasure of freshly-brushed teeth. Complete your denture-cleaning procedure with a thorough brushing of your gums using a soft-bristled toothbrush and everyday, fluoridated toothpaste. If you notice any mouth sores, rinsing with a mouth sore rinse will help to heal them and protect against bacteria in the long term.”
