I am often asked if wisdom teeth are responsible for the crowding of the lower and/or upper front teeth. The belief behind this is that as the wisdom teeth (third molars) erupt, they put significant pressure on the teeth in front, pushing them forward and resulting in crowding. A significant study was done many years ago to evaluate this theory. One-half of the patients had third molars and one-half of the patients were congenitally missing them – that is, they never developed them. Both of the groups had received orthodontic treatment. When re-evaluating the groups as adults, it was found that both groups had patients with and without crowding. So, the presence of the wisdom teeth was not the reason for the crowding.

So what then does cause crowding of the front teeth, even if you are congenitally missing your third molars? The answer is insufficient room for the lower front teeth to fit into the dental arch (jaw). The lack of space can be caused by premature loss of primary (baby) teeth, thumb-sucking, genetics, lack of jaw development due to airway restriction resulting in mouth-breathing, to name a few.

What can be done to prevent crowning? Unfortunately, sometimes the answer is nothing. However, early diagnosis can help determine the underlying cause and treatment options available.

Wisdom teeth often do not have sufficient room to erupt and become totally or partially impacted, and unless other teeth need to be removed for orthodontics, they are not useful, functioning teeth in chewing. In these situations, they should be evaluated for extraction.

In the 1970s and 1980s, much was being written and postulated about the increased strength and endurance afforded athletes who wore custom fitted mouthpieces. These mouthpieces were different from those worn for protection during football, boxing, etc. in that they were made of a firm plastic and not soft material. Unfortunately, the studies done at that time lacked any valid measurement.

That has all changed. The technology is now available to measure specifically the volume of oxygen taken in, the carbon dioxide given off, and the amount of lactate produced under controlled conditions.

The conclusions of the studies are 1) that the volume of carbon dioxide being exhaled during a 10-minute treadmill protocol produced statistically reduced lactate levels if a mouthpiece is worn, 2) that the improvement in oxygen kinetics during the beginning of the treadmill protocol produced significantly higher oxygen levels with those participants who wore the mouthpiece.

If you would like the references for this summary, please contact me at Jim@drpoyak.com or 480-451-0908.

10/5/2011

If so, you are not alone! Most adults have episodes 3 to 4 times a year, with some occurring monthly. Ouch! You may be familiar with the early symptoms – burning, tingling, or itching around the lips and/or nose. Within 12 hours, the area becomes reddened with small fluid-filled blisters developing. These blisters rupture leaving a hard crusty and painful sore.

 Most adults have contacted the virus, Herpes Simplex (HSV), early in childhood as a result of coming in contact with someone who was actively infected. The virus enters the body most often through the nose, mouth, or small cuts around the face.

Until now, the only treatment was palliative care. Now there is great news! A simple visit to your dentist can eliminate the pain immediately and prevent re-occurrence of the sores. This easy, painless procedure incorporates the use of a diode laser to kill the virus. The procedure only takes about 2-3 minutes. The pain is gone and does not return – ever again, in that same spot!

If you are one of those who suffer from frequent cold sores, call your dentist and ask if he/she has a diode laser that can relieve your pain, or call me at 480-451-0908. I would be happy to help you get rid of them.

Ever heard of a sugar that is actually good for you? No? Then you haven’t heard of  xylitol.  Xylitol was first discovered during WWII in Finland when nothing made it through their ports. Scientists discovered that the bark of birch trees contained a sugary product called xylitol. Scandinavian children were found to have 50% less decay if they had chewed it during the war.

It’s not the total amount of xylitol that is consumed each day, but the frequency. Here’s how it works. The xylitol molecules easily pass through the outer membrane of the bacteria which cause decay, blocking the entrance for other sugars. But the bacteria can’t digest xylitol and have to use their own energy to pump it out of their cells. After expending their energy pumping the xylitol, they have no energy left for producing acid to dissolve tooth enamel. With no acid production, the bacteria can not remain attached to the tooth and are simply swallowed.

OK, so where do you find this amazing sugar? Look in your healthfoods store.  The important thing to remember is that you read the label – it must contain 100% xylitol sweetner. Some products will claim to contain xylitol, but often only have a very small percentage of it. That won’t do it. Two products that are 100% xylitol sweetened are Spry and Xlear products.

Three things to remember about xylitol:

1. Use 100 percent xylitol sweetened products.
2. Try to use the product 5 times each day
3. Look for it in your healthfoods store

You can learn more about xylitol by going to the website, www.xylitol.com. This indipendent website will have lots of information, videos, and product recommendations.

About three or four years ago, I decided to incorporate a new way to administer the anesthetic I use for numbing teeth. I personally had never liked the feel of the cold steel of the syringe or the images that it invoked. Thanks to Dentsply International, a better alternative was available that dispenses the anesthetic in a slower, more controlled way than the traditional metal syringe.

The Comfort Control Syringe is an electronic delivery system that starts the injection at a very slow rate that minimizes any discomfort. Then after 10 seconds, the rate increases for the pre-selected technique.

My experience, and that of many patients, has been extremely positive. I’ve often heard people who haven’t experienced it yet ask me, “What did you just do? My lip is getting numb, but I didn’t feel anything.”

In short, the Comfort Control Syringe has made it easier for the patients and myself to be able to achieve profound anesthesia with minimal or no discomfort.