A WARM WELCOME KATE FILLIS TO OUR TEAM

We are pleased to welcome Kate to our team at Richmond Fine Dentistry.
Kate is a dental hygienist who has over 10yrs experience in dentistry previously working as a dental assistant  Kate then moved to Perth to study Dental Hygiene at Curtin University.

Kate is committed to educating patients about the benefits that prevention and treatment offers towards overall health. She is excited to work in an environment where everyone is committed to the oral hygiene program.

Kate has gained valuable experience using the Dental Development Service (DDS) system of periodontal and soft tissue management. We are very excited about the contribution Kate will make to our quest to continue our professional development and to have a material input on the health of our patients.

After completing a tooth whitening course at Brisbane University, she also enjoys brightening her patient’s smiles.

In her spare time Kate enjoys spending time with family and friends and going to the gym.

ASTHMA AND ORAL HEALTH

A recent 2010 review article in the Australian Dental Journal highlighted the correlation between asthma and oral health.

Saliva plays a crucial role in the preservation of oral health:

• Lubrication and maintenance of health of soft tissues of the mouth
• Cleansing effect with dilution of acids and food
• Buffering effect helps to lower acid levels
• Repairs and remineralizes tooth enamel
• Anti-bacterial action

Prolonged use of some asthma drugs can reduce the salivary flow rates by 26%-36% and some medications have flavourings that can induce dental decay.

There is evidence that there is an increased risk of dental erosion in asthmatics and that asthmatics are more likely to have gastric oesophageal reflux (GOR) symptoms than non-asthmatics.

Periodontal disease, decreased saliva flow and dehydration can increase periodontal disease and oropharyngeal candidiasis (fungal infections of mouth and throat).

Precautionary measures for asthmatics to prevent oral problems

• Regular preventative orientated dental check ups
• Adoption of good oral hygiene practices and anti-decay measures
• Increase water intake and immediately rinse mouth after using inhaler
• Use of sugar free gum to increase salivary output
• Correct use of inhaler including use of spacer device
• Monitor gastrointestinal disease
• Use of antimicrobial mouthwashes and anti-fungal preparation as indicated

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Last Friday the 15th October I attended a one day seminar on the interplay of periodontal disease and general health.

New research is indicating that there potentially is an inter relationship between periodontal disease (gum disease) and:

• pregnancy
• medical conditions like diabetes
• cardiovascular disease, to mention a few.

For example, a person with diabetes type II – (the type of diabetes that is insulin resistant, where the cells fail to use insulin properly) can fail to regulate their insulin levels as a result of periodontal disease. It has been noted that certain bacteria found in gum disease have the ability to elevate blood sugar levels. It was found that when the patient underwent periodontal treatment and healed the source of infection in the mouth, the blood sugar levels lowered.

Time and time again, we in the dental profession are astounded how women who are pregnant have not been advised by their doctors or obstetricians to visit their dental practitioners for check ups and hygiene appointments. The hygiene appointments need to occur every 3 months. Reason being, that we women are predisposed to pregnancy gingivitis. Plaque, bacteria feeds off the elevated levels of oestrogen and progesterone.

It is believed that the bacteria found in periodontal disease can deeply affect patients with these conditions.

Imagine the palm of a female hand. Now imagine an open wound that looks red and sore on the palm of that hand. Well, researchers say the surface area of that wound is equal to the total amount of infection a person with moderate gum disease has in their mouth!!!!!

Makes you think twice now doesn’t it!!!!!!

The oral cavity is an integral part of the human body so it is important that all medical/healthcare practitioners work collaboratively. The body is inter-connected, therefore it kind of makes sense that if one thing isn’t right in the body, it has the potential to throw other areas out of balance. Let’s start including the mouth in our diagnosis.

So remember, brush twice daily, floss daily and replace your tooth brushes every 2-3 months.

Yours in health,

Ingrid (Dental Hygienist)

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION GROUP E MEETING

This week I attended an informative dinner meeting organised by our local ADA Dental group at Georges Restaurant in Camberwell.

The presentations included a fascinating if not sad account of the role of Forensic Dental Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) in the 2009 bushfires. Dental records were vital in the identification of victims in 65% of cases. The photos showed the power and overwhelming destruction caused by the fires, and the devastation to families and communities.

The other topic was from an orthodontist who discussed the importance of early orthodontic assessment for children. Emphasis was placed on the role of a team approach between the dentist and orthodontist in achieving the best outcome for young patients and also adult patients to create beautiful smiles for life.

The final presentation was from Dental and Medical Diagnostic Imaging who talked about the role of 3D screening in modern dental diagnosis. This amazing technology provides 3D images of teeth and jaws and it enhances our diagnostic capabilities which then enables us to provide better service to patients.

Dr Robert Harper

What’s New & Exciting at Richmond Fine Dentistry

Spring Carnival / Wedding Season

Why not brighten your smile for the festive season! For sensational white teeth, we use the professional tried and tested home whitening system with custom made trays.
Special offer of $500 for Professional Teeth Whitening.
Offer expires on the 20th of December 2010.

Pre-Nuptual Polish

As a celebration of your happy day, we offer brides and grooms from our practice a complementary pre-wedding tooth polish. So include us on the busy schedule the week before the wedding day and have a sparkling smile for the photographs.

Saturday Appointments

Just So You Know

Tax relief for dental treatment

Did you know that you claim a 20% tax rebate for any medical, dental, prescriptions, physio etc of your out of pocket expenses after the first $2 000 spent in a financial year.

We are more than happy to give you a print out of what you claimed and what you paid in a financial year. Contact your pharmacy and Medicare office for similar information and present to your accountant.

For more information go to the government website or seek counsel from your tax adviser.

Opening Hours

Dental
Mon: 10am – 7pm
Tue: 8am – 5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thurs: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 5pm

Dental Hygienist
Mon: 10am – 7pm
Tue: 8am – 5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thu: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 5pm

Cancellation Policy
At Richmond Fine Dentistry we require a minimum of 24hrs notice for cancellations. In the event that less than 24hrs notice is given prior to the scheduled appointment time you may be charged a cancellation fee.