Fisher Jones Family Dentistry

Dr Jim here! April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and a great time to discuss some important statistics regarding oral cancer. Approximately 43,250 people will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2014. This is the fifth year in a row there has been an increase in the rate of occurrence of oral cancers.

There are two distinct pathways by which people contract oral cancer. The first is the chronic use of tobacco and/or alcohol. the other is the exposure to the human papilloma virus version 16 (HPV-16). This virus is the same version found in the vast majority of cervical cancers in women. Less than 7% of oral cancers are contracted from a different pathway and those are thought to be from a genetic predisposition. It is a known fact that one person dies from oral cancer every day. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often found in the later stages which accounts for a 43% mortality rate at five years.

75% of all head and neck cancers begin in the oral cavity. 30% of oral cancers originate in the tongue, 17% the lip, and 14% in the floor of the mouth. However, with the emergence of HPV-16, the tonsils, tonsillar pillar and crypt, the base of the tongue, and the oropharynx and becoming more common possible sites.

All of these statistics are sobering and highlight the importance of oral cancer exams at least once a year at your recare appointments. We have two sets of eyes on you at your recare appointment. Your dental hygienist begins your appointment with an oral cancer screening and lets Dr. Matt, Dr. Garrett, or myself when we come in for your exam. In addition, we are looking as well when we do our exam. In addition, if you see any abnormalities or feel any unusual discomfort, please make us aware of it so that we can assess the situation. Any suspicious lesions are monitored very closely and, if they don’t resolve in a short period of time, are candidates for biopsy and analysis. Our goal is to discover oral cancer at an early and curable stage.

So please feel free to ask us if we will be doing an oral cancer exam at your next visit. And, if you feel like you want to be seen sooner, just call the office and ask for a complimentary oral cancer screening. We will be happy to get you in as soon as possible.

Dr. Matt here, A well-balanced diet along with adequate amounts of vitamin C is important for good oral tissue health. Calcium is important as well for bone growth and maintenance (this includes the teeth), as well as muscle and nerve control, and blood clotting. (Note that after a person’s late 20’s, bone growth stops and bone maintenance becomes the priority.) Vitamin D is also important for preventing bone loss.

Here is a URL for a great Dental Nutrition article

https://www.precisionnutrition.com/nutrition-teeth-dental-health

NUTRIENT WHAT YOU NEED IT FOR
Protein Tooth structure, mucosal/connective tissue development, and immune function.
Calcium Tooth structure; may enhance enamel remineralization.
Phosphorus Tooth structure.
Zinc Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function.
Antioxidants Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function.
Folate Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function; low levels are associated with periodontal disease.
Iron Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function.
Vitamin A Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function. But be aware that getting too much from supplements may result in gum problems.
Vitamin C Collagen maturation and to maintain the integrity of the periodontal ligament; mucosal/connective tissues and immune function.
Omega-3 fats Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function; modulates the inflammatory response.
Vitamin D Mucosal/connective tissues, immune function; may enhance enamel remineralization.
B vitamins Epithelial cell turnover.

To get your Vitamin C, Calcium, and Vitamin D, eat:

-Fruits and Vegetables
-Grains
-Dairy
-Proteins
-and play outside

Here is another URL for more great Dental Nutrition Information

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/

Drinks a lot of water, not to many simple sugars, brush and floss your teeth, and see your Oral Health Care Professionals. See ya!

Dr. Garrett here!  Earlier this month USA Today published an article titled: “Young Kid’s Tooth Decay Hits Epidemic Proportions.” It was a very well written article discussing the various factors that are causing children across the country to have such high rates of dental cavities.  Here in Thurston County, we have above average rates of cavities in children.  Much of this is due to the lack of water fluoridation, but some of it is due to education of the parents.  It is recommended that every child visit a dentist by their 1st birthday.  At this first visit, we focus the majority of our attention towards the education of the child’s caregiver(s).  The article gives great recommendations for each age group in regards to diet and oral hygiene.

Unfortunately there is an unfounded fear of fluoride for children, and this is creating an alarming increase in cavities in our community. Yes…fluoride is toxic in large amounts.  The extremely small amount of fluoride found in toothpastes, however, has been shown in countless peer-reviewed, long-term studies to have no serious risks.  When a child is able to swish and spit, they are ready to start using a toothpaste with fluoride in it.  Before they have this ability, a small smear of fluoride toothpaste is best.  The topical benefit of fluoride on our teeth is extremely valuable and if started at a young age can help prevent future cavities. The systemic benefits of fluoride help to ensure that our teeth develop with healthy enamel.  If you are still afraid of fluoride, Xylitol toothpastes are a second-best substitute in that xylitol has been shown to decrease the adherence of decay causing bacteria on our teeth.

Read through this helpful article for some tips on dental care for children, then have your kids come see us for a checkup.  It’s time to stop this decay problem and ensure that our kid’s mouths develop disease free.

Dr. Jim here! Current research from the Mayo Clinic is suggesting that Conenzyme Q10 may aid in helping us battle periodontal disease. Coenzyme Q10, also known as Ubiquenol, is a fat soluble vitamin like substancefound in nearly every cell in the human body.  CoQ10 is found in many dietary substances, including organ meats like liver, spinach and sardines. It is known to neutralize damaging free radicals, and regenerates protective antioxidants, and liberates energy from food.

Although we are able to produce CoQ10 on our own, our ability to do so diminishes after the age of 20 and almost completely gone by the age of 40, when we probably need it the most! In addition, other factors also deplete CoQ10 from our body, including use of the statin rugs like Lipitor, for high choleterol, unhealthy diets, stress and environmental toxins.

Because of these factors, it is thought that we need to increase our dietary intake of foods containing CoQ10 and a dietary supplement. Every seen the person in Costco at the table handing out free samples of liquid CoQ10? It tastes pretty good!

The benefits of CoQ10 in periodontal disease lie in its ability to controlling inflammation. As you know, periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease where the body’s reaction to bacterial toxins in the mouth mediates an inflammatory response resulting in the destruction of gums and bone around the teeth.

There are many studies done since as far back as 1980 that support the role of CoQ10.  It is also known that CoQ10 promotes and maintains a healthy heart, supports the cardiovascular system, and promotes arterial and vascular health. It also may promote improved cognitive function and nervous system health.

Sounds like we should all consider adding CoQ10 to our daily diet in some form or another. As always, if you are considering adding a CoQ10 supplement  to your diet, you may want to consult your physician. (My necessary disclaimer!)

Dr. Matt here. I have been enjoying watching the Winter Olympics. I am pleased to see so many athletes wearing mouth guards. Some guards are clear, some national colors, and others brand names. A mouthguard is a protective device made for the mouth that is designed to protect the teeth, gums, and jaws. Often a mouthguard saves damage to teeth, lips and gums. Most are made of a pliable plastic material.
Mouthguards have been around for about one hundred years I would guess to say. Boxing is sighted as the first sport followed by football, hockey and now all contact sports. Even some non contact sports like knitting (joke).
The American Dental Association recommends the use of mouthguards for “acrobatics, basketball, bicycling, boxing, equestrian, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, inline skating, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby football, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, softball, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling”.
As I sit and watch the action I am happy to see so many of the sports using mouth protection. Hockey is obvious even with a full face mask. Maybe it is about future endorsements. Who wants a toothless athlete to represent them, well except for the mouthguard companies, maybe? I noticed one of the mogul skiers removing his guard after a medal run.
A popular discussion is “Do mouthguards help prevent concussions?” Concussion prevention is a very hot topic currently. The studies are difficult to draw conclusions but the National Hockey League dentist Dr. Bill Blair said, “it is an easier sell to get the players to wear them if it is for helping with decreasing concussions”.
Guards can be custom made by our dental office in two appointments. Most sporting good stores carry a guard that you can fit at home by boiling. There are also generic ones. Many sporting labels have there own brand, such as Under Armour”. Whatever you decide to do get one that fits well. A generic fit is helpful but a custom fit is better. Custom fit mouthguards are less apt to become displaced during your sport activity.
So as you enjoy watching the Winter Olympics, join me and look for Mouthguards in use.

Dr. Garrett here.  Yesterday was an amazing day for football fans in the Pacific Northwest, as our Seattle Seahawks won their first ever Super Bowl!  They crushed their opponent, the Denver Broncos, and carried the spirit of the 12th man all the way to the East Coast.  One of my favorite players on the team is Marshawn Lynch.  His trademark “Beast Mode” style of running the football is a joy for any football fan to watch.  As we learned throughout the season, Lynch has an affinity for Skittles, and relies on them throughout the game to keep his energy up.

Now, as a dentist, anytime I see Skittles being chowed down I can’t help but cringe.  They are, like many candies, packed to the brim with cavity-causing ingredients.  One regular-sized bag of Skittles contains 46g of sugar!!  That’s seven more grams than you would consume in a 12 oz can of Coke.  It’s equivalent to eating about 12 sugar cubes!!  Needless to say, it’s a ton of sugar.  Certain bacteria in our mouths that reside in dental plaque, feed off of the sugars we consume.  The by-product is an acid that slowly erodes away our teeth, causing cavities.  In addition, Skittles contain citric acid, which drastically reduces the pH level of our saliva.  pH is a measure of the acidity of a solution, with a low pH indicating a solution that is acidic.  Water has a pH of 7.8 and battery acid has a pH of 1.0.  Skittles have a pH of about 2.5!!  The pH at which teeth start to decay is 4.0, so you can easily see why Skittles can be so harmful to your teeth.  Luckily, we have a natural defense called saliva.  Saliva helps to buffer the acids in our mouths and slowly raise the pH level back to normal levels after we eat.  The problem arises when our saliva can’t keep up.  This is seen in people who snack throughout the day, or don’t remove the plaque build up from their teeth.  These people have a constantly low pH in their mouths and have a much higher chance of dental decay and erosion.

“But Dr. Garrett they taste so good…and I have to eat them when I watch the game!!”  I know, I know.  You’re going to eat your Skittles or whatever other candies or high sugar containing foods.  So what are some preventative strategies to minimize the effect of these types of food on your teeth (other than not eating them at all!)?

• Do not suck or chew candies for long periods of time, get it over with quickly!
• Swish or rinse mouth immediately with water after eating candies.
• Milk or hard cheese after eating candies can help neutralize the acid.
• Chew sugar-free natural mint gum with xylitol to help promote salivary flow and make the bacteria less sticky.
• Wait 30-60 minutes after eating candies to brush your teeth in order to avoid scratching the acid-softened surface.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste with low abrasiveness (no whitening toothpastes).

So go ahead and join Marshawn Lynch in his Skittles binge if you must, but remember these helpful tips in order to prevent those cavity causing bacteria from going Beast Mode on your teeth!!

Dr. Matt here, Why a comprehensive (thorough) examination? We set up this kind of an appointment for a new patient experience or an existing patient who hasn’t been into the office in five years. Why? Why all the attention to the whole body? What we have found is that the dental examination can reveal early signs of undiagnosed systemic disease processes. People see their Dentist more than their primary care Physician. Examples of thorough exam findings include glycemic issues, hormone level symptoms, cardiovascular problems, clues to autoimmune disease, infections, acid-reflux, cancer signs , skeletal-integrity, skin problems, muscle pain and nerve problems.

A review of a health history including current medications, habits, diagnosed problems and allergies is necessary. From the first moment we see you we are recording and computing in our brain everything that is being observed. Initial findings gate, respiration, flexibility, presence can be important and are part of the final analysis and treatment plan. An example would be the “pill rolling movement between a patient’s thumb and forefinger”, a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. We will take your blood pressure if you don’t know it.

We take pictures. Photographs, both intra and extra oral are very useful. In addition to photos Radiography is important and only the necessary images (x-rays) will be taken. We don’t want to overexpose, be redundant, or fail to gain adequate information. We aim to minimize the exposure to the minimal that is needed for treatment. Sometimes diagnostic casts of the teeth may be done as well.

A thorough examination of the head and neck (measured, palpated, auscultated) and a health history evaluation of the organ systems are prudent. People say, “But it is just a dental appointment. Do I have cavities or not? I have dental insurance. Doc I just want air in my tire that is low not a new transmission”.

A dental Hygienist will do a periodontal examination including a full charting of the gums and teeth. They diagnose and come up with a way to get you back to oral health.

Why a comprehensive examination? It is necessary to determine your current base line and develop a treatment course that is appropriate for you. Funny thing, I have put air in my own tire and noticed missing or loose lug nuts, lack of tread, tears in the sidewalls, rust in the quarter panel, and torn metal in the wheel well.

Dental treatment affects your whole body. Your body has a balance. Your body must be able to adapt to the changes. These are the reasons for a thorough (comprehensive) examination. GET ONE

As of late December, Fisher Jones Family Dentistry became a member of the WDS/Delta Dental of Washington Preferred Provider panel. This is a decision that we have struggled with for many, many years. We have always felt that the level of service and care that our practice provides goes above and beyond the compensation allowed by the PPO, and that, given the choice, patients will chose our practice for their dental care. What has essentially forced our hand is the fact that we see dental plans being formed by WDS that don’t give you, the patient, any kind of WDS plan benefit if we are not on this panel. Because of this new strategy by WDS, we feel like we have to honor these plans and accept them. The reality is that families need their dental plans to make dental care accessible and affordable. So, if you have been waiting for Fisher Jones Family Dentistry to sign on with the WDS PPO, this is your opportunity to either reacquaint yourself with our practice, or become a new patient. Please tell your family and friends about this opportunity, we would love to see you!

Do you know about a little non-profit organization called The South Sound Reading Foundation? We atFisher Jones Family Dentistry are fans of this organization and the great people involved who are committed to bringing books and the joy of reading to every child in the South Sound region.

The mission of the South Sound Reading Foundation is to ensure that every child is reading at least 20 minutes a day, either on their own or with an adult or older child. Reading just 20 minutes a day promotes the healthy brain development, family bonding and school readiness all children need to read and succeed.

The South Sound Reading Foundation serves over 1,100 children, youth and families each week. Over 85% served are low-income. The Foundation provides:

• “Read 20 minutes a day” mission campaign
• Free family education classes, story times, book talks
• Free books

Here is a true story from the SSRF’s executive director, Jennifer Forrester:

In the summer, most of the kids we serve are homebound: no books or book stores, no library visits. We serve these kids through our collaboration with partner agencies, mostly food banks and lunch drop-in sites. One of our favorite partners is the Thurston County Food Bank’s ForKids lunch mobile program. The lunch mobile visits low-income housing units and trailer parks. For most of the 160-200 kids served each day, the lunch mobile is the highlight of their day and Fridays are extra special because the Book Van tags along with free books.

Last summer, or was it the summer before, one child stood out. He was probably 4 years old, had a crew-cut, and no shoes. The first time I saw him, he ran up to be the first in line and stubbed his toe. You could tell it hurt, but the kid couldn’t have cared less, he was that focused on the books. He asked about dinosaurs, we found him a dinosaur boo,k and he was so excited!

Every other Friday we would return. The bare-foot boy was always the first in line and he always managed to find a dinosaur book, imagine that!

The last time I saw him was at Little Red School House. He ran up (shoes on, thank goodness) and yelled “the book lady is here, THE BOOK LADY IS HERE, AWESOME!” He acted like a kid at a carnival. I helpedhim choose another dinosaur book. And he said “This makes seven books. I now have seven books!” (That’s the number of books he received from us that summer.) I asked him if he meant 7 dinosaur books and he said “no, BOOKS, and now grandma reads to me every night! And tonight we can read this one.”

This child had no book in his home and now he has seven. More importantly, someone is reading with him so that when he starts school, he will have the early literacy skills he’ll need to learn to read.

“Access to books and educational material is the single biggest barrier to literacy development.” – Center for Improvement of Early Reading Achievement

“61% of low-income families have no age-appropriate books for children in their home.” – Jumpstart on America’s Early Childhood Literacy Gap

This story is a great example of the reason why Fisher Jones Family Dentistry loves the South Sound Reading Foundation and the reason why we feel it is a worthy cause to support.

Give the “Gift of Literacy” and make an end-of-year donation of cash or books to the South Sound Reading Foundation. Donation bins are located at the Fisher Jones Family Dentistry office at 2415 Pacific Avenue in Olympia, at South Sound Bank and at the North Thurston School District offices.

Dr. Matt here. Snacking between meals. I get asked all the time “what are some ideas for healthy snacks for my family?” I have so many favorites and have put them into a list for you. Some need some initial preparation and can be put into quick snack portion containers. Some are ready to go as is.
A banana is wrapped in its own biodegradable enclosure. Peel it and eat it. They contain cramp preventing potassium and are high in vitamin B6 and fiber. There are various stages of ripeness from green to brown. I like mine a little green and just starting to turn yellow. If our bananas get too ripe we make them into banana bread or mix them with homemade peanut butter spreading the mix onto bread for a sandwich treat.
Making your own peanut butter is not as hard as it sounds. If you have a food processor with a chopper blade you can do it. You put a couple of cups of unsalted roasted peanuts into the machine and turn on the chopper. The magic takes about ten minutes. As the nuts become pulverized they release natural peanut oils and you get peanut butter. Many specialty stores have the machine for you and you can get this fresh as home. Peanut Butter can be eaten as a dip for fruit or plain by the spoon. I like it with apple slices or on toasted wheat bread. I am not sure why but I also enjoy it on a dill pickle.
You can make almond butter the same as with peanuts. Most nuts will work and all are an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Almonds are nice to just have around for quick satisfying snacking opportunity. Shelled nuts are not messy and can be carried in a coat pocket, car cup holder, desk drawer, etc.
Hummus is a huge favorite of mine. Chickpeas and Garbanzo beans are the same thing and the primary ingredient that make up Hummus. Hummus is a blend of these with Tahini (ground sesame seeds), olive oil, and lemon juice. This mixture can be made easily at home and I prefer that because I know what goes into it. Also I like to add garlic, roasted red peppers and herbs. Hummus can be eaten plain or on anything. We like to cut up pita bread and toast the pieces under the broiler and then dip them into the golden hummus goodness. Hummus is high in Omega 3 and many amino acids.
Edamame (soybeans) are another favorite. You can make a hummus like mixture with them also. I shell them and blend them with frozen peas for a base adding olive oil and lemon juice as I go. I then add spices for the desired cuisine I am attempting. I really like to add course ground coriander, cumin, and cilantro leaves. This creamy mixture is good on everything, by the spoon, on vegetables or in a sandwich. Edamame beans come in a pod and can be found in the frozen food section of most stores. I like to quickly boil mine in water and then let them cool. You simply squeeze the shell and out pops the bean. Kids will really like this interactive food. They are fun and good to eat. They are a perfect snack food. They can be shelled and added to pasta dishes, put on salads or stand alone as a vegetable side dish.Soybeans are protein packed and high in Omega 3.
Carrots and Celery are often overlooked because they are too common. So we have found that if you change their shape by using a knife or a specialty cutter. Many shapes can be achieved and you can get your kids to participate. My personal favorite is a whole carrot with the green top on and the center leafy piece of celery. Both of these go nicely with tomato juice. Cutting carrots and celery into large diagonal slices or just the usual stick shape make for a pick up and eat snack in the car on the bus or at work. They can be a carrier for dips, spreads, and dressings anytime. They can be chopped really fine and added to sandwich spreads like tuna, egg, chicken, etc. They are called the culinary trinity when combined with onion. Carrots and Celery are loaded with fiber and nutrients. I noticed at Red Robin you can substitute french-fries for them if you wish. Every grocery-shopping list should have them on it.
Berries are yummy. They are bite size and easy to snack on. In the summer fresh is the way to go strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, Marion berries, etc. Freeze some up for the winter months in addition to making jams and jellies. I really enjoy munching on a bowl of frozen Marion berries while watching a movie at home. It doesn’t take long for a bowl of them to disappear. When you first put one into your mouth it is like ice cream and then it gets chewable and more like a smoothie. Blueberries are my second favorite frozen berry treat. Kids really like a little bowl of them. Berries are good in yogurt fresh or frozen and a healthy snack. Another thing I like is to freeze grapes and eat them. Yummy, amazing taste and texture.
Yogurt is another favorite of mine. You can make if at home or buy it in any size, type, and flavor that you like. I eat low fat plain and add to it. It easily combines with nuts, berries and grains. Yogurt is high in calcium, vitamin D and helps with digestion. Yogurt is a great snack food, but it also can be used to make dips, dressings, and spreads. You can freeze yogurt into pops and bars too.
Air popped popcorn is always a satisfying snack. We like to sprinkle liberally savory yeast flakes on it for an added flavor. Popcorn is easy to make ahead and take with you on car trips, the movies, or to work and school. Popcorn is a whole grain (bran, germ and endosperm). Popcorn is loaded with fiber.
Melons are a great snack food. It is fun in any shape not just sliced or melon balled. It can be by itself or with berries, nuts and even cured meats. Watermelon actually is a better thirst quencher that all the sport drinks. Melons are not just water, although they contain a lot of it. They are full of nutrients. Melon is a hungry satisfier so it makes a great snack. Honeydew is my favorite and I like to cut it up in low fat small curd cottage cheese another source of calcium.
Cheeses are high in calcium. Kids and adults like it. String mozzarella cheese is an easy convenient snack. I like the hard cheeses best, just a few slices of parm’ or pecorino-romano with a few nuts. Cheese cubes, sticks, strings, slices, etc.
Fruits are most obvious snack, between meal treat. Apples, pears, plums, etc. There are many types of fruit juices on the market but it is better to pick the whole fruit and eat it raw. Fiber is necessary for bowel health and this is a good source for the entire family. Fruits are wonderful snack foods.
In summary these are just a few of my favorite snack foods for you and your family. I encourage you to get creative and try something new. If you have an idea to share please tell me at your next checkup. I am always looking to increase my healthy snack choices. Peace out I need to go brush and floss.