Quit Tobacco To Prevent Oral Cancer

India has one of the highest incidence of Oral cancer in the world. The high incidence of oral cancer and oral pre-cancerous lesions in India has long been linked with the habit of betel quid chewing incorporating tobacco.Oral cancer ranks number one among men and number three among women in India. Oral cancer constitutes 12% of all cancers in men and 8% of all cancers among women.

Tobacco use has many negative effects on a person’s oral health. People who smoke or use smokeless tobacco are particularly at risk of developing oral cancer or periodontal (gum) disease. Tooth decay, badbreathtooth loss, bad breath (halitosis) and stains on the teeth are additional oral health conditions associated with tobacco use.Oral cancer is perhaps the most significant threat to a smoker.Tooth decay is damage to teeth caused when food and bacteria interact to form plaque and tartar.Each year, physicians diagnose new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx (upper throat at the back of the removal of the lower jawmouth). The five-year survival rate for oral cancers is 50 percent, and treatment methods can significantly alter facial appearance.

In Peninsula Malaysia, Indian is the predominant ethnic group for oral cancer .According to the National Cancer Registry (NCR) of Malaysia, mouth cancer is ranked as the 7th and 3rd most common cancers for the Indian males and females respectively. Oral cancer among the Indian males and females accounts for 4.5% and 6.5% respectively of all cancers (NCR report, 2003-2005). Hospital based data from different hospitals in Malaysia from 2003-2005 has shown that oral cancer was reported to be the highest among ethnic Indians, followed by Malays and Chinese.


nosmoking signAbout 90 percent of people with mouth cancer and some types of throat cancer have used tobacco, according to the American Cancer Society. All forms of tobacco are dangerous, including cigars, pipes, cigarettes, hookahs and other, more exotic forms. Smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancer. Using smokeless tobacco increases the risk of developing cancers of the cheek, gums, or inner surface of the lips by nearly 50 times.hookah_student

Smoking can cause cancer to develop anywhere in the mouth or pharynx. Pipe smoking also has an added risk of causing cancer in the area of the lips that comes into contact with the pipe. Smokeless or chewing tobacco is associated with cancers of the tongue, cheek, gums, and inner surface of the lips. This cancer can begin within a few years of regular use of smokeless tobacco and tends to spread quickly. Unless it is detected early, major surgery is often needed to remove parts of the mouth, jaw and tongue.

Smoking is among the leading risk factors for developing gum disease, a bacterial infection that erodes tissue that supports the teeth.People who smoke and have gum disease are likely to suffer from failed dental restorations and dental surgeries. Associated problems include :

*Tooth decay.
*Delayed healing.
* Other problems.

Use of tobacco products causes oral cancer because tobacco contains carcinogenic toxins, including nitrosamines. These chemicals damage cells in the lining of the mouth, pharynx (upper throat at the back of the mouth) and larynx (voice box). Damage to these cells may cause them to malfunction and to rapidly multiply as cancer cells. Many of the chemicals found in tobacco also damage DNA. When functional, DNA tells the cells how to grow and repair the damage.

Signs and symptoms

People who develop periodontal (gum) disease as a result of using tobacco products may experience symptoms such as swollen, red or sensitive gums. They also may experience gum pain or gums that bleed when brushing or flossing teeth.

Other symptoms associated with gum disease include:

* Bad breath (halitosis)
*An abscess or pus on the gums
*Receding gums
*Periodontal pockets
*Shifting teeth.

Lip cancers may be detected earlier than other oral cancers because of their highly visible location. Many oral cancers are not detected until the symptoms become more advanced. When detected early, many oral cancers can be successfully treated. Some conditions that may indicate early signs of oral cancer include:

* Leukoplakia causes lesions that look like thick, white patches of tissue in the mouth or throat.
*Erythroplakia. It is a condition that causes raised red lesions in the mouth or throat.
* Dysplasia is a precancerous condition in the mouth or throat that may be preceded by leukoplakia

The most common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:

*Sore in the mouth or on the lips that does not heal or bleeds easily.
*Pain in the mouth that does not go away.
*Lump or thickening in the cheek or on the lip.
*Red or white patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth.
*Persistent bad breath.

Symptoms of more advanced oral cancer include:

*Difficulties chewing and swallowing.
*Problems moving the tongue or jaw.
*Loosening of the teeth or pain around teeth and jaw.
*Numbness around tongue or other areas of the mouth.
*Weight loss.

Diagnostic Methods

Patients who have concerns about their oral health should visit a dentist /physician. In either case, an examination of the patient’s head, neck and mouth will likely be performed and a thorough medical history obtained, including any family history of periodontal (gum) disease, cancer or other illnesses. The dentist/physician also will likely ask about tobacco use that may be related to the patient’s symptoms. New dental products like Vizilite and Oral Advance can help us in accurate diagnosis of oral cancerous lesions in Dental Operatory itself.

Various tests (e.g. CAT scan, PET scan) may be used to diagnose oral cancers and to examine for possible spread of the cancer to the head and neck area. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the physician will need to learn the stage of the cancer. Staging is based on the dimensions of the cancer, whether ther is lymph node involvement and whether there is spread to distant organs. Cancer staging provides information as to the extent of the disease and helps with planning treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on the cause of the oral health problem. Typically, periodontal (gum) disease results in widespread infection of the gums that requires treatment by a dentist or periodontist. Examples of such treatments include use of antibiotics, scaling, root planing or gum surgery. Gum surgery may involve reflecting the gums away from the bone, cleaning diseased gum pockets and stitching them back into place, or grafting soft tissue from another area of the mouth to replace diseased gum tissue.

Treatment of gum disease in people who use tobacco can be difficult to perform successfully. It is crucial that patients avoid using tobacco while undergoing treatment. Failure to do so will impact the effectiveness of treatment. Gum disease often improves greatly after quitting smoking.

Treatment for oral cancer varies depending on a number of factors, including the general health of the patient and the location and stage of cancer. The patient’s age, family and peer support and the ability to tolerate certain medications or procedures also affect the treatment plan.
Treatment options for individuals with oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These methods may be used alone or in combination.

Preventive Methods

The best way to prevent tobacco-related oral health problems is to avoid using tobacco in the first place. People who use tobacco products often can significantly lower their risk of oral health problems by quitting tobacco use.

Patients who have concerns about their oral health should visit a dentist. In this case, an examination of the patient’s mouth, head and neck will likely be performed and a thorough medical history obtained, including any family history of cancer, gum disease or other illnesses. Patients may be asked about their tobacco use, and may have to undergo additional testing if cancer or gum disease is suspected.Treatment depends on the cause of the oral health problem. Treatment options for patients with gum disease include use of antibiotics, scaling, root planing, and gum surgery to clean diseased gum pockets. Treatment options for patients with oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The best way to prevent tobacco-related oral health problems is to avoid using tobacco in the first place. People who use tobacco products often can significantly lower their risk of oral health problems by quitting tobacco use. Regular dental examinations also are crucial in detecting oral health conditions in their early stages, when they are most treatable.

Root Canal Treatment In Shimla

Also referred to as endodontics, a root canal treatment( rct ) is usually done when the nerves of your tooth are believed to be infected or injured. Before being recommended this treatment, your dentist will first make a proper assessment of your teeth’s condition.

At this point, it is important that you understand the need to undergo a root canal treatment before the pulp becomes too infected, resulting to abscess. If still untreated, the infection could spread to the rest of the tooth and it might be necessary to extract it.

Basically, the root canal treatment is designed to:

• Remove infection
• Clean the infected tooth
• Fill the infected tooth in order to protect it from another infection

During your first visit to the dentist, the pulp that is infected will be removed. In addition, all abscesses will be drained and the root canal will be thoroughly-cleaned as well as shaped as part of the preparation for a temporary filling.

On your second visit, the tooth will be checked for any signs of infection. If there are none found, your dentist can now fill the tooth permanently.

Although a root canal treatment can be painful, keep in mind that it is better to save the infected tooth than leave it until it rots out or even have it extracted. Most dentists would recommend this procedure in order for you to enjoy more natural teeth.

Caring for your tooth after a root canal treatment will require nothing special. Your dentist will probably suggest a good oral hygiene program, healthy lifestyle and proper diet in order to ensure perfect oral health.If you are suffering pain in one or more of your teeth, have a tooth abscess or think you may need a root canal treatment, don’t let fear put you off. You need to make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection and save your tooth.

Fluorosis is A Dental Problem

Too much flouride during the early stages of tooth development can cause fluorosis (discolourisation). Children between the ages of 1 and 4 are most susceptible to this problem. Fluorosis is not a disease, but it is a cosmetic nuisance, which can be prevented in the young . But if it is allowed to go unattended, flourosis can result in darkened teeth in adults. Fortunately, the damage caused to the physical appearance of the teeth can be corrected by a dentist. Crowns and veeners are usually to cover-up darkened teeth.

As it is always the case, prevention is the best option. By taking your child to the dentist regularly, early signs of fluorosis can be detected and early remedial action can be taken. The article is intended to create awareness of fluorosis with some practical steps that you as parents can take to help your kids, especially those between the ages of 1 to 4 when their ‘milk’ teeth are being replaced permanent teeth.

Fluorosis is a dental problem which happens when a child ingests too much fluoride during the early stages of tooth development. It usually affects children between the ages of one and four years old. It is at this stage when permanent teeth begin to form underneath the ‘milk’ teeth. Children over the age of eight are at almost no risk of developing fluorosis.

Symptoms of Fluorosis

If your child has an excess of fluoride in their diet while their permanent teeth are developing, this can bring about the noticeable signs of fluorosis. The main characteristic of fluorosis is the stains which form on the teeth when yellow and brown spots begin to appear on the enamel of the tooth. The colour changes can range from minor tinges to extensive changes in the enamel’s surface. Stains and discoloured spots can also appear as streaks and in the more severe cases, black and gray spots or pits can develop.

Once your child’s teeth are fully develop, fluorisis no longer poses any risk, this is usually around the age of eight at the latest. Although fluorosis is not a disease in itself, it can be a very noticeable cosmetic condition. In minor cases of fluorosis the discolourations can be so tiny that only your dentist will notice them. The marks that fluorosis leaves on your teeth will be permanent, and as time passes they have a tendency to darken.

It’s easy for your dentist to spot the signs of fluorosis during one of your regular checkups. You may be asked some questions about your child’s diet such as if they’re using fluoride supplements, a fluoride toothpaste or drinking an excess of fluoridated water. It’s common to be asked about several other medical conditions which could potentially have a similar effect, so that they can be ruled out.

Treating Fluorosis

Fortunately, in most cases, fluorosis is so minor that it doesn’t warrant any treatment. Similarly, the discolouration associated with fluorosis can often occur only on the back of your teeth, where they can’t be spotted. In more severe cases, the front teeth may have to be treated through teeth whitening or another cosmetic treatment. In the most extensive cases of fluorosis, the teeth which have become discoloured can be covered with dental restorations like veneers or crowns.


What to Consider with Fluorosis

*Look for signs of dental fluorosis.
*Visit your dentist for a diagnosis.
*Get teeth-whitening treatments.
*Consider tooth restorations for severe cases of fluorosis.
*Heed prevention measures.

Be aware of your child’s fluoride intake, especially while he is under the age of 6.You should make sure to only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste if your child is under the age of six. It’s also important to make them spit after brushing rather than swallowing. As such, you should avoid toothpastes which might encourage swallowing like flavoured toothpastes and to make sure products which contain fluoride aren’t anywhere your children can get at them. There’s a number of soft and fruit drinks which contain fluoride and many brands of bottled water also contains added fluoride. It’s important to make sure your child doesn’t consume a lot of these beverages in order to avoid fluorosis.
Cosmetic Dentistry

* Teeth Whitening
* Veneers
* Lumineers
* Gum Contouring
* Crowns
* Cosmetic Bonding
* Dental Implants
* Smile Makeovers
* Cosmetic Dentistry

Many dentists now believe that a healthy and balanced diet, one which eliminates high sugar content food, will provide enough fluoride for the average child to defend against cavities without the need for adding fluoride to drinking water. Flouride has for too long been used as a safety net against poor diets but it would seem even this strategy is not working. Ireland suffers from a tooth decay rate higher than five other European countries that don’t fluoridate the water, which would seem to prove that fluoride is doing little to stem the rate of decay and in large quantities may even be responsible for it. Dentists can advise patients and parents on the necessary levels of fluoride and will recommend which toothpastes are suitable to use in your area.

Flourosis is preventable and can be detected early if you make it a point to take your kids to see your dentist regularly.

Ivoclar Vivadent - Implant Care Program

Ivoclar Vivadent’s Implant Care Program encompasses coordinated products and provides a comprehensive protection of implant restorations.

Ivoclar Vivadent presents Implant Care, a product program for the professional care of patients during the various implant treatment phases and throughout the rest of their lives. This program allows dentists to meet the requirements posed by complex restoration structures and the patient’s individual intraoral situation. Implant Care includes a set of coordinated products, such as the disclosing liquid “Plaque Test”, the “Proxyt” prophy paste with an RDA value of 7, the chlorhexidine-containing protective varnish “Cervitec Plus”, the oral health care gel “Cervitec Plus” containing chlorhexidine and fluoride and the lip and cheek retractor “OptraGate”. All these products for professional tooth cleaning and bacteria control protect and preserve the sensitive peri-implant tissue. High-quality superstructures, fixed or removable dentures and natural teeth are thus optimally treated, both in terms of function and esthetics.For more info visit http://www.ivoclarvivadent.com

Cure For Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth, triggered by hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. For millions of people, sensitive teeth can make life miserable. The pain and discomfort make even favorite hot or cold foods impossible to enjoy. All is not lost. In many cases, sensitive teeth can be successfully treated bringing long sought after relief.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth – the dentin – becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s never center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli – for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food – to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.

There are many factors that can lead to tooth sensitivity, including.

*Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth).
* Recession of the gums. As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed.
* Gum disease (gingivitis). Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
* Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing inflammation.
* Teeth grinding. grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
* Tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide. These products are major contributors to teeth sensitivity.
* Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
* Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
*Mouthwash use. Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.
*Acidic foods. Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and tea, can cause enamel erosion.
*Recent routine dental procedures. Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in 4 to 6 weeks.

What Can I Do to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?

* Maintain good oral hygiene. Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
* Use a soft bristled toothbrush. This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line so you do not remove more gum tissue.
* Use desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With regular use you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You may need to try several different brands to find the product that works best for you. Another tip. spread a thin layer of the toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Do not use a tartar control toothpaste; rather, use a fluoridated toothpaste.
* Watch what you eat. Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
* Use fluoridated dental products. Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about available products for home use.
* Avoid teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.
* See your dentist at regular intervals. Get professional tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every 6 months (or sooner depending on your condition).


If you still have discomfort, talk to your dentist. There may be some dental procedures that may help reduce sensitivity, including the use of:

* White fillings (bonding) to cover exposed root surfaces
* Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface
* Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface

If you cannot get relief by brushing gently and using sensitivity tooth, your dentist has several options for relief. Your dentist can use “oxalate” compounds that, when applied on the root of the affected tooth, will reduce if not eliminate the sensitivity. Many dentists prescribe high flouride content mouthwashes which help to reduce tooth sensitivity. They may also apply “bonding agents” to close the pores of the tooth root. Always consult your dentist regularly so that you can be proactive in the care and maintenance of your teeth. Protect your smile and feel good about yourself.

Why to Consider Traveling for Medical Care ?

The new phenomenon of medical tourism—or international health travel—has received a good deal of wide-eyed attention of late. While one newspaper or blog giddily touts the fun 'n sun side of treatment abroad, another issues dire Code Blue warnings about filthy hospitals, shady treatment practices, and procedures gone bad. As with most things in life, the truth lies somewhere in between.

In short, I've found the term "medical tourism" is something of a misnomer, often leading patients to emphasize the recreational more than the procedural in their quest for medical care abroad. Unlike much of the hype that surrounds contemporary health travel, Patients Beyond Borders focuses more on your health than on your travel preferences. Thus, throughout this book, you won't see many references to the terms "medical tourism" or "health tourism." In the same way business travelers don't normally consider themselves tourists, you'll begin to think more in terms of medical travel and health travel.

My research, including countless interviews, has convinced me: With diligence, perseverance, and good information, patients considering traveling abroad for treatment do indeed have legitimate, safe choices, not to mention an opportunity to save thousands of dollars over the same treatment in the United States. Hundreds of patients who have returned from successful treatment overseas provide overwhelmingly positive feedback. They persuaded me to write this impartial, scrutinizing guide to becoming an informed international patient. I designed this book to help readers reach their own conclusions about whether and when to seek treatment abroad.

So, why go abroad for medical care? Here are seven reasons.

1. Cost savings. Most people like to get the most for their dollar. The single biggest reason Americans travel to other countries for medical treatment is the opportunity to save money. Depending upon the country and type of treatment, uninsured and underinsured patients, as well as those seeking elective care, can realize 15 to 85 percent savings over the cost of treatment in the United States. Or, as one successful health traveler put it, "I took out my credit card instead of a second mortgage on my home." As baby boomers become senior boomers, costs of healthcare and prescriptions are devouring nearly 30 percent of retirement and preretirement incomes. With the word getting out about top-quality treatments at deep discounts overseas, informed patients are finding creative alternatives abroad. The costs listed in this table are for surgery (except as noted), including the hospital stay in a private, single-bed room. Airfare and lodging costs are governed by individual preferences. To compute a ballpark estimate of total costs, add $5,000 to the amounts shown in the table for you and a companion, figuring coach airfare and hotel rooms averaging $150 per night. For example, a hip replacement in Bangkok, Thailand, would cost about $18,000, for an estimated savings of at least $15,000 compared with the U.S. price. The estimates above are for treatments alone. Airfare, hospital stay (if any), and lodging vary considerably. Savings on dentistry become more dramatic when "big mouth-work" is required, involving several teeth or full restorations. Savings of $15,000 or more are common.

2. Better-quality care. Veteran health travelers know that facilities, instrumentation, and customer service in treatment centers abroad often equal or exceed those found in the United States. Governments of countries such as India and Thailand have poured billions of dollars into improving their healthcare systems, which are now aggressively catering to the international health traveler. VIP waiting lounges, deluxe hospital suites, and staffed recuperation resorts are common amenities, along with free transportation to and from airports, low-cost meal plans for companions, and discounted hotels affiliated with the hospital. Moreover, physicians and staff in treatment centers abroad are often far more accessible than their U.S. counterparts. "My surgeon gave me his cellphone number, and I spoke directly with him at least a dozen times during my stay," said David P., who traveled to Bangkok for a heart valve replacement.

3. Excluded treatments. Even the most robust health insurance plans exclude a variety of conditions and treatments. You, the policyholder, must pay these expenses out of pocket. Although health insurance policies vary according to the underwriter and individual, your plan probably excludes a variety of treatments, such as cosmetic surgeries, dental care, vision treatments, reproductive/infertility procedures, certain nonemergency cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, weight loss programs, substance abuse rehabilitation, and prosthetics—to name only a few. In addition, many policies place restrictions on prescriptions (some quite expensive), postoperative care, congenital disorders, and pre-existing conditions. Rich or cash-challenged, young or not-so-young, heavily or only lightly insured, folks who get sick or desire a treatment (even one recommended by their physician) often find their insurance won't cover it. Confronting increasingly expensive choices at home, nearly 40 percent of American health travelers hit the road for elective treatments. In countries such as Costa Rica, Singapore, Dubai, and Thailand, this trend has spawned entire industries, offering excellent treatment and ancillary facilities at costs far lower than U.S. prices.

4. Specialty treatments. Some procedures and prescriptions are simply not allowed in this country. Either Congress or the Food and Drug Administration has specifically disallowed a certain treatment, or perhaps it's still in the testing and clinical trials stage or was only recently approved. Such treatments are often offered abroad. One example is an orthopedic procedure known as hip resurfacing, a less expensive alternative to the traditional hip replacement still practiced in the United States. While this procedure has been performed for more than a decade throughout Europe and Asia, it was only recently approved in the United States, and its availability here remains spotty. Hundreds of forward-thinking Americans, many having suffered years of chronic pain, have found relief in India, where hip resurfacing techniques, materials, and instrumentation have been perfected, and the procedure is routine.

5. Shorter waiting periods. For decades, thousands of Canadian and British subscribers to universal, "free" healthcare plans have endured waits as long as two years for established procedures. "Some of us die before we get to the operating table," commented one exasperated patient, who journeyed to India for an open-heart procedure. Here in the United States, long waits are a growing problem, particularly among war veterans covered under the Veterans Administration Act, for whom long queues are becoming far too common. Some patients figure it's better to pay out of pocket to get out of pain or to halt a deteriorating condition than to suffer the anxiety and frustration of waiting for a far-future appointment and other medical uncertainties.

6. More "inpatient friendly." As U.S. health insurance companies apply increasing pressure on hospitals to process patients as quickly as possible, outpatient procedures are becoming the norm. Similarly, U.S. hospitals are under huge pressure to move inpatients out of those costly beds as soon as possible. Medical travelers will welcome the flexibility at the best hospitals abroad, where they are often aggressively encouraged to spend extra time in the hospital post-procedure. Patient-to-staff ratios are usually lower abroad, as are hospital-borne infection rates.

7. The lure of the new and different. Although traveling abroad for medical care can be challenging, many patients welcome the chance to blaze a trail, and they find the creature comforts often offered abroad a welcome relief from the sterile, impersonal hospital environments so often encountered in U.S. treatment centers. For others, simply being in a new and interesting culture lends distraction to an otherwise worrisome, tedious process. And getting away from the myriad obligations of home and professional life can yield healthful effects at a stressful time. What's more, travel—and particularly international travel—can be a life-changing experience. You might be humbled by the limousine ride from Indira Gandhi International Airport to a hotel in central New Delhi or struck by the simple, elegant graciousness of professionals and ordinary people in Thailand, or wowed by the sheer beauty of the mountain range outside a dental office window in Mexico. As one veteran medical traveler put it, "I brought back far more from this trip than a new set of teeth."By Josef Woodman
US News - Posted October 1, 2008

Green Dentistry

Over the last few years, Dental Clinics have instituted various action plans to make dental offices more eco-friendly. With so much public awareness about the Green Movement recently.During the last decades, public awareness and professional accountability on environmental issues has been increasing steadily as human activities have already resulted in irreversible global changes.

* We have replaced incandescent lights with florescent lighting, which is five times more efficient.
* We have fully integrated comprehensive practice management software, which stores all of our patient records. This means no more wasting paper in order to produce paper charts and records.
* All of our computers, faxes, copy machines, and printers are Energy Star rated, meaning they run cooler and save on energy.
* We recycle all paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass, and we use recycled/remanufactured ink for our printers.
* We have digital radiography, which means no more film processing with harsh chemicals. It also uses less radiation than a traditional X-ray system.
* We have a CAD/CAM milling machine which reduces material use, as well as fuel consumption by both lab and patient.
* We use less water with our motion sensor sprays used to disinfect our hands.
* We use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners.
* We consolidate our supply orders to save packaging and fuel consumption.
* We use an autoclave cassette system rather than paper and plastic bags for most instrument sterilization.
* We use an oil free air compressor and oil free vacuum system.
* Our office is mercury-free

Most importantly, we do not place mercury-based amalgam fillings in our patients’ mouths. We have an amalgam/mercury separator in our vacuum system which filters out the discharge of the harmful element mercury from the filling material that we remove from patients’ teeth.

Our main goal is to inform the dental community on contemporory literature on dental waste production and disposal,but most of all to sensitize all those involved in dental education for actions that will lead to an environmentally responsible dental practice.If you have any questions about green dentistry or mercury-free dentistry, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re happy to share information about our technology and procedures.