Chicago Dentist

The Dental Practice Act passed by the Illinois House on Tuesday that contains a sentence that seems simple enough but has enraged teeth-whitening practitioners who say they are being bullied by a monied monopoly.

The Act, also known as House Bill 1010, says in part that “a person practices dentistry, within the meaning of the Act, who takes impressions of human teeth or performs any phase of any operation incident to teeth whitening, including, but not limited to, the sale, instruction, and application on site of teeth whitening materials or procedures.”

In other words, you will now have to be a dentist to provide teeth-whitening services.

The Council for Cosmetic Teeth Whitening begs to differ.

“Today, whitening your teeth is as widespread as painting your nails,” the CCTW says. “In fact, the same trained cosmetic professionals who fully developed safe nail and hair care technologies created the present-day cosmetic teeth-whitening industry. they invented many of the products and procedures used so widely today in homes, salons, and even dentists’s offices across the United States.

“Less than a decade into it, cosmetic teeth-whitening is already an $11 billion industry. And the fight for a slice of the pie is just now brewing.”

That fight has reached Illinois.

“[D]entists are increasingly concerned that people who aren’t trained in dentistry could harm customers’ gums or teeth,” the Houston Chroniclereports. (The issue has yet to get media attention in Illinois despite the legislation that just moved through the statehouse.)

“An American Dental Association spokesman said the association is worried that some teeth-whitening businesses may peddle unsafe products or are veering into practicing dentistry. Improper bleaching could cause burns to a person’s mouth or worse, said association spokesman Dr. Leslie Seldin.”

But the teeth-whitening advocacy website FreeYourTeeth.org says that “Lobbyists from powerful state and federal dental associations are quietly trying to eliminate this affordable option for consumers and establish a dental monopoly on the teeth whitening business,” FreeYourTeeth.org says.

The dentists seem to be winning, though.

“Teeth-whitening franchises have run afoul of several state dental boards and, in January, the Tennessee Board of Dentistry declared that the kiosk-whiteners are practicing dentistry without a license,” National Public Radio reports.

And now it looks like Illinois can be added to the list.

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Over-the-counter tooth whitening kits are available in almost every retail dental care section, all promising one thing; a whiter, brighter smile. Considering they are purchased at your leisure and without a prescription or supervision from your dentist, home bleaching kits have the potential to be over used when the results you desire have not been achieved. When considering tooth whitening options, keep in mind these findings from a study lead by Shereen Azer, assistant professor of restorative and prosthetic dentistry at Ohio State University.

The study, which involved five popular brands of home tooth whitening product, found the enamel from human teeth lost some of its hardness after the subsequent application of the product, when following the manufactures instructions for usage. According to Azer in a press release, “There is some significant reduction in nano-hardness of enamel, but we are talking on a very minute scale. So even though it may not be visible to the human eye, it’s important for research because that’s how we improve products.”

Tooth whitening products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, both considered to be the active ingredient used to penetrate the enamel and whiten the tooth. Even though the findings of the study only indicate a slight reduction in enamel strength, perhaps the repetitive, or shall I say, addictive use of over-the-counter whitening products should be further analyzed. Over use of whitening products may damage the gum tissue and/or cause undesired grey tooth shade. Without supervision from a trained dental professional, the addition of weakened enamel can now be added to the list of side effects common with tooth whitening such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Certainly professional whitening products are not in the clear by any means, however the difference is professional take-home whitening kits and professional in-office whitening are preformed under the supervision of a dentist with the progress closely monitored with follow-up visits. If the results you are hoping to achieve have not been obtained after a full cycle of proper use, your dentist is able to recommend alternative products or treatment methods. If any side effects are noted by your dentist the necessary treatment or discontinuation of the product will be recommended to you.

If you are considering whitening your teeth, it is recommended to speak to your dentist before making a decision on the type of treatment best suited to your situation.

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Working, but without dental insurance, a 20-year-old Vallejo man was in such pain from a bad tooth he rushed to a hospital emergency room.

Referred to the county dental clinic, the man could not open his mouth, and was probably within days of dying from an infection, said Dr. Franklin Woo, who had him admitted into a hospital.

With such patients a regular occurrence, the dental clinic is on the front lines of the recession’s fall-out, said Woo, the county’s chief of dental services.

With the economic downturn, the county clinic is seeing an influx of people who have lost their jobs, health insurance and homes, and need dental services, Woo said.

“We have no way to meet the demand,” said Lynn Bramwell, county family health services administrator.

Some say they have nowhere else to go since most private dentists won’t see them unless they pay for services up front, Woo said.

There has been a dramatic increase in dental patients in severe pain, with cheeks swollen to the size of oranges, who are referred from emergency rooms, he said.

Two years ago, the clinic got one patient every two or three months referred from a hospital emergency room. But, these days, at least two or three come in every day, Woo said.

But while the demand is growing, the clinic is at capacity and must refer patients to private dentists or put them on a waiting list, Bramwell said.

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 The Center for Natural Dentistry (www.NaturalDentistry.us) is leading the “green revolution” by reducing waste and protecting the environment

ENCINITAS, Calif., April 20 /PRNewswire/ — In the renewed national focus on green energy, one San Diego Dentist is leading the way.

The Center for Natural Dentistry, located in Encinitas, has gone beyond fluorescent lights and low-flow faucets with an infusion of Green Dentistry in its “Green” quest.

“In a dental office, it’s not easy to reduce our water, energy, and paper waste, but we wanted to make a real difference for our environment and our patients. We chose to be bio-compatible in as many ways as possible, including our sterilization and disinfection procedures and the materials we choose for our patients,” states founder Dr. Marvin, a holistic dentist.

The Center for Natural Dentistry — a holistic dental practice integrating natural procedures with traditional science-based dentistry — is focused on improving whole-body wellness through proper, effective dental care with an eye on the environment.

Historically, the dental industry has had a devastating affect on our environment: poisoning waterways by improperly disposing of mercury fillings; dumping noxious chemicals in the trash; creating mountains of inorganic waste. It has all taken its toll on our planet.

 
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Wishing everyone a Happy Easter.  Don’t be afraid to show off those pearly whites.  If you are feeling subconscious about your smile, there are options to help you.  Please call to set an initial consultation.  You will be amazed at the changes we can make.

About 30 to 50% of all Americans suffer from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is gum disease and is caused by a bacterial infection in the periodontal pockets. It can affect one tooth or many teeth, and if left untreated, can result in tooth loss or other serious health problems.

Bacteria begin thriving in plaque, which is the colorless, sticky film that forms on the teeth. The gums become inflamed as bacteria adhere to the tooth’s surface and progress into the bones. As the bones disintegrate the teeth start to loosen and can fall out.

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Gingivitis as the mildest form of gum disease can be prevented and treated. A cure for gingivitis can prevent further damage and harm to the tissues and bones of the teeth and may also prevent development of a new dental condition.

Most periodontal disease develops from the accumulation of bacteria including gingivitis. Oral hygiene play a very important role in preventing gingivitis and other periodontal disease. Bacteria as the major culprit for these conditions are being prevented to grow through brushing and flossing.

An effective gingivitis treatment will reduce or eliminate the growth of bacterial plaque in the mouth, but unfortunately not all products that are available are effective and safe. Using natural dental products that are effective and safe are is also another preventive method for gingivitis prevention and cure, but make sure that these products only uses natural ingredients as they will not irritate and damage the gums. Your cure for gingivitis should fit your lifestyle and you can seek your dentist’s professional recommendation for a cure with your gingivitis.

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Gingivitis is an infection and inflammation of the gums at the beginning. It is characterized by bleeding gums, but without damaging the bones that support the teeth.
Gingivitis can be treated by:
* The strict hygiene at home, including regular brushings and flossing at least once a day. Rinses with salt water or a disinfectant solution (Chlorexidine, Listerine, etc.). Can be recommended.
* A dental cleaning, including scaling every six months to remove plaque and tartar.
* The dentist may advise to brush with a mixture of baking soda and peroxide. This paste is abrasive, it is recommended not aggressively rub the gums and teeth.

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If you are neglecting your gingivitis treatment this will lead you to a lot of trouble aside from the cost you are going to spend. Same with not paying attention to the reddening of the gums and the dull ache that every so often accompanies the inflammation that is gingivitis, the truth is that the bacterial attack little by little to morphs into other conditions and this force them to an expensive price tag. And if you miss to treat all of this it is not only the cost you will expect but your failure to receive a scheduled gingivitis treatment or exam. However, the cost of the one missed appointment abruptly pales when compared to the somewhat far realization that one dental problem can have.

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You can find out the truth to the concept of pregnancy that causes hormonal changes which in turn also result in the pink toothbrush – as the bleeding and during pregnancy are euphemistically termed. So far there is something going on in her system that makes this normal pregnancy result a possible condition should have a gingivitis treatment. Some pregnant women are requested to be attentive to their fluid intake and nearly everyone will listen. On the other hand, being a pregnant mom are usually prone to dehydration than they become conscious and the result is lack of fluids leads to a dry mouth.

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Gingivitis is an infection and inflammation of the gums at the beginning. It is characterized by bleeding gums, but without damaging the bones that support the teeth.
Gingivitis can be treated by:
* The strict hygiene at home, including regular brushings and flossing at least once a day. Rinses with salt water or a disinfectant solution (Chlorexidine, Listerine, etc.). Can be recommended.
* A dental cleaning, including scaling every six months to remove plaque and tartar.
* The dentist may advise to brush with a mixture of baking soda and peroxide. This paste is abrasive, it is recommended not aggressively rub the gums and teeth.

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Is it alright to undergo to gingivitis treatment even if you are pregnant? Those are some of the questions that are pondering on the pregnant mom’s. Well you can find out the truth to the concept of pregnancy that causes hormonal changes which in turn also result in the pink toothbrush – as the bleeding and during pregnancy are euphemistically termed. So far there is a need to check on her because something is going on in her system that makes this normal pregnancy result a possible condition. Pregnant mom who has this gingivitis problem should undergo gingivitis treatment. Some pregnant women are requested to be attentive to their fluid intake and nearly everyone will listen. Then again, being pregnant moms are usually prone to dehydration than they become conscious and the result is lack of fluids leads to a dry mouth.

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Gingivitis is the earliest and the mildest form of gum disease and if left untreated it can progress to periodontitis and even tooth loss. It is commonly identified with red, swollen and bleeding gums as its early signs.

There are home remedies or therapies available for gingivitis treatment . These home remedies includes daily massage of your gums, it will improve the circulation of blood in your gums thus it can resist gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. Including calcium and vitamin C- rich food in your diet is another way in preventing gingivitis. Calcium strengthens the teeth and vitamin C helps in healing and immunity from infections. Foods that contain calcium and vitamin C are fruits and vegetables.

Gingivitis treatment is necessary. Untreated gingivitis or gum disease can lead into more serious dental condition and eventually tooth loss and also it may trigger certain medical conditions such as heart attack and diabetes to occur. Having the treatment can save your teeth and your health as well and from recurring gingivitis.

Superior oral hygiene is the first and most common advise that a dentist will give for a gingivitis treatment and you will be surprise that it will let you have salt and water solution as a mouth rinse instead of those commercially made mouthwashes or rinses. Commercially made mouthwashes or oral health care products do contain chemicals that causes dry mouth and irritation to the gums. Having an all- natural mouthwash is an effective and safe gingivitis treatment.

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Going to gingivitis treatment is hard and expensive but it is praiseworthy in your time and pocket. You will notice that there are some dental patients that are not yet aware of this condition that’s why their dentist gives them an eye view. As a result if you’re one of them who need to go through a gingivitis treatment which is one of the many terms they are using in the whole dental health as a result of which a dentist is able to up to date your state of oral health, effectiveness of your prophylactic oral hygiene and regular visit to your dentist appointments. Also, you can easily notice, recognize and often obvious an inflammations of the gingival for you to become responsive to go through gingivitis treatment.

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A thorough brushing and regular use of dental floss can prevent gingivitis. An anti-tartar toothpaste (even if it has been no scientific study) may also help prevent. Some types of antibacterial mouthwash are also useful. The most effective contain chlorhexidine (PerichlorMD, Denti-CareMD). Most traditional mouthwashes contain high amounts of alcohol may cause burns. These mouthwashes can be very irritating to already inflamed gums. They do not eliminate the substances containing sulfur compounds to cause bad breath. The mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or chlorine dioxide to eliminate these substances along with the bacteria.

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