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.
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. CONTACT US NOW for more details.
Good oral health helps save teeth, giving you confidence and a great smile.
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.
