Henslee Dental Team | Universal City TX Dentists

Diabetes and Oral Health

manager — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:30:46 +0000

Probably one of the most common diseases among us is diabetes. Diabetes affects nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. With diabetes being such a prevalent disease, I thought it would be beneficial to address how diabetes affects the mouth.

Diabetic patients are at a higher risk for gum problems (gingivitis, periodontitis, oral infections, fungal infections); this issue is attributed to poor blood glucose levels. Therefore, one of the most important things a diabetic person can do is control their blood glucose levels (normal: 70-130 mg/dl). Some other things one can do to prevent serious issues with the mouth are to have good oral home care and to have regular six-month check ups with the dentist.

Here are some of the warning signs that you may have an oral infection that may be associated with diabetes:

Swelling or pus around your teeth or gums or any place in your mouth; the swelling can be large, or as small as a pimple.
Pain in the mouth or sinus area that doesn't go away
White or red patches on your gums, tongue, cheeks or the roof of your mouth

Some of the signs of gingivitis and/or serious gum disease are:

Bleeding and red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Pus between the teeth and gums (when you press on the gums)
Bad breath
Permanent teeth that are loose or moving away from each other

One last symptom that is often associated with someone with diabetes, dry mouth. This may be caused by medicines you take. You may notice a dry mouth if your blood sugar levels are high. A dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities, because there is less saliva to wash away germs and take care of the acids they create. Some of the best things to help with dry mouth are to suck on sugar free mints, use artificial wetting agents (such as Biotene), suck on ice, or drink water frequently.

What is Better?

manager — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:38:20 +0000

Many patients ask us, “What is better? A manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush?” The important thing to remember is that a toothbrush’s main purpose is to remove dental plaque. Dental plaque causes gingivitis or gum inflammation. The toothpaste you use should include fluoride as one of its main ingredients. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.

Now to the main question at hand. In my professional opinion, the best kind of toothbrush is the one that works for you. If you feel like you are doing a better job brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush, then use it. If you believe you are doing a better job with the electric toothbrush, then use it. It does not matter which toothbrush, the important thing is to use a toothbrush at least twice a day for approximately 2 minutes, and remove the dental plaque in your mouth.

However, if you want an article that has done some research on which toothbrush is better, here is such an article. This article is called “Manual versus powered toothbrushing for oral health¹”, in this article it specifically states, “When compared to manual toothbrushes, powered toothbrushes with a rotation oscillation action provide protection against gum inflammation in the long and short term and better plaque removal in the short term.” In summary, this article states that rotating oscillating toothbrushes are better at plaque control and gingivitis reduction than manual tooth brushing or other electric toothbrushes.

In the August 2009 Clinicians Report, they conducted a randomized study on electric toothbrushes. Clinicians Report came up with some advantages and disadvantages to using an electric toothbrush, and I would like to share the information. Advantages: “(1) Requires less manual dexterity, (2) Excellent for special needs [orthodontics, debilitated, elderly, pediatric], (3) Potential ability to remove more plaque, (4) Timers available on rechargeable models improve length of brushing, (5) Designs are improved [smaller, lighter, and reduced head size], and Patient’s perception of cleaner teeth.” Limitations: “(1) Best plaque brushes have higher costs, (2) Potential mechanical breakdown, (3) Requires battery replacement or recharging to maintain function, (4) Larger size than manual brushes, (5) May aggravated sensitive soft and hard tissues, and (6) Wears teeth if over-used on recession, enamel defects, etc.”²

¹Manual versus powered toothbrushing for oral health, Robinson PG, Deacon SA, Deery C, Heanue M, Walmsley AD, Worthington HV, Glenny AM, Shaw WC.

² Toothbrushes: Is It Time to Turn the Power On?, Clinicians Report, August 2009, Vol 2, Issue 8.

Mini Implants

manager — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:39:56 +0000

Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit down with a patient who is very unhappy with her existing lower denture. She has had it for a year now and has had to have it realigned multiple times throughout the year. Nothing we could do or what the previous dentist could do could help her out. Our patient has a very small ridge for her denture to rest on, plus there are the lips, cheek muscles, and the tongue moving around and bumping into the denture to displace it.

There is a solution for her loose denture. I talked with her about placing small diameter implants in her mouth that will secure the denture into place and not allow it to move. She was so excited to know about this procedure. We will keep you posted on her procedure. Here is a little bit more information about small diameter implants:

One of the newest branches in implant dentistry is the small diameter, or commonly known as the “mini”, implant. “Mini” implants have a diameter size ranging from 3.5mm and below, whereas the standard-sized implants have a diameter size of 3.75mm to 6.0mm.

The “mini” implant is a great alternative for those patients who otherwise could not be served with the “traditional” standard-sized implants. The “mini” implant is a great implant for those patients who have minimal bone (or bone loss), the patient does not want a bone graft, or where the standard-sized implants cannot be placed.

The best part about the “mini” implant is how minimally invasive the procedure is in placing the implants. The small diameter implants are a wonderful procedure, however, they do have their limitations. “Mini” implants are not traditionally used for single tooth restoration due to the excessive forces that are applied to one tiny implant. However, with a couple of implants placed, “mini” implants have proven an invaluable service for complete and partial denture retention. This means no more moving lower denture or no more metal clasps visible with a partial denture.

Sealants

manager — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:00:11 +0000

Recently I have started working with the San Antonio Public Health Department. One of my assignments is to go to some of the public elementary schools in the area and provide sealants to the children. This has been a wonderful opportunity for them as they are able to receive a great dental service and for me to be able to help those kids whose parents may not be able to afford sealants for their children. What a great experience it is to help these kids out!

Sealants are safe, painless, and a great way to protect teeth from tooth decay (cavities), because our teeth have tiny grooves in them where our toothbrushes cannot always clean. Sealants are a thin, plastic, tooth-colored material bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars and sometimes the premolars. This forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

In my professional experience so far, I’ve noticed a decrease in the number of cavities per patient. On a more personal note, my mouth so far has been cavity free because of sealants. My mom (a dental hygienist herself) made sure I had sealants at a very young age. A practice I will definitely carry on with my own children!

Most insurances only cover sealants for children up to 16 or 18 years old, but I think adults should get them as well. What a great way to protect your teeth from decay! In the long run, it would be cheaper and less invasive. I also think sealants are a must if someone is going in for either chemo or radiation therapy.

Update on Canker Sores

manager — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:29:55 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I posted a little entry on Canker Sores. My information was based on things I had studied and/or seen, but I had never had one before…until last week. My canker sore was under my tongue and it hurt! So, I decided I would try what Dr. Henslee suggested, and use the Chlorhexidine for 30 seconds (multiple times a day). Let me tell you, my sore went away within 3-4 days. The Chlorhexidine helped in shortening the life of the canker sore and it helped to reduce the sensitivity as well. From personal experience, Chlorhexidine really can help those that suffer from canker sores. I thought you might want to see what a canker sore looks like, the distinct characteristics are the bright red "halo" or ring around the white or yellow ulcer.

Hope this helps

Dr Hafen

Proudly Providing Caring Dentistry
for the residents of
Universal City, Converse, Live Oak, Schertz and Cibilo

Happy Birthday Dr Hafen

manager — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:30:41 +0000

I wasn't planning on posting anything for my birthday, but the ladies at the office told me I had to. Anyways, here are a few pictures of my birthday at the office. The office was too nice. The all pitched in and got me some pretty funny cards. This picture is the one Mary got me, and it had singing and dancing cats (when you moved the card the cats looked like they were dancing).

This is probably my favorite restaurant in the area, Acapulco. I always order the same thing #17.

Then the Henslee's ordered a really nice cake for me and the office. This picture has my wife, Amy, in it as well…she's due at the end of June.

Thank you everyone for a wonderful birthday and for all your help around the office. You guys are the best!!!

Canker Sores

manager — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:54:46 +0000

While talking with a patient the other week we started talking about Canker Sores and she was interested in learning more about it. As this is an ailment most, if not all, of us will experience once or several times in our lives, I am passing the information on to you as well.

Canker Sore is the generic name for an Aphthous Ulcer. A common mistake people make is using canker sore and cold sore interchangeably. They are not the same thing; a cold sore is usually seen outside of the mouth whereas a canker sore is within the mouth.

There is no exact known cause for canker sores; however, it is believed some causes can be attributed to stress, trauma, citric foods/liquids, or allergies. It is a known fact, if you have gotten them once you are more likely to get them again and again. To lesson your chances of getting the sores again you should try and avoid the “believed” causes.

So what are we going to do about these sores? There a few things that can be done to help, but it won’t eliminate them right away. One option is to try an Aphthasol gel. Apply this to the canker sore 4 times a day. You should be able to buy this at any local convenience or drug store. Another solution is a mouthwash we have at the office called Chlorhexidine. We have seen this mouthwash reduce the life span of the canker sores. The last option is get a prescription for a mild steroid ointment called Lidex, which you would apply 4-6 times a day.

Hope this helps!

Dr Hafen

Proudly Providing Caring Dentistry
for the residents of
Universal City, Converse, Live Oak, Schertz and Cibilo

St. Apollonia

manager — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:03:45 +0000

Did you know that dentistry has a patron saint? Well it does, believe it or not.

According to legend, in 248 AD an Alexandrian mob attacked some Christians. One particular woman, Apollonia, was held down and her teeth were pulled out or shattered in her mouth.

She withstood this torture bravely and due to the strength of her faith many converted to Christianity. Since then the Feast Day of Apollonia has been celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches on February 9th. Her name is invoked against toothaches and all their miseries.

In paintings she is represented holding pincers with a tooth in them. A square in Rome and a train station in Lisbon are named after St. Apollonia. Her image is also displayed in many churches across England.

J Hafen

Henslee Dental Team- Dentists of Choice for

Universal City, Converse, Live Oak, Schertz and Cibilo

Teeth Whitening

manager — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:50:06 +0000

One thing I hear daily is, “I want my teeth to look whiter.” This is something we are all faced with every day, because some of our friends, family, neighbors, and/or colleagues, have white teeth.

The term whitening and bleaching are used interchangeable when referring to changing the color or the shade of your teeth. The whitening material used to lighten your teeth contains a certain percentage of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Of the different ways to whiten your teeth (In-Office, Take Home Trays, and Over-the-Counter), which one works best? I have seen all three ways work! The OTC products work the least efficient, because they have the least powerful (smallest percentage of peroxide). The In-Office works the fastest because it has the highest percentage of peroxide. The only disadvantage with the in-office is that it is harder to control the final color of your teeth. Whereas the take home trays you are able to get a medium percentage of peroxide and use the trays on a daily basis till you get the color you want.

One common side effect with whitening is your teeth may become sensitive to colds for a little while.

Whitening our teeth is a great cosmetic feature and a great way to add a more youthful appearance to your smile. The only trick is figuring out which one you would like to use.

If you need help deciding…don’t be afraid to ask our staff. Even if the end result is us recommending a product that can be purchased at your local drug or grocery store and not here at our office, we want to make sure you get the best smile possible.

Dr Hafen

Proudly Providing Caring Dentistry
for the residents of
Universal City, Converse, Live Oak, Schertz and Cibilo

PHEW!..Bad Breath!

manager — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:52:01 +0000

A common unpleasant thing most of us experience between one another is bad breath, or halitosis. What are some of the causes? What can be done to correct the situation?

We've tried to come up with four of the more common causes for bad bad breath we have come across while practicing: (1) Food, (2) Tooth Decay, (3) Gum Disease, and (4) Smoking.

Food - When food stays in the mouth for an extended period it starts to coat our teeth, gums, and tongue.This coating of our oral tissues gives the bacteria in our mouths time to break down the food that gives off a nasty smell. The easiest solution is good oral hygiene consisting of daily brushing and flossing. Also don't forget to brush your tongue.

Tooth Decay (Cavities) – Bacteria is everywhere in our bodies, including our mouths. Bacteria are the culprits for tooth decay. While bacteria are decaying our teeth it releases a putrid smell. A solution for a cavity is either a filling, a crown, or a root canal; depending on the severity of the decay.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis) - When our gums are really infected, bad breath is also present. The source of the bad breath…bacteria. The solution for this problem is either a normal dental cleaning or a deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing).

Smoking - With smoking there are many different toxins inhaled including nicotine and tar. The ultimate solution, of course, would be to stop smoking. If quitting is not a possibility, to help mitigate the bad breath one can use a mouthwash, brush his or her teeth, and/or a combination of both.

While practicing, we have come across a company that manufactures a mouthwash, a toothpaste, and a mouth spray that currently masks bad breath better than any other product on the market. The company is called Dental Herb Company.

I (Bob Henslee) love their products and use them every day. If you want to buy their stuff, you have to jump through some hoops, but trust me, it is worth it.

Simply put 'Dental Herb Company' in your internet search browser (Google, Bing, etc.) follow the instructions and order directly from them. If it's too much trouble, we can sell their products to you, but directly from the factory is a better deal.

If you have any questions we would be glad to help. This is a little secret that only dentists know about, and we hope this information is useful.

Drs. Henslee and Hafen
Henslee Dental Team Dentists
Proudly Providing Caring Dentistry
for the residents of
Universal City, Converse, Live Oak, Schertz and Cibilo