Bend dentist, Dentist in Bend,

Care to do your own research on DENTAL HEALTH and CONDITIONS?

Visit the American Dental Association's (ADA) website and watch videos at:

http://www.ada.org/public/media/videos/minute/index.asp#medication

XYLITOL: Improve your dental health!

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is an all natural sweeter, derived from the fibrous parts of plants, primarily Birch bark, wtih a sweet taste identical to sugar, with no after taste. Xylitol has a low glycemic index of 7 (compared to sugar's 83) and is low in calories. So, in addition to being , Xylitol has much to offer the health conscious person. Used extensively in Scandinavia since the 1940's, Xylitol has been the subject of more than 1500 clinical studies that have clearly revealed Xylitol's health-promoting benefits. Dental associations around the world are touting Xylitol's praises for its ability to reduce the risk of tooth decay and promote oral health. Other studies have shown that when certain bacteria are exposed to Xylitol, they lose their ability to stick to the tissues in the mouth. Furthermore, Xylitol has a cooling and soothing effect, making it an ideal choice for both taste and good health!

WE SELL XYLITOL GUM AND MINTS HERE IN THE OFFICE!

Try Breath Rx and Spry Xylitol products. These products are great for on-the-go people with little time to brush after sugary drinks or meals, or for kids at school who have a hard time brushing their teeth. (Xylitol does not negate the need for brushing 2-3 times daily).

WARNING: Xylitol is toxic for dogs!!!

While Xylitol can be a great sweetener that is healthy for your oral health, it has proven to be highly fatal if consumed by dogs. Only a small amount of Xylitol is required to cause serious problems and effects are so rapid that the window of opportunity to treat the dog is extremely small. There is no indication that any of the other sweeteners on the market adversely affect dogs. So far, there is also no evidence that Xylitol is toxic to pets other than dogs, but veterinarians advise pet owners to keep Xylitol away from all animals.

-Teeth Whitening Specials-

ZOOM In-Office Whitening

&

At-Home Whitening

Check out our whitening specials!

Zoom In-Office Whitening is an quick and convenient way to leave our office with

brighter & whiter teeth.

Spring 2010 Special $475 (Reg. $650)

Whiten your teeth in the privacy of your home with our at-home whitening kit

only $250 (Reg. $350).

INSURANCE UPDATE:

We have become Preferred Providers with the following Insurance companies:

• ODS/Delta Dental Premier Plans (for PPO Plans, we still honor the Premier ODS fee schedule)
• Aetna and Assurant / Dental Health Alliance (DHA)
• Regence BC/BS of Oregon and Federal plans.
  
• CIGNA Radius Plans
• Dentemax network- insurance companies will vary; the name will be printed on your dental insurance card.
• Advantage Dental/Pacific Source
  

If you have any questions about your insurance, feel free to give our front office staff a call and we will try and help you with whatever you may need. We know that insurance can be confusing and difficult to work with and we want to make sure that you have a positive experience with both your insurance and financing.

Osteoporosis is a serious skeletal disorder that weakens bones and increases the risk of developing fractures. If affects about 10 million Americans, 8 million of them women. Another 34 million are at risk of developing osteoporosis. This disorder affects more women than cancer, heart disease and strokes combined. Many patients are treated with a group of prescription drugs called "oral bisphophonates." Examples include alendronate (Fosamax, Merck & Co., Whitehouse Station, N.J.) risedronate (Actonel, Proctor & Gamble, Cincinnati) and ibandronate (Boniva, Roche, Nutley, N.J.)


Jaw complications linked to the use of these drugs are a growing concern. That is because drugs have been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ), an uncommon but potentially serious condition that can cause severe destruction of the jawbones. News reports have alarmed and confused many patients who receive these drugs to prevent to treat osteoporosis. Most cases of ONJ have been seen in patients with cancer who receive treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates, which absorb differently than oral bisphosphonates. The true risk posed by oral bisphosphonates remains uncertain, but researchers agree that it appears to be small.


The risks of osteoporosis, especially the development of bone fractures, are serious. Fractures of the spinal column and hip are the most common osteoporosis problems, and hip fractures can be life-threatening. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that an average of 24 percent of patients 50 years and older with hip fractures die within one year of their injury. One in five patients with hip fractures ends up in a nursing home. Six months after experiencing a hip fracture, only 15 percent of patients are able to walk across a room without help. A woman's risk of experiencing a hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

It is estimated that alendronate may reduce by 40 percent the risk of experiencing a hip fracture in patient with Osteoporosis. Thus, it is possible that the drug could prevent more than 100,000 hip fractures and tens of thousands of deaths each year. Given the risks associated with osteoporosis and the proven benefits of oral bisphosphonate therapy, you should never stop taking these medications before discussing the matter fully with your physician.


If you physician prescribes an oral bisphosphonate, it is important to tell your dentist so that your health history form can be updated. Because some dental procedures, such as extractions, may increase your risk of developing ONJ, the American Dental Association (ADA) has published treatment guidelines for patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy. The medical and dental communities continue to study ways to prevent and treat ONJ to ensure the safest possible result for dental patients taking bisphosphonates.

The ADA believes your physician serves as the best source of information regarding your need for oral bisphosphonates. Given the significant benefits of these medications for osteoporosis, your physician may recommend that you continue receiving oral bisphosphonate treatment despite the slight risk of developing ONJ. While neither your physician nor your dentist can eliminate the possibility of developing ONJ, regular dental visits and maintaining excellent oral hygiene are essential in helping to avoid this significant complication.

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