Dental Allergies: Awareness is Key

Allergies Encountered in Dentistry

If you have allergies to specific items used in dental treatment, there are ways your dentist can provide alternative methods of care. To be certain you have true allergies to specific things, it is best you are tested by a medical doctor. Let us look at some allergies seen in dental practise. It is also good to know what it will mean to your dental management should you have true allergies.

Allergies to penicillin affect a small percentage of the population. With allergies to this drug, it means you cannot be given penicillin or any in the family of this class. Your dentist may give you an antibiotic that is stronger for you, in which case both of you will have to be watchful for side effects. A much lesser strength alternative might be too slow, weak in battling your infection which might lead to a lengthier dose regimen.

Allergic Reactions to Metal

You might be allergic to certain metals which are commonly used in implants, bridges and dentures. Your dentist may have to fabricate crowns for you that are entirely devoid of metals which can make your appliance more expensive, weaker and prone to stresses. You will have to be more cautious in using your crowns. Allergies to methacrylates or resins used in many dental materials, from restorative composites to fissure sealants, bonding agents and orthodontic and crown and bridge resins, have low occurrence but can nevertheless induce a Type IV (delayed) allergic hypersensitivity reaction.

Other dental materials that warrant particular awareness include nickel, eugenol and polyether impression materials. Although rare, allergy to other metal alloys such as mercury, gold, platinum, palladium, silver and cobalt are also possible.

Allergic Reactions to Latex

Allergic reaction towards latex gloves used by dentists and hygienists can manifest in patients. Though it affects only 1-5% of the population, it is as high as 17% among healthcare workers. Glove protection is generally used against blood-borne pathogens. Though most reactions are immediate, it can be handled safely in the dental office. As a result, latex-free gloves are now available.

Yet another is anaphylaxis which may result from dental anesthesia, such as lidocaine, though rare, or a drug-to-drug interaction with a medication the patient is currently taking.

Watching Out for Allergies in Issaquah

Our team practices safe dentistry. It is standard procedure to take all patients’ thorough medical and dental history. For your safety and well-being, our staff are highly trained and equipped in all manner of dental emergencies, including allergies.

Sleep Apnea Treatment at Issaquah Dental

End Snoring and be Safe

When snoring during sleep occurs too frequently or last longer than it used to, it’s one of the signs of sleep apnea. It is a condition where the upper muscles of the throat relax or collapse and block the passage of air through the esophagus. Sometimes it can be obstructive where totally no air gets through and causes the sleeper to gasp, waking him with a start. The more episodes you have during a sleeping hour, the more severe is the condition.

Remember that this can lead to low oxygen levels in the blood, and can be harmful to the heart and the brain. It needs to be professionally examined.

The use of mouth guards is a dental sleep solution for mild to moderate sleep apnea. They come in many brands and styles as fits-all types or multiple sizes. The customized oral appliance, that fits a patient’s oral measurements, is another type and is designed to enlarge the airway and prevent those upper muscles and tissues from collapsing. On the other hand, for the severer types of apnea, a device called a continuous positive airway pressure (or CPAP), is intended to deliver continuous supply of compressed air via a mask.

Seek the Experts Only

Since any misdiagnosis of sleep apnea and of the patient’s suitability for the appliance can lead to potential problems, only personnel who are trained and qualified and have extensive knowledge of sleep disorders should employ and fit such devices. When you visit Meadow Creek Dental, you will consult only with the best qualified practitioners in this regard.

Our Issaquah dentist will determine the cause of your sleep apnea, such as an anatomical condition like large tongue, excess throat tissues, or enlarged uvula and tonsils. Dr. Dipti may encourage some lifestyle changes, like smoking cessation, stricter alcohol intake and dieting that can aggravate your condition. Our clinic makes available to you these choices and a simple consultation can determine your suitability.

How Effective are Fluoride Mouthwash?

Worldwide Systemic Review Confirms Benefits

Dental professionals have seen research supporting the evidence of the benefits of fluoride. It is known that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of enamel and increasing the rate of the remineralization process, making the enamel more resistant to acid. While dentists see the effects of fluoride in their general practice, can this be proved by statistics? Research is still ongoing and needs to be constantly systemically reviewed.

In 2016, the Cochrane Oral Health Group published its most recent review in which the objective was to determine the effectiveness and safety of fluoride mouthrinses in preventing dental caries in the child and adolescent population. This review included 37 trials involving 15,813 children and adolescents from different countries and spread over two to three years. Mostly trials based in schools and under supervision, the children were tested with sodium fluoride mouthrinses in specific concentrations.

There appear to be no significant differences regarding baseline caries severity, background exposure to fluorides, rinsing frequency or fluoride concentration. It confirmed that supervised, regular use of a fluoride mouthrinse can reduce tooth decay in both children and adolescents.

The combined results showed a 27% reduction in dental caries in subjects with decayed, missing and filled tooth surfaces when compared to another group that didn’t use fluoride mouthrinses. There was limited information on adverse effects or tolerance of children to the rinsing. The trial didn’t include children with primary teeth. Hence, there’s still room for more research.

The review has demonstrated the beneficial effects of fluoridated mouthrinses and more and more dentists trust the use of this compound in their practise.

Issaquah Dentists and Evidence-based Care

Over at Meadow Creek Dental, our professionals are in sync with trends and latest research findings in the dental field. When it comes to products and tools to advance patient care, we are always at the forefront of continuing education. Learn more about the benefits of fluoride mouthwash from your Issaquah dentist.

The Causes of TMD

A disorder in your temporomandibular joint, known as a TMD, comes in many forms.

“What Is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint is the area just in front of your ear, where the lower jaw connects to the side of your skull. The joint comprises a complex system of muscles, ligaments, bones and cartilage discs that act together as a hinge and enable you to move your lower jaw forward, backward and side-to-side. Any situation that causes the jaw to malfunction is called a TMJ disorder, and its symptoms can carry discomfort to the ear canal.” (Source: Colgate)

They generally represent a problem with the joint of your jawbone or the muscles that are used to manipulate this bone. The root cause of many TMD’s is often hard to pin down, but some of the most common problems include the following:

  • If you are a woman, particularly a woman between the age of twenty and forty, you are statistically more likely to develop a TMD. The reason behind this is not well understood.
  • An injury suffered around the area of your jaw, neck, or head.
  • Excessive clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth, which puts a lot of stress on your jaw muscles.
  • A TMD is occasionally the symptom of a more serious disease, like gingivitis or oral cancer. These can affect the way your jaw fits into your skull.
  • Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in your jaw can come in the form of a TMD.

Meadow Creek dental can help you to overcome your TMD’s. Consult our Issaquah dentist during normal business hours to learn more.

Protecting Your Teeth on a Meat-Free Diet

There has been a significant rise in the meat-free lifestyle in the past few decades. Many people are turning to vegetarianism or veganism, either out of concern for the environment or for their own health. Though there are, indeed, health benefits to such a diet, if you fail to plan properly, they can do more harm than good. This even extends to your oral health.

The problem with a meat-free diet is that meat is a low-carb, high-fiber food. When you eat it, it serves to naturally scrub food and plaque off of your teeth. Many fruits and vegetables are similar in their fiber content, but they also feed your oral bacteria with their plentiful sugar content.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t cut meat out of your diet. You’ll just need to take care to include more tooth-friendly dishes in your meals. Consider other high-fiber, low-sugar options, like legumes, beans, and whole grains. They will serve to clean your teeth in the same way meat does, while simultaneously giving you a good supply of vegan-friendly calcium to help you rebuild your tooth structure.

Talk to our Issaquah dentist to learn more about how to maintain good oral health.

The Modern Reality of Adult Braces

Getting braces is not a fun experience. Not only can adjusting your teeth be uncomfortable, but the wires in your mouth can make some people feel self-conscious. It is therefore that many adults make the mistake of avoiding the orthodontic work that they need and put themselves at greater risk of serious dental problems.

If you are so guilty, we have good news for you. The world of orthodontia has taken great leaps forward in recent years, such that the process of getting braces and the experience of wearing them is likely no longer as uncomfortable as you might expect. For example, many patients can benefit from highly innocuous braces made from clear or tooth-colored materials. The people around you may never even notice that you have braces, and you yourself may forget that you have them all.

If you think that you might be in need of braces, consult our Issaquah dentist. We offer a number of attractive options that will straighten your teeth and make you feel good doing it.

Why is My Tongue Red?

Normally, your tongue should have that common pink coloration. If your tongue ever turns red, it may be harmless, or it may be indicative of an unfortunate disease that requires the attention of your dentist or doctor. What follows is a list of some of the more common conditions that might make your tongue turn red:

  • Geographic Tongue: Also known as benign migratory glossitis, this condition gets its name from the irregular patterns that form on your tongue. These patches, which may be outlined with a white border, resemble geographic formations. It is usually nothing to worry about, but talk to our Issaquah dentist if it persists for more than a couple of weeks.
  • Kawasaki Syndrome: Children are generally the only people who exhibit this condition. It is paired with a very high fever, and possible swelling in the hands and feet. This is a condition that should be brought to your doctor.
  • Scarlet Fever: This is an infection that sometimes causes your taste buds to become inflamed, giving your tongue a strawberry-like appearance. Your doctor will need to give you an antibiotic treatment.
  • Vitamin Deficiency: Red tongue may simply mean that you need to get more vitamin B12 or folic acid.

The Problem with Asthma for Your Oral Health

It’s not easy to live with asthma. There are many reasons for this, one of the easier ones to overlook being the dental ramifications of the condition. Indeed, asthma makes you considerably more susceptible to suffering tooth decay.

The big problem with asthma, when it comes to your oral health, is that it encourages your mouth to dry out. Your saliva is an important defense mechanism, cleaning your teeth and gums and fighting off decay. When your mouth dries out, the bacteria can thrive, sugar lingers on your teeth longer, and you invite serious dental problems. Most people struggling with asthma get into the unfortunate habit of breathing through their mouths, which quickly dries you out. At the same time, the medication you take to manage asthma can serve to dry out your mouth all the more.

If you struggle with asthma, you should take particular care of your teeth. Always brush, always floss, and always keep your regular appointments with our Issaquah dentist. We can give you the care you need while accommodating your condition and avoiding asthma attacks during your treatments.

Most Women Practice Better Dental Care

In the battle of the sexes, it would seem that women are ahead in terms of proper dental care. This is according to a study conducted by the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. This study surveyed eight hundred participants on their dental habits, then subjected them all to a dental examination. Their findings were as follows:

  • Women were 26% more likely to report flossing every day.
  • Women were about twice as likely to report maintaining regular checkups.
  • 44% of women surveyed stated that they were aware that their overall bodily health was influenced by periodontal visits. 33% of men reported the same.
  • Women were about twice as likely to take notice of a missing tooth in another person.
  • 74% of women stated that they would feel embarrassment at being seen with a missing tooth. 57% of men said the same.

If your own dental habits could stand some improvement, contact Meadow Creek Dental. Our Issaquah dentist can give you the proper care that you deserve.

Dental Care Following a Stroke

A stroke is a serious matter, one which has long-lasting implications for your health. Unfortunately, some people can overlook the effects that a stroke can have on your oral health. If you recently suffered a stroke, be mindful of the following problems that you may encounter:

First of all, your daily oral hygiene routine may suffer. With a compromised strength in your grip and a decreased manual dexterity, the simple act of brushing and flossing can turn into an ordeal. In some of the less severe cases, you may simply need to wrap a washcloth or some similar padding around your brush to get a better grip. Others may benefit from an electric toothbrush, or a special flossing tool.

When it comes time to visit your dentist again, be sure to inform us of any medication you may be taking. Some of the medication taken by patients who recently had a stroke have negative implications, particularly anticoagulants. As these drugs encourage excessive bleeding, special care may need to be taken during certain dental treatments.

Finally, if you are struggling with memory loss, consider having your dentist write down your instructions after your visits.