Composite Fillings and BPA

I was just about to place a composite filling today when my patient asked if the composite material contained bisphenol-A (BPA). I was embarrassed to admit that I didn't know. I did post a blog article about BPA and sealants on my blog and I do use a sealant that does not have BPA. But composite was a different matter. I just wasn’t sure about dental composites.

The composite that I use is Renamel by Cosmodent, and it is a very fine product. I checked their catalog, but there was no mention of bisphenol-A, making me think that the product did contain BPA, or they would have announced that it did not. Then my question was whether there was a composite available that did not contain BPA, and was there any health danger for the patient if composite does contain BPA.

I checked the American Dental Association website for their information on BPA at http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/dental.html

http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/bisphenola.asp. They defended the use of dental composites, as I would expect, saying that there is no evidence that they are unsafe. From the ADA website: “Based on current research the Association agrees with the authoritative government agencies that the low-level of BPA exposure that may result from dental sealants and composites poses no known health threat.”

But rinse well after a composite is placed – it can’t hurt! For more information on family dentistry visit drterryshapiro.com.

Dentistry and the Recession

You realize that it's not a good idea to neglect your dental health, but with so many other pressing expenses in this time of recession, teeth just can’t be a priority for many people. So I have been trying to help people get through the recession with minimal impact on their dental health.

To make things easier for people who might be working longer hours to make ends meet, my East Setauket dental office offers convenient hours: early morning, evening and Saturday hours. Some people are putting off their dental care until they have a pressing dental problem, so we are seeing more emergencies. We always make time for these emergencies, any time, any day. We are also seeing more children because although people may put off their own dental needs, they don’t want their children to develop dental problems. We enjoy our young visitors and make their visits affordable.

We also offer financing options and payment plans to make it easier to manage the cost of treatment. I have reviewed our fees and have reduced some fee services to make it easier for people to get the dental care they need without our sacrificing quality. Hopefully we’ll all get through this together – and Happy 2010!

Children's Dentistry

Parents often ask when their children should have their first dental visit. I like to tell them to bring the children to our East Setauket dental office when the parents have a checkup visit so the children become familiarized with the office. Our dental office is child friendly. Don’t wait until your child is in pain or has a problem before seeing the dentist.

Your child should see the dentist when their first tooth comes in. You can clean your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. Help your toddler brush his/her teeth and only use a pea-size dab of toothpaste. Get your child accustomed to flossing. Don’t put your child to sleep with a bottle or let them fall asleep while they are nursing. Children should eat healthy foods – fruits, vegetables – and limit sugars and starches, sodas and juices.

Regular dental visits are the best prevention. We place sealants to protect young teeth from decay. We also make mouthguards for children who are active in sports.

General or Cosmetic Dentist?

People who come to my East Setauket dental office for cosmetic dentistry often ask if I also do general dentistry. The answer is, “Yes.” I believe that it is a mistake for cosmetic dentists to limit their practice to cosmetic procedures. A dentist cannot ignore a patient’s dental health, and that is what a cosmetic dentist might do if he/she just does cosmetic dentistry.

Back teeth matter! You cannot just place veneers on the front teeth without addressing the health of the back teeth. Each tooth has a function, and all of the teeth must function in harmony. When dental cosmetics fails it is often because the back teeth were not considered in the treatment plan. And I am pleased that my cosmetic patients are so pleased with my cosmetic dentistry and the care that I provide that they want to continue as my patient and send the rest of their family for their general dental needs – and yes I treat children also!

For more about cosmetic and family dentistry visit http://www.drterryshapiro.com.

Dental Customs of the Daasanatch Tribe

Several dental colleagues of mine recently went on a mission to Northern Kenya to perform desperately needed dental services. They told of a local tribal custom of taking infants 1-2 weeks old to a village elder who removes the child’s primary canine toothbuds. The villagers believe that if these teeth are not removed, the child’s head will develop abnormally and the child will be susceptible to disease. Another custom is that of taking 10 year olds to have their lower front teeth removed so that a space is created. No anesthesia is used. The missing lower front teeth identify a member of the Daasanatch tribe from the village of Illeret.

Low income and low education levels are related to poor dental health. These villagers live in temporary mud houses called manyattas. There is an elementary school but education is sporadic because the people are nomads seeking new pastures for their livestock. There is a high incidence of hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. The average life span is 40-50 years.

For more information on dental health visit http://www.drterryshapiro.com.

A blog reader on teeth

I received the following email from a Blog Reader in South Carolina: “I definitely agree [not to look for bargains in dentistry] --you get what you pay for with dentistry. I chose quality--I have heard horror stories and it just seemed silly to look for cheap dentistry. Yes--everyone--make sure you get excellent dentists--its your health and your life--treat yourself well. I like your blog too--I'll spread the word!”

I couldn’t have said it better myself! For more about excellent dentistry visit http://www.drterryshapiro.com

Tooth Sensitivity?

People often come to my East Setauket dental office and complain of sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity may be caused by erosion of the enamel outer layer of the teeth and exposure of the more sensitive dentin layer. This erosion may be caused by aggressive tooth brushing or acidic foods and drinks. Some toothpastes, mouth washes, or tooth-whitening products can also cause tooth erosion. Bulimia and acid reflux can also severely erode the teeth.

Some patients manage sensitive teeth by simply avoiding cold foods and drinks. Other patients avoid brushing the sensitive areas. I recommend that patients use a desensitizing toothpaste, such as Denquel or Sensodyne. Patients should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush. In the office I apply a fluoride varnish to the sensitive areas and this helps to reduce sensitivity. A hard toothbrush may wear away the enamel. It is important to practice good oral hygiene: floss every day and brush at least two times a day for 2-3 minutes. Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush gently in a circular motion. Hold the toothbrush in your fingertips instead of in the palm. Avoid very acidic foods and beverages. Visit the dentist to be sure that the sensitivity is not due to dental caries, a cracked tooth or gum disease.