Office News

Watch Martha’s amazing journey at Sheets, Paquette & Wu. For years, Martha was unhappy with the appearance of her smile. Our experienced and talented doctors were able to give Martha the smile of her dreams.

 

At Sheets, Paquette & Wu Dental Practice, our team is focused on providing an outstanding experience. Dr. Cherilyn Sheets, Dr. Jacinthe Paquette and Dr. Jean Wu employ state-of-the-art technologies to render the finest dentistry, and are dedicated to maintaining long-term oral health.

Our in-house internationally recognized noncommercial dental laboratory is one of the features that make our practice unlike any other. Combining the finest technology, artistry and science, we create precise biomimetic restorations for our patients. In addition, we also provide comprehensive dental services, including:

• Composite restorations
• Porcelain Veneers
• Implant Crowns and Bridges
• Periodontal Therapy
• Invisalign
• Sleep Apnea Management

We welcome new patients of all ages at our dental practice. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

International Business Times
By: Rina Marie Garcia

A study recently reported that the cause of the burning mouth sensation of a woman has been discovered. After months of testing and consultations with different medical specialists, experts have finally pointed out the main cause of what used to be an inexplicable case of “burning mouth”.

The 65-year-old patient had been suffering from a burning feeling in her mouth that has stunned doctors, due to its unidentifiable aetiology. The sensation aggravated every time the woman brushed her teeth, but it disappeared within 10 minutes. The initial episode of the symptoms continued for one month but eventually subsided. After a year, the patient had to deal with the feeling once again as the same problem recurred and became persistent from then on.

She sought the advice of a dentist, an oral surgeon and her family doctor, but none of them was able to identify the reason behind her problem. The experts did not find any oral lesions that can possibly serve as a media for the burning sensation. Nonetheless, she received medical recommendations, such as using mouthwashes and milk-of magnesia solutions and even taking anti-anxiety medications, but to no avail.

The patient had a rare condition, called “Burning Mouth Syndrome,” which according to BMJ Case Reports is characterised by a chronic, burning feeling in the mouth, particularly in the lips, palate or tongue. “It’s common in postmenopausal women and affects up to seven percent of the general population,” states research co-author Dr Maria Nagel, a neurovirologist and professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora. She noted that Burning Mouth Syndrome can occur as a side effect of several drugs, but some cases develop without an apparent reason. She adds that the sensation is comparable to the pain caused by a tooth infection or a root canal procedure.

Part of the clinical investigation of the medical experts involved in the care of the patient is the testing of her saliva for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is the viral agent that causes oral herpes, which is usually manifested by cold sores around the buccal cavity. Although the woman did not have cold sores, the medical team decided to perform the test after six month of persistent symptoms.

After the results of the test was released, it was discovered that the saliva of the patient had high levels of HSV-1. “If she’d had cold sores, it would have been obvious,” Nagel told Live Science. “Most people don’t think of HSV-1 as the potential cause of burning mouth syndrome, so they don’t test for it. But it’s easily treatable with antiviral medication,” she adds.

The woman was then prescribed to undergo an antiviral drug therapy. Five days into the treatment, and the woman’s symptoms subsided. Follow-up procedures were performed four weeks and six months after the treatment to test for the presence of the virus in the saliva. The researchers found no trace of the HSV-1 and after completing the prescribed antiviral treatment for one and a half year, the woman had not experience the burning sensation again. The research team, however, had not identified the exact reason as to why HSV-1 had reactivated in this woman, but they suspected that it is likely due to hormonal imbalances associated with the postmenopausal stage.

HSV-1 affects about 70 percent of the worldwide population and according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is transmitted via kissing and sharing of personal items such as toothbrushes and towels. HSV-1 is most commonly activated when the person is stressed or has a weak immune system and manifests through self-limiting cold sores. However, some cases of viral reactivation that does not cause cold sores had been reported — an example of which is this woman’s. Nagel further explains that although some cases of HSV-1 reactivation does not cause cold sores, it can manifest as a facial nerve affectation, particularly causing impairments in the trigeminal ganglion, which regulates the the sensation of the face and mouth.

Other medical conditions with no clear aetiology may also be associated with HSV-1. Nagel cites their latest discovery as an example; their team recently discovered that HSV-1 can also cause migraine headaches and that some patients were relieved from taking antiviral drugs. Additionally, a report from Mayo Clinic also said that HSV-1 can also cause a fatal brain inflammation called encephalitis.

Here are some interesting facts about your amazing teeth:

• Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, according to Dr. Leslie Seldin, a spokeswoman for the American Dental Association.
• A quarter of all of the adults in the United States have lost all of their teeth due to improper at home and professional care.
• Teeth are already forming before birth.
• Saliva is produced in our mouth in order to assist in breaking down food. It also helps to prevent tooth decay by buffering acids produced after eating.
• In regards to diseases, tooth decay is the second most common after the everyday cold.
• During the middle ages, it was custom to kiss a donkey when a person had a toothache.
• A person only buys 18 yards of dental floss per year when reality, it should be 122 yards.

Enjoy these fun dental facts.

Fluoridation of water supplies, long ago proved to protect children from cavities, also helps older adults keep their teeth, a new study from Ireland has shown.

But fluoridation had no effect on overall bone density in the aged, a result that surprised the study’s authors because fluoridation had been shown to increase bone mass.

The study, part of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging, was done by researchers at the dentistry school of Trinity College Dublin and involved almost 5,000 adults older than 50.

Participants were asked to indicate roughly how many of their teeth they had; some had their bone density measured with ultrasound.

Those who lived in areas with fluoridated water were more likely to report having all their teeth, the researchers found.

Fluoridation began in Ireland in 1964 and became universal in most urban areas by 1970. About 85 percent of the country has fluoridated water; areas with private wells often do not.

As in the United States, fluoridation was controversial, even though numerous studies found it safe.

Healthy teeth have long been linked to general well-being in older adults. In recent decades, studies have linked gum and tooth disease to heart disease. The leading theory was that oral infections and inflammation reached the heart through the blood.

But a literature review by the American Heart Association concluded in 2012 that there was no proof that periodontal disease caused heart disease.

Source: The New York Times

Research from the University of Adelaide has revealed the damage acidity in wine can cause to teeth.

A study shows just 10 one-minute wine tastings can bring a softening of the tooth enamel, highlighting the risks involved to professional tasters.

Senior lecturer in the university’s School of Dentistry, Dr Sarbin Ranjitkar, said the acidic levels found in wine were similar to those in orange juice.

“If the wine acids come in direct contact with the tooth structure, it dissolves the tooth,” he said.

“It doesn’t happen to all individuals, but once the host defence, the protective mechanism of teeth, is lowered, wine acids can do damage.”

Dr Ranjitkar said wine tasters, as opposed to regular drinkers, were most at risk of tooth decay, due to the frequency of wine swirling in their mouths.

“For a general drinker, a few drinks usually is not a problem,” he said.

“For professional wine tasters, we have a specific set of guidelines about how to look after their teeth.

“We are focussing on putting a protective cover on teeth by using so-called re-mineralising agents in the form of calcium phosphate and fluorides.”

Source: ABC – Rural

The ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, chew, swallow and convey our feelings and emotions through facial expressions is an essential part of everyday life, but is easily taken for granted. These activities are dependent on having good oral health. However, oral diseases cause pain, impaired function and disability for millions of Americans.

One oral disease that is frequently overlooked is gum disease. If you think gum disease only happens to older people, think again. According to the American Dental Association, it only takes 24 hours for enough bacteria to form in the mouth to start causing gum disease.

Exactly what is gum disease? It is an inflammation of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible sticky layer that forms on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums. If plaque isn’t removed by daily dental care, over time it will harden into a crust called calculus (or sometimes tartar). Initially, the plaque and calculus cause irritation of the gums, which is referred to as gingivitis. Over time, if not addressed, the gingivitis can progress until the gums detach themselves from the teeth, forming pockets. The body’s attempts to fight off the bacteria also cause the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth to be lost. The irritation has now become gum disease, called periodontitis.

Untreated gum disease can cause problems ranging from the embarrassing, like bad breath, to the very serious and painful, like loose teeth that may fall out. Gum disease may also be related to damage elsewhere in the body. Recent studies indicate associations between oral infections and type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and lung infections.

What makes a person more likely to develop gum disease? Some people inherit an overactive immune cell tendency from their parents that makes them more susceptible. Despite genetic contribution, your behavior and environment can also significantly contribute to gum disease. Poor diet, not enough sleep and too much stress leave your body vulnerable to infection, including your gums. A poor diet that is low in vitamin C, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium can compromise gum tissue’s ability to heal and can speed up bone loss.

Some medical conditions, including diabetes, and certain medicines increase the risk of gum disease. Girls have a higher risk of gingivitis due to female sex hormones that can make gums more sensitive to irritation. However, the most serious culprit is tobacco. According to the American Dental Association, people who use tobacco have more plaque and tartar buildup and are three times more likely to have gum disease than people who have never smoked. If you do not use tobacco, don’t start. If you smoke or chew, let 2015 be the year you choose to quit.

How do you know if you have gum disease? Gum disease can be sneaky, causing little or no pain or irritation before damage is done. Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth? This is usually a sign of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Other warning signs include gums that are red, swollen or tender, gums pulling away from teeth, bad breath that won’t go away, painful chewing and loose teeth. If you are a Soldier, it is especially important for you to take good care of your teeth and mouth. Dental care may not be readily available when you are in the field or deployed, and a problem that seems small can escalate into a major health issue. To reduce the risk of gum disease, follow these recommendations:

• Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristle brush and replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Eat a healthy diet that includes foods rich in vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D. Avoid snacks and junk foods with sugar and starch that plaque-causing bacteria love to feed on.
• Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
• Visit your dentist at least annually for check-ups.
• Get your teeth cleaned once or twice a year to remove plaque and stubborn calculus that you might not be removing properly with your daily brushing or flossing.

Fortunately, gum disease is preventable. Take care of your teeth and your children’s teeth, to keep gum disease at bay for you and your family.

Source: The Fort Campbell Courier – Lisa J. Young, U.S. Army Public Health Command

Researchers have discovered a bacteria responsible for periodontal disease facilitates the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Jan Potempa PhD, DSc from the University of Louisville, School of Dentistry Oral Health and Systemic Disease and her research group, have found Porphyromonas gingivalis produces an unique enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) which enhances collagen induced arthritis (CIA). The proteins affected by PAD changes to citrulline, which then causes the body to mount an auto-immune response as it considers the citrullinated proteins as “intruders”. This chronic inflammatory response causes cartilage and bone damage, as seen in Rheumatoid Arthritis. “Taken together, our results suggest that bacterial PAD may constitute the mechanistic link between P. gingivalis periodontal infection and rheumatoid arthritis, but this ground-breaking conclusion will need to be verified with further research.” said researcher Dr. Potempa.

Published in PLOS Pathogens, Online Sep 12, 2013.

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease characterized as an infectious process where carbohydrates are fermented by oral bacteria, resulting in acid production and enamel dissolution. Fermentable sugars include glucose, fructose, sucrose, and lactose (occurring naturally in milk). One of the oral bacteria that has the ability to ferment sugars and modified starches to produce acid, is Streptococcus mutans. Non-sugar sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose are not metabolized by oral bacteria and therefore do not produce acid leading to decay. Xylitol is also a non-fermentable sweetener produced from fruit and vegetables that has the ability to reduce the numbers and adherence of Streptococcus in the mouth. To reduce the risk of dental caries, the quantity, frequency, and duration of exposure to sugar-sweetened beverages and food needs to be controlled. Other recommendations for reducing the risk of caries:

• Consume sugar-sweetened beverages at meal times only
• Replace sugar with artificial sweeteners, such as Xylitol or transition to unsweetened beverages
• Brush with fluoridated toothpaste after consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages or foods
• Chew sugar free gum if unable to brush immediately, or rinse mouth with water.
• Customized anti-bacterial protocol with supplemental fluoride for high caries risk patients

Talk to your dental team about how to assess your caries risk and ways to prevent disease.