Management of Bleeding gums

 https://youtu.be/hQ-ChVpwUN8

 

Dentistry after Covid 19

We all know Covid-19 is a 'Black Swan' Event in our lives.. 
Dentists and Dentistry is in a period of Flux.
Its a time to Reflect, Revive and Restart.

                We being Healthcare providers are at the fore front of this and also at maximum risk to the infection.  Because of this risk, we have had to shut down our practices for a great financial loss to ourselves. Health is definitely above wealth.

            Now that we are now thinking ahead and thinking of restarting our practices in a matter of weeks from now atleast for emergency cases and less aerosol practice, 
the focus has now shifted to how to open up and still feel safe of the infection in our practice.

The guidelines have been issued and are being modified by DCI, IDA, CDC and various other bodies on what to do and what not. 

The only thing left is for us to make a choice - 

- How we should implement it. 
- Is it possible for all practices to implement all the guidelines. 
- Do we have such big practices that we can put up a traige area, changing room and waiting area and what not.
- Also we have different types of clientele. Is it possible for every patient to bear the cost of the new guidelines and that too for every visit. 

Or will it lead to a permanent change on how dentistry is practised. 
Will we see more of group practices or will it pave a way for Dental Insurance to enter in a big way.. 

What all problems will it lead to? Will the virus make a comeback because the guidelines were not followed properly.? Will it lead to persecution of the patient or the practice if a positive case is found out?

Well I guess we will have to wait for all the answers.. 

But Be positive. Remember - Whatever happens, happens for Good. 

Dental Care in times of COVID-19

In these Hard times, when almost half of the world is Locked down in homes, one thing that normally misses our attention is the Dental Care or Oral Health Care. 

That can change quickly if you suddenly have a cavity or pain and you struggle to find a dentist whos working.

Generally speaking - All that is required is to brush twice a day and Floss once. 

Diet Matters

What you eat is Very Important.. 

Avoiding excessive snacking — a habit that’s all too easy to adopt when dealing with the stress and boredom inherent in self-quarantining.

Starchy foods or drinks lead to acid in our mouths, which dissolves tooth surfaces.

The more often our teeth are bathed in these acids, the weaker and softer they become.

Good hydration also is important for oral health, dentists agree.

        Resist turning to unhealthy habits to manage your stress. Overindulging in smoking and drinking can be detrimental to oral health. Smoking inhibits the blood supply to your gums and increases your risk for gum infections. High exposure to alcohol can dry out the cells in your cheeks and gums. Chewing on ice, pen caps, or fingernails as a means of stress management can cause the teeth to chip or break.

Keep your toothbrush clean

If you suspect that COVID-19 is present in your home, disinfect your toothbrush.

Every time we flush the toilet, we generate an aerosol spray.  Most people leave their brushes and other toiletries merely inches away from commodes. Try to flush with the lid closed. Keep your floss pics, brushes, and tongue cleaners covered. Soaking them in a mixture of mouthwash and hydrogen peroxide also keeps them safe.

Dental care emergencies only

As COVID-19 spreads, the Indian Dental Association advised dental offices on March 16 to restrict their operations to emergency procedures only.

Dentists have been prohibited from providing nonemergency services, including aesthetic work, exams, cleanings, and fillings.

This accomplishes three very important things - It preserves the nationwide supply of personal protective equipment for our front-line heroes, prevents the spread of this virus through congregating in dental offices, and eliminates the need for dental emergency patients from flooding into emergency rooms that are better used fighting the virus.

Many dentists including us have turned to Online/Telephonic consultation to counsel patients by phone or video conferencing.

Dentists face one of the highest risks of contracting coronavirus, even greater than nurses or paramedics.  They literally work 6 inches away from our patients’ faces during dental procedures.

As a result, expect your dentist to take additional safety measures if you do have to make a visit for an emergency procedure — for your protection as well as the safety of the dentist and their staff.

Holi tips for healthy teeth

Teeth are often the silent sufferers during Holi, for variety of reasons -  

1. Children and youngsters are prone to falling with their face down while running with friends. Other than your face, your tooth often get the brunt of this fall. 

2. Binge eating is prevalent during Holi and this has implications for middle aged and elderly people, who have or prone to cavities. “Good brushing followed by flossing is often recommended

3. Most critical thing is safeguarding your teeth against chemical-laced colors. “Stained teeth can not only affect your looks but may also shatter your confidence. While best way is to avoid getting into a situation like this by being careful, if you do get it, we recommend bleaching, scaling and polishing,

When does a Tooth Need a Crown

               I got the idea for this post from teaching at the dental college. Different instructors seem to have different criteria for when its time to treatment plan a crown. I tend to crown teeth when there is sufficient tooth structure missing to put a tooth at greater risk for a future fracture. If such a tooth needs a replacement filling I usually recommend a crown instead, since this will tend to protect the tooth from the forces involved with chewing and protect the tooth from future harm. While replacing a large restoration with a new filling may be tempting, usually this is not optimal treatment. I believe that larger fillings fail more frequently than smaller fillings and when they do it places the tooth at an additional risk for the need of endodontic treatment or  tooth loss.

                  When treatment planning a tooth with a large failing restoration, I often find  that the tooth structure will not be sufficiently supported by another possibly larger new filling.When this is the case,  it's best to restore the tooth with a crown (or an onlay). I often explain this to my patient and add that when it's time to fix a restoration, it's best to fix it right and choose the best option available.

                  Patients sometimes counter that they cannot afford to  spend the money involved with having a crown made ( or would rather not). After hearing this I often point out that we can go ahead a place a large filling but if it may put the tooth at risk of developing a more significant problem. If their tooth later ends up needing a root canal or even needs to be extracted,  a significantly greater sum will be required.              I add this information because I need to confirm that my patient truly understands the reasons for my recommendation and that I have  informed consent to proceed with placement of a large filling. Often, after some back and forth conversation, my patient may change their mind and  have a crown made instead of a filling , but if  they don't, I can often place the large filling, with a clear conscience!