Individuals that suffer from Multiple Sclerosis need to be careful because of the impact on their oral health. Want to learn about the negative effects that medication may have on their oral health? Here are few reasons on the importance of oral health and MS.

According to an article at mstrust.org, “Multiple Sclerosis”

“Oral health is defined as a standard of health of the oral and related tissues, which enables an individual to eat, speak, and socialize without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general well-being. 1 Poor oral health can result in a negative response from others and lead to poorer social functioning in general regardless of health status.

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are not more susceptible to dental decay than the general population. However, they do have special needs in relation to dental care3because they often face difficulties in maintaining oral health and accessing care due to their symptoms. 4, 5 It is these difficulties that place them at greater risk of developing oral health problems. 6 Their symptoms may also impact on their ability to endure even simple dental treatment. The nature of a condition such as MS will mean that problems maintaining oral health may only be present during a relapse or become a problem as the severity of symptoms increase. It is particularly important for people with MS to avoid dental infection and trauma in view of the possible trigger to relapse this may represent. 7, 8

Many patients with MS are taking long-term medication such as steroids and diuretics to control their symptoms, which can have a significant impact on their oral health by causing a dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can make eating, talking and wearing dentures more difficult. People with a dry mouth are also more at risk of tooth decay, infection and gum disease. The frequent intake of sugar through drinks and mints to relieve the symptoms of a dry mouth also increases the risk of dental decay.

Their need for oral health care often goes unmet and as a consequence they are at risk of unavoidable dental pain. Dental care for people with MS has been poorly co-ordinated which is probably related to the fact that both those who care for them and the wider NHS has failed to perceive their dental needs as being important.

Recent studies in Leicestershire9 highlighted the fact that oral health was very important to the overall quality of life of people with MS (Box 1). The main barrier was a lack of information on services available and a lack of awareness of the impact that having MS might have on their oral health. It is this lack of awareness that has resulted in the oral health of people with MS being overlooked by health professionals with the belief that it is someone else’s responsibility. The significance of this is greatest when the individual is dependent on someone else to make decisions about their health.”

If you have a loved one that suffers from MS make sure that their dental visits are consistent. Need a dentist in the Reno area? Visit Dr. McElhinney at RenoLaserDentistry.com for more information on appointment availability.

Ever have any jaw pain, tenderness, or chewing difficulty with discomfort? Have you heard of the condition temporomandibular joint dysfunction? Want to learn what questions to ask your dentist?

According to an article at everydayhealth.com, “Questions To ask your Dentist”

“Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a common cause of jaw pain. The temporomandibular joint is in front of the ears where the lower jaw is attached to the upper part of the face. If you put your hands in front of your ears and open your mouth you can feel the temporomandibular joint area move. This joint can develop pain along with difficulty in chewing and biting. Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction may also present with a clicking sound with jaw movements.

Top Questions to Ask Your Dentist About TMJ

• Are there medications I can take for the pain?
• Do I need a bite guard, and how do I use us it?
• Do I need to have any tests like an x-ray or a CAT scan?
• I grind my teeth during sleep.
• Will that lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• What causes temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• Are there any jaw exercises you recommend for temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• Are there types of food that will cause less jaw pain?”

Suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction; Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry can help. Visit renolaserdentistry.com for more information.

Are you searching for the right dental insurance? What should you look for when choosing a dental plan? Here are a few tips to consider when choosing dental insurance.

“You’ve heard time and again that dental insurance can protect you and your family from dental and financial catastrophe. Even cheap insurance with minimal coverage will most likely save you big bucks over the course of your lifetime. A quick Web search will show that insurance is big business, and your options are becoming more expansive – and complicated – by the day. Not sure where to begin? Here are five things to consider when selecting family dental plans or an individual dental insurance plan that works for you!

1. Shop around! Finding a plan that works can be quite a feat. Even when employers offer dental insurance benefits to their employees and their families, it often isn’t enough. This means you’ll need to shop high and low until you find the best plan for your budget and lifestyle. The Internet has made all of this much easier – you have access to informational materials on a multitude of companies right at your finger tips. Be sure to read all the fine print; when it comes to your health, surprises are rarely a good thing.

2. Know your limits. All insurance plans have maximums – some good, others bad. A low maximum on your total benefits is never a good thing. That means if something major (and expensive) comes up, you may have to delve into your own pockets. A second maximum applies to your yearly deductible, which is the most amount of money you’d be expected to pay for your own care. A low maximum on your deductible is a great thing, so be sure to do the math when comparing policies.

3. Maintain control over your health. A dental insurance company may or may not have your best interests at heart, but, either way, they’re somewhat removed from the situation. It’s important that you have a say in your dental health. For starters, shouldn’t you be able to choose your dentist, or at least have a plethora of options should one provider not work out? It’s also important that you and your dentist have a lot of pull when it comes to making important decisions – an insurance company should never put unreasonable restrictions on the type of care you can receive.

4. Look for the 3 R’s (sort of): PRevention, Restoration and EmeRgency Care. Having access to these three types of dental care is critical for lifelong oral health. Preventive care reduces the likelihood that you’ll develop a dental condition that could have been avoided. Restorative care ensures that things that do go wrong, such as damaged or decayed teeth, will be fixed. Finally, emergency care you’ll receive the proper care when you need it immediately, such as if your tooth is knocked out. Some family dental plans cover other specialty care, like orthodontics, so consider your needs and go from there.

5. The waiting game. Some insurance companies make you wait a certain period of time before they will cover certain procedures. If you need immediate attention, find a policy that supports it. If everything’s in order, however, a minor wait may not be a major issue for you.

A carefully selected family or individual dental insurance plan could not only save you in a pinch, but ensure good oral health for life. It’s critical, however, to do your research and read the fine print. Don’t let your dental insurance company take you for a ride!”

Now, that you have all the right tools to find an insurance plan that's best for you. Want the best dentist in Reno? Dr. McElhinney is the one! To learn more about Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice visit renolaserdentistry.com.

Do you remember your first dental visit? Did you have any dental fears when going to the dentist? Want some tips on how to tackle children’s common dental fears?

According to an article at dental.net, “Kid’s Dental Guide”

“I will never forget my first trip to the dentist. My mother had told me so many times not to be scared that when I finally got there I was terrified, and wet my pants while sitting in the waiting room. Once inside though, things were different – our family dentist was a friendly chap who made sure that I felt no pain.

What are the things that kids especially fear when a dentist appointment looms, and how best ought you to work through these?

•    Rule No. 1 – Do not try to fool a kid. Kids are a whole lot sharper than we think. These days they watch television, and surf the internet as well as we do. So level with them – kids are also a lot tougher than we sometimes think.

•    Be a good role model – When you are the littlest one, you stay out of trouble by learning with your eyes. Do not look scared when it is your dental turn. Take your child with you, and let them see what is involved. That way you capitalize on the instinct of a child to mimic what their parents do. Never be apprehensive on behalf of your child.

•    Fear of pain – If your child has been hurt by a careless dentist in the past, then you have a problem that must be resolved before their next visit, (and hopefully to a different dentist too). You could explain that falling off a bike is no reason not to cycle, that it should not have happened, and that the new dentist will be different.

•    Choosing the best dentist – There is not a single honest person that will not admit a sense of trepidation as they park their auto outside a dentist’s rooms. It is the welcome that you receive that makes the difference. Choose a competent dentist with a genuine love of children.

•    Managing uncertainty – Adults, too get scared when they do not know what is going happen next. Take time to discuss things openly with your child, and work through their misgivings. Find out what are your particular child’s concerns. Did they watch a movie? Did their friends tell horror stories? All these things are real to them.

•    Make it fun – A dentist’s couch and all their other apparatus can look scary too, so let your kid touch the equipment first. Consider sitting down, and letting the dentist clean your own teeth first. Another useful tip is holding a small child in your lap while a dentist goes about their business.

•    Timing – Arrange a session as early as possible and not on a school day. It is better to visit a dentist on the weekend so that other children won’t taunt your child — making up stories about the dentist and creating unnecessary fears. 

Like most things in life, a visit to a dentist can be horrible, or equally, pleasant, depending on the way that we approach things. Apply these principles to your kid, and make life fun.”

Need a dentist that understands the needs of children? Dr. McElhinney has more than 30 year’s of experience and can handle any child’s fear. Visit renolaserdentistry.com for more information.

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Are you worried about what germs may be taking up residence on your toothbrush? Here’s a few tips on when you need to replace your toothbrush.

According to an article at everydayhealth.com, “Replacing your Toothbrush”

“Do you know how many live bacteria’s are on your toothbrush? Brace yourself! Researchers have found that a single toothbrush can be loaded with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria. In fact, recent studies even found that your toothbrush could be a breeding ground for tiny microorganisms.

But before you swear off brushing, know this: These bacteria aren’t a big threat to your pearly whites. According to Richard Price, DMD, a dentist in Newton, Mass. and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, the researchers who discovered those toothbrush-dwelling microorganisms found that they didn’t make people sick — toothpaste has an anti-germ component built into it, and the microbes need moisture to survive. So as long as your toothbrush is given time to dry after you use it, it should be safe.

Squeaky-Clean Toothbrush Tips

To take care of your teeth and your toothbrush, it’s important to use your toothbrush the way you’re supposed to, rinse it in tap water, and then let it air dry, Price says.

This starts with storing your toothbrush in an upright position. Most people don’t need to worry about storing it away from other toothbrushes — germs are airborne, but they don’t hopscotch from one brush to another. However, if someone in the household has an immune deficiency, you can’t be too careful, says Price.

If you’re really fastidious about dental care, you can soak your toothbrush in alcohol to kill the germs, Price adds. Mouthwash is also an antiseptic, so it works as a “toothbrush soak,” too, as does a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide. Another option is to dip it in boiling water for about five to 10 seconds.

Interestingly enough, toothbrush sanitizers haven’t shown to have much effect. And you should never put your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave: You’ll just end up damaging it.

Time for a New Toothbrush?

The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush (or brush head, if you use anelectric type) about every three months — more because of the wear on the bristles than germs.

And that depends on the brusher and not the brush, Price emphasizes. If you have a heavy hand, the bristles might wear out sooner. Remember that the key determinant is not the calendar but the shape the bristles are in. “You need to replace your toothbrush when the bristles spew in different directions,” Price says. Check your children’s toothbrushes regularly because they probably will need to be replaced more frequently.

Should you replace your toothbrush after an illness, like a cold? No, says Price. Just be sure it dries out between uses so that germs can’t survive."

Remember just like you need to change your toothbrush every couple of months, you still need to maintain your regular dental check-ups. Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry has perfected thousands of smiles and he can help you. Visit renolaserdentistry.com for more information.