Dr. Giacalone once again returned to Chicago to spend three intense days studying sleep medicine. Dr. G. has earned the designation of “Qualified Dentist” by the Academy. She continues her studies to better serve her patients. “As dentists we have the opportunity to examine the mouth, facial features and the upper airway on a regular basis. It is important that we screen for signs of sleep apnea since this disorder has so many serious health consequences including, sudden death, heart disease, hypertension, Type II Diabetes, early Alzheimer’s to name a few.”
Posted 09/20/19
CNET News (7/3, Capritto) reports on the use of activated charcoal in toothpaste. Though CNET says the ads for charcoal toothpaste “claim you’ll get a noticeably whiter smile after just one use,” in addition to “anecdotal claims that charcoal toothpaste prevents cavities or otherwise promotes better oral health,” there’s “no evidence to support that.” CNET adds, “[T]he evidence is limited, and there’s no proof that charcoal toothpaste actually does the things that the Internet claims it does.”
Posted 07/05/19
Recent studies show that an oral bacteria found in patients with moderate to severe gum disease may accelerate the growth of Colon Cancer. About a third of colorectal cancers are associated with this oral bacterium called Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. Nucleatum).
Posted 03/08/19
The use of e-cigarettes (vaping) may be equally or MORE dangerous to oral health than traditional tobacco use. Vaping works by heating a liquid so that an aerosol is generated which the user inhales. That liquid, known as e-liquid, is usually made up of propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, water and nicotine.
Posted 01/21/19
When the computer-generated clear aligner system went off patent competitors started to appear. Some are better than others. The first company I worked with was good; however, they have nearly doubled their fees. I was in search of a quality alternative. Fortunately, Great Lakes Orthodontics opened a clear aligner division known as Smart Moves Complete. Great Lakes Orthodontics, Ltd. has been in the orthodontic business for 51 years.
Posted 11/15/18
“Black Hairy Tongue” is a medical condition where the tongue appears black and hairy”. The small bumpy projections on a healthy tongue, called papillae, are normally less than 1mm in length and are the normal color of the tongue. In Black Hairy Tongue these papillae can reach 12 to 18 mm and trap microscopic food particles providing a banquet on which bacteria can dine. These bacteria are what cause the discoloration. So, a Black Hairy Tongue has no hair at all, just longer papillae entrapped food particles and a host of bacteria
Posted 09/24/18
A recent article which appeared in the British Journal of Surgery cites a study from the University of Tokyo which indicates that patients undergoing major cancer surgery might reduce their risk of complications by seeing a dentist before their surgery
Posted 09/03/18
Just yesterday a sales rep from major company stopped by to detail us about their toothpaste products.
Posted 08/27/18
This week USA Today quoted a quip survey of 6,000 adults: “50% of Americans have refused a kiss from someone because the person has bad breath.”
Posted 08/20/18
Recently the American Dental Association (ADA) ran a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal encouraging readers to avoid Do-it-Yourself (DIY) dentistry, and instead visit an ADA dentist.
Posted 08/13/18
According to the latest survey from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), 39% of adults in the United States admit to flossing while they’re in the car.
Posted 07/24/18
In June I read an article which appeared in the New York Times entitled “Maintaining Oral Health, An Important Part of Aging”.
Posted 07/02/18
In past articles I have shown many dramatic smile makeovers involving a combination of disciplines and techniques. This issue I wish to highlight what modern dentistry can do for a common problem. The solution is quick, comfortable, and cost- effective.
Posted 04/09/18
The coffee smells wonderful. The ice cream looks great. But you find yourself turning them down because you know how much they’ll make your mouth hurt. And you wonder what’s going on that’s turned the foods and drinks you used to love into the enemy.
Posted 04/09/18
You take good care of your teeth and they feel fine – except when you eat or drink something cold or hot. But when you start to savor that first cup of coffee or sip a refreshing glass of iced tea, the pain begins. And you find yourself wondering “what’s going on?”
Posted 01/17/18
Ever get red, scaly, swollen patches in the corners of your mouth where your upper and lower lips meet? It can be just an annoying dry feeling spot or can progress to be deeply fissured, burning and very painful. It can be uncomfortable to open your mouth, speak or eat. Some people with the condition report a bad taste in the mouth as well. The condition is known as angular cheilitis, perleche, or angular stomatitis.
Posted 11/16/17
We in the dental community have been talking about the link between oral infections/ inflammation and systemic disease for some time. Heart disease, stroke, alzheimers, some cancers, control of diabetes are all linked to oral disease. Finally private insurance carriers have gotten the message.
Posted 10/06/17
It is well known that acidic drinks erode enamel. Erosion makes teeth more temperature sensitive, more prone to decay, and greatly accelerates tooth wear. Teeth actually become shorter and make the individual appear much older .
Posted 07/01/17
There have been reports in the mainstream media on “oil pulling” and its benefits for dental and general health. The claims state that oil pulling—swishing oil in the mouth—whitens teeth, and improves dental health and overall health.
Oil pulling is an ancient, traditional folk remedy that has been practiced for centuries in India and southern Asia. The practice involves placing a tablespoon of an edible oil (e.g., sesame, olive, sunflower, coconut) inside the mouth, and swishing or “pulling” the oil through the teeth and mouth for anywhere from 1-5 minutes to up to 20 minutes or longer.
Posted 06/22/17
Chances are your old mercury–silver amalgam fillings (commonly referred to as “silver” fillings) are pretty far down on your list of things to worry about. They’re there and don’t hurt, so they must be fine. Right?
Maybe. Maybe not!
Some old fillings keep doing their job for years – even decades. Others however, are ticking time bombs that can strike without warning, causing a world of pain and setting you up for infection, a broken tooth, or even tooth loss. That’s something to think about – especially if you have fillings that are 15 years old or more.
Posted 05/24/17
The Rise of HPV Related Oral Cancer
The number of Cases of HPV-related oral cancers has risen dramatically in the last few decades. Approximately 8,000 men and 2,000 women in the USA are diagnosed with HPV associated cancers of the mouth and throat each year according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, HPV is the leading cause of oropharynx cancer in The USA. Only 57% of those diagnosed will be alive in five years.
Posted 04/08/17
Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects your body’s ability to process sugar. The resulting high blood sugar can cause problems with many parts of the body, can lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process.
Posted 03/05/17
How? Every exam in our office includes a blood pressure check, airway evaluation, and oral cancer exam, (in addition to checking for gum disease, cavities, and other pathology of the teeth and bite.) High blood pressure, airway compromise, and of course cancer, can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. We refer to medical and dental specialists when appropriate.
Posted 02/08/17
1. Foods with pungent odors
2. Bacteria in the mouth and throat
3. Medical conditions such as respiratory track infections, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes.
Most often the cause is bacteria in the oral cavity which break down proteins in your saliva producing a foul smelling sulfur gas. Sulfur gas is what makes rotten eggs smell.
Posted 01/24/17
