Dentists Christchurch - Carlton Dental Care

Carlton Dental Care contact details

Newsletter - issue 9 items (2003)

We have "The Wand"! - new technology to enable pain free injections
Less painful tooth scaling - with Airflow S1
Mousse for teeth - a dental cream to help reduce decay
Do you suffer from a dry mouth - some products now available to help
Gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis

We have "The Wand"!
Heralded as the first major advance in providing local anaesthesia since the syringe was invented 150 years ago. "The wand" a truly magical advance in local anaesthesia, enables nearly totally pain free injections, even to normally painful locations, such as the roof of the mouth. It has been found to be effective on patients of all ages and will be specially useful for those of you who are nervous about seeing me!

Most of the pain from local anaesthesia comes from the flow of the anaesthetic. In this high-tech
device, computer technology produces a slow, even flow of anaesthetic resulting in a virtually
pain-free ínjection. In addition, “The Wand” is held with a different grip to the traditional
syringe, increasing precision and therefore facilitating the numbing of smaller targeted areas,
resulting in a reduced frequency of the ‘fat lip’ feeling.

Less painful tooth scaling

I have recently bought an AirFlow S1. This handy instrument uses sodium bicarbonate spray and is intended for removing soft deposits (plaque) and staining from all visible areas of teeth as well as from fissures and between teeth spaces. The spray comes in lemon and mint flavours.

The airflow enables a considerably more comfortable visit to the hygienists. It allows for
the easy and thorough removal of ingrained stains like tea, coffee and tobacco stains which are difficult and time consuming using other traditional techniques.

The ultrasonic scaler (which causes discomfort in some patients) is then only required when there are stubborn deposits of tartar.

Mousse for teeth
Tooth mousse is a dental cream which helps neutralise acid from bacteria, in plaque for instance
and thereby, helps reduce decay. It can also remineralise areas of early decay. Tooth mousse is
water-based, sugar free and unlike other high concentrate toothpastes, does not contain flouride.

Saliva enhances the mousse’s effectiveness, and the mousse has been flavoured to help stimulate
saliva production. The mousse works topically, so the longer it is in the mouth the more
effective it is.

Tooth mousse is available in 5 mouthwatering flavours, Strawberry, Melon, Mint, Vanilla and
Tutti Frutti!

Do you suffer from a dry mouth

Various illnesses, irradiation to the head and neck regions or taking one of a large number of medications are some factors which may disrupt the natural production of saliva and cause a dry mouth.

Saliva is produced naturally in our mouth and is an important natural defense against cavities, gum disease and oral infections. Saliva also aids in speech, lubrication and cleansing in the mouth, taste and is the first stage in food digestion.

Dry mouth Some ideas to minimise dry mouth

* drink plenty of water - avoid using acidic juices and supplements as mouth moisturisers.
* avoid diuretics eg coffee and alcohol, and do not smoke
* chew sugar-free gum
* gravies and sauces may make food easier to swallow
* avoid over salty food
* use mouth washes without alcohol or peroxide

Products are also now on hand to help relieve dry mouth discomfort and to help minimise dental decay. Dry mouth toothpastes, mouthwashes, dental chewing gums and moisturizing gels are available.

With the loss or reduction of the mouth’s natural antibacterial system immaculate oral hygiene is essential. If you have a dry mouth problem, or would like to try any of these products please talk to Rob.

Gum disease & rheumatoid arthritis
An Australian study has shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of
developing periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease affects the supporting structures of the teeth
and may contribute to tooth loss. There may be a link between these two health conditions
however the study does not suggest that either condition causes the other. Some scientists
believe that the limited movement experienced by some people with rheumatoid arthritis may
lead to poorer oral hygiene. This was not supported by this study where no differences in the
amount of plaque deposits were found.

The above information was taken from an Arthritis NZ section newsletter. Other studies have
also found links between gum disease and other medical conditions, eg heart disease, diabetes,
mothers giving birth to premature and low birth weight babies.

In all cases special care should be taken with oral hygiene, checking for signs of gum disease, eg
red, swollen or bleeding gums. Regular visits to the hygienist may be a help, and an electric
toothbrush may also enable more thorough tooth brushing, than a normal toothbrush.

Various illnesses, irradiation to the head and neck regions or taking one of a large number of medications are some factors which may disrupt the natural production of saliva and cause a dry mouth. Saliva is produced naturally in our mouth and is an important natural defense against cavities, gum disease and oral infections. Saliva also aids in speech, lubrication and cleansing in the mouth, taste and is the first stage in food digestion.
	Some ideas to minimise dry mouth * drink plenty of water - avoid using acidic juices and supplements as mouth moisturisers. * avoid diuretics eg coffee and alcohol, and do not smoke * chew sugar-free gum * gravies and sauces may make food easier to swallow * avoid over salty food * use mouth washes without alcohol or peroxide Products are also now on hand to help relieve dry mouth discomfort and to help minimise dental decay. Dry mouth toothpastes, mouthwashes, dental chewing gums and moisturizing gels are available.
With the loss or reduction of the mouth’s natural antibacterial system immaculate oral hygiene is essential. If you have a dry mouth problem, or would like to try any of these products please talk to Rob.