When I was in dental school I had to take a class in dental hygiene were we were tested on a weekly basis as to how well we could clean our teeth.  Over the semester we were instructed in the proper use of a manual toothbrush, dental floss, interproximal brushes (tiny brushes that go between the teeth when the space is big enough), toothpiks and various other aids.  We had to learn what made the best toothpastes and mouth rinses and how much to use and for how long.  You could not pass the class unless you were able to demonstrate that you could remove 100% of the plaque from all areas of all your teeth.  So, once a week in the minutes before her class the bathrooms were elbow to elbow with second year students that were brushing and flossing, rinsing and spitting and doing it all over again.  I remember a classmate of mine asking the instructor if he could use a waterpik.  Her answer…”I don’t care if you use a lawnmower, I just don’t want to find any plaque on your teeth!”  Well, that became the mantra for our class and at the end of the semester, we even gave her a charm bracelet with a gold lawnmower attached.

So, what is the big deal about getting rid of all the plaque from your teeth and gums?  As recent as 50 years ago, within my life time, there was little understood about the roll of plaque and gum disease.  Research done in the 1960’s began to link the various types of plaque to gum disease and tooth decay and we continue to learn about the harmful effects of these tiny bacteria….yes, the bugs are out to get us.  It’s well known that bacteria like to live in a warm, dark, wet environment and our mouths present a perfect home.  We have come to learn that there are two groups of bacteria, one that likes oxygen called aerobic and a group that can’t do well in the presence of oxygen call anaerobic.  The short and simple of it is that aerobic bacteria cause tooth decay and anaerobic bacteria cause gum disease.  Research has also shown that the longer the plaque stays on the teeth the more damaging it becomes and it’s more important to disrupt the bacteria so that it can’t organize than it is to remove it.  In fact, we can never completely remove all the bacteria from our mouth but we can make it difficult for it to organize.

So what should we do in our battle in this never ending fight against tooth decay and gum disease?  Well, we know that unwaxed floss is better than waxed floss because unwaxed floss will spread out and cut through the biofilm that the plaque creates….but, waxed floss is better than no floss.  A manual tooth brush will clean about 80% of the tooth surface but can not get in between the teeth and the 20% you miss is were about 80% of the problems occur.  An argument can be made thatif you were only going to chose one tool to clean your teeth with, flossing would be more important than brushing.  Research also shows us that a powered brush that spins in circles is more effective than a manual brush and a sonic brush is even better than the powered brush.  It’s important to know that when selecting a brush you should use a soft bristled brush as it will allow you to get the bristles further in between the teeth and slightly under the gums.  Dental plaque is found as a biofilm or sludge along the tooth surface just above the gum line and in between the teeth.  Using a waterpik is like using a hose to rinse grease off of your driveway…not very effective.  You have to also remember that if you are using a mouth wash to rinse your mouth with that it takes time for the liquid to penetrate the biofilm of plaque and to get any effect from the rinse you should do two 30 second rinses.

So, the bottom line to all of this is that it takes a village to clean a mouth.  There is no single approach to getting the job done.  It’s important to visualize that you are trying to disrupt the formation of a biofilm along the gum tissues and in between the teeth.  You can clean about 80% of the tooth surface with any type of brush as long as you are using the correct technique and the technique is different for the different types of brushes.  Something needs to be used between the teeth and that could be dental floss, toothpiks or small brushes.  Waterpiks and mouth rinses have a minimal effect on the bacterial plaque.  If you have any questions about this or want to learn how you can do a better job, send me an email or be sure to discuss this with Susan the next time you are in to see her.

Thanks,

Gary Sellers DDS

By Dr. Gary D. Sellers

Habit Number 1: BE PROACTIVE

During our comprehensive examination process we ask you to think and feel what is most important to you regarding your dental health. We want to help you design preventive and corrective treatment that is consistent with your needs, wants, values and goals.

BEING PROACTIVE means taking consistent action coherent with your beliefs, values and goals. Since 90% of decay and gum disease are preventable, once you understand the causes of these crippling diseases you will be able to take a much more PROACTIVE role in the prevention of future disease and problems with your oral health.

Habit Number 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

In 29 years of practicing dentistry, I note that the majority of new patients coming into my practice have no plan at all. This is really a sad thing. The vast majority of people who come to me don’t know much about their existing state of dental health and less than 1% have ever created long-term goals for their dental future.

Begin With The End in Mind means exactly what it states. By first setting reasonable objectives of exactly what you want and expect from me as your dentist, then we can reasonably make a plan for your future rather than simply being an accident.

In all my years of practice, using this approach, I have never had a person lose their natural teeth! By knowing what you want and where you want to be, I am in a much better position to help you get there. This enables you to be in control of your dental future.

Habit Number 3: PRIORITIZE

Once we know your objectives and have created preventive and corrective goals together, then all of our time spent together will be organized and prioritized according to your GOALS and OBJECTIVES. You will find that with this approach, there is little or no wasted time. All appointments are planned and our time together is far more effective.

In my years of practice, using this approach has put my patients in control of their own dental health. By knowing what you want, I am in a much better position to help you get there. This enables you to be far more in control of your dental health and future than you might now realize.

Habit Number 4: THINK WIN – WIN

Every procedure in our office is designed with you. If we can’t both walk away from our relationship feeling good about the time, effort and energy we have put into it, then one of us has lost and then we both lose.

Working to create worthwhile goals together, the entire process becomes meaningful and important. These are not idle words. I take my dentistry and what it represents to you very seriously. If either of us doesn’t believe we can create a WIN – WIN relationship, I will opt for a second choice. I suggest you approach our relationship in the same manner.

Our practice is oriented to produce the RESULTS YOU WANT. We have to determine exactly what you do want and that will guide our time together as we achieve the best results we can.

Habit Number 5: SEEK TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD

If we truly believe this principle, then we must really listen to you with no assumptions or pre-judgment. We must be open to you and care about your point of view. I cannot and will not try to manipulate you. I cannot and will not care more for your teeth and your health than you do.

Because I believe each person has Infinite Worth, I will always try to respect your point of view and attempt to design preventive and preservative treatment that will meet our joint goals and objectives.

What I have experienced is that it does take time to get to know people and it also takes time for patients to discover what they really, really want. I am willing to take that time, as I find in our present culture most patients and dentists are in too much of a hurry to start corrective treatment without a sound design and plan.

Habit Number 6: SYNERGIZE

The benefits of synergistic relationships are many. The majority of problems we have in life regard getting along with other people. In spite of landing on the moon, people in our culture have still not learned to get along on a day-to-day basis. Lack of understanding, lack of trust, lack of appreciation for each other leads to tremendous STRESS and MISUNDERSTANDINGS in relationships.

Still, health oriented, comprehensive dentistry is a process, not an event. We love our profession and our work and intend to enjoy our patients and the dentistry we provide.

We have found that when we have a reciprocal relationship of truth and concern for each other, our joint experience is better. We appreciate each other more. The quality of our time together is better and the quality of the dentistry we produce in this environment is better.

Habit Number 7: SHARPEN THE SAW

Since graduating from the University of Missouri Dental School in 1980 I have been on a constant pursuit of information and continuing education. I have had the opportunity to learn from some of dentistry’s truly great leaders and have taken many hours of training in advanced technical dentistry. I have given back by serving as the President of the Colorado Academy of General Dentistry, the Adams County Dental Society and the Denver Academy of Restorative Dentistry. I have been a visiting faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry and I am currently helping to teach dentists at the Schuster Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. I have also invested many hours in expanding my skills in the business and communication areas of dentistry.

Each year I exceed the number of continuing education hours required by the State of Colorado to maintain a dental license as I truly enjoy dentistry and strive to be the best that I can.

Yes, Dr. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People fits well with a comprehensive, relationship focused practice of dentistry and I feel that by my rewriting it in this way, it helps to articulate my practice philosophy to you.

By Dr. Gary D. Sellers

It is estimated that 51 million Americans have some degree of snoring or sleep apnea and that number is growing. Snoring is now know to be a sign of strained breathing which can affect one’s ability to have a restful sleep and can be a sign of a more serious problem.

What is snoring?

Snoring is the sign of a breathing problem. It occurs when the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat causing the airway to narrow and forcing air through the smaller opening. This creates sound vibrations in the throat know as snoring. Snoring can seriously affect your quality of life. It can be embarrassing and inconvenient, and can cause problems in relationships. In some cases, snoring is a red flag for a more serious medical problem called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

OSA occurs when the muscles and tissue surrounding the throat relax causing the airway to completely collapse and block airflow into the lungs. This blockage cuts off the oxygen supply to the body and brain. The airway obstruction persists and the person seems to stop breathing until the brain partially awakens the person and there is a choking like gasp for air.

The repeating cycle – falling asleep, muscles relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awakening with a gasp – is the reason there is never a restful night of sleep. The lack of oxygen put extra stress on the entire body, especially the heart.

Sleep apnea is a serious chronic disease that may trigger other serious health problems:

• Chronic Sleepiness (7 times more likely to have a motor vehicle accident)
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart attack (People with OSA are 4 times more likely to have a heart attack)
• Stroke (40-80% of stroke victims also suffer from OSA.)
• Heartburn
• Morning Headaches
• Depression (Individuals with OSA are 40% more likely to have depression)
• Patients with OSA are also more likely to have sexual impotence
• Diabetes

Treatment Of OSA

If you suspect that you might have OSA, you should consult with your physician and he may want you to have a sleep study completed. If you do have OSA, the treatment will depend on the severity of the problem. Treatment can be life saving for severe cases. Lifestyle changes can help to reduce OSA. Patients who are overweight should attempt to reduce their weight. Sleeping on your side instead of your back can reduce sleep apnea. Alcohol should not be consumed within 4 hours of sleep and sleeping pills and tranquilizers should be avoided as these agents can cause the throat tissues to sag and restrict breathing.

There are 3 basic ways to treat OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA, CPAP, a removable dental appliance or surgery.

1. Constant Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Until the past 15 to 20 years, all OSA patients were treated with a nasal CPAP machine (consisting of a mask and an air pump to keep the airway open). The CPAP has saved many severe OSA patient lives, however CPAP compliance statistics are showing only 40 – 55% compliance.

2. A Removable Dental Appliance

Several dental appliances or Oral Mandibular Advancement devices are available that will hold the tongue and lower jaw in a more forward position, which keeps the airway open during sleep. Recently, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recommended oral appliances as a first line of treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.

3. Surgery

When excess tissue is present in the throat, surgery to remove this tissue can help in opening the airway.

What To Do?

If you are someone you know snores or they are constantly tired and fall asleep easily during the day, it is important to discuss this with your physician or a dentist that has been trained in dental sleep medicine. A comprehensive exam is the first step in diagnosing a sleep disorder problem.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an exam to determine if you have a snoring or obstructive sleep apnea problem, please give my office a call.

Gary D. Sellers DDS

Member American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

303-604-6355

By Dr. Gary D. Sellers
Dental caries and periodontal disease (gum disease) are the most common intra-oral diseases and among the most prevalent disorders known to man. It is estimated that over 65% of the American population has at least the beginning stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissues associated with the bacteria contained in dental biofilms.

This may come as a surprise to you, but there is scientific evidence that the health of one part of the body (i.e. the mouth) can affect the whole body! The bacteria that cause gum disease can also cause a rapidly growing list of problems in the body. A person suffering from gum disease has a mouth teeming with Porphyromonas gingivalis and other bacteria found in plaque, the sticky biofilm that forms on teeth. These bacteria not only cause gums to become inflamed, but they can also invade other parts of the body, including cells in coronary arteries. In fact it has been found that people with gum disease are 3 – 6 times more likely to experience heart attacks and stroke. The latest theories suggest that periodontal bacteria living under the gums enter the blood stream and directly infect the blood vessels. Bacterial toxins increase fat deposits on the walls of the blood vessels and may trigger blood clot formations, which can in turn block the blood flow, causing heart attacks and strokes.

A new report from Harvard researchers found a surprising but powerful link between poor gum health and one of the deadliest diseases, pancreatic cancer. In a study of more that 51,000 males, those with a history of gum disease were at a 64% higher risk for pancreatic cancer when compared to those with a healthy mouth.

Pregnant women who have gum disease are 7 – 8 times more likely to have premature, low birth weight babies. It appears that there are some bacterial by-products, which cause gum disease and mimic those that induce birth. There are also studies that link gum disease with lung disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and even stomach ulcers.

These studies add to a growing list showing the connection between the health of your mouth, teeth and gums and your overall health. That is why it is important to work with a dental office that looks for early signs of gum disease and will work with you to help you understand it’s cause and how to eliminate this infection from your system.

If you would like to learn more about the effects of gum disease or to find out if you have gum disease, call Sabrina and schedule an appointment with Dr. Sellers today. 303-604-6355