The Buzz from Your Favorite Dental Hygienists: July 2014

NORTH TEXAS PERIODONTICS & IMPLANTOLOGY, PLLC

Diagnostic technology and new surgical techniques have broadened dental horizons, but it is still the caring attitude and concern for our patients that is most important. While there have been significant advancements in periodontal therapy, there is no cure for gum disease. Even after successful, corrective therapy and surgical intervention, your gum disease can recur. For the majority of patients with periodontal disease (~90%), regular periodontal maintenance cleanings have proven to be effective in preventing recurrence of gum disease. This phase is an essential part of treatment. Often, this can be the most important part of your therapy.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Our hygiene mission at North Texas Periodontics & Implantology is to propel our patients toward optimum oral & systemic health utilizing the best techniques, technology, and education available to us.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Oil Pulling

Lately, the practice of oil pulling has been put in the spotlight by news media programs and the social networks. This has sparked a lot of questions from my patients. So, let me share what I know.

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling is an ancient, traditional folk remedy that has been practiced for centuries in India and southern Asia as a holistic technique.

(Singh A, Purohit B. Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic approaches to oral health. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2011 Apr-Jun; 2(2): 64–68. Available at: “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3131773/; Accessed April 23, 2014.)

How do I practice oil pulling?

Place a tablespoon of edible oil (sesame, olive, sunflower, coconut) inside the mouth and swish, or pull, the oil through the teeth from 5-20 minutes.

What is the benefit of oil pulling?

Oil pulling claims to enhance oral health, whiten teeth and enhance overall well being.

Does science or research support these claims?

“Based on the lack of currently available evidence, oil pulling is not recommended as a supplementary oral hygiene practice, and certainly not as a replacement for standard, time-tested oral health behaviors and modalities. The ADA recommends that patients follow a standard oral hygiene regimen that includes twice-daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.”

(ADA. “The Practice of Oil Pulling”)

Are there any side effects or risks associated with oil pulling?

Potential adverse health effects associated with oil pulling are lipoid pneumonia or mineral oil aspiration. In addition, cases of diarrhea or upset stomach have been reported.

(Kim JY, Jung JW, Choi JC, et al. Recurrent lipoid pneumonia associated with oil pulling. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2014 Feb;18(2):251-2Bandla HP, Davis SH, Hopkins NE. Lipoid pneumonia: a silent complication of mineral oil aspiration.; Pediatrics 103:2 1999 Feb pg. E1. Available at: “http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/103/2/e19.abstract”. Accessed April 24, 2014.)

The Buzz on Kay...

Kay Schrack is a local girl, graduating from Texas Woman's University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. While working full time in private practices, she has remained active in her community through health fairs, career day, school presentations and dental sealant programs. To further the profession of Dental Hygiene, she has served at the local and state level. Kay is a past President of the North Texas Dental Hygiene Society and is currently serving as a Treasurer on the board of the North Texas Dental Hygiene Society. She strives to continually inspire her patients at NTP&I where she was spent the last 15 years of her career. Kay proudly wears a "no pain" pendant to remind patients that she will be gentle, but thorough during their periodontal maintenance appointment (especially if they have kept up good home care habits). Being ambidextrous, this "Hygienator" can help with either hand. Your gums will be a happier place once Kay's scalers have exorcised the demonic germs that compromise not only your oral health, but your overall systemic health... hang on... that is a topic for a future blog, so... stay tuned.

The Buzz on Erika...

Erika Ostermiller is thrilled to be reprising her role annually in the specialty of Periodontology. She has been a member of the NTP&I team since moving to DFW in 2006. Previous appearances include: RDH/OSHA Manager at Young Family Dental and RDH at Bowman Dental Health (Provo, UT), and RDH/Dental Assistant at Lakes Family Dentistry (Las Vegas, NV). Erika enjoys sub-gingival calculus and draining fistulas. Tenacious and caring, there is no length to which Erika won't go to help someone in need. Erika longs for the day she can administer local anesthesia to her patients in the state of Texas. She is a proud member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and is currently President in her local chapter. Erika would like to thank her friends and family for their loving support and encouragement as she pursuses her passion. She would also like to thank her husband, Chad, who will never fully understand how hard she works everyday. Erika is dedicating her performance to her patients.

NORTH TEXAS PERIODONTICS & IMPLANTOLOGY, PLLC

Monday, July 7, 2014

Oil Pulling

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