Category: News

In an April 11, 2012 news release, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the worldwide incidence of dementia is projected to skyrocket in coming decades.  The article cited 35.6 million cases worldwide in 2010, and projected 65.7 cases by 2030 and 115 million cases by 2050.

Longer life expectancy coupled with ongoing medical advancements is stated to be the cause of the increase. At the same time, improved medical care is also at the root of economic woes for countries struggling to provide long-term care for people with dementia. There are only eight countries worldwide with national programs to help people with dementia, and the U.S. is currently not among them.

So what does this have to do with dentistry? In our experience at NICD, there is a correlation between people who maintain optimal dental health throughout their lives and people who experience optimal quality of life in later decades. We have observed that when our aging patients are able to avoid major dental issues, they have more energy and resources to focus on their general health — and that’s our wish each of you.

Dentistry Today has honored Michael R. Sesemann, DDS, FAACD of Omaha, NE with recognition in its selection of “2012 Leaders In Continuing Education.”

Omaha, NE (PR Newswire) June 17, 2012— Announcing a special recognition appearing in the December, 2011 issue of Dentistry Today published by Dentistry Today, Inc.,Dr. Sesemann was selected for the following honor:

“2012 Leaders In Continuing Education”

Dr. Sesemann commented on the recognition: “This is quite an honor for me. The fact that Dentistry Today (www.dentistrytoday.com) included me in its selection of “2012 Leaders In Continuing Education,” for the sixth year in a row signals that the dentistry my staff and I try to deliver on a daily basis supplies excellent value for our patients. It is gratifying to be recognized in this way and I humbly accept the honor on behalf of our entire team.”

Following the publication of Dr. Sesemann’s selection for Dentistry Today’s 2012 Leaders In Continuing Education list, American Registry seconded the honor and added Dr. Sesemannand his office, the Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry, to the “Registry of Business Excellence™”.

This year marks the 13^th year that April has been designated as oral cancer awareness month.  Since a low level of public awareness of oral cancer still exists, the dental and medical communities need to make every effort possible to lift the level of public awareness and to support the development of a comprehensive program designed to more thoroughly screen for the disease. Perhaps as some motivation to raise the bar, one might recall these statistics every day before entering the office:  in 2012, nearly 37,000 patients (in just the United States) will be diagnosed with some form of oral or head and neck cancer, resulting in more than 8,000 deaths; that is one death per hour, 24 hours per day.  It is a disease that is often discovered late in its development; and now with HPV16 contributing more to the overall incidence of oral cancers (especially in the posterior regions of the oral cavity), early warning signs that have historically alerted the professional to the presence of disease are very often less visible.[1]

So, what is your dental community doing to detect oral cancer on you and your family?  Here at Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry (NICD), for decades Dr. Sesemann has used tactile palpation and visual senses at check up exams, checking for lumps, bumps and tissue changes. Catching abnormalities early is key.  Nowadays exciting advancements in technology are available to take the cancer screening process one step further.  NICD has acquired optional equipment and is proud to use it on our patients.  Named VELscope, the non-invasive hand-help device uses stimulation of natural fluorescence to reveal diseased areas not yet visible or palpatable. There is no additional cost to our patients for this service. With statistics like a 5-year survival rate for oral cancer being approximately 83 percent, as compared to a 5-year survival rate of 32 percent when found at a later stage, it is comforting to know we are doing everything possible to catch things early.  

[1] Adams DDS, Damon, Editor-in-Chief, “April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month” Dentistry Today

December 2011

Maybe the title should be Toothpaste 9-1-1. Either way we are here to help with the increasingly harder decision on which toothpaste is right for you.

Should you choose tarter control, whitening or one that does both? There’s paste or gel, total care, cavity protection, cool mint or bubble mint, all natural, with peroxide or without. Never fear, help is here.

Generally speaking, simple fluoride toothpaste is the best choice. Better yet it is usually the least expensive. Pastes and gels that contain a lot of extra chemicals can cause tooth sensitivity. We recommend Crest or Colgate Cavity Protection. Paste, gel and flavors are personal preferences.

This is not to say that all specialized toothpastes are without merit. Some we believe to be beneficial for certain wants and needs include:

• Prescription-strength fluoride toothpastes or rinses prescribed for people who are prone to excessive tooth decay or who do not produce enough saliva.

• Tom’s Toothpaste of Maine, which offers some natural alternatives for people who are sensitive to the foaming chemical Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) found in most toothpaste.

• Non-fluoride toothpastes for in young children unable to expectorate (spit), as swallowing toothpaste with fluoride can cause stomach upset.

Some other important things to note are:

• Whitening toothpaste may diminish surface stains but will not change the color and brightness of teeth. If tooth whitening is your goal, bleaching systems are vastly more effective.

• Denture wearers should never use toothpaste on their denture or partial. Denture creams are recommended due to the lack of abrasives that they contain. Toothpastes contain abrasives that can cause micro scratches in the acrylic consequently causing greater risk of stain.

• Dog owners need to be aware of the ingredient xylitol. This natural sweetener can be found in toothpaste, gum, mints and numerous other products, and can be deadly to dogs even in small doses.

• No matter which paste you are using, the action of brushing is most important. Brushing for two minutes, at least twice a day is recommended to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Did you know that the NICD routinely screens for oral cancer during your check-ups? To date this has included visual and tactile tests for lumps, bumps and/or tissue changes. 

Now with the addition of new technology, we are able to detect pre-cancerous areas before skin changes occur and masses develop.  Called the VELscope Vx, it is a non-invasive handheld device that uses stimulation of natural fluorescence to reveal diseased areas not yet visible or palpatable.

When found early, the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is approximately 83 percent, as compared to a 5-year survival rate of 32 percent when found at a later stage.

Together the VELscope Vx and patient education are the most powerful weapons we can offer in the fight against oral cancer. Be aware that the use of tobacco products is the main contributor to oral cancer. If suspicious lumps, bumps or tissue changes arise between dental visits, call us immediately for a check-up. We want to keep you healthy — for life.
Contact us for more information or visit  <https://www.oralcancer.org> or <https://www.velscope.com>

Patients who are athletes or work outside during the summer tell us they consume sports drinks as a healthy option to other beverages. Unfortunately, the opposite can be true depending on the content of the drink. The same goes for sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks and even coffee with flavored creamer.

Researchers have linked the consumption of these beverages with tooth decay. The combination of sugar and acid creates an environment in our mouth that supports the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities and the erosion of enamel.

What’s more, brushing after drinking these items causes even more damage. Enamel that has been softened through exposure to sugars and acids is highly susceptible to abrasion from toothpaste and the mechanical instrumentation of the toothbrush.

The findings are being presented at the International Association for Dental Research in Miami. “This is the first time that the citric acid in sports drinks has been linked to erosive tooth wear,” says Mark Wolff, DDS, professor and chairman of the department of comprehensive care at New York University College of Dentistry.

The good news is that there are ways to lessen the effects of sugary and acidic beverages.

• Choose sugar-free drinks. Bacteria cannot use the sugar-free substitutes as a food source.
• Drink it all in one sitting. Sipping over a long period of time keeps your teeth in constant contact with damaging acids produced by these products.
• Have it with a meal. The saliva produced when you eat buffers your teeth from the damaging effects of the acids.
• Opt for water instead. It may not be sexy, but evidence shows that water is usually all the body needs for rehydration, even when strenuous exercise is involved.
• Chew sugar-free gum or swish with water after a sugary/acidic beverage. This will diminish the level of acidic pH in your mouth and all the bad things that accompany it.
• Wait 20-30 minutes to brush so as not to create more wear by mechanically abrading the softened enamel. Your saliva will eventually buffer the acids and remineralize the enamel surfaces to a harder consistency that can better resist the abrasive forces of the toothbrush.

Feel free to contact us at the NICD (402.392.2880) if we can be of assistance in answering any questions related to your oral health. We love sharing our knowledge of dental science to help our patients maintain excellent oral health.