news
Our news page will keep you informed on all the latest news from the practice and items about dental healthcare issues we think might be of interest.
Practice Xmas Opening Hours -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Dec 23rd, 2011
The Practice will be closed until Wednesday 28th December for the christmas Holidays. Please phone Sanjay on 087757 8326 if you require emergency advice.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
A New Mouthwash To End Tooth Decay? -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Nov 23rd, 2011
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a new mouthwash that rids the oral cavity of the bacteria Streptococcus Mutans for up to 4 days. This is the harmful bacteria in your mouth that causes tooth decay. The researchers say that the mouthwash acts like a 'smart bomb' as it specifically targets this bacteria. Most other mouthwashes are 'broad spectrum', which means that they knock out a wide range of bacteria, including the good ones
Unfortunately, the mouthwash won't be available until it gets full approval after more extensive research is done. If the mouthwash does hit the supermarket shelves it will be the first 'anti-cavity' drug licensed in over 60 years - the last one was fluoride.
You can find more information on this at http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57329010-10391704/smart-bomb-mouthwash-aims-to-end-tooth-decay-will-it-work/
Who else want whiter teeth this summer? -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Jan 18th, 2011
AUGUST SPECIAL OFFERS
MIDSUMMER DAILY DEAL
Monday 8th August - All Examinations Free and Scale and polish only E40
Subject to availability. Interested patients must e-mail the practice at
info@absolutedental.ie by Sunday 7th August leaving their contact number.
TOOTH WHITENING FOR UNDER E100
Do you hide your teeth when smiling but have never got round to trying tooth whitening? Tooth whitening is safe, simple to do and now much more affordable. Imagine being able to smile in confidence with clean, white teeth.
For the first time ever we can provide tooth whitening for under E100.
Absolute Dental Care are offering teeth whitening this month only for E97. Simply book in during the month of August for an examination and Scale and Polish and you will receive tooth whitening for E97.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL OFFER
With school starting very soon it makes sense to get your children's teeth examined now. Once they are into the full throws of term time it will be difficult to take them out for dental care appointments. Not only will they lose valuable school time but the last thing they need is tooth trouble deflecting them away from their studies.
Bring your child or children in for their examination during August and we will provide them with FREE fissure seals for their back permanent first molar teeth. This will help protect these teeth from tooth decay
MAKING GOOD DENTAL CARE MORE AFFORDABLE
Please ask us about interest free finance on any treatments over E200. Now you can get necessary dental work carried out and spread the cost of treatment over three/six or twelve months.
CHECK OUT OUR TWO NEW DENTAL PLANS
Do you want the best dental care available but would rather spread the costs of treatment or have it at a reduced price? Well, we have added two new plans to our existing plan to allow you to do just that. All three plans give you dental care at a reduced price (including examinations and cleanings) and two of them allow you to spread the costs using convenient direct debit.
Don't take your dental health for granted. Give us a call to discover which plan is best for you so that you can relax knowing it has all been taken care of.
Happy New Year -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Jan 9th, 2011
We would like to wish all our patients a happy and prosperous 2011. Many thanks also for allowing Absolute Dental Care to take care of your dental needs. We look forward to being of service in the coming year.
Please keep an eye on our website for regular updates as to events and special offers within the practice as there will be several through the year. Some offers are only available to our Facebook 'fans' (such as 10 percent discount on our fees), so go ahead and 'like' our page - www.facebook.com/AbsoluteDentalCare - and some are only posted on our Twitter page. You may follow us on Twitter @AbsoluteCarlow. Don't forget to read our blog as we will regularly be posting valuable and interesting, up to date information for you.
January's special offer is a free tooth whitening for any treatment plans begun and finished within the month for yourself or any nominated person of your choice. There will also be a prize draw for a pair of cinema tickets in our children's colouring competition.
Now that the new year is well under way, do you resolve to have better oral health and good looking teeth for the coming year?
Special 2 day Christmas limited offer - only a few spaces available -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Dec 12th, 2010
For Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th December, Absolute Dental Care are offering special rates for dental treatment.
All examinations FREE
All cleanings HALF PRICE
All other treatment HALF PRICE (if carried out in the two day period)
Any patient wishing to avail of this superb offer must phone us on Wednesday 22nd December as only ten spaces are available. Call now
Please note are Xmas opening hours:
Fri 24th: Usual opening hours
Saturday 25th December - Tuesday 28th December: Closed (Bank Holidays)
Wednesday 29th - Fri 31st December: Usual opening hours
Monday 3rd January: Closed (Bank Holiday)
Severe weather conditions: Dental appointments at Absolute Dental Care -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Dec 1st, 2010
Due to the severe weather conditions patients may find it difficult making it in for their dental appointments. Please call the practice if this is the case and we will reschedule your appointment.
Similarly, staff at the practice may have difficulty making it in to work which may affect the schedule over the next few days. We will do our best to inform you if this has a knock on effect for patients scheduled for appointments.
In the mean time, continually check our website for updates. At the moment it is business as usual
Links between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Nov 30th, 2010
It is well known that there are strong links between periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) and heart disease, stroke, and low birth weight preterm babies.
However, it is coming to light that there may also be a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (ra). Anyone suffering from ra will know how debilitating it is as the small joints become stiff, swollen and extremely tender. Unfortunately, rheumatiod arthritis is an uncurable disease.
Two studies in 2009 looked into the connection in some detail - Ogrendik M. Mod Rheumatol. 2009 and Smolik I, et al. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. 2009 May 30(4):188-197. The former showed that antibodies to bacteria from periodontal disease were found in the fluid between joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. It also found virulent strains of the same bacteria within the joints. The study concluded that the antibodies were directly causative in the arthritis. The second study found that an enzyme produced by a bacteria that causes periodontitis catalyses the unnatural folding of certain proteins which the body 'sees' as foreign. The body produces antibodies to these folded proteins and this creates joint destruction.
More research on this is yet to be done. However, if there is a link between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis, the importance of maintaining good gum health has more emphasis.
If you have any questions about this or need to attend the practice for an assessment please contact Absolute Dental Care.
Don't miss out on our tooth whitening offer -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Nov 24th, 2010
Whitening Wednesday is on December 1st. We have a special price of only E150 for this and there are only a few spaces available. So book in now to avail of this offer.
Don't forget that if you are on our 'Absolute Dental Plan' you get two free tubes of bleach every time you visit the hygienist in our 'Whitening for Life' program. So there's no more need to worry about discoloured teeth anymore
Please phone the practice to book in for this offer.
Competition Winners -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Nov 8th, 2010
Hi everybody,
as you know we had a very successful Children's Halloween Fun Day on Friday 29th October. We had three prize draws during the day. Two for the dental quiz - one for boys highest score and the other for girls highest score. Prizes were childrens electric toothbrushes. The other prize was for the best entry for the colouring competition.The prize here was for a pair of cinema tickets to the Omniplex, Carlow.
Boys quiz winner was Aidan Kirby
Girls quiz winner was Sophie McDonald O'Connor
Colouring competition winner was Caoimhe Byrne.
Congratulations to all
HALLOWEEN SWEETY BUY-BACK -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Oct 27th, 2010
This year our practice will be offering a Sweet Buy-back programme for all our children patients to encourage them into good dietary habits. Over the Halloween period children amass piles of sweets and constantly grazing on these can lead to lots of tooth decay.
On Wednesday 3rd of November, Absolute Dental Care will buy back a bag of unwanted sweets from our patients and give them 4 Euro. Whatever we give out in total on that day, we will double and give to a local charity.
Children's Halloween Day -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Oct 25th, 2010
Just a reminder that this Friday 29th October the practice will have a special day for our children patients. As well as having a FREE dental examination, there will be word searches, puzzles, crosswords and a colouring competition (first prize is a pair of cinema tickets). At Three O'Clock we will have a special dental quiz for the children for another prize. All children attending for examination will get a 'Trick or treat' goody bag. Parents that behave themselves will also get a special treat We're all excited and looking forward to it.
Don't forget that the week after we will do our charity 'Halloween Sweet Buyback'scheme. Watch this space
E65 refund on examinations and hygienist appointments -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Aug 9th, 2010
Absolute Dental Care is proud to be part of Colgate's Oral Health Month this September. The aim of the campaign is to raise the awarenes and benefits of achieving good oral health. All patients recieving examinations and hygienist treatment are eligible to receive a 65 euro refund as part of the promotion.
Additionally, all our patients taking part in September are automatically entered into a free prize draw for a top of the range electric toothbrush. CONTACT US NOW for more details.
Loss of PRSI benefits not such a loss at Absolute Dental Care -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Feb 14th, 2010
As we all know, the government has savagely cut benefit entitlements to dental care under the PRSI system. Entitlements have been limited to one examination a year. This is not a benefit to most people who would like regular dental care and maintenance.
Absolute Dental Care has now introduced the Absolute Dental Plan. This is a maintenance plan developed to provided regular dental care to maintain and improve the dental health of our patients. The plan makes it easier to budget for dental treatment as well as obtaining more affordable care. Members of the plan receive two free examinations and two free hygienist visits a year for an investment of E240. Additionally, any dental treament required is automatically discounted by 20 percent. Other benefits include free emergency appointments for the relief of dental pain, free 'tooth whitening for life', free small x-rays and free prescriptions if required. Children may also be placed on the plan for an investment of E80. This entitles children to two free examinations, 20 percent off all treatments and free fissure sealants as required.
For a full list of features and benefits and an application form to join the plan, please phone or e-mail the practice now.
Tips for safe 'Trick or treating' -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Oct 18th, 2009
Haloween is becoming very popular here in Ireland now and it is a very exciting time of year for young children. To ensure maximum health and safety to young children there are one or two tips to be aware of.
1/ Be sure that upon entering a house's front yard or path that it is well lit. Any obstructions like long vines or thorny bushes may tear costumes but may also case injury to the face or teeth. If youngsters fall, they could even knock out teeth.
2/ Be sure the treats that are got are not so hard that there is the potential to damage braces or fragile dental work. This is one of the reasons it is best to wait till children return home to a well lit house before consuming any of their goodies.
3/ For optimal dental health we advise that children do not consume their treats in between meals or just before bed time as this will increase their chances of getting tooth decay.
Beware and be safe and Happy Haloween to all
Redheads more likely to avoid dentists -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Aug 16th, 2009
According to a recent publication in the American Dental Journal, people with red or ginger hair are twice as likely to avoid going to the dentist than people with dark hair.
The author of the study was intrigued by the observations within hospitals that red haired people needed more general anaesthetic for their operations compared to non- red haired individuals and so decided to do a study on dental experiences of people with red hair.
The study basically showed that people with red hair needed more local anaesthetic to numb them up for dental procedures than blondes or brunettes and that red heads avoided dentists more because procedures were often more painful because the usual doses of anaesthetic were not enough.
A study in 2004 showed that red heads needed 20 percent more general anaesthesia than non -red heaired couonterparts. Another study in 2005 showed that red haired people are more sensitive to thermal pain and more resistant to local anaesthesia than non - redheads.
The difference is probably due to a gene called the MC1R (Melanocortin-1 receptor gene). This gene produces receptors for melanin but is mutated in people with red hair. Some of these receptors are found in the brain and are known to be involved in pain perception.
So, if you have red hair and have had bad experiences at the dentists, just tell us. It may be that you need a higher dose of anaesthetic
New Survey on Irish Oral Health reveals dental habits -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Aug 1st, 2009
A recent survey on behalf of Wrigley's Orbit Complete by Landsdowne Marketing shows that over two thirds of people still do not visit the dentist regularly
The survey revealed several other dental habits of the Irish population:
. 38 of the population visit the dentist at least once every six months
. Women, young adults and white collar workers visit the dentist more often.
. Retention of teeth is positively related to the frequency of dental visits.
. Those who go to the dentist regularly are more like to look forward to the
appointment
. Frequent flossers are more likely to have more of their adult teeth, with
one third of people never having used floss.
. Younger people and females were more likely to 'dread going to the dentist'
At Absolute Dental Care, we would encourage patients to visit the dentist at least once a year as good oral health will also translate to good overall health. There are a number of systemic diseases that appear to have a relationship to poor oral health. Most people want a healthy smile as this improves self esteem and confidence. Aside from helping to increase attractiveness a full complement of teeth helps in adequate eating.
Is obesity an oral bacterial disease? -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Jul 11th, 2009
A new study published in the 'Journal of Dental Research' has shown that a certain bacterial species found in saliva is an indicator in patients who are obese. These bacteria may contribute to the development of obesity.
There is growing concern that there is an obesity epidemic, so researchers from Brasil and Boston have combined on this study.
Saliva was collected from 313 women with a body mass index between 27 and 32 and compared with the saliva from 232 healthy individuals from periodontal (gum disease) studies. The saliva was studied using DNA probe analysis.
'Classification tree analysis'of the salivary microbial content showed that 98.4 percent of the obese women could be identified by the presence of a single bacterial species - Selenomonas noxia - at levels greater than 1.05 percent of the total salivary bacteria.
This seems to indicate that the composition of saliva changes in overweight women and that this bacterial species may be an indicator to the development of becoming overweight. More studies are required to see if salivary bacteria may contribute to the pathology that leads to obesity.
Cows milk could help regrow tooth enamel -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on May 28th, 2009
A dental scientist, Dr Nathan Cochrane, has discovered an isolate from cow's milk, that could be used to build up enamel that has been lost due to tooth decay. This may avoid the decayed tooth requiring a filling or an extraction.
The isolate containd calcium, fluoride and phosphate - the building blocks of the crystalline part of the enamel that covers the tooth surface. The idea is that the chemical is placed in a special tray that fits over the teeth to stop saliva diluting it. The patient wears the tray whilst sleeping. The tooth then absorbs the mineral from the tray.
Dr Cochrane explained: 'The localised application of the mineral treatment re-grows the crystals of the tooth, repairing damaged tooth enamel'. He added 'Dentists who have patients showing signs of early decay will be able to prescribe the nightly use of the remineralisation treatment for a given period, potentially avoiding treatments such as fillings and extractions'.
The tray device has been patented now in readiness for the roll out of any future programmes.
Dr Cochrane, who has been working closely with tooth mineralisation expert Professor Eric Reynolds, presented his findings at the Pathfindors Innovators Conference at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, Australia.
White wine can stain teeth -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Apr 5th, 2009
Most of us know that red wine is a major candidate to causing staining of the teeth. However, researchers at the New York University College of Dentistry, have found that white wine can also contribute.
White wine is acidic and it is the acid that causes small pits and rough areas to form on the teeth. These rough patches then become susceptible to stain from beverages such as tea.
The study done at the university (headed by Cristina M. Dobrescu and Professor Denise Estafan) studied the effects of soaking cow's teeth in red wine, white wine and water for an hour then dipping the teeth into tea and measuring with a 'spectrophotometer' the amount of staining. The red wine caused the most staining, but the white wine caused significantly more staining than water. The researchers say that soaking the teeth for an hour in white wine is equivalent to sipping white wine during a meal. The findings of the research were presented at the annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research.
St Patricks Day -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Mar 17th, 2009
As per usual, everyone is excited on St.Patricks Day. But a word of warning for those drinking the green alcoholic beverages. The green dye used in the drinks will stain your teeth. This is particularly noticeable in those who have white fillings, crowns or veneers at the front of the mouth.
To avoid this, it's best to drink through a straw, if this is practical. You may find that its best to brush your teeth after the drink. However, you should wait 30 minutes or so before doing so, as the beverage may be acidic. If you brush too soon after the drink, you may wear away the enamel on your teeth as the acidic drink will have 'demineralised' a small amount of enamel.
Anyway, always remember, drink in moderation. Happy St Patrick's Day
84 Nigerian children die due to contaminated teething formula -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Feb 15th, 2009
The Nigerian health ministry claimed that up to 84 children in Nigeria had died due to a medicine used to treat teething. The cildren were aged from between 2 months old and 7 years old.The formula known as 'My Pikin' was sold in Nigeria but contained the lethal ingredient diethylene glycol. This industrial solvent is found in antifreeze and break fluid.
The pharmaceutical company making the product sourced the diethylene glycol from an unregistered chemical dealer in a slum area near the dump. Diethylene glycol was supplied as a substitute to the usual ingredient - sweet glycerin. Sweet gylcerin is used in several medicines to make them palatable. The pharmaceutical company put the cheaper diethylene glycol into the medicine instead of the sweet gylcerin.
The product has now been withdrawn from circulation.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw and the use of Bisphoshonate medication. -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Feb 8th, 2009
Bisphosphonates are a class of drug given to several patients that reduce bone turnover in the body. Often it is prescribed for patients with cancer but it is also used with high frequency for the treatment of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease).
It can be given intravenously (usually when treating cancer) or by pill when treating osteoporosis. The common forms of the pill version are Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva.
Patients on these bisphosphonates can suffer from a condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). This is characterised by the development of pain, soft tisue swelling, infection, loose teeth and exposed bone within the mouth. This is very debilitating. The exposed bone tends not to heal and the soreness and exposed bone may last for several years. These complications can occur after any invasive dental procedures such as tooth extraction or implant placement. They can also occur in those patients on bisphoshonates with severe gum disease or ill-fitting dentures. These problems are more commonly seen with intravenous bisphosphonates but, anectdotely, also occur with oral versions of the drug also. It is estimated to occur in between 1:60000 and 1:100,000 patients.
It is important for patients on bisphosphonate treatment to inform the dentist, but to continue with their therapy. Dental treatment should be done prior to beginning bisphosphonate treatment where possible. However, if treatment is required, the dentist may need to institute antibiotic/antifungal treatment prior to and for a period after treatment is finished. Patients on bisphosphonates should see the dentist regularly for dental examinations to help avoid treatment that may lead to ONJ.
Drinking green tea protects your teeth -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Dec 4th, 2008
A recent study published in 'General Dentistry' in June/July shows that the drinking of home brewed green tea confers a natural protection to teeth. This is over and above protection compared to black tea, soda and orange juice. The latter is acidic and can lead to erosion of teeth. The study shows that tea has the same erosive effect as water - zero effect. Tea contains natural antioxidants but those in green tea are superior to those found in black tea. Green tea contains high amounts of natural flavinoids (plant extracts) and other antioxidants.
Although home-brewed green tea protects teeth, this is only if sugar or other additives are avoided, such as milk and lemon. The emphasis is also placed on the tea being home-brewed. Prepackaged iced tea contains citric acid and high amounts of sugar and so are detrimental to the health of your teeth.
The AGD (Academy of General Dentistry) provided the following tips to avoid acid erosion:
1/ Reduce or eliminate carbonated beverages. Instead chose water, milk or tea.
2/ Skip the additives such as sugar, lemon and milk.
3/ Drink acidic drinks quickly and through a straw
4/ Chew sugar-free gum to promote the flow of saliva in your mouth
5/ Rinse with water to neutralise the acids and wait for an hour before brushing
The Academy of General Dentistry was founded in 1952 and is the second largest dental association in existence. It is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists.
Can swimming affect your teeth? -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Sep 3rd, 2008
Well, the 2008 Olympics has come to an end now. Some say it was the most successful Olympics yet. It certainly was for USA swimmer, Michael Phelps, with a tally of eight medals.
This got me thinking of a little known, but none-the-less real, problem that frequent swimmers can face. The condition is called 'Swimmers Calculus'. It usually happens in swimmers that are exposed to swimming pool water for extended periods of time, such as intensive swimmers who are in training for competition. It can happen to all age groups even to those as young as five.
The exposure of the teeth to swimming pool water, in the presence of the usual oral cavity saliva and fluids can cause a yellow to dark brown discolouration of the teeth. Usually, it is the front teeth that are affected, regardless of how good the brushing technique is. Fortunately, the discolouration does not seem to be linked to gum disease of any sort.
The chemicals in the swimming pool cause proteins on the teeth to 'denature' rapidly and, due to the high pH of swimming pool water, this protein stains very intensely.
There is no need to worry about the stain caused by so-called 'swimmers calculus' as it can easily be removed by the dentist by a combination of professional cleaning and polishing.
Irish exposed to higher levels of radiation -- Posted by Absolute Dental Care on Aug 8th, 2008
A recent report entitled 'Radiation Doses Received by the Irish Population' by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has highlighted that the Irish population is exposed to high levels of radiation compared to the worldwide average. This is based on a three year study into radiation exposure in Ireland.
It states that the majority (86 percent) of the radiation is from natural,'background' sources such as radon gas, thoron gas and cosmic radiation. The lesser amount comes from 'artificial' sources such as medical and dental x-rays and the accident in Chernobyl and discharges from Sellafield.
The level of radiation exposure is equivalent to 200 chest x-rays per person per year. It is stated that the average annual amount of radiation that Irish people receive is 3,950 microsieverts, whilst in Britain it is 2,600 and worldwide it is 2,800. Comparison with previous Irish records show that the amount of exposure is up by 9 percent.
The report by the Institute advises that all medical exposures should be fully justified to minimise radiation exposure.
The use of digital radiography, at Absolute Dental Care, helps minimise radiation exposure as digital radiography emits only one fifth of the radiation dose compared to standard x-ray exposures which utilise manual processing methods.
