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Stadium Dental Center

Endocarditis: Protect Against Dental Infection Spread To Your Heart

Doc with stethoscope

What is endocarditis?

Endocarditis is a rare, potentially fatal condition affecting the heart lining and its valves and started by bacterial infection. It is much more frequently found in people who have certain heart conditions and in previous endocarditis cases. If you are at high risk for endocarditis, your doctor may recommend antibiotics be taken before dental procedures.

Who should take preventive antibiotics?

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends antibiotics prior to certain dental procedures for people with heart conditions associated with the highest risk of developing endocarditis. The AHA recommends that patients receive antibiotics prior to dental treatment only if they have:

  • had bacterial endocarditis before
  • a prosthetic (artificial) cardiac valve
  • prosthetic material used in valve repair
  • cardiac valve disease and have had a cardiac transplant
  • congenital (present at birth) heart disease. This includes only people having the following conditions:
    • unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease (including those with devices that relieve symptoms only)
    • completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device during the first six months after the procedure
    • repaired congenital heart disease with defects that remain at or near the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device

With these recommendations in mind, you and your doctor can decide whether or not preventive antibiotic dosing is preferred for your condition.

How are preventive antibiotics taken?

Patients who require preventive treatment take a single dose of an antibiotic, usually by mouth about one hour before certain dental treatments.

For which dental procedures are the antibiotics taken?

For patients at highest risk for endocarditis, the AHA guidelines suggest preventive antibiotic treatment for only the following:

  • Dental procedures that involve manipulation of gum tissue (around bone and teeth) or the tip of the tooth root
  • Dental procedures in which the inside lining of the mouth is penetrated

The guidelines do not recommend that high-risk individuals take preventive antibiotics for the following dental procedures or events:

  • Routine anesthetic injections through noninfected tissue
  • Dental X-rays
  • Placement of removable dental prostheses or orthodontic appliances
  • Adjustment of orthodontic appliances
  • Placement of orthodontic brackets
  • Shedding of baby teeth
  • Bleeding from trauma to the lips or inside of the mouth

If you have concerns about whether or not preventive antibiotics are needed for your condition, talk to your doctor.

What can I do to lower my risk for infections?

To reduce your risk for infection, it’s important that your dental team knows about your current health status. Be sure to tell us if your health has changed since your last visit, including if you have been diagnosed with a heart condition. You should let us know if you’ve had heart or vascular surgery, or any other surgery or medical procedure, within the past six months.

In your dental record, make sure we have a complete list of the names and dosages of all of your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, including vitamins and herbal remedies. It’s important that we have all of the names and phone numbers of your current physicians, in case we need to consult with them. Finally, it’s especially important to practice regular good home care of your teeth. Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time, and floss every day. Visit our office at least every six months for regular exams and cleanings.

If you have questions about preventive antibiotic treatment, you should talk to your doctor and Dr. Cardon at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. Learn more at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/TheImpactofCongenitalHeartDefects/Infective-Endocarditis_UCM_307108_Article.jsp#.Vwc4l8fntPY and http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/HeartValveProblemsandDisease/Heart-Valves-and-Infective-Endocarditis_UCM_450448_Article.jsp#.Vwc4_MfntPY

Pregnancy and Prevention: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol while pregnant. FASD affect an estimated 40,000 infants each year—more than spina bifida, Down syndrome, and muscular dystrophy combined.Special needs child

What causes FASD?

The ultimate cause of FASD is alcohol intake by a pregnant mother. However, alcohol itself may not be
directly responsible for all (or any) of the effects of FASD. What may be responsible are byproducts gen-
erated when the body metabolizes (“burns”) alcohol. The end result is a decrease in the number of brain
cells (neurons), abnormal location of neurons (due to disturbance of their normal migration during fetal
development), and gross malformation of the brain. Damage to the unborn baby is permanent. There is no cure for FASD.

What are the birth effects of FASD?

The effects of FASD vary among affected individuals. The effects can include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. Often, a person has a mix of these problems. FASD include the following categories:

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)—This is indicated by a pattern of neurological, behavioral, and cognitive de cits along with speci c facial features.

Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)—This term is used when only central nervous system abnormali- ties are present as a result of fetal alcohol exposure. ARND is characterized by problems with memory and motor skills.

Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)—This is indicated by defects in the growth of skeletal and major organ systems.

Fetal alcohol effects (FAE)—This term is sometimes used to describe children who had prenatal exposure to alcohol but do not have all of the symptoms (particularly the facial fea- tures) associated with FAS.

Whose pregnancy is at risk?

Any pregnant woman who drinks alcohol is at risk of having a child with FASD, regardless of her education, income, or ethnicity. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women who are at particularly high risk of drinking during pregnancy and having a child with FASD include:

• Women with substance abuse or mental health problems

• Women who have already had a child with FASD

• Recent drug users

• Smokers

• Women who have multiple sex partners

• Recent victims of abuse and violence

How can FASD be prevented when pregnant?

 

While there is no cure for FASD, it is 100 percent preventable when pregnant women abstain from alcohol. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant. There also is no safe time during pregnancy to drink and no safe kind of alcohol. Good reproductive care before knowledge of pregnancy also assists to a great extent in the prevention of FASD. If you have questions about FASD, talk to your primary care physician or to Dr. Cardon at Stadium Dental Center.

Learn more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_spectrum_disorder

[Reprinted with permission of Academy of General Dentistry]

4 Surprising Foods That Can Contribute To Bad Breath

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DO YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT MEETING OR INTERVIEW TODAY? Or perhaps a big date? Worrying about bad breath can mess with your confidence. Don’t mess with your confidence. You know the “usual” foods to avoid like garlic and onions. But there are a few others we don’t often think about… Read on!

Bad-Breath Culprits That May Surprise You

Acidic Foods
Foods containing lots of citric acid, like lemons, pickles, and grapefruit can turn your breath from bad to worse. Citric acid fuels the bacteria in your mouth, increasing sulfuric compound production.

Alcohol & Foods That Dry Your Mouth
Dry mouth is one of the MOST COMMON CAUSES of bad breath. That’s because saliva helps clean our mouths and manage the bacteria. Alcohol is a drying agent. Foods, drinks and mouthwashes that contain alcohol may add to your problem.

High Protein Foods
When protein is metabolized it produces ammonia and ketones—both of which can fuel bad breath. This doesn’t mean cutting out all the protein—just use moderation.

Sugar (Yep!)
Sugar is one of bad-breath-bacteria’s favorite foods! When you eat lots of sugary mints, candies or drinks you can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth. If you do need a mint or gum, choose sugar-free options. Gum sweetened with xylitol has been found to actually fight plaque and bad breath.

Taking Care Of Your Oral Health Helps Take Care Of Your Breath
Remember that one of the best ways to combat bad breath is to keep up with your daily oral hygiene. Make sure you brush, floss, and schedule regular visits for cleanings and check-ups.

If you are concerned your bad breath may be a result of something more serious, give us a call! We can help.

Thanks for the trust you place in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri.

State Of The Art Dental Technology In Jefferson City Practice

Like other industries, technology has changed the experience of dentistry for both patients and practitioners. At Stadium Dental Center, we’re not into technology for its’ own sake—but when it allows us to provide your care more comfortably, quickly, and cost-effectively, we’re eager to adopt it. Here are some ways dental technology is in use in our Jefferson City office.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays can help us identify conditions affecting your mouth, such as cavities and bone loss. These images are invaluable in complete diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

What makes digital X-ray images preferred over traditional ‘wet film’ X-rays is the vastly reduced radiation dosage you are exposed to (equivalent to what you receive being out in the sunshine for short periods), the time savings in processing, and the ability to be viewed on a computer screen, where they can be adjusted for contrast and brightness—allowing for optimal diagnosis. An additional benefit is the elimination of chemicals used in wet film processing.

Digital Photography

With digital photography, conditions we may find in the mouth such as fractured teeth, receding gums, and broken restorations can be displayed for you to help you better appreciate and understand the condition of your teeth and associated treatment recommendations. We can visually depict proposed treatment results on a computer or TV screen before work is begun so you can have a clearer sense of what to expect when your work is completed.

3-D (Cone-beam computed tomography) imaging

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging can help us plan for dental implants, evaluate abnormal teeth, and diagnose hidden dental trauma or unusual pathology. This low-dose imaging technology operates like traditional panoramic X-ray machines, capturing image data that provides a 3-D view of your teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose, and throat. Though not routinely needed for most of our patients, we can obtain these high-tech studies when necessary for our patients.

CAD/CAM technologies

The traditional process to make a permanent crown involves many steps performed by the dental treatment and dental laboratory teams. Many, perhaps most, of the dental crowns we deliver are now produced using computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies. Later this year we’ll begin using an intraoral camera to scan in the shape and relationship of your teeth to speed up this process further and reduce our reliance on sometimes unpleasant but necessary intraoral impressions.

Dental Lasers

Lasers are everywhere these days, including in our Jefferson City dental office. We’ve found our intraoral laser very useful in treating canker and cold sores, gum disease, and removing soft tissue because of pathology or surgical needs. We can reduce symptoms and shorten healing times associated with a number of dental therapies by using the intraoral laser as well as control bleeding and reduce the quantity of bacteria in diseased gum tissue.

Marijuana Use And Oral Health

marijuana effects

Is there any oral health risk connected with marijuana use? The short answer is yes. In fact, several aspects of oral and general health may be impacted.

Periodontal disease risks

Studies of marijuana users have shown higher gum disease rates. One study found a tripling of the incidence of significant gum disease sites. There was also a big increase in the earliest signs of gum disease. These effects were attributed to pot use after other known risk factors were accounted for.

Tooth decay risks

Tooth decay is another impact linked to marijuana use. Both the prevalence and the severity of decay are much greater among pot users. The drug triggers neurotransmitters which produce cravings. Users try to satisfy such urges by consuming foods that promote tooth decay.

Cancer risks

Cancer found in the head and neck has been shown to be over 2.5 times as likely among marijuana users. This effect is in addition to those from other risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. Because of riskier behaviors when under the influence of marijuana, HIV infection has also been found higher among users.

Discoloration of teeth

The substances in marijuana contribute to the buildup of greenish-brown tartar on the teeth. This makes the appearance of the teeth unappealing. Removal of these unsightly deposits is more difficult for the dental team.

General health risks

Unfortunately, public awareness that marijuana poses oral and systemic health risks is far lower than awareness of tobacco risks. The general health risks include:

  • Difficulty with paying attention and learning
  • Difficulty with distinguishing oneself from another person
  • Decreased interest in finishing tasks
  • Diminished ability to execute tasks requiring coordination
  • Anxiety and feelings of panic
  • Paranoia and excessive fear
  • Delusions, hallucinations, and delirium
  • Increased blood pressure and heart rate (increasing risk for cardiac arrest up to 4.8 fold within the first hour after smoking marijuana, according to research)
  • Irritated airways, resulting in spasms or narrowing
  • A weakened immune system
  • Lung disease
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Sore throat, cough, hoarse voice, and increased phlegm production
  • Violent reactions (particularly if the marijuana is laced with PCP)
  • Withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, irritability, anorexia, and agitation
  • Dependence and addiction (it’s estimated that 9 percent of users will become dependent, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse)

For these reasons, we have an interest in honestly inquiring about marijuana use (as well as other substances such as nutritional supplements and herbal medicines). This is a part of our health history and oral examination process for both current and new patients. Our intent is not to violate your privacy. To provide you with the best dental care we can, it’s vital that we confidentially assess your risks, including marijuana usage.

For more information on oral health and marijuana use, see https://digital.library.adelaide.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/2440/16775/3/Cho_gen_v50n22005.pdf

Affordable Family Dentistry Serving Jefferson City, Cedar City & Apache Flats

Dentists in Jefferson City, Missouri: Stadium Dental Center is a 5-Star Rated Top Dental Office Serving Jefferson City, Cedar City & Apache Flats. New Specials Call Now: (573) 880-4411
Stadium Dental Center (573) 880-4411
757 W Stadium Blvd Ste B Jefferson City MO 65109
Stadium Dental Center
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757 W Stadium Blvd Ste B
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 880-4411

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