For If You Really Like Teeth
This post is intended to be a refresher on the causes, complications, and treatment of Methemoglobinemia –which can occur because of certain medications in dentistry. Methemoglobinemia is “A condition in which a higher-than-normal amount of methemoglobin is found in the blood. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen.”1 Essentially, methemoglobin is still…
Aspirin is a Non-Steroirdal Anti-Inflammatory or NSAID, commonly used for everyday aches and pains. Some people are also prescribed this drug to manage the risk of heart attack. So besides taking this over-the-counter drug for cardiovascular reasons, it might make sense to take it for a toothache. For some reason the myth of crushing up…
In Honor of National Dental Assistant week, I decided to interview a couple of my awesome dental assistants. Without them, my job would be 1000% more harder and a lot less fun. This post contains good information on the not so obvious parts of Assisting! Preemptive thanks to @paige.westermann and @traylee1245 for a) being great…
This guide can be useful for patients who will be undergoing radiation to the head/neck area, beginning to take myelosuppresive drugs, or going to begin chemotherapy. Step one involves getting the patient in for examination at least a month before treatment begins. Coordination with the Oncologist is helpful here to determine where the proposed radiation…
Importance of Evaluating the Outer Lips for Actinic Keratosis: A.K.A Actinic Cheilosis, Solar Keratosis of the lips, Farmer’s Lip and Sailor’s Lip. Potentially unremarkable lesions with consequences. Have you ever noticed little scaly plaques on someone’s face, neck, top of their head, or lips? Commonly mistaken for chapped lips, Actinic Cheilosis are 1-2 millimeter or…
If you, someone you know, or one of your patients is suffering from dry mouth; here is a list of options for potential relief options to try. This is not an exhaustive list, and if you are suffering from dry mouth you should consult with your dentist or physician to determine underlying conditions. Some of…
A series of photos below will walk you through the progression of some cavities, and what we are looking out for after your most common X-rays. Now you know what to look for at your next cleaning and exam appointment with your dentist when they swing that monitor or film with your x-rays on them….
Those are white spot lesions! Let’s talk a bit about why they happen and what we can do about them. What Are White Spot Lesions (WSLs)? White spot lesions are simply areas of decalcification of our enamel. Before we have a true cavity (a cavity results from decay entering the inner layer of our tooth,…
What is an Oscillating Electric toothbrush? What is a Sonic Electric toothbrush? Which is better? From the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, a winner has been nominated as to which Electric toothbrush does a better job at removing plaque–The Oscillating Electric Toothbrush. Sonic Toothbrush: An example of this is the Sonicare Electric toothbrush – longer,…
A refresher on some of the conditions, pharmaceutical treatments, and host defenses that can complicate treatment: Part 1- Determine the severity of the infection e.g. How is the patient feeling? How quickly did the infection start? Is there any trismus, dyspnea, dysphagia, malaise? If the infection arose quickly and/or shows signs listed above, the infection…
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Teeth & Chiefs 