Overview

Natural rubber latex is a common ingredient found in many consumer products, such as balloons, balls, appliance cords, hoses, hot water bottles, pacifiers, swimwear, toys, tires, condoms, rubber bands and shoes. Latex also can be found in many medical or dental supplies and devices, such as masks, gloves, syringes, catheters, dressings, tape and bandages.

Unlike some consumer goods made from synthetic (manmade) latex, such as house paint, natural rubber latex is derived from a milky substance found in rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis).

While many people come in safe contact with latex-containing products every day, some susceptible individuals have developed hypersensitivity to proteins derived from natural rubber latex, which can cause allergic reactions.

Causes and Symptoms

Latex allergy generally develops after repeated exposure to products containing natural rubber latex. When latex-containing medical devices or supplies come in contact with mucous membranes, the membranes may absorb latex proteins. The immune system of some susceptible individuals produces antibodies that react immunologically with these antigenic proteins.

This is a concern particularly for health care workers who are constantly exposed to latex examination or surgical gloves and other latex-based health care products. The powder used on latex gloves can absorb the gloves’ latex proteins and cause increased exposure to latex. In addition, as the gloves are removed, the powder may become airborne, coming in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.

When exposed to latex proteins, a latex-sensitive individual, whether a health care worker or a patient, may experience minor symptoms, such as hives or nasal congestion. Severe cases may result in anaphylaxis, a dangerous systemic reaction that causes a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue and nose, and even loss of consciousness and could be life-threatening if unattended. Emergency medical attention is needed at the first sign of anaphylactic reaction.
Please alert your local dentist so they can take the necessary precaution if you are allergic to latex.

Definitions of Recognized Dental Specialties

Approved by the Council on Dental Education and Licensure, American Dental Association

Dental Public Health: Dental public health is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather than the individual. It is concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs as well as the prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis. (Adopted May 1976)

Endodontics: Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. (Adopted December 1983)

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. (Adopted May 1991)

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted April 2001)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted October 1990)

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. (Adopted April 2003)

Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. (Adopted 1995)

Periodontics: Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. (Adopted December 1992)

Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. (Adopted April 2003)

Home water treatment units come in two basic types: point of use (POU) and point of entry
(POE) devices. POU devices, which are the most common, usually are installed near the sink or
faucet and treat only water used for drinking or cooking. Other POU systems include pitchers or
carafes which use water filters. POE devices treat all the water entering the house, regardless of
its use.

There is no scientific research regarding the use of home water treatment systems and caries
risk. However, lack of exposure to fluoride does increase an individual’s risk for caries.
Findings in the dental/medical literature indicate:

•??Steam distillation removes 100% of the fluoride content.
•??Water softeners do not significantly remove fluoride from water.
•??Charcoal/carbon filters generally do not remove fluoride.
•??Reverse osmosis removes 65-95% of the fluoride.

Information regarding the existing level of fluoride in a community’s public water supply can be
obtained by asking a local dentist, contacting the local or state health department, or contacting
the local water supplier. Individuals who drink water processed by home water treatment systems as their primary source of water could be losing the decay preventive effects of optimally fluoridated water available from their community water supply. Therefore, consumers should seek advice from their dentist about specific fluoride needs.

For over five decades, the American Dental Association has continuously endorsed the fluoridation of community water supplies and the use of fluoride-containing products as safe and effective measures for preventing tooth decay.
The majority of bottled waters on the market do not contain optimal levels (0.7–1.2 ppm) of fluoride. And, some types of home water treatment systems can reduce the fluoride levels in water supplies potentially decreasing the decay-preventive effects of optimally fluoridated water.

What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a compound that contains fluorine, a natural element. Using small amounts of fluoride on a routine basis can help prevent tooth decay. In areas where fluoride does not occur naturally, it may be added to community water supplies. Research shows that community water fluoridation has lowered decay rates by over 50 percent, which means that fewer children grow up with cavities. Fluoride can be found as an active ingredient in many dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels and varnish.

How does fluoride prevent cavities?
Fluoride inhibits loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages remineralization (strengthening areas that are weakened and beginning to develop cavities). Fluoride also affects bacteria that cause cavities, discouraging acid attacks that break down the tooth. Risk for decay is reduced even more when fluoride is combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

Will my child need fluoride supplements?
The pediatric dentist considers many factors before recommending a fluoride supplement. Your child’s age, risk of developing dental decay and dietary sources of fluoride are important considerations. Infant formulas contain different amounts of fluoride. Bottled, filtered and well waters also vary in the amount of fluoride they contain. Your pediatric dentist can help determine if your child is receiving — and not exceeding — the recommended amount.

How safe is fluoride?
Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is proven to be both safe and effective. Nevertheless, products containing fluoride should be stored out of the reach of young children. Too much fluoride could cause fluorosis of developing permanent teeth. Fluorosis usually is mild, with tiny white specks or streaks that often are unnoticeable. In severe cases of fluorosis, the enamel may be pitted with brown discoloration. Development of fluorosis depends on the amount, duration and timing of excessive fluoride intake. The appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis can be greatly improved by a variety of treatments in esthetic dentistry.

What type of toothpaste should my child use?
Your child should use toothpaste with fluoride and the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Brushing twice a day (after breakfast and before bedtime) provides greater benefits than brushing once daily. Parents should dispense toothpaste to prevent their young children from swallowing too much.

How much toothpaste should my child use?
For children under 2-years-old, use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste. For those aged 2 to 5 years, a pea-sized amount is recommended.

What is topical fluoride?
Topical fluoride is a preventive agent applied to tooth enamel. It comes in a number of different forms. A dental professional places gels or foams in trays that are held against the teeth for up to four minutes. Fluoride varnish is brushed or “painted” on the enamel. Varnish is especially useful for young patients and those with special needs who may not tolerate fluoride trays. Children who benefit the most from fluoride are those at highest risk for decay. Risk factors include a history of previous cavities, a diet high in sugar or carbohydrates, orthodontic appliances, and certain medical conditions such as dry mouth.

See your Dentist for specific recommendations and remember drinking tap water can help prevent cavities!

 Tetracycline and other dark stains are problems that have negative impacts on people’s lives. People with teeth darkened by tetracycline will find ways to cover their mouth with almost anything to keep from having to smile in public.  Tetracycline is an antibiotic that is used by doctors for killing bacteria. Although a good product, it also has a property that is not so good.  Bone and teeth that are being developed when the antibiotic is being given becomes darkened. This happens in varying degrees with people.  Years ago, it was common to use different composite materials to cover up the effects of tetracycline and other types of dark stains. Over the years however, we have acquired newer and different approaches to help patients with this type of stain problem.  The whitening processes that we have available now can, in many instances, allow us to change the color of teeth without having to do any restorations at all. The different whitening processes are helpful with these types of cases.

Primary teeth (baby teeth) loosen and fall out on their own to make room for permanent teeth. Most children begin to lose their baby teeth by age 6 or 7, although sometimes baby teeth fall out up to a year or two earlier or later. Girls generally lose baby teeth earlier than do boys. The last baby teeth typically fall out by age 12 or 13.

Baby teeth usually fall out in the order in which they erupted — the two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) first, followed by the two top front teeth (upper central incisors), then the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars.

Some children are excited to lose their baby teeth, while others are nervous about this childhood milestone. Either way, losing baby teeth is a great time to reinforce the importance of proper dental care:

?Remind your child to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day. Supervise or offer assistance as needed.
?Help your child floss his or her teeth at bedtime.
?Limit eating and drinking between meals and at bedtime — especially sugary treats and drinks, such as candy and soda.
?Schedule regular dental visits for your child, either with your family dentist or a dentist who specializes in children’s dental care.
?Ask the dentist about fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help prevent tooth decay.
With proper care, you can help your child’s permanent teeth last a lifetime.

According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, a child’s bedtime or nap time use of a bottle containing juice, milk, formula, or any other liquid sweetened increases the risk of severe dental caries due to prolonged contact of bacteria on tooth surface and the sugars from the consumed liquid.

Recommendations
1. Infants should not be put to sleep with a bottle.
2. Parents should be encouraged to have infants drink from a
cup as they approach their first birthday. Infants should be
weaned from the bottle at 12–14 months of age.
3. Consumption of juices from a bottle should be avoided.
When juices are offered it should be from a cup.
4. Oral hygiene measures should be implemented by the time
of eruption of the first primary tooth.
5. An oral health consultation visit within six months of the
eruption of the first tooth is recommended to educate parents.
For further information on Baby Bottle Syndrome contact your dentist