News Headlines on Botox injections

Did anyone see the news headlines this morning?

The Royal College of Surgeons wants to clampdown on those practitioners who are able to administer anti-wrinkle injections such as Botox injections. Currently, people such as beauticians, with no medical training, can administer such treatments, and there is an alarming trend in what the RCS calls "Botox Parties".

It suggests that only trained doctors nurses and dentists should provide non surgical cosmetic treatments, after a thorough assessment has taken place, and in an environment where client safety is paramount in the case of a medical emergency.

Practitioners have a duty of care to manage a clients expectations both before and after treatment.

Here at Absolute Dental, we do offer "wrinkle relaxing injections" and dermal fillers, and these are administered in our beautiful dental practice by Rhodri John BDS.

According to research, about 200,000 anti-wrinkle injections are carried out in the UK each year, but due to the current lack of regulation it is uncertain exactly how many injections are being carried out privately, therefore we whole-heartedly support the need for stricter controls to ensure that those looking for such treatments are able to find a skilled & trusted clinician.

Every Breath You Take

In the past dental and dental hygiene education touched on the more visible problems of mouth breathers, that of dry, inflamed oral tissues around upper teeth but no mention of a difference in the physiology of breathing between the nose or the mouth nor the structural problems that later may require orthodontics, sleep apnoea treatment and in some cases, surgery.


We automatically ask patients to open their mouth while in the chair but how often do we check that when the mouth is closed the patient is breathing easily through their nose??

It is only now that we have the evidence that there are more serious and long lasting implications than simply drying the oral tissues.

Mouth breathers are prone to various problems which may include some of the following fibromyalgia, acid reflux, poor palate development, ADHD, allergies, nasal congestion, low energy levels.

What happens when we breathe?

When we are breathing through our noses, we are filtering, warming, dehumidifying and moisturizing air through our nostrils and the function of breathing is to deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and to remove excess carbon dioxide. The human body needs about 2-3 % oxygen and as the atmosphere contains on average 21% so the body does not need to store it. Carbon dioxide, however, is only found in concentrations of 0.03% in the atmosphere so our bodies need to store CO2 in our lungs and blood. CO2 has several functions including, helping release oxygen from haemoglobin, trigger breathing, prevent smooth muscle spasms. These are all impaired or reduced with mouth breathers.

Several things go wrong with mouth breathing, beginning with oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange , the position of the tongue and swallowing air.

The low levels of carbon dioxide associated with mouth breathing trigger faster breathing leading to hyperventilation or over breathing, as less oxygen is delivered to the brain, muscles and cells of the body, the mouth breather may be left feeling tired in the morning and in mid-afternoon. The dryness and lack of air filtration in mouth breathers can cause respiratory tract infections, and inflamed tonsils. Lower levels of carbon dioxide cause smooth muscle spasms associated with gastric reflux, asthma and bed wetting.

How do we know if we mouth breathe?

Determining mouth breathers is not easy! Some people admit they always breathe through their mouths and interestingly others believe they are nose breathers but if you watch them, sitting still they might have their mouths closed but if they get up and walk across the room, their mouth is open. It becomes very interesting watching your friends and family do this! One sign of mouth breathers is an addiction to lip balm as an open mouth leads to drooling, both asleep and awake, causing chapped lips and a tendency for mouth breathers to lick their lips frequently. Children who mouth breathe have an underdeveloped, narrow maxilla with a high vault and this can lead to them developing obstructive sleep apnoea later in life.

What can be done?

At Absolute Dental, we ask our patients to update us on their general health as this can also provide some indicators which may link to mouth breathing problems e.g. snoring. As clinicians we are in the perfect position to evaluate mouth and nose breathing, check for tongue rest position and and intervene early with young children to assure normal skeletal development and help mouth breathers of all ages become nose breathers. It's not always a case of open wide........................................

Maureen

Have you heard of Bruxism ?

This is the name given to tooth clenching, or 'grinding' as it's often known, a condition that is thought to affect around 50% of the population.

It may surprise you that so many people suffer from it and further that there has been a reported increase in the number of sufferers.

Bruxism is often caused by stress and it can cause teeth to break, cause pain in the jaw and even result in headaches and migraines.

In today’s climate of austerity and uncertainty more people than ever before are living in an anxious state, and this can lead to these stress-related condition.

Although migraines, neck ache, tinnitus and poor sleep quality are widespread complaints that individuals frequently dismiss out of hand as side effects of stress and modern living the reality is they are very likely suffering from Bruxism.

So what can be done to alleviate the symptoms? Speak to one of our dentists who can advise you on a simple dental solution whereby the wearing of a simple night time tooth guard can really make a difference.

Such is the increase in the condition there is even a Bruxism Awareness Week each year - watch this space for further details of this years campaign.

No More JR - a sad reminder of the danger of Oral Cancer

It was very sad to hear of the death of Larry Hagman towards the end of last year, so many of us grew up with him as a regular on our TV screens as JR Ewing.

Not so many know that Mr Hagman actually dies of mouth cancer, having been diagnosed in October of last last year.

Once again, this perhaps will raise the profile of mouth cancer and just how dangerous it is.

The latest news here in the UK is that over 6000 cases were diagnosed last year alone, and without early detection, half of those diagnosed will die.

During your Dental Health Assessment here at Absolute, we check your mouth for signs of health and this includes checks for oral cancer. If you notice anything unusual in your mouth, or if you have an ulcer that doesn't heal within 2 weeks, please make an appointment for Rhod or Ruth to check it for you.

On Guard! Preventing dental injuries with Absolute Dental

Many people start the new year by making a New Years resolution to "get fit". This can often involve joining a local sports team or activities group. With this in mind, we at Absolute Dental thought we would support your resolution, and offer some advice on dental safety at the same time!

During last years fantastic Olympic games, team GB hockey star Kate Walsh suffered a serious facial injury during the Olympics, an oral health charity believes it serves as a timely reminder for those requiring mouth guards to get fitted up.


Mouth guards are an essential piece of kit when it comes to playing sports that involve physical contact - and even sports like cycling and running.
Parents whose children play contact sports are also advised to get their children fitted with a mouth guard to help protect against unwanted accidents. It is estimated 40% of all mouth injuries can be related to sport.

Minor dental injuries can include a chip or crack in the tooth. Athletes can also loose teeth and suffer damage as a result of biting the cheek or tongue.

While mouth guards may not protect against concussion or have any impact on its severity, they can reduce other complications.

If you or your child plays football, hockey, cricket, rugby or rounders, or any contact sport, a mouth guard is needed.

Although you cannot get mouth guards on the NHS, the British Dental Health Foundation recommends you talk to you own dentist. A mouth guard needs to fit the mouth exactly and protects teeth and gums properly.

At Absolute our mouth guards start from only £45.00 and can be made in a range of colours to match your team colours. Contact us on 01548 852165 to make an appointment.