oral health briefs

GREAT NECK Mouthwash Boosts Oral Hygiene Regimen

While regularly brushing the teeth has long been considered the most critical component of an oral health regimen, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology concludes that when it comes to preventing gum disease, antibacterial mouthwash can have benefits over mechanical cleaning alone. According to the study by Figuero et al., severe periodontitis (gum disease) affects 11 percent of the global population, making it the sixth-most prevalent health condition. Both periodontitis and gingivitis (gum inflammation) are considered to be inflammatory disease. While brushing and flossing can help reduce the plaque bacteria that cause periodontitis and gingivitis, the authors say mechanical cleaning alone typically isn’t adequate to maintain good periodontal health. A summary report on the study appears in the online journal Dentistry.co.uk, which says, “Figuero and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the adjunctive use of 11 different mouth rinse formulations. They concluded that adjunctive antiseptics in mouthwash provide statistically significant reductions in plaque compared to controls at six months. MANHASSET Long Island Dentist Caters to Fearful Patients While most traditional dentists attempt to offer a low-stress environment, many people still find dental visits painful and nerve racking. Golden Dental Wellness Center, in Manhasset, has Relaxation, Sedation, and Pain-Management programs especially for patients who fear dental checkups or procedures. Designed for patients who are nervous during dental visits, the Relaxation Dentistry program encompasses a wide range of services, such as foot massages during procedures, aromatherapy using calming oils and rubs, and anti-anxiety medica- 18 October 2020 | New York City – Long Island

“They also came to the conclusion that, ‘despite the high variability in the number of studies comparing each active agent and the different risks of bias, CHX [chlorhexidine] and EOs [essential oils] in mouthrinses appeared to be the most effective active agents for plaque . . . control.’”

Information sourced by Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cariodontal, 310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck, NY. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516- 282-0310 or visit Cariodontal.com. See ad,

WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeStock.com back cover. tion. For patients with extreme anxiety, Golden Dental offers door-to-door programs that begin with relaxation medication the night before and end with the patient back home after the procedure, having been driven by a companion. For patients with extreme anxiety, trouble staying numb from local anesthetics, or difficulty sitting still, there is Sedation Dentistry, which starts with a consult to customize a sedation plan. “In mild cases, we can follow the same routines as our Relaxation Dentistry program, perhaps introducing a light dose of nitrous oxide during longer procedures,” says Dr. Linda Golden. “For severe cases, we can start with an oral prescription sedative pill an hour before the procedure, or even an IV-administered sedation for long, complex visits.” She asks new patients who’ve had a painful dental visit in the past to notify her office when making an appointment. “We have techniques and strategies to mitigate pain during your procedure to make sure you’re comfortable and your teeth are well cared for,” she says. Location: 444 Community Dr., Ste. 204, Manhasset, NY. For appointments, call 516-627-8400. See ad, page 2.