The use and abuse of opioids have risen to epic levels. In 2016, there were more deaths resulting from opioid abuse than ever before. The American Dental Association has decided to take a firm stance to stop it’s spread by making education and prevention a top priority for a field that can use pain management medication for dental pain relatively frequently. The CDC has also taken an active stance against this epidemic. Dr. Thomas Gibbs of Smile Glen Ellyn is dedicated to preventing the misuse of opioids to treat dental pain and does everything in his power to keep his team educated so that we can provide the compassionate care you deserve.
The ADA and the CDC Push Education & Preventative Practices
The ADA has offered free online webinars for dentists for the past six years. These webinars promote the safest way to prescribe opioids for dental pain. This commitment to continuing education has also focused on identifying patients who may be at risk for substance abuse. As a result, there has also been a push toward prescribing non-narcotic drugs to treat dental pain. The training is comprehensive in that it explores ways of encouraging at-risk patients to get help, and urges dental professionals to adhere to the guidelines set for chronic pain.
The ADA, CDC, and a whole host of other organizations are committed to diminishing the prevalence of opioid abuse. Education is key, in addition to finding appropriate preventive measures. Your Glen Ellyn, IL, dentist hopes with their attentive practice to diminish the abuse of opioids among dental patients. Proactive measures like education and practical solutions will go far in the fight to stamp out this form of abuse, and we are here to help you maintain your overall health.
Tooth decay is caused by consuming sugary foods and drinks. To prevent tooth decay, limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and brush your teeth after eating. Plaque is a bacteria found on the teeth that thrive on food sugars. Plaque uses sugar to produce acids that destroy the tooth’s enamel. Over time, the tooth will decay and ultimately result in cavities. To prevent tooth decay and cavities, the American Dental Association recommends to limit your intake of the following foods and drinks:
- Carbs such as bread, pasta, and chips
- Chewy and sticky foods like raisins, granola bars and honey
- Sugary snacks such as cookies
- Candy
- Gum
- Carbonated Soft drinks including diet drinks
- Sports drinks
- Fruit and vegetable juice
To maintain dental health, visit Dr. Gibbs regularly for checkups, cleaning, and treatment of cavities.
People are whitening their teeth now more than ever before, making it crucial that dentists be able to choose safe whitening products for patients. Luckily, the ADA has released a standard regulating the safety of these products.
Standard No. 136 was developed over a period of years by many collaborators, and approved by the American National Standards Institute. It sets requirements on factors like toxicity, how safe products are for the enamel and soft tissue of the mouth, and active ingredient concentrations, among other things. These factors are all cited by Dr. Clifton Carey, of the ADA Standards Committee and the University of Colorado, as being important to consumer safety.
What this means for consumers is that the ADA and ANSI have created a set of guidelines that ensure the health of natural teeth and soft tissue, while still achieving the dazzling smile we are striving for.
For more information, visit our Glen Ellyn teeth whitening page.
Smile Glen Ellyn is a general and cosmetic dentistry who offers experienced dental care to the following areas: Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, and Carol Stream, IL. 26 North Park Boulevard Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 USA 630-858-8800 www.smileglenellyn.com
