A Case Study For The Curious: Teething Relief For Infants

As a parent, Dr. Ku knows how concerning it is to see your children in pain, particularly when they are young and teething. And sometimes with the accompanying desperation for a full night of sleep, many parents reach out to us with questions regarding pain relief and teething gels for their children. While we already have a lot to say about these, a recent retrospective study analyzed the health records of children under four who were exposed to these gels—and we found the case study interesting enough that we wanted to share. 

 

This was a study of infants and small children exposed to topical benzocaine (a topical anesthetic used for tooth pain commonly found in teething gels). The results of this exact study (in tandem with work done at the FDA) has led these over-the-counter teething products to be removed from store shelves entirely. Below, we walk you through the results of the study and also highlight how the FDA has altered its recommendations for parents. 

 

As dental health professionals we stay up-to-date on all recommended changes from both our dental governing boards as well as the federal government. If you have any questions about current practices or changes in procedure, please let us know. We will be happy to walk you through how any related decision was made. 

 

Background 

 

An increase in the number of children who were experiencing severe side effects after using benzocaine-based teething gels caused the FDA and dental researchers to explore the link and make new recommendations based on data. 

 

The children most at risk for severely adverse symptoms—such as shortness of breath, blue or grey skin coloring, dizziness, and rapid heart rate—were primarily under two years old. Since benzocaine is found in many homeopathic teething gels, many parents used the product thinking it was safe. 

 

Research on this subject has been ongoing for nearly a decade after the FDA received notification in an uptick in cases of benzocaine reactions among young children. Even today the Agency is still investigating 10 deaths and more than 400 reports of seizures that have been thought to be linked to these homeopathic teeth remedies. The FDA believes that one of the active ingredients, belladonna, which is commonly classified as a natural pain killer, was the ingredient to blames. It’s imperative that this ingredient be tightly controlled since eaten in unsafe levels it can be deadly. Unfortunately, as a result of an FDA investigation and other studies, it was shown that belladonna had not always been properly diluted in teething gels—which led to overdoses in children. 

 

While the FDA did stop short of requiring teething gels to be removed from the shelves altogether, it did send a stern warning letter to companies and advised parents to speak with their dentist or other medical professional prior to using any teething gels on their children. Finally, the FDA once again reiterated its stance on teething gels last month by reminding parents that they aren’t necessary and instead offering other options like wet washcloths, teething rings or gum massagers. 

 

How the standards changed as a result 

 

After the FDA released its first warning letter in 2010, many dentists began to stray away from offering teething gels as an alternative pain relief method. Studies like this one help guide medical professionals in their daily practice—dentistry and medicine are fields where we are always continuing our education. Today, we work collaboratively with parents to explain the possibly dangerous side effects of homeopathic teething gels, and instead offer advice on alternative solutions.  

 

While this investigation and the removal of product from many shelves made the news, the professionals at our practice are always looking at deeper studies that don’t hit the front pages of the press. When new and noteworthy advancements are made, we stay informed though our professional organizations as well as through continuing education that the whole team participates in. If you ever see any dental news that interests you, reach out through our Facebook or leave a comment and we will be sure to tell you what else we’ve seen and learned!

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Symptoms Of Common Dental Issues

Thanks to the internet, many of us like to pretend we’re medical professionals by quickly typing in our symptoms into Google and then clicking through the pages of possible diagnoses.  

 

Unfortunately, not only can this yield bad results and produce anxiety, but it can also cause you to actually overlook issues because, on paper, they appear “not so bad.” 

 

For example, tooth sensitivity brings back thousands of results with some from reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic and American Dental Association. However, each site lists a range of possible maladies that plague you. Without visiting your dentist, it’s impossible to determine if your tooth sensitivity stems from a cavity or from something more serious. 

 

We’re going to walk through several common dental issues that may appear commonplace from a quick internet search, but that really require professional intervention to ensure no lasting damage occurs.
 

Tooth sensitivity  

 

Have you every drank something really cold, or maybe bit into something really sweet, and all of the sudden you experience pain in one of your teeth? 

 

If this is a rare occurrence, you can attribute it to a one-off situation. However, if you experience tooth sensitivity more frequently, you aren’t alone. Approximately 40 million Americans have felt the same thing for extended periods of time. 

 

So, if it’s so common, is tooth sensitivity something you should worry about? The short answer is yes. The inside of your tooth is full of tiny nerve endings that are protected by enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your tooth. Sudden tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn-down enamel, tooth erosion, and tooth decay. Each of these can cause more serious issues like gum disease or tooth loss if left untreated. 

 

Next time you feel tooth sensitivity, don’t brush it off! Give your dentist a call.
 

Bleeding gums 

 

We’ve all seen blood at times when we spit out the toothpaste after brushing our teeth. But just because it doesn’t seem like a worrisome amount of blood, or if there was no pain associated with it, should you ignore the symptom? 

 

Bleeding gums can result from medications you are taking, or pregnancy, or can sometimes be an indicator or periodontitis. That said, the number-one reason for bleeding gums is plaque buildup along the gum line. When you fail to remove the plaque, it can harden and lead to an irritation of the gum tissues. So, if you start to see blood a little more often, it’s important to revisit your oral hygiene routine, cut out processed sugar from your diet and check the side-effects on your medications. If these steps don’t relieve the issue, it’s important to visit your dentist to check for advanced gum disease.  

 

An adult’s worst fear…a loose tooth  

 

As we age, having a loose tooth doesn’t call for a visit from the tooth fairy. It normally results in a visit to the dentist after a lot of mixed feelings and anxiety. 

 

If you, as an adult, think you have a loose tooth, it’s most commonly the result of untested gum disease that’s led to an infection below the gumline. This causes the bone to break down and for the nearest tooth (or teeth) to become loose. 

 

Losing a tooth this way as an adult is one of the more serious results of bleeding gums, and exhibits why getting to the dentist sooner rather than later is important. 

 

Osteoporosis is also another disease that results in loose teeth. This is a condition where the bones throughout the body lose bone density and become much more prone to fracture. When the density of the bone around the teeth lessens, teeth can become loose. Women with osteoporosis are three times as likely to experience a loose tooth as opposed to women without the disease. This is a great example of how the mouth is the window to the body and how important it is to be aware of changes in the oral cavity! 

 

Alone, each of these three conditions doesn’t have to be too harmful or the “end of the world.” However, each can be a risk factor for the next, and if you ignore one symptom then the result becomes much worse. At the first sign of any of these issues, it’s important to schedule an appointment. 

 

Questions? Curiosities? Leave us a comment or visit us on Facebook! 

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Must-Sees for the 4th of July in Fort Worth, Texas

It’s hard to believe that the 4th of July is right around the corner. And everyone at Dr. Ku’s office is beyond excited to spend the day out in the community celebrating! 

 

One of the great things about living in Fort Worth is the HUGE number of community events (many of which are free!) that are held around town. We hope many of our patients will let us know on our Facebook page how they’ll be celebrating July 4th in Fort Worth! 

 

We like to consider our office a family, and each of our patients as an extension of that family. So, if you see us at one of the events below or one that you share with us, make sure to stop by and say hi! We believe our relationships with our patients are worth more than one single hour every six months. Plus, here at Dr. Ku’s office we feel so thankful to be part of the Fort Worth community. We hope to celebrate that this Independence Day with each of you! 

 

Below are some of our favorite yearly events that many of our staff will be stopping by! 

 

Celebrate Freedom 2018: Independence Day in Texas generally focuses on two things: food and fireworks. Located at Panther Island Pavilion, both children and adults will be impressed by the season’s aerial work by F-16s and love to rock out to local bands in a Battle of the Bands competition! At Celebrate Freedom you’ll be able to chow down on summer favorites like street tacos or hotdogs or barbecue. Finally, you’ll end the night with the largest fireworks show in North Texas. And, as we all say, it must be huge since everything is bigger in Texas! 

 

Concert in the Garden: If you want to go back in time for an old-fashioned July 4th in Fort Worth, then the celebration at the Botanic Garden is for you! The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will play under the stars as you and your family enjoy a picnic or a pack of beer. Tickets are required since the event fills up quickly; however, children under 10 get in free. This has been labeled as one of Fort Worth’s best season outings, so don’t miss out! 

 

3rd–Annual Billy Bob’s 4th of July Picnic: Fourth of July and country music go together like apple pie and ice cream. This yearly tradition at Billy Bob’s will feature the Eli Young Band, Green River Ordinance, and Charlotte Leigh this year. Doors open at 7pm. Don’t forget you boots as you two-step your way through Independence Day! 

 

Fourth of July 5K: Before you load up on BBQ and lemonade, hit the road for the Fourth of July 5K benefiting Homes for Our Troops. The best part of this race: it’s a virtual 5K! That means you can participate wherever you are on the 4th of July—even indoors! Don’t let the Texas heat be your excuse. This event benefits a great cause, and then you can dine guilt-free all afternoon. Let us know on our Facebook page if you’re running and we can set up a friendly competition based on time! 

 

Dr. Ku is privileged to work and be in a community with such upstanding people. We are all so thankful on this Independence Day—and every day—to be a small part of all of our patients’ lives. If you see us out, please come over and say hi. We hope you all have a very happy and safe fourth of July!  

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Cutting-Edge Dental Implant Technology at Dr. Ku’s

Toothlessness is a common occurrence as we age, much though no one wants to hear that. And as a result, many patients ask their dentists to help guide them in deciding which type of tooth replacement option is best for them. Dr. Ku has been a leader in this field in the Fort Worth area, leveraging his decades of dental implant training to counsel patients in what type of implant can fit their needs best. 

 

By age 50, the average American has lost an average of 8 teeth (including wisdom teeth). And among adults 65 to 74, 26% have lost all their teeth.  

 

Severe tooth loss can lead to a host of issues that impact self-esteem, nutrition and oral health. And so, many of our patients are curious about dental implants, but all too many worry about the cost or pain associated with the procedure. 

 

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that 3 million people in the U.S. currently have dental implants—a number that is rapidly growing every year. If you want to be part of the growing population that is regaining their confidence and smiles, keep reading to see what our office has to offer! 

 

History of implants 

 

While the idea of dental implants are not new—in fact, they date back to 600 A.D.—innovation over the last few decades has brought this idea well into the future. Implants that date back to ancient times relied on naturally-occurring elements like seashells or ivory. Thankfully, by 1965 these elements had been phased out and replaced with the first titanium implants. 

 

Over the last 50 years, dentists and researchers have learned more about how implants integrate and actually bind with the jawbone. Today, many experts point to the discovery that titanium can physically bond with living bone tissue as the catalyst to the modernization of dental implants. 

 

Modern implants use titanium to form an artificial root of the tooth. Once surgically implanted into the jawbone, the titanium bonds with the jawbone and also heals much quicker than previous iterations. This dental implant technology brings comfort, aid in eating, and confidence to millions of Americans every year.  

 

Impact of technology 

 

Technology has impacted dental implants hugely by removing much of the manual work and replacing it with advanced software that minimize error and can give your dentist a complete digital rendering of your mouth prior to the treatment. This increased precision ensures that your dentist knows exactly where they’re drilling and guarantees that they know how sturdy the underlying bone is—and any abnormalities that need to be taken into consideration. Technology today makes dental implant surgery predictable, precise and—most important to our patients—affordable.  

 

Continuing education  

 

One of the most important things Dr. Ku does is to stay up-to-date on his dental implant training. While these skills are learned in almost every dental school today, they are perfected and modernized through additional training courses and continuing education. 

 

Due to the speed that the technology is changing, it would be difficulty to stay on the cutting-edge without attending specialized classes or seminars. Dr. Ku’s dedication to continuing education shows his patients that he is committed to be a leader in his field. 

 

If you are considering dental implants, it’s important to consider your provider’s training since it has a direct impact on patient experience and the longevity of your dental implant. 

 

Dental implants can change the trajectory of your life if you suffer from tooth loss. Thanks to new technologies, the process is faster, cheaper and more comfortable than ever before. If you are considering dental implant surgery, call Dr. Ku today to discuss how his credentials in the field can give you a smile that will last a lifetime.

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Why Dr. Ku’s Office Cares

Everyone on staff here at Dr. Ku’s office is dedicated to making your visit stress-free and hassle-free. We understand that many of our patients suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobias, whether from traumatizing experiences in the past or without any explanation at all. We also understand that these are real fears! 

 

That said, the health of your mouth is important, and we don’t want you to forgo necessary treatments. That’s why we love it when we have patients return to us for over a decade, because that means we’re getting at the problem. We believe in establishing the relationships with patients that side-step phobias, stress and other hassles. We believe it’s important that ALL our patients form a long-term relationship with their dentist. Through decades of work, we’ve proven that forming this relationship leads to better health outcomes for patients. 

 

If you are feeling anxious about a visit, we would love to welcome you to the Ku Dentistry Family where we treat you like one of the family and put all your anxieties to ease. 

 

Why does a relationship matter? 

 

Dental care is based on a good dentist-patient relationship. Since the vast majority of patients are not practicing clinicians themselves, it is required they put their trust in their dentist and know that the recommended treatment plan is necessary and not offered solely as a way to ensure a higher bill at the end. We are all skeptical beings. If you do not explicitly trust us, then we will never have a true and transparent relationship. 

 

That’s why it’s our mission to build that trust! 

 

Communication is key 

 

You’ve heard this before from friends or family, but we can’t read your mind. If you are anxious, in pain or worried about the cost of a procedure, bring it up to us. Having these conversations will held deepen our relationship and build a trust between both of us. 

 

There is no question too dumb and no request too steep. If you’d like to set up a conversation before you’re locked and loaded in the chair, that’s fine, too! Comfortable dentistry is a term we like to use at our office, and it means that we’re willing to “meet people where they are” emotionally and physically. 

 

Some of our favorite patients have special needs or require special accommodations. We are happy to work with you on ensuring that your visit is pleasant and quick! Please call our office to schedule a time to talk to Dr. Ku. Patients are his number-one priority, and we want everyone to feel valued and respected! 

 

Reliability  

 

Finally, having a long-term relationship with your dentist means that in the event of a dental emergency you know exactly who to call. We have all your records and know right off the bat about any allergies or medications that we need to take into consideration. This also goes for our office staff. If you have a long relationship with our staff, they can easily work with you on scheduling future appointments and know the quirks of insurance that might have caused you issues in the past. 

 

We want all of our patients—past, present and future—to know that they are welcome in the Ku Family. We work hard to build relationships with each of our patients. We hope that our approach to comfortable dentistry invites in those who have previously been fearful of the dentist. All of that means that we ultimately want everyone to have the benefit of a healthy smile, and we are dedicated to getting everyone North Texas there! 

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Stop Oral Cancer

Whether in our own bodies or in someone we love, cancer has affected nearly all of us. Whether personally or a friend or family member, it is a cruel disease. When you go to the dentist, did you know that we’re looking for more than just your adherence to a good flossing regime? On top of traditional dental issues, Dr. Ku is also screening you for oral cancer. 

 

Oral cancer includes all cancers in the mouth and at the back of the throat, and account for nearly 3% of all cancer diagnoses each year. Knowing what to look out for and catching it early are crucial to help better your chances of beating it. If you have any concerns or are exhibiting symptoms, please call your general practitioner or Dr. Ku today. 

 

Causes 

 

Men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed with oral cancer. And most diagnoses occur in those over 40 years old. While cancer can affect anyone at any time, there are certain lifestyle choices that lead to a higher incidence rate. For example, tobacco users of any kind are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. In combination with alcohol, the prevalence rate increases exponentially. Individuals exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically HPV type 16, also have a higher chance or being diagnosed with oral cancer. And finally, excessive sun exposure can cause cancer of the lips, which is another form of oral cancer.  

 

Symptoms and diagnosis  

 

The signs of oral cancer can imitate those of a variety of different illnesses, which is how it’s often ignored or confused for other things. From a sore throat to an ear infection, oral cancer can feel like other ailments you’ve experienced a thousand times before. Due to this, some people delay in seeking treatment since they think it will get better on its own. In other cases, the signs can be seen but have no physical pain or discomfort accompanying them. Most commonly, the cancer causes sores or thick patches in our mouth, lips or throat that are red and white in color. Patients don’t know what to think. 

 

Since catching oral cancer can be difficult, it’s important that you visit your dentist regularly so that an oral cancer screening can occur. These screening are quick and painless—so much so that patients didn’t even realize it’s part of their standard check-up. And ultimately, a visit to the dentist could save your life. 

 

Treatment options 

 

If cancer is suspected, your dentist will refer you to doctors who specialize in the treatment of oral cancer. This includes ENTs, head and neck surgeons and oncologists. When oral cancer is caught early, radiation or chemotherapy in combination with surgery is the most common treatment plan. If the cancer is detected later, radiation in combination with chemotherapy is commonly prescribed. Like many other types of cancers, the treatment is dependent on your overall health and the progression of the disease.  

 

Throughout the course of treatment, it’s important your cancer team stay in contact with your dentist. Treatments can cause lateral damage to the teeth, so continuing your bi-annual visits is extremely important.  

 

Oral cancer left unchecked can quickly spread. If diagnosed in late stages, the disease can be life-threatening. Oral cancer that is found late has normally metastasized, which means cancerous cells have entered into other regions of the body. One in four individuals who suffer from oral cancer will die due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.  

 

These alarming statistics should encourage you to make an appointment with Dr. Ku today for your regular check-up and oral cancer screening.

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Why We Use Sedation Dentistry

Does your dental anxiety keep you from visiting the office? More than 15%—or 30 million Americans—admit to avoiding the dentist due to varying degrees of fear. Unfortunately, many times when patients avoid the dentist for long periods, the amount of work needed to get their mouth back into good shape requires several more intensive visits. 

 

For those with a demonstrated anxiety about going to the dentist, it can be too much for them to handle. For some patients, the fear stems from appointments when they were children, or from a single traumatic moment; for others, it can be a generalized anxiety. 

 

If you’re able to identify with these feelings, or you can admit to skipping years of dental appointments, the experts at Dr. Ku’s office want to help you! Through the practice of sedation dentistry, Dr. Ku is able to remove anxiety completely from the appointment and leave you confident and secure about your dentist visits. 

 

Sedation dentistry  

 

Let’s back up. What exactly is sedation in dentistry? This is a common question asked by our patients. Each form of sedation works a little differently, but they all work overall with the brain and nervous system to reduce fear and anxiety while many times blocking out any memories of the event. Many patients report feeling a sense of deep relaxation throughout the appointment. There are three common types of sedation commonly used in dentistry. They are: 

 

1. Nitrous oxide or laughing gas: This is the mildest form of sedation and generally leaves patients feeling relaxed or euphoric.
2. Sedative pills: This includes prescription medication like Valium or Xanax. If you choose to go this route, it’s important you discuss it with your dentist and only take the recommended dosage.
3. Intravenous sedation: This is the most invasive option which is normally reserved for complex oral surgery. 

 

Benefits  

 

The benefits of sedation density are why we choose to use it at our practice. In order to combat tooth decay and gum disease—or identify even larger issues such as oral cancers—patients must be willing to come to the office and sit in the chair. If fear is what’s stopping them, then it’s crucially important to eliminate the fear. Sedation dentistry allows for us to do that. 

 

Besides general anxiety, many of our patients are concerns about their gag reflex. When under sedation, patients lose the fear of choking or gagging. This allows them to relax and even nod off to sleep. I bet you never thought you would get to catch a few zzz’s at the dentist office! 

 

For dentists, sedatives can allow us to perform multiple procedures in one appointment, too. The ability to perform more work at once prevents anxious patients from having to come back multiple times. 

 

Finally, sedation dentistry is helpful for those with special needs. Many times, the bright lights, loud noises, and foreign smells can be too much for some of our patients. Through sedation dentistry we are able to make an environment that is comfortable for everyone.  

 

Continuing education  

 

All of our practitioners continue to pursue cutting-edge advancements in our field. This includes participating in continuing education classes that allow us to be on the forefront of the sedation dentistry field. We believe that our knowledge of sedation dentistry is beneficial to all of our patients and will also encourage those who have been avoiding care to find a way to visit the office. If you are anxious or have been avoiding care due to fear, please call our office today. We can walk you through your options!

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