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| Bringing you the Latest News Update in The ever-changing World of Dentistry! |
528-1150 |
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www.drmacknight.com SUMMER 1999 |
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What's New... |
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American Dental Association Warning: Body piercing has become very popular recently among teens and oral piercing seems to be increasing at an alarming rate. People are having their tongues, lips, and cheeks pierced with rings, bars, studs, and various types of jewelry. Unfortunately most people are not aware of the potentially dangerous and sometimes life threatening risks involved with this impaling fad. According to recent news releases by the American Dental Association, common problems after piercing include pain, swelling, soft tissue injury, infection, and increased salivary flow. However, more serious complications may occur involving airway obstruction, pronged bleeding, allergies, nerve damage, chipped teeth, formation of permanent scar tissue, and speech defects. The mouth is normally full of bacteria and if a piercing site becomes infected, the infection can spread rapidly and directly to the throat area, with serious complications. Such a case was reported in the British Dental Journal in which a 25-year-old patient had developed an infection in her tongue four days after in was pierced. The infection spread under the tongue, causing so much swelling that she had to be intubated in order to breathe. After antibiotics failed to resolve the infection, she had to have emergency surgery to save her life. The National Institute of Health has shown that oral piercings can result in hepatitis transmission. In addition, the metal jewelry blocks dental x-rays, making it difficult to diagnose potential problems. And of course, should the bar or jewelry come loose, it could be swallowed or lodged in the airway. Before someone you know has an oral piercing done, please explain these serious health threats to them! |
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| Gum Disease is Not Always Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene Besides poor dental hygiene habits, increased susceptibility to gum disease can be caused by other habits or conditions. It's a good idea to be aware of your medical history, and the fact that the following habits and conditions could affect your gums:
The symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, puffy or red gums, receding gums, itching gums, and/or teeth that move. If you have been experiencing one or more of these, be sure to bring it to our attention. Regardless of the cause, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss or bone deterioration. With early detection and treatment, these consequences can be avoided. |
Did You Know?... Evidence exists that the Sumerians were concerned about oral hygiene thousands of years ago. Excavations in Mesopotamia revealed beautifully-crafted toothpicks made of gold. Also, the discovery of a clay tablet tells us that the Babylonians and the Assyrians suffered from periodontal disease. In fact, the clay tablet explains that gum problems should be treated with massage and herbal medicine! |
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Archived Quarterly Newsletters. |
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Winter 2004
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David L. MacKnight, D.D.S., INC. 473 Old State Route 74 Cincinnati, Oh 45244 (513) 528-1150 (513) 528-1167 (fax) |
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| We would appreciate your feedback! Please take a moment to Email Us . |
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Copyright (c) 2004 - All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of the author is prohibited. |
Disclaimer: This web site and its contents is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as professional advice for your dental needs. Please consult a dentist in person for individual dental needs and treatment advice. Copyright 2004 David L. MacKnight, D.D.S., Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this information without permission is strictly prohibited.
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