Lasersmile Health Files

Alcohol in mouthwash has registered on the community’s radar recently. Many major papers, news and radio talk shows in Australia and New Zealand have exposed new university research linking oral cancer risk to mouthwashes high in alcohol.

Why is this exciting for me? Those who have attended my lectures know how long I‘ve been pushing the dental profession to take action on this serious issue and many other risk factors we allow or encourage our patients to be subjected to.

People generally trust healthcare professionals blindly, who, in turn, trust pharmaceutical companies and suppliers blindly to provide the best care, products and support. But I believe, as a healthcare professional, that it is my duty to ask questions, do my own research and figure out who is making or providing the best care and who isn’t. It is also my duty to make others aware.

What choices people make with that awareness are their concern. We should not be the cause of harm or lead people to think that something is good for them, when it isn’t, while better options are available with lower or no risks.

Why do some medications get taken off the market only after people get sick or die from using them? Why did we prescribe them or allow them to be sold without proper questioning and evaluation? Do people read and understand their potential risks when taking medications or buying health products over the counter?

Whether it is a mouthwash, multivitamin, Vioxx or a cancer treatment drug, one should be made aware of the good and bad aspects of that product, so they can make a choice.

This is called informed consent in all areas of healthcare, including dental medicine. It is a legal and ethical obligation for practitioners.

Every lecture I have given, regardless of the subject, involves a blurb on the risk factors of most over-the-counter oral care products. They are: ACID, ALCOHOL and SOAP.

Alcohol (ethanol) is known to increase your chances of getting cancer. There is nothing new about that. It is a tissue irritant, as it sucks water out of cells on contact (that’s the burning sensation you get when you drink distilled alcohol).

Constant irritation to any human tissue is a direct risk factor for that tissue to get permanently damaged and cancerous. Especially when combined with other risk factors like smoking, dry mouth (from dehydration or medication-induced), bacterial toxins and other toxins.

Any solution with more than 8 per cent alcohol will cause some cell death on contact. How often should we be exposing ourselves to that? Well, as little as possible really.

If you make that solution acidic the risk factor increases. Teeth and bones, like all minerals, dissolve in acid. That is why we get worn, eroded teeth when we eat or drink too many acids. The same goes for bones. Most commercial mouthwashes are acidic!

The constant use of acidic mouthwashes may increase tooth wear and erosion (ugly, sensitive and thin teeth) and may raise the risk for decay and bad breath (dry mouth=bad breath). The dark blue, green and red colours of mouthwashes also stain teeth. Why do they make them like that? Marketing and shelf life.

So what mouthwash should we use?

1 Alcohol free: to avoid irritating soft tissues and drying up the mouth.

2 Neutral or alkaline in pH: to fight the acid we get exposed to during the day.

3 Colourless: to avoid staining teeth.

4 Universal: can be used by any person of any age, with any other oral health risks they have.

5 Safe for kids.

Remember, anything that goes into your mouth you ingest into your body, even if you don’t swallow it. The fastest way to get something into your blood is into a vein. The second fastest is through the mucosa of the base of your mouth under the tongue.

Swallowing something actually prolongs the time it takes to get into your blood. So alcohol mouthwashes are not suitable for kids (says so on the bottle, actually), for the elderly, for smokers, for people with a dry mouth, on medication, sports people, people with reflux or heartburn, after oral surgery, or for prolonged use in general.

You’ll actually fail an alcohol breath test if you take it straight after using one of these mouthwashes. The alcohol concentration in most big brand mouthwashes is between 11% and 26%. That means up to a QUARTER of the bottle is alcohol (the rest is water with minimal active ingredients dissolved in).

Some of the cheapest and easiest mouthwashes to make at home are dissolving sodium bicarbonate (baking soda from the supermarket) or hydrogen peroxide (from any chemist) in water and rinsing it around in your mouth for a minute.

A teaspoon of baking soda in a small glass of water used twice daily will help a lot. Peroxide should be diluted to 1.5 or 2 per cent maximum for a mouthwash.

For stronger, more effective mouthwashes against specific problems (bad breath, tooth decay bacteria, gum and bone disease bacteria) send me an email through my website.

Remember though, no mouthwash in the world can replace proper physical cleaning of your mouth (daily by yourself and quarterly by a good hygienist). So please seek proper advice from a trusted clinician if you have a problem, don’t rely on magical cures, as there are none.

More on the effect of acid/alkaline balance on he body and oral health in the next blog.

www.lasersmile.co.nz

Cosmetic dentistry Teeth whitening

Many companies make and sell dental whitening products, some direct to consumers, some through professional dental clinics and some through beauty spas and even malls.  Therefore consumer education is necessary. People need to make informed choices based on facts.

The best and most common way to whiten your teeth is with peroxide based products (Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). Both work very well by releasing oxygen and hydroxyl ions that break down stains inside teeth and make them appear brighter and whiter. Other oxidizing agents, like chlorine dioxide mouthwash, can also whiten teeth safely. They are usually available in low concentrations, so they’re good for maintaining a whitened smile, rather than for whitening from the start.

Some products that claim to be whitening with abrasives (namely whitening toothpastes and whitening chewing gum) DO NOT WORK! Abrasives can only remove external stains like smoking stains and, at best, do a poor job at that while increasing the wear effect on teeth dramatically. Imagine using abrasive Jif cream or a scouring brush to clean your car. You wouldn’t do that, to avoid scratching off the paint, right?

Since peroxide based products are the best way to whiten teeth, which ones are the best? Fact is, the higher the concentration, the faster the effect. That comes with a catch though, the higher concentration can cause burns to gums and lips if not used and controlled properly and it increases the chances of tooth sensitivity. Therefore these need to be supplied/applied by trained professionals in the proper manner. Over the counter products (gels and strips) are low concentration peroxide gels that may take a long time to work (if at all) and may not be suitable for everybody.

Hydrogen peroxide is acidic, therefore the uncontrolled application of the wrong types of products can damage teeth and cause irreversible erosion and sensitivity. Proper professional whitening gels must be stabilized and buffered to become NEUTRAL or ALKALINE to avoid that. Manufacturers don’t inform you of what their product pH is. It is best to trust professionals, who care and test their products. Most dentists, hygienists and beauticians will not know the pH of the products they use, so please ask for your safety. If not sure, find someone else.

Since hydrogen and carbamide peroxide break down to oxygen and water, they are very safe for most people and have a great side effect of killing bad bacteria (the ones that hate oxygen) in the mouth. This will reduce risks for gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. The key here is long term repeated use of neutral or alkaline, low concentration whitening gels at home. Please make sure all these criteria are met before you use this advice.

Some people are not good candidates for teeth whitening. People with thin and worn teeth (acid erosion), cracked teeth, decay, gum recession or severe gum disease are not generally good candidates, unless they get treated first. Crowns, veneers and fillings will not whiten. So make sure you know what to expect before you start. Yellow teeth whiten the best, grey teeth whiten the worst. The initial whitening result and the longevity of that result vary from person to person, depending on their starting condition and shade, as well as lifestyle and diet.

The best and safest methods to whiten your teeth are through an experienced dental professional who can assess your oral health first, your suitability for whitening and what are the best whitening options for you. It is a cosmetic medical procedure; please take it seriously to enjoy the best and safest results.

The most common professional whitening methods are home whitening application of a lower concentration peroxide gel in custom-made trays that fit precisely around your teeth (they have to be custom made!) or a dentist applied concentrated gel with a special lamp to activate it (known as power bleaching or in office whitening). The best method in my opinion for most people is a combination of both. A professional application of power whitening at the clinic, followed by a few days of wearing the home whitening gel for 1-2 hours a day. Long-term maintenance of the whiter teeth can be done at home every few months, depending on your lifestyle and diet.

Good, regular professional and home cleaning before and after the whitening procedure are critical to achieve and maintain long term health and a beautiful bright smile.

7 POINTS TO REMEMBER:

1. Use only professional grade Neutral or Alkaline peroxide products.

2. Have a full oral health assessment and cleaning before any whitening.

3. Ask your dentist/hygienist what to expect from whitening & how to manage sensitivity.

4. Ask about all the options they provide and the pH of the gels they use.

5. Keep regular hygiene active care cleaning appointments and maintain good home care.

6. AVOID colored, alcohol containing mouthwashes or abrasive whitening toothpastes.

7. Reduce consumption of staining foods/drinks and smoking. The worst staining drinks are acidic colored drinks like red wine, cola, and dark fruit juice. Then come tea & coffee.

Enjoy life with passion and everything in life with moderation.

Smile with confidence

Dr Hisham Abdalla answers those pressing questions regarding bad breath.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) is a very common and embarrassing condition that affects people of all ages. It is mainly caused by the overgrowth of certain bacteria in the mouth. Most of these bacteria are anaerobic (they hate oxygen) and so live under the gums, in between teeth, in decaying teeth, under broken and leaking fillings or crowns and many live on the back of the tongue. Bad breath is rarely caused by stomach upsets or even sinus problems.

These bacteria break down proteins from food, mucous and dead cells to produce odorous sulphur compounds (also known as Volatile Sulphur Compounds or VSCs). Sulphur causes garlic and onion to smell and that is what makes someone’s mouth smell too. You don’t really need scientific evidence to understand that rotting food and dead cells stink, right? Nonetheless, the scientific evidence is there to prove this.

Can I just brush or rinse these bacteria away?

Yes and no. Brushing and flossing are important to keep bacterial numbers down, but many areas are non accessible to normal cleaning methods, like cavities in teeth, leaking fillings or crowns, tartar under the gums and the bacteria that live between the fibers of your tongue. Most commercial rinses just temporarily mask the smell, or kill just a few of the bugs, which soon come back in large armies. Many of these rinses add fuel to the fire by being acidic and high in alcohol (ethanol), this dries up the mouth. A dry mouth is the single highest risk factor for all oral and dental disease, as well as bad breath.

What can I do then?

If you have frequent or constant bad breath, seek advice from a dental professional who understands this disease and its relation to gum disease, dental decay and the rest of the body. All of these conditions are caused by bacteria and can be treated.

You can help yourself avoid and treat bad breath by:

- Increasing your saliva flow by drinking more water, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake and chewing xylitol gum between meals.

- Stop or cut down on smoking.

- Brushing and flossing as well as using a tongue scraper to gently clean your tongue.

- Stop using alcohol based, acidic mouth rinses. They just make things worse. Use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide (diluted) as cheap rinses that work well to neutralise acid and introduce active oxygen in the mouth. Stabilised Sodium Chlorite rinses are most efficient against bad breath, but they are only available through specialised dental clinics. Contact us if you want to know more.

- Make sure you get a proper diagnosis of your oral health and long-term risks. Any gum and bone disease must be treated, any cavities eliminated, leaking old fillings or crowns replaced properly and risky areas that cannot be cleaned (like wisdom teeth in many cases) dealt with properly. Go after technology and precision for long lasting, predictable results.

- Visit a good hygienist that uses advanced oral cleaning technology (like Ozone and ultrasonics) to have a thorough cleaning every four months ideally, or every six months at minimum. There are many areas that you can never get to clean properly by yourself; you will need professional help for that. A proper oral hygiene visit should be 45 minutes to one hour at least. Anything less than that and you would be getting a quick brush over.

Stop suffering from a problem that we can solve for you.

For more information on fresh breath Ozospa therapy and special products go to lasersmile.co.nz

Have you always wanted to have straight teeth and a beautiful smile, but didn’t want to wear metal braces? Or have you had braces in the past and now your teeth have gone crooked again?

Guess what? I am exactly the same and that’s why I’m wearing Invisalign right now. No one can tell that I’m wearing braces. Even when I lecture, treat or consult with my guests, they are all baffled when I tell them that I am wearing braces, invisible braces.

They only believe me when I take them off and put them back in. My associate dentist and my hygienist are both wearing Invisalign right now, too. The whole team has them in and our guests love it.

What exactly is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the new way to straighten and align your teeth without metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of 3D computer-designed and laser-crafted clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth, step by step, until you have a beautiful smile for life.

Designed by an expert aesthetic dentist, they can also improve your full-face aesthetics by expanding your jaws, cheekbones and chin. You’ll love the way you look at the end.

How long does it take?

An average Invisalign course of treatment takes about a year. You visit your specially trained Invisalign dentist roughly every six to eight weeks for a progress check, receiving new aligners at regular intervals.

The aligners gradually re-position your teeth and jaws by applying gentle pressure to them, which creates the desired movement.

Each new aligner shifts your teeth and jaw ever so slightly closer towards the end result of correctly aligned teeth and a gorgeous smile.

Invisalign is practically invisible, so others don’t even notice you are wearing the aligners. They’re comfortable to wear and easy to remove, making eating, brushing and flossing easy.

Who can have Invisalign?

Teenagers with a full set of adult teeth and all adult age groups can have Invisalign. There are certain severe cases of jaw and teeth misalignment where Invisalign will not work by itself.

Other treatment options/combinations may be needed. That is why you need to consult with a properly trained and certified Invisalign dentist to find out whether you are an Invisalign candidate and what results to expect. Our Invisalign guests range from 14 to 60 years of age. It’s never too late to get the best smile and facial profile that you dreamed of.

For the Best Invisalign results, come and see the Invisalign Certified experts at the Laser LifeCare Institute. For more information visit the Laser Lifecare website.

New research shows that people with straight teeth are less prone to periodontal (gum and bone) disease. A lot of research shows that periodontal disease increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and premature babies by up to 700 per cent.

Put two and two together and you’ll see that straighter teeth can help save your life or your baby’s life. The reason for this is that straight teeth retain less bacteria and plaque, are easier to clean and people are more prone to clean their teeth better if they are “proud” of their smile. The last point is not to be underestimated. The positive psychological, social and health impacts of a great smile and a healthy mouth are major factors for a better lifestyle.

Another major life-threatening problem, that is endemic in Western societies, is sleep apnoea (interrupted breathing during sleep), many times noted as just as serious snoring. This directly increases a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and even early death. One such treatment involves being hooked up to an oxygen pump (CPAP machine) every night at bedtime. However, too many people are  not diagnosed or treated. Not very pleasant or sexy!

The most common type of sleep apnoea is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This is where the upper airway is obstructed during sleep. The most common cause for that is a narrow upper jaw, large tongue and improper breathing starting in childhood. That is what we can and should fix. I always recommend fixing the cause and not the symptoms.

This is where straight teeth come into the picture. The only reason people have crooked teeth is that they have narrow jaws that don’t allow the teeth to fit; it is almost never that their teeth are too big. Conventional dentists and orthodontists advise people to wait until their child is in their teens to have teeth out, braces and straighten their teeth. However, this is incorrect, as the jaws become even smaller into their teens and the person ends up with a narrow mid-face and a smaller airway.

The jaw must be expanded at a young age, and breathing, swallowing and talking habits improved early. The teeth will naturally be straighter, but more importantly the person will look better and feel better, with reduced risks for periodontal disease and OSA (potentially saving their lives). It is not too late to have this treatment as an adult or a teenager; it just takes longer than if started during childhood.

Invisalign, expansion plates, Myofunctional trainers and even normal braces are all options that need to be combined or used singularly for your benefit. Look for a properly trained dentist or orthodontist that understands the functional, health and full-face aesthetic impact of orthodontics, not just “straight teeth” at the expense of everything else in your life.

For more information go to the Laser LifeCare website.

Gum disease is more serious than you think – it’s even a risk factor for developing heart disease and stroke.

By Dr Hisham

Extensive scientific research and hundreds of studies over the last 20 years have proven the links between gum and bone disease (Periodontitis) and the resulting systemic problems, which range from heart disease to premature babies. In short, poor oral health will lead to poor general health and will reduce your life expectancy. Treating the disease and maintaining your oral and general health will increase your life expectancy by years.

Whoopi Goldberg recently spoke candidly and passionately about her serious gum disease on the TV show, The View. She risked humiliation in front of millions, and blamed herself for neglecting her mouth and health. She acted bravely for the greater good of her fans and said: “if you’re not taking care of your mouth, then you’re not taking care of your whole body and it will kill you.”

So why is it such a problem?

• It is one of the two most common infections of human beings worldwide (the other one is tooth decay). Although they don’t cause direct mortality, they induce a lot of other reactions in the body, over time, that increase risks for other disease. For example, an abscessed tooth can infect the brain, through the sinuses, and cause death. Other risks include dissolving jawbone, sepsis (blood infection), endocarditis (heart valve infections) and stroke.

• Chronic heart disease is the number one killer of people in the western world. Gum disease is a major risk factor for chronic heart disease, along with diabetes, smoking, alcohol and poor diet. If you have gum disease, you are twice as likely to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to die from a stroke.

• Diabetes is a major problem in the world today. It is directly linked with gum disease (each one causing a higher risk and aggravation of the other, plus sharing the same risk factors). If you have bleeding gums and diabetes, your chances of dying increase by 400 per cent to 700 per cent.

• Long term inflammation in the body increases proteins (Like C-reactive protein, CRP) that spread throughout the blood and keep the whole immune system in constant “fighting” state. This drains energy, opens you to other infections and deteriorates other vital organs in the body. It also puts babies at risk while the mother is pregnant, if she has gum disease.

Why aren’t dentists and doctors doing enough about it? Well some are, but it is not an exciting subject to talk about, and many patients don’t like to be “lectured” during their visits. Many professionals just avoid the conversation and treat the most urgent issue at hand. Also many times the treatment is uncomfortable (or really painful) and can take many visits and cost a lot. The follow ups and follow through with active home care and regular professional care is critical. Many patients just don’t want to deal with it, and many dentists don’t know what to do about that so they let it go.

Well, that isn’t good enough anymore, is it? People want to understand their risks, have treatment (or prevention) early and as comfortably as possible. The ultimate treatment for gum disease is long term management of bad “Biofilms”, a good diet, immune system enhancement and managing other risks like smoking and diabetes. This, by default, means a better state of wellbeing. Always work on the whole person, and one thing will improve another, naturally.

Current state of the art diagnostic tools for gum disease include Digital X-rays, digital mouth probes, oral “dip stick” cultures for bacteria, health risk analysis and more. State of the art treatment includes Ultrasonic, Ozone, and Laser gum disease treatment. It is more comfortable, painless and cost and time efficient to have such high tech and laser treatment than to have surgery, with faster healing and quick recovery. Long term proper active care is critical to maintain the success of treatment.

Here are 10 signs you have gum disease, or are at risk of getting it:

1 Your gums bleed at any time (or all the time) while brushing, eating, flossing or sleeping.

2 You have chronic bad breath, loose teeth or large old fillings.

3 You have diabetes, osteoporosis or any other chronic illness.

4 You are on long-term medication or drugs.

5 You smoke and/or drink alcohol regularly.

6 You have long periods of severe stress in your life.

7 You don’t brush for two minutes twice a day, and floss every night.

8 Your family has gum disease.

9 You don’t have a regular and thorough oral cleaning for one hour with a hygienist every four to six months, and a good dentist to examine your oral health yearly.

10 Your partner doesn’t have a healthy, fresh mouth and regular care, as this is an infection that can be passed on.

For more information you can ask questions here on my blog, or go to www.lasersmile.co.nz.

By Dr Hisham

Most people over 35 have some (or many) black metal fillings. Most of us hate them and many believe they are dangerous for their health. Many authorities [like the American, Australian and New Zealand dental Associations] and dentists tell us they are safe and good for fixing teeth. Who is right? Here are a few facts and conclusions based on my long research and experience, to help you make up your own mind about amalgam fillings.

•    Dental Amalgam (silver mercury) fillings have been used for over 150 years now and the debate about their safety has been going on for 100 years!

•    Mercury is a toxic heavy metal, like lead (which was banned from petrol and paint due to its serious toxicity to humans).

•    Mercury batteries are being phased out worldwide due to their environmental toxicity.

•    Mercury in large fish is a serious hazard to people eating that kind of fish regularly.

•    Dentistry is estimated to contribute up to 70% of the total mercury load entering wastewater treatment facilities. Many dentists let out amalgam debris through suction into the sewage pipes without special separators to filter the mercury amalgam.

•    Mercury that is changed into methylmercury by bacteria is more dangerous to humans. Breathing mercury vapour is also very dangerous.

•    Amalgam fillings are 50 per cent mercury and release different amounts of mercury vapor and interact with bacteria in the mouth all the time. They corrode over time (they turn black from silver) as they are soaked in saliva and worsen when there are other metals in the mouth (like stainless steels pins, gold crowns, cheap metal alloy crowns and others). The amount of mercury released is variable and its effects are even more variable and difficult to measure.

•    Authorities consider amalgam that is removed from the mouth as hazardous. They advise dentists should keep this toxic waste in sealed containers under a fixer liquid to limit vapours, until professionally collected and recycled. It is not to be thrown into the normal rubbish.

•    An individual’s susceptibility to mercury toxicity is as variable as other health risks facing a population. Most people will not know about a health risk until they get sick! For example, it is well publicised that lead in petrol and paint is banned, as well as the use of asbestos products in the building industry. Most people who are exposed to these toxins are still alive and well, but enough people in the population have fallen sick or died from exposure to lead or asbestos to prompt a ban on these products for everyone’s safety.

Recently the FDA in the United States released a final rule classifying dental mercury amalgam as a class II device (more risk). They regulated that dentists should inform patients that mercury is present and there is a possibility of harm. It should not be used in people with metal allergies to mercury, silver, copper or tin. It is not to touch other metals in the mouth. The American Dental Association and New Zealand Dental associations released statements that they still consider it safe for general use. Sweden, Denmark and Norway have banned amalgam fillings totally and some other European countries are restricting its use (mainly in children, pregnant women and chronically ill patients). The rest of the world is still endorsing amalgam use, and a lot of universities still train students to use amalgam fillings, which they continue to practice after graduation.

I have not placed an amalgam filling in a human’s mouth since I graduated as a dentist. I ceased doing so when I finished my compulsory quota of amalgam fillings that had to be done in a dental faculty. I had my own amalgam fillings safely removed and replaced with Porcelain (Cerec) restorations and did the same for my family. These decisions were made based on my understanding that anything with such a toxicity risk should be avoided, especially when there are better alternatives.

Admittedly amalgam is the easiest dental filling material to use with low skill and it is very cheap. It also lasts a long time in the mouth, until, typically, the tooth cracks and breaks around it. Better options came about with the invention of bonding, and include composites and porcelain restorations. That said these are more expensive and difficult to work with (hence the need for advanced training and skills). Dentists and patients both have to make a choice, and sometimes reality overpowers the ideal scenario. That does not mean we shouldn’t have an ideal to work toward; otherwise we will never make progress.

My ideal is to help people become aware of all health risks and how to manage them, in order to avoid disease and illness. However, when people do suffer a dental problem, the best and least hazardous materials and techniques should be used to help them back into health and normal function.

Remember, always seek health rather than fight disease.

Have a lovely day and enjoy your health with passion.

lasersmile.co.nz

This topic struck me while I was watching Avatar in 3D. Amazing movie, isn’t it? Makes one wonder how beautiful our world would be, both physically and emotionally, without the greed and hostility towards others that seem rampant in the world today.

So I’ve thought of what health care professionals can do for our environment, and what am I already doing?

Dental practitioners and other health care professionals recognise that many of the materials and procedures we use to provide services present challenges to the environment. We should take measures to minimise the production of these wastes and limit their environmental effects. Reducing the carbon and environmental footprint of our profession should be every practitioner’s duty. Simultaneously, it should improve the quality of service we provide to our patients.

Here are some of the serious environmental concerns that face dental clinics, and how we have dealt with them in our dental institute. The benefits go to the patients, the clinic, the environment and, subsequently, the world.

1. MERCURY:

There are more than 20 studies from Europe, Canada and the US that identify the dental industry as the leading source of mercury to sewer systems. Dentistry is estimated to contribute up to 70 per cent of the total mercury load entering wastewater treatment facilities.

Amalgam fillings are made up of 50 per cent mercury, plus silver, copper, zinc and various other metals. It is a common, easy-to-use and cheap method to fill cavities in teeth. Amalgam corrosion and bacteria present in the mouth release methyl-mercury in the human body. This can pose health risks to some individuals.

The placement and removal of dental amalgam fillings generate solid and dust wastes that can enter the environment if they are not properly captured and managed. Once in the environment, changes in pH, oxygen and temperature can allow the mercury to be used by bacteria, which convert it to toxic organic methyl-mercury. In a bio-available form, it enters the food cycle and accumulates in higher organisms, particularly game fish and birds. This has led to restrictions on human consumption of many big fish species to minimise the potential adverse health effects.

The best way to control dental mercury amalgam contamination is to stop using it for fillings, be very careful when removing them and make sure the amalgam is not let out into the environment.

Safe removal is done under rubber dam with high volume suction so nothing goes down the patient’s throat or gets inhaled. The pieces that come out should not be thrown in the rubbish but sealed in airtight containers under fluid until they are recycled. The dust and small particles that go into the suction should never be let out into the water pipes.

Our system separates 99.5 per cent of the amalgam before letting the water out into the pipes. The sediment goes back to Austria in sealed containers, marked toxic waste, for recycling.

2. LEAD

Lead, like mercury, is highly toxic and persists in the environment. Even at low levels of exposure, lead produces adverse health effects on humans. It is a byproduct of traditional X-rays, the lead shields contained in each film packet. Dentists all over the world use thousands of films daily, and should collect this lead and send it for recycling. Unfortunately, manufacturers report that only about 5 per cent of products sold are returned for recycling.

The use of digital X-rays which don’t use film, lead shields or chemical processing are becoming more popular. They need lower radiation than normal X-rays, which is safer for the patient. Digital X-rays can be viewed on large computer screens, are easier to see and diagnose from, and do not need space or plastic holders to store. I have been using digital X-rays for over 11 years now, and have never looked back.

3. SILVER

Silver is another heavy metal that can enter our water system via improper disposal of dental clinic waste. Although silver is a component of amalgam, the silver thiosulfate in the fixer (a solution used in the processing of photographic film and dental X-rays) presents a greater environmental concern. Used fixer solution should never be let down the drain, instead it should be collected in sealed containers and sent for recycling. The best way to get rid of the whole problem and cost of compliance is to go with digital X-rays and photography, eliminating the use of fixers.

4. BIOMEDICAL WASTE AND SHARPS

Potentially infected items and used sharp needles and scalpels should also be disposed off in the appropriate containers and collected by designated agencies.

5. GENERAL WASTE

Like any other office/business, dental clinics can significantly contribute to reducing their carbon and environmental footprint by following general recommendations like purchasing products with minimal packaging and using reusable plastic containers (e.g. for cleaning and disinfecting solutions). Products, such as paper towels, made from recycled or partially-recycled materials should also be used.

Energy-efficient lighting and temperature regulation can limit office energy use. Recycling paper and digitising the office decreases the amount of paper used and the trees that need to be cut down. Recycling printer cartridges, unused furniture and IT equipment all help, too.

Have a lovely day and enjoy our beautiful world with passion.

TO WIN ORAL B’s most technologically advanced toothbrush with Bluetooth, the TRUIMPH 5000 (worth $209) answer this questions: How much of the total mercury contamination in water management centres is attributed to dentists worldwide?

Email your correct answer with your name, contact number and city to: jill@lasersmile.co.nz

www.lasersmile.co.nz in association with Oral B.

By Dr Hisham

Happy New Year and decade everyone. Have you made any personal health resolutions this new year? Remember, it is much better to have goals, no matter how big or small, than to not have anything to strive for.

Here are tips that will help guide you to make better health (and of course oral health) decisions in 2010:

1. MODERATION

The most important factor in maintaining balance in your life and health is moderation. A balanced body is generally a healthier body. The only things that are safe in excess are love, laughter, white fish, green vegetables and water. Everything else that we do or consume, has limits.

2. EAT SENSIBLY

The amount and type of food we eat is one of the most important health considerations we have in the Western world. Shortage of food is not our problem; excess of it is.

Excessive processing and chemical degradation of our food have created new health risks that our bodies have not adapted to dealing with. Eat more unprocessed food and vegetables, and reduce your consumption of fatty meats (pork is the worst) and processed food.

Eat three balanced meals a day, just enough to satisfy your hunger and reduce snacking to once a day.

3. REDUCE ALCOHOL

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed addictive substances in the Western world. Many people drink too much alcohol and do not think they have a problem, as they don’t fit the ‘alcoholic’ stereotype we see on TV. You can learn more about alcohol overuse in this mindfood magazine article.

My point is, if you enjoy something, have it; but just in moderation. Know the limits of what is risky to your health. Alcohol is a risk factor for liver cirrhosis, cancer, heart disease, stroke and fetal deformation.

4. REDUCE OR STOP

Nicotine is another widely consumed addictive substance. We all know the health risks of smoking range from mouth, throat and lung cancer to heart disease and stroke. Smoking pure tobacco in a social gathering occasionally is how it all started with indigenous people in different parts of the world. That was healthy smoking! The daily abuse of chemical-laden cigarettes that is endemic of today’s society is not healthy smoking. Take care of yourself.

5. LIMIT YOUR SUGAR INTAKE

Sugar is a contributor to so many pleasures in life (cake anyone?) and so many health problems at the same time.

The problem lies in the excessive amounts people consume – particularly of the highly-processed kind. Excess fruit and honey is still risky, even though it is natural sugar, so always eat these foods in moderation.

We can’t avoid sugar – nor do we want to – but let’s make a conscious decision about how much we eat, what kind we eat (and give to our children) and what other options we have (xylitol, erythritol and inulin).

Excessive sugar consumption leads to tooth decay that could become a life threatening gangrene in the head; diabetes; obesity; and a range of serious health risks associated with these endemic problems.

6. BRUSH AND FLOSS PROPERLY AND USE ALKALINE DENTAL PRODUCTS

Gum disease (being a chronic infection) is a direct risk factor for heart disease, stroke and premature babies. It is also the leading cause of bad breath, an unattractive smile and tooth loss.

Cavities in teeth are the result of acids dissolving the outer shell of the teeth, then bacteria rotting away the inside when they get in. So cutting down on sugars that feed the bad bacteria and acids that dissolve teeth and bones are very important for your oral and general health.

Using alkaline products and eat more alkaline-rich foods to prevent dental problems. Seeing a good hygienist regularly will help you get rid of bacterial build up in your mouth that you cannot clean by yourself. Save your health, time and money and enjoy that great smile.

7. LOOK AFTER YOUR SOUL

Spiritual wellbeing is just as critical for health and longevity as any other physical aspect. Pray, meditate, take up yoga or tai chi. Be happy now and don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy. Enjoy the everyday blessings of life, for they are too many to count.

8. EXERCISE

Also in moderation. Excessive exercise without proper rest and nutrition can cause more damage than good. Do some physical exercise daily, even if just a little. Going at it hard once and then nothing for a while is not a good way to keep healthy, and going hard all the time will wear your body out. Do it and enjoy it in moderation according to your body needs, your health, age and goals.

Following my motto “Let’s seek health rather than fight disease” I urge you to take a conscious step towards improving your quality of life by actively seeking health and avoiding excessive risks. Don’t just play the victim and constantly fight disease once it has occurred. You are on a journey, so decide where you want to go. Even if you take some detours along the way, you’d still get back on track to where you’re going. Otherwise life takes you anywhere it wants, and you may not like it there!

Have a lovely day and enjoy life with passion.

For more on oral health visit the Laser LifeCare Institute website.

“Let’s seek health rather than fight disease”

Dr Hisham Abdalla

I envisage a world full of healthy, happy people. I see people empowered with health, properly applied knowledge and enduring experiences. Happy, healthy and prosperous societies only come about through education, passion and sharing inspiration.

Isn’t it by time we figured out what is really our focus; health or disease? In a world full of repeated ailments and increasing physical and fiscal costs of treatment one has to wonder why we’re constantly fighting the symptoms rather than dealing with the cause of disease.

The law of attraction dictates that whatever we focus on, we attract. So why is our “health-care” system so focused on disease? We’re looking for it fighting it, seeking magic bullets and quick fixes. Is it “disease-care” then? It’s time we focus on health, research it, understand it, teach it and live it. Let’s empower ourselves with knowledge & skills to achieve and maintain health. Let’s take responsibility rather than blame and complain.

Through my teachings I hope to help as many people understand the core of health, with a specific focus on oral health, my specialty, and its relationship to the rest of your wellbeing. This first blog is an introduction to the paradigm of thinking Health (positive) rather than Disease (negative). In following blogs we ‘ll discuss specific aspects of oral health, risk factors and what you can do to help yourself and your family improve your wellbeing. You’ll save yourself time, money, disappointment and enjoy feeling better, looking better and BEING BETTER.

Disease by definition is a state of dis-ease. It’s an imbalance, overburden and breakdown of what was once a well functioning “healthy” system, balanced and at-ease. The innate knowledge of how to maintain our body at Homeostasis (a state of balance and equilibrium- dynamic and flowing, yet at ease) is imprinted within our genes, in every living cell. We’re built to last, be healthy and avoid disease. So what goes wrong then? Dis-order attacks.

Risk factors affect us. Things like stress, toxins, pollution, bacteria, viruses, poor diet, alcohol, drugs, radiation, sugar and other factors that attack us constantly trying to tip our balance and get us into dis-ease and dis-order. The more risk factors we get hit by, for a long enough period of time, the more we’re at risk of getting sick. Whether it’s a cavity in your tooth or terminal cancer of your colon, the process is exactly the same. Something attacked you long enough, your body was unable to fight back any more (despite its built in know-how) and you went into dis-ease. Sometimes we have acute (short lasting) states of dis-ease, sometimes they are chronic (long lasting). Nevertheless, it’s always a PROCESS not an accident whether we’re healthy or not at any point in time.

So whose responsibility is it to understand the process of health and the process of breakdown of health? EVERYBODY’s! Healthcare professionals are responsible to teach their communities and people are responsible for themselves and their families.

“A true healthcare professional is one who empowers others to take care of themselves”.   Dr H Abdalla

Is oral health any different to general health? Well that’s possible if your mouth lived by itself. It doesn’t. You are one, and what happens in or to your mouth, what goes through your mouth and what you do with your mouth directly affect everything else about you. The way you look and feel, how well your other organs function and how balanced your system is, are all related to your mouth and each other. It applies the other way too. How you are mentally, physically and physiologically will always affect your oral health. Oral health is affected directly by things like diet, depression, diabetes, infections, drugs (legal or illegal), alcohol, metabolic problems, pregnancy, body pH balance and much more. Let’s tackle these risk factors one blog at a time.

Watch this space and keep well.

Yours in health