The sad truth is that in the United States, one in three people will get some form of cancer during their lifetime. There are many treatments that can cure cancer if it is caught early enough. Treatments can include anything from surgery to radiation or hormone therapy. Regardless of the type of treatment, it is important for their patient and their families to realize that there can often be oral complications from cancer therapy. It is important to see your dental team for preventative care before, during and after cancer treatments to avoid complications.
Before cancer treatment begins, it is important to start with a clean and healthy mouth. This means a mouth free of decay, plaque build up and gum disease. Bacteria in the mouth can develop into an infection when the immune system becomes comprimised during cancer therapy. Irritated tissues can become worse and sores can appear in the mouth. Infection and sores can be painful for the patient making eating much more difficult and lower their quality of life.
During cancer treatments it is important to have your oral health monitored. Side effected from treatment and medications can often lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to infection, decay, discomfort and difficulty eating or swallowing. Your hygienist will be a great resource for hygiene techniques and educate you on appropriate saliva substitutes and cavity preventing toothpastes. Your dentist will monitor your teeth closely for any sign of decay.
After cancer therapy, a thourough cleaning and check up are important to diagnose any dental decay, perminant damage to teeth, tissue, salivary glands or even surrounding bone. Since each patient is different, it is important to monitor for the specific needs they may have.
Although cancer treatment is difficult and often exhausting, remembering to focus on dental care throughout will only benefit a patient in the long run. It is still possible to enjoy life after recovery. Make sure you have the healthy smile to prove it.
August 20, 2010
Many patients ask what age is the best to bring your child in for their first dental visit, which toothpaste is the best toothpaste, when should they be losing their baby teeth, among many other questions. This blog will answer many common questions that parents have regarding the oral health of their child.
A first visit is recommended for a child at about the age of 2 years old. The procedures completed at this visit will depend on the cooperation of each individual child. Some 2 year olds will have a full cleaning, exam and x-rays while others may only be ready for a “happy visit”. This would include counting the teeth, taking a ride in our dental chair and learning about the different instruments. Our goal is to make the first visit as pleasant as possible so as to create fond memories that will set the stage for future appointments.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should my child be using? Toothbrushes are labeled and sold according to age groups starting at the age a tooth first erupts. See the packaging label to find the correct brush. A small brush head with soft or extra soft bristles is best. Be sure to replace the brush every 3 months or after any illnesses. Younger children should use toothpaste with little to no fluoride content. Ingesting too much fluoride could cause an upset stomach. As soon as your child can spit after brushing, fluoridated toothpaste approved by the ADA can be used to help prevent tooth decay. Brushing should be performed twice daily. Adult assistance may be necessary as motor skills are still developing. Don’t forget to floss! Floss once daily. Floss aids may be a big help until adolescence.
Children begin to lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth around the age of 6 years old and will continue that cycle through the age of 13. Each persons teeth erupt at different times. Regular dental visits will allow your dentist and hygienist to monitor their progress.
Juice and milk consumption should be limited and not sipped before bed or over longer periods of time. Keeping juice and milk in the mouth creates the perfect environment for cavities to form. Rinse with or drink water after meals, snacks, fruit juice and milk to help rinse cavity causing bacteria away. Baby teeth can get cavities too! Do your best to keep them healthy.
For any questions regarding your childs dental health, be sure to call your friendly team at Elmbrook Family Dental.
July 22, 2010
In many cases, dental implants are a great alternative to dentures and bridges to replace missing teeth. What are they and how do they work? This blog will give you the detailed information you need to make the best decision for you.
Contrary to what some may think, most missing teeth do need to be replaced. Replacing missing teeth with an implant, bridge or denture will stop the surrounding teeth from shifting into that space and altering your natural bite. It also restores the ability to chew food and maintains a beautiful smile! Here is how an implant works: A titanium anchor or screw is placed into the healthy bone where there is a missing tooth. This can be placed by an oral surgeon or dentist who has been certified in this type of practice. The anchor serves the same purpose as the roots of your natural teeth, creating a strong base within bone for a crown to be placed onto. After implant placement, your bone and tissues are allowed to heal and integrate for 3 to 6 months. At this point, a successful implant is stable enough to place a crown onto.
Not everyone is a candidate to receive an implant. The best patient will have adequate bone structure surrounding the missing tooth area. The best candidate will be in good health and good oral health. Smokers and patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases may not be the best candidate for this procedure. Talk with your Dentist at your next visit to see if a dental implant may be an option for you!
July 8, 2010
As many of you know, we have a monthly drawing for free custom whitening trays. This month, we are changing things up a little. For the month of July, patients can enter to win a pair of Brewers tickets. Diamond box seats will be given away to one lucky winner for the Milwaukee Vs. Los Angeles game on Tuesday, August 24th at 7:10pm. The winner will be drawn on Friday, July 30th. Here are the rules:
All patients with appointments can enter once for each time they are seen in our office during the month of July.
Patients not scheduled in our office are welcome to stop in to fill out an entry form once during the month of July.
**The winner will have 2 weeks to redeem their tickets or they will be awarded to a second runner up.
Good luck to everyone who enters, and Go Brewers Go!!!
June 9, 2010
As we begin the summer of 2010, we would like to make everyone aware of office hours and days the office is scheduled to be closed for Holidays or continuing education. Be sure you schedule your family for their summer visits soon as we are booking up quickly!
Regular office hours:
Monday: 7:30 am-7 pm Tuesday: 7:30 am-7 pm
Wednesday: 7:30 am- 5 pm Thursday: 7:30 am-7 pm
Friday 7:30 am-3:30 pm
Office Closed:
Wednesday, June 30th
Monday July 5th
Monday September 6th
*In case of a dental emergency, call our office line at 262-784-7201. Forwarding information is available.
May 28, 2010
With a staff of all ages, we are always celebrating something new and exciting! May has defiantly had some great things to celebrate. 
On May 15th, Nikki and her husband Nick welcomed their son into the world. Quinn Donald was born a beautiful healthy baby at 7lbs 10oz. Mom and baby are doing great! We already miss Nikki here at the office and look forward to having her back in August.
On May 22nd, Amanda and her fiancé flew out to Las Vegas to get married! They celebrated their union with many family members and friends and had a wonderful ceremony and dinner at Caesars Palace. The couple couldn’t be happier and more excited to spend the rest of their lives together.
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Did you know that an infant’s gums and newly erupted teeth should be brushed? After bottle feeding, using a soft bristled brush on your infants gums can eliminate decay and disease causing bacteria. At the age of about 2 years old, you may start using a pea sized amount of toothpaste on your child’s brush. Be sure to use a toothpaste low in fluoride until your child is able to spit into the sink after brushing.This will help to avoid fluorosis of the teeth. Although your child may want to brush on their own, be sure to brush following them to ensure that it is done accurately. Some sources say a parent should participate in brushing until the age of 9 years old. 
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