Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/398083
ANTIBIOTICS AND DENTAL TREATMENT BEST SE LLE R This brochure clarifies who should take antibiotics before dental treatment and who should not. Taking into account the current AHA recommendations, it also addresses antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with orthopedic implants. Asks patients to consider the downsides of antibiotics as well as possible benefits. Encourages patients with questions to discuss antibiotics with their dentist and physician. W307 6 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $26.00 $39.00 100 $45.50 $68.25 500 $192.00 $288.00 1,000 $325.00 $487.50 OSTEOPOROSIS MEDICATIONS AND YOUR DENTAL HEALTH REVISE D When it occurs, osteonecrosis of the jaw can be devastating. Our brochure helps patients make informed choices. Includes a list of osteoporosis medications and discusses their valuable effect on reducing bone breaks, much more common than ONJ. Advises patients not to discontinue osteoporosis meds without consulting their physician. PERSONALIZE IT #DAB069 See page 50 W418 6 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $26.00 $39.00 100 $45.50 $68.25 500 $192.00 $288.00 1,000 $325.00 $487.50 DRY MOUTH Respond to exasperated xerostomia sufferers with this enlightening brochure. It acknowledges the annoyances of dry mouth while alerting patients to the more serious oral health problems it can cause. Lists the causes of dry mouth and gives ideas for ways to mitigate it. Reminds patients to avoid alcohol and tobacco, keep up their oral health routine and visit the dentist regularly. W279 6 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $26.00 $39.00 100 $45.50 $68.25 500 $192.00 $288.00 1,000 $325.00 $487.50 W418 W307 • artificial heart valves • a history of infective endocarditis • certain specific, serious congenital heart conditions, including: ° unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits ° a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure ° any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device • a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve What is the dental connection? Bacteria normally are found on and in some parts of the body, including the skin and mouth. The bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream. This can happen during some dental treatments, like teeth cleanings, or even from daily activities like chewing, toothbrushing, and flossing. For most people, the body's immune system fights any bacteria, so the risk of infection stays low. There's concern that for some people, bacteria in the bloodstream can cause an infection of the heart lining or valves (infective endocarditis) or an infection of an orthopedic implant (such as artificial joints or metal plates or rods). Because of this concern, some people with certain heart conditions and orthopedic implants are told to take antibiotics before having certain dental treatments. This is done with the belief that antibiotics might help prevent infective endocarditis or an implant infection. Taking antibiotics before dental treatment is called antibiotic prophylaxis (or preventive medicine). However, there is no scientific evidence to show that bacteria in the bloodstream cause orthopedic implant infections. There is also no scientific evidence that antibiotic prophylaxis defends against infective endocarditis or an implant infection. Who should take preventive antibiotics? The American Heart Association recommends antibiotics for patients who would be in the most danger if they developed a heart infection. The American Dental Association Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommend antibiotics for have had orthopedic implants. people with orthopedic implants antibiotics. For example, people immune systems are at greater infection. Diabetes, rheumatioid chemotherapy, and chronic steroid the immune system. All patients dentists and/or physicians before or not to take antibiotics. Why shouldn't everyone heart condition or implant take preventive antibiotics? In most cases, taking antibiotics to cause a problem than defend Antibiotics can cause side stomach problems to severe Taking antibiotics can destroy protect against infection. of antibiotics can lead to the of drug-resistant bacteria. Talk to your dentist Talk to your dentist or physician any questions about antibiotics. changes in your health history you take, let your dental office can update your records. If you have one of these heart conditions, your dentist or physician may recommend that you take an antibiotic before dental treatment: YOu cAn mAInTAIn A HeAlTHY BruSHIng TwIce A DAY, cleAnIng YOur TeeTH DAIlY, AnD vISITIng regulArlY. Osteoporosis and Broken Bones According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org), half of women and up to one in four men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The disease causes more than 2 million fractures each year in the hips, spine, wrists, pelvis, or elsewhere in the body. Osteoporosis and broken bones (also called fractures) are serious. In fact, broken bones of the spine and hips are linked to an increased chance of death. To prevent broken bones, many people with low bone density or osteoporosis take medicines. These drugs reduce bone loss and increase bone density. In people who have osteoporosis, these medicines reduce the chance of breaking a hip by as much as half. One group of osteoporosis medicines is called bisphosphonates (bizz-FOS-fo-nates). They include alendronate (Fosamax®), etidronate (Didronel®), ibandronate (Boniva®), pamidronate (Aredia®), risedronate (Actonel®, Atelvia®), tiludronate (Skelid®), and zoledronic acid (Reclast®, Zometa®). Denosumab (Prolia®, Xgeva®) is a drug that works somewhat like bisphosphonates. Teriparatide (Forteo®) is a drug that works very differently. Jaw Problems Linked to Osteoporosis Medicines Some patients who take bisphosphonates or denosumab develop osteonecrosis (os-tee-oh- ne-KRO-sis) of the jaw (also called ONJ). ONJ is a rare but serious condition that can cause severe damage to the jawbone. ONJ can occur on its own or, more commonly, after a tooth has been pulled. However, if you have osteoporosis or are at high risk for broken bones, the benefits of osteoporosis medicines outweigh the low risk of developing ONJ. Sometimes osteoporosis medicines are used in cancer treatment. Most people (94%) with ONJ are cancer patients who have been treated with intravenous medicines. The other 6 percent take lower doses to treat osteoporosis. Risk factors for ONJ include: • having a tooth extracted (pulled) • taking these medicines for years • diabetes mellitus • periodontitis (gum disease) • wearing a denture • smoking Tell Your Dentist If you take a bisphosphonate tell your dentist so he or oral health. Your dentist can oral health problems from becoming big problems. And he or she show you how to take good of your teeth and gums. If your physician wants you medicines, be sure to visit she will let you know if you extracted or other dental surgery. and physician may decide that should be done before you start If you are taking osteoporosis need to have a tooth extracted surgery, let your dentist consult with your physician plan for you. Your dentist also an oral surgeon. If you have surgery, your dentist or oral you use a special mouthrinse surgery or take antibiotics. If you are taking osteoporosis do not stop taking these speaking to your physician. osteoporosis or are at high bones, the benefits of outweigh the low risk of There is no known prevention researchers are working ways to prevent and treat ways to lower your risk have regular dental visits care of your teeth and gums Talk to Your Health YOUR DENTIST CAN HELP KEEP SMALLER ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS FROM BECOMING BIG PROBLEMS. AND HE OR SHE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR TEETH AND GUMS. Dry Mouth HEALTH Drinking more fluids sometimes can ease dry mouth. Your dentist or physician may suggest that you use a special gel or liquid (available at drugstores) to keep oral tissues moist. Other ways to ease dry mouth include: • chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy to increase saliva flow • sipping water with meals to help you swallow dry food • sucking on ice chips • keeping the air moist with a humidifier at your bedside or other places in your home • using over-the-counter saliva tablets to increase saliva flow • applying a lanolin-based ointment to dry lips • sipping water or sugar-free liquids often • using alcohol-free mouthwash • avoiding caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and carbonated drinks Regular dental checkups are important. Tell your dentist about the medicines you are taking and other health details. You must take good care of your teeth and gums to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss or use another between-the-teeth cleaner at least once a day. This will remove food from tight places your toothbrush cannot reach. Problems from Dry Mouth Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them sore and can lead to infections. Without good saliva flow to keep the mouth clean, tooth decay and gum disease become much more common. Constant dryness may lead to an increased rate of cavities and bad breath. Dry mouth also can make full dentures less comfortable to wear because there is no thin film of saliva to help dentures hold on well to oral tissues. Causes of Dry Mouth Dry mouth is commonly caused by medicines. More than 400 prescription and over-the- counter medicines can cause dry mouth. These include: • medicines for allergies, colds and high blood pressure • pain killers • drugs for depression (antidepressants) Read the drug inserts that come with your medicines. If you think one or more of them may be causing dry mouth, tell your dentist, hygienist or physician. In some cases, a change in medicine may give relief. Dry mouth also can be caused by other factors. These can include: • radiation treatment for head and neck cancers • salivary gland disease (such as Sjögren syndrome) • emotional stress • chemotherapy When choosing a dental product, check to see if it has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This shows that the product is safe and effective. How to Relieve Dry Mouth TOgeTheR, YOu AnD YOuR MAnAge DRY MOuTh TO Talk To your denTisT O R D E R O N L I N E : A D A C ATA L O G . O R G W279 21