Do you have food sensitivities or intolerances? celiac disease? nickel allergy?
Fortunately at Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic we use far less materials on a daily basis than a dental clinic; there are no acrylic or metal fillings being placed, no monomer temporary restorations being made – thereby reducing exposure to irritants. Just think of the number of people who react to certain nickel containing jewellery. Metals used in crowns can include gold alloy, palladium alloys, or a base-metal alloy (for example, nickel or chromium).
I have a relative with celiac disease, and it had never occurred to me years ago to consider exposure to gluten during a routine dental cleaning. Today we think of this daily, and screen our patient’s medical chart for such possible issues. We carry polishing paste that is gluten free, fluoride free and dye free as an option.
There have been times when an individual has questioned the length and detail of our medical chart to be filled out. The chart is most helpful when filled out completely and information not withheld. It is essential information should a medical emergency in our clinic arise. We have latex free products, and take extra precaution when you indicate you have a latex sensitivity or allergy.
Epinephrine in local anesthetic (freezing with needle) can produce heightened anxiety and increased heart rate in sensitive patients. If freezing for increased comfort is required we have epinephrine-free anesthetic.
Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic carries several fluoride free alternatives to strengthen tooth enamel and reverse demineralization (break down of enamel), just ask. Keep in mind the City of Calgary has removed fluoride from public drinking water. We field questions regarding fluoride and the benefit for children while adult teeth are developing EVERYDAY. There are many choices today – just ASK You are unique, and your dental hygiene treatment should be individualized to you, to your preferences and to your needs.
As always Sally, you have taught me something. Sharing your knowledge takes fear out of dental cleaning. I’ll be sure to share this with my gf friends.
thanks for spreading the word Dana!
Speaking of gluten… I recently heard that there can be dental indicators of gluten sensitivity (or celiac disease)- fascinating!
yes you are correct – a lot can be discovered during a dental cleaning