Today more young adults are becoming involved in after school activities. From field hockey, soccer, football, wrestling, basketball these activities are increasing the risk of sport related oral cavity injuries.
It is most important that dental protective devices be fabricated in order to reduce the incidence of injuries.
Many states are trying to mandate the increase use of mouth guards but have failed in their proposals.
Concerns as to why the mandates have failed vary from: breathing ability, speech and hygiene of the mouth pieces. I feel that it is most important to fabricate these mouth guards with a licensed dentist , in order to verify fit, proper covering of teeth and protecting gum areas and review care of the mouth guard.
Author Archives: Dr. Rand
Do i need to take antibiotics prior to my dental visit for prosthetic joint implants?
According to JADA, Jan. 2015 , the cover story refers to the New Guidelines on Using Prophylactic Antibiotics. The article concludes that the 2014 Panel made the following recommendations. Generally patients with prosthetic joint implants , prophylactic antibiotic coverage in NOT recommended prior to dental procedures in order to prevent a prosthetic joint infection ( PJI ). The article does recommend that the practitioner and patient should consider clinical situations that may present significant medical risks in providing dental treatment without antibiotic prophylaxis.
It does conclude that the doctor and patients needs should be their decision in approaching the patient care. Further considerations patients can develop antibiotic resistance to repeated exposure to antibiotics. Some patients , can have an adverse drug reaction, long term can be associated with changes to the gastrointestinal linings. Finally, cost !!! According to a 2013 report , prophylactic coverage using amoxicillin before dental appointments in the United States may have exceeded $50 million. Be sure to always update your medical history when visiting the Dentist.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
More Than Just Your Mouth’s Health
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people that have gum disease are twice as likely to develop heart disease. I can not stress enough the importance of brushing and flossing. It is most important to visit #RandDental to maintain your oral health. A recent article in the Journal of the American Heart Association wrote that:
“studied 657 people without known heart disease found that people who had higher blood levels of certain disease-causing bacteria in the mouth were more likely to have atherosclerosis in the carotid artery in the neck.”
There is a mother interesting study linking heart and gum disease found at the Huffington post.
A new study in mice adds more weight to the link between heart disease and gum disease.
For the study, researchers infected with four kinds of bacteria that are known to cause gum disease. Once the bacteria had been carried into the hearts and aortas of the mice, they measured levels of known heart risk factors — such as cholesterol and inflammation — and found increases in the levels of these risk factors.
“Keeping teeth and gums healthy is important for your overall health, but current data don’t conclusively indicate whether regular brushing and flossing or treatment of gum disease can cut the incidence of atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the arteries that can cause heart attacks and strokes,” according to a 2012 AHA statement.
Take Care of Your Mouth: Prevent Gum Disease
With 25 years of being in practice, #RandDental is a full service dental practice. 
We have a periodontist on staff. At #RandDental we treat periodontal disease with non – surgical techniques, surgically and with laser periodontal treatments. Laser therapy can be used to reduce the bad bacteria in your gums and return your gums to a healthy state. Call today for your appointment: 973-927-8800. Visit us at RandDental.com for more office information.