
				February 6, 2012


egislation in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont now requires dentists to post warnings regarding the use of amalgam. Due to mercury content, these states have also banned amalgam (silver filling material) for pregnant women and children. Years ago, our office eliminated the use of amalgam due to the controversy surrounding this material. In addition to your protection, non-amalgam (porcelain or composite) material provides a natural appearance and bonds better to teeth. Amalgam can also expand, causing fractures in teeth. Porcelain and composite materials do not expand and actually help strengthen teeth. The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research is conducting studies on amalgam safety in children, with results available in 2005. Until then, we will keep you informed as further developments occur.

Beware Those Water Bottles
rinking lots of water is good for you, right? Well, maybe. Reusing plastic bottles can give undesirable elements along with your gulps. Sunlight exposure, heat and repeated rinsing can allow seepage of toxic compounds from plastic, according to a University of Idaho study. The recommendation is to use bottles for no more than one week, then toss.


A parent’s greatest fear is a child being lost or abducted. The latest in child identification is now available through Dr. Hedlund. Children bite down on a plastic “wafer” to imprint unique tooth characteristics, with sufficient saliva for DNA testing. “ Toothprints goes far beyond the aid of fingerprints,” Dr. Hedlund explains. “ Saliva on the wafer can be DNA tested. The scent can also be used for tracking by trained dogs.” Initial toothprinting can be done after all primary teeth have erupted, around age three. Impression updates are advised for children ages 7 or 8, and again at age 12 or 13 after permanent teeth have emerged. Once the wafer is made, it is sealed in plastic and given to the parent for safekeeping. Dr. Hedlund is offering this service to his young patients free of charge. “ Hopefully, our parents will never need to use their child’s toothprint,” he states. “ However, the peace of mind in knowing it is there is priceless.”


f you are an arthritis sufferer, you are twice as likely to develop gum disease. Findings in the Journal of Periodontology recently revealed adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had an average tooth loss of 11.6 teeth compared to 6.7 teeth of others in the study. RA, the leading cause of disability, limits the daily activities of over 7 million Americans. Because we are sensitive to these limitations, the following tips may make home care easier. Water irrigators help to remove food and plaque between teeth. Electric toothbrushes and floss holders lessen the effort required by hands. Wrap toothbrush handles with a sponge hair roller for a thicker grip. Replace knob-type faucets with levers, which are easier to turn on and off. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist to reduce oral bacteria. If you take medications that are drying, oral rinses can restore moisture. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, which are drying to oral tissues.

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