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Dental staff fired for mocking cancer patient’s private diary

<p>Shocking video has emerged of two dental staff reading a cancer patient's private diary aloud while laughing and mocking her concerns. </p> <p>The video which captured the American employees at  Premier Dental Group (PDG) of Knoxville laughing as they read the private diary entries was captioned: "Found a patients journal and now it's story time lmao."</p> <p>The footage was reportedly filmed by another staff member who could be heard giggling throughout the video, according to the<em> New York Post.</em> </p> <p>A woman in black scrubs was filmed reading passages from the diary to others in the room and describing the radiation treatments  the worried patient faces. </p> <p>Another woman was sitting cross-legged on the office floor and listening intently, a male employee was also in the room but he did not intervene or join in with the women.</p> <p>It’s not clear how staff obtained access to the patient’s private journal, or why they decided to read it.</p> <p>The video sparked outrage across social media, with  Premier Dental Group of Knoxville having to share an apology on Facebook acknowledging the incident. </p> <p>"Premier Dental Group of Knoxville is aware of a recent incident involving an inappropriate video created and shared by some of our employees that addressed an individual’s medical condition in a disrespectful and unprofessional manner.”</p> <p>“We deeply regret this incident and the hurt [it] has caused,” they wrote in the statement which has now been deleted. </p> <p>A spokesperson for PDG confirmed to the <em>New York Post</em> the female employees involved in the incident were fired “effective immediately”.</p> <p>After an investigation it was determined that the male employee in the video did not participate and kept his job. </p> <p>“We are committed to maintaining a respectful and professional environment for everyone, and we will continue to take necessary actions to uphold these standards,” the practice said.</p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au</em></p> <p> </p>

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Take the pain out of toothache with these 11 home remedies

<p><strong>Toothache remedy: clove oil</strong></p> <p>Cloves are a traditional remedy for numbing nerves; the primary chemical compound of this spice is eugenol, a natural anaesthetic. Research has shown that, used topically, clove oil can be as effective against tooth pain as benzocaine.</p> <p>Put two drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it against the tooth itself until the pain recedes. In a pinch, use a bit of powdered clove or place a whole clove on the tooth. Chew the whole clove a little to release its oil and keep it in place up to half an hour or until the pain subsides.</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: cayenne paste</strong></p> <p>The main chemical component of cayenne – capsaicin – has been found to alter some of the mechanisms involved in pain. Mix powdered cayenne with enough water to make a paste.</p> <p>Roll a small ball of cotton into enough paste to saturate it, then place it on your tooth while avoiding your gums and tongue. Leave it until the pain fades – or as long as you can stand it (the concoction is likely to burn).</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: swish some salt water</strong></p> <p>A teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of boiling water makes an effective mouthwash, which will clean away irritating debris and help reduce swelling. Swish it around for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.</p> <p>Saltwater cleanses the area around the tooth and draws out some of the fluid that causes swelling, according to Professor Thomas Salinas. Repeat this treatment as often as needed. “A hot rinse can also help consolidate the infection until you get to your dentist,” says Dr Salinas.</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: soothe with tea</strong></p> <p>Peppermint tea has a nice flavour and some medicinal powers as well. Put 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water and steep for 20 minutes. After the tea cools, swish it around in your mouth, then spit it out or swallow.</p> <p>Also, the astringent tannins in strong black tea may help quell pain by reducing swelling. For this folk remedy place a warm, wet tea bag against the affected tooth for temporary relief. “The fluoride in tea can help kill bacteria, which is especially helpful after a tooth extraction,” says Salinas.</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: rinse with hydrogen peroxide</strong></p> <p>To help kill bacteria and relieve some discomfort, swish with a mouthful of 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide solution diluted with water. This can provide temporary relief if a toothache is accompanied by fever and a foul taste in the mouth (both are signs of infection), but like other toothache remedies, it’s only a stopgap measure until you see your dentist and get the source of infection cleared up.</p> <p>A hydrogen peroxide solution is only for rinsing. Spit it out, then rinse several times with plain water.</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: ice it</strong></p> <p>Place a small ice cube in a plastic bag, wrap a thin cloth around the bag, and apply it to the aching tooth for about 15 minutes to numb the nerves. Alternatively, that ice pack can go on your cheek, over the painful tooth. Also, according to folklore, if you massage your hand with an ice cube, you can help relieve a toothache.</p> <p>When nerves in your fingers send ‘cold’ signals to your brain, they may distract from the pain in your tooth. Just wrap up an ice cube in a thin cloth and massage it in the fleshy area between your thumb and forefinger.</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: wash it with myrrh</strong></p> <p>You can also rinse with a tincture of myrrh. “Myrrh definitely has an effect on infected tissue and can sometimes also interfere with the pain generated by tooth infection,” says Salinas.</p> <p>Simmer 1 teaspoon of powdered myrrh in 2 cups water for 30 minutes. Strain and let cool. Rinse with 1 teaspoon of the solution in a half-cup water several times a day.</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: distract with vinegar and brown paper</strong></p> <p>Another country cure calls for soaking a small piece of brown paper (from a grocery or lunch bag) in vinegar, sprinkling one side with black pepper, and holding this to the cheek. The warm sensation on your cheek may distract you from your tooth pain. </p> <p>This technique is an example of the Gate Control theory of pain. By using a distracting stimulus, the ‘gates’ to the pain receptors in your brain close and you don’t feel the original pain as powerfully.</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: brush with the right tools</strong></p> <p>“Sensitive toothpaste is very helpful for people with significant gum recession,” says Salinas. When gums shrink, the dentin beneath your teeth’s enamel surface is exposed, and this material is particularly sensitive. </p> <p>Look for pastes that contain sodium fluoride, potassium nitrate or strontium nitrate – ingredients which have been shown to reduce sensitivity, according to Salinas. Switch to the softest-bristled brush you can find to help preserve gum tissue and prevent further shrinking.</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: cover a crack with gum</strong></p> <p>If you’ve broken a tooth or have lost a filling, you can relieve some pain by covering the exposed area with softened chewing gum. This might work with a loose filling, too, to hold it in place until you can get to the dentist. </p> <p>To avoid further discomfort, avoid chewing anything with that tooth until you can have it repaired. Just make sure you use sugarless gum, since sugar may actually exacerbate the pain (not to mention that it can cause cavities).</p> <p><strong>Toothache remedy: apply pressure</strong></p> <p>Try an acupressure technique to stop tooth pain fast. With your thumb, press the point on the back of your other hand where the base of your thumb and your index finger meet. </p> <p>Apply pressure for about two minutes. “This works in several ways,” says Salinas. “The pressure can help prevent pain signals from being sent as well as help express some of the fluid that causes swelling.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/11-home-remedies-for-a-toothache?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

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9 habits that secretly annoy your dentist

<h2>The importance of maintaining dental health</h2> <p>Maintaining good dental health does more than just keep your pearly whites bright. Recent research – such as one 2020 study – has found that poor oral hygiene is connected with other physical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.</p> <p>A recent report from the American Heart Association also found a link between poor dental care and declining brain health. But even if you’re brushing, flossing, and up-to-date with professional cleanings, dentists say many of us are guilty of some lifestyle and oral health habits that could be doing our mouths more harm than good.</p> <h2>Your love for citrus</h2> <p>Most people are aware that soft drinks are damaging to teeth, says dentist, Dr Arthur Jeske. “Others may be less obvious,” Dr Jeske says, like your morning smoothie with a squirt of lime juice or the lemon wedge you add to a beer or cocktail. This is because the high acidity levels in many fruits (even grapes and peaches are quite acidic) can cause demineralisation, “which means [they] can literally dissolve your tooth enamel over time.”</p> <p>Dr Jeske’s recommendation: drinking plain water after eating or drinking can help reduce fruits’ impact on your teeth.</p> <h2>That firm toothbrush</h2> <p>“Many people believe brushing with firmer toothbrush bristles and abrasive toothpaste will make their teeth cleaner and whiter,” says dental surgeon, Dr James Galati. But these products (and heavy-handed brushing in general) can actually damage teeth by taking off the protective enamel and traumatising gum tissue around the teeth – leading to receding gums and root exposure. Instead, aim for soft-bristle brushes and toothpastes with fluoride.</p> <h2>Overusing whitening toothpastes</h2> <p>Toothpastes vary widely in their abrasiveness, Dr Jeske explains. A product’s Relative Dentin Abrasion Value (RDA) is categorised by low, medium, and high abrasiveness.</p> <p>If you brush frequently, for instance, you may want to stick with a product on the lower end of the spectrum (this ranges from zero to 250, and Dr Jeske says you can look up the RDA for specific products online). But he points out that most whitening toothpastes tend to be among the more abrasive. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether, but he recommends using them less frequently in your routine and swapping in a gentler toothpaste to avoid excessive wear.</p> <h2>Brushing right after eating</h2> <p>It’s important to wait 15 to 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth, says dentist, Dr Jacquelyn Schieck. “[This time] allows the pH of the mouth to revert to neutral, which prevents brushing away enamel that’s been softened by acids in foods or beverages.”</p> <h2>Improper flossing</h2> <p>If you floss daily, you’re already ahead of the curve when it comes to your dental health. Population research is limited, but according to the Australian Dental Association only 25 per cent of Australian adults floss their teeth every day. So three quarters of Australian adults don’t floss daily.</p> <p>Still, “while flossing is considered a ‘gold standard’ for cleaning between the teeth and promoting gum health, it may not be as effective if used improperly,” Dr Jeske explains. For example, interdental cleaners – tiny, round brushes with handles – are recommended over string floss for certain people, such as those with more advanced gum disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist can advise you on what type of floss is best for you and how to use it effectively.</p> <p>Flossing technique is important, too: you want to be sure to thread your floss into your gums to make sure you’re effectively loosening food and other debris.</p> <h2>Charcoal toothpaste</h2> <p>Dr Galati says that one of the more potentially harmful internet fads he’s seen is charcoal-based toothpaste, powders, or tabs. These products are often promoted as eco-friendly, ‘natural’ teeth cleaners that can remove surface stains to whiten teeth and absorb bacteria that cause bad breath.</p> <p>But Dr Galati says that most charcoal-based toothpastes are very abrasive and can cause damage that makes your teeth more susceptible to decay and bone loss. Plus, “there are no studies showing they whiten teeth any better than standard toothpastes,” he says.</p> <h2>Your high stress levels</h2> <p>High stress levels and a demanding work or life environment have been linked to increased dental health problems, Dr Galati says. Stress can make you more prone to grinding and clenching your teeth, for example, which leads to excessive wear. Unconscious nervous habits like chewing on fingernails, hairpins, pen caps, or ice can cause similar damage, Dr Shieck adds.</p> <h2>Lying to your dentist</h2> <p>Medical professionals are there to help you, not judge your habits. Accurate information – including your lifestyle habits like smoking, vaping, diet, and alcohol use, dental habits, and medications or supplements you take – is crucial for your dentist to properly identify dental problems and design the optimal treatment plan. “Some misrepresentations are easy to detect,” Dr Jeske says, like if someone says they brush and floss twice a day but their gums bleed during a dental exam. “But others may confuse the diagnosis or delay it, resulting in additional harm,” (and often, financial costs.)</p> <h2>DIY orthodontics</h2> <p>“[This] is one of the most dangerous and concerning fads I’ve seen online,” says Dr Schieck. The movement of teeth is a complex biological process that requires a highly-trained doctor’s oversight to avoid harmful consequences. “It’s amazing what people will try,” she says. “But trying at-home aligner systems in the absence of orthodontic guidance, using elastics or other household items to move teeth, or even attempting to 3D-print appliances yourself is not safe or effective.”</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/9-habits-that-secretly-annoy-your-dentist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Dentist slams dangerous “aesthetic” teeth hacks

<p dir="ltr">A dental surgeon has slammed a series of online hacks that show people attempting their own DIY dental work to achieve the perfect smile. </p> <p dir="ltr">Prominent Queensland dental surgeon Dr Heath Fraser has argued against grim TikTok viral trends that have people trying to whiten and straighten their teeth at home, saying these “tips” can cause serious damage. </p> <p dir="ltr">Among the worst offenders was a woman who filmed herself filing down her teeth using a nail file and promoted the tactic as a cheap way to get a straight smile. </p> <p dir="ltr">The bizarre video amassed thousands of views, with copycat users claiming they had also tried the hack and experienced no lasting damage. </p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Fraser, however, revealed people who filed their teeth could be setting themselves up for “invasive procedures such as fillings, crowns, veneers and even root canal treatment to resolve the erosion issue”.</p> <p dir="ltr">He described filing teeth as “highly irresponsible” and explained that “once tooth enamel has been removed it is impossible to regenerate”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Even when performed in the dental chair by a professional, patients run the risk of eroding their tooth enamel,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other problematic “hacks” saw millions of TikTok users exposed to highly dangerous teeth whitening methods involving the use of household cleaners and hydrogen peroxide as a teeth scrub.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Fraser said there were enormous consequences for people who used these products on their teeth, saying they posed “irreversible risks to the health of your teeth”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other users were desperate to straighten their teeth, as they shared how they tried using elastic hair bands in place of braces.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Fraser condemned the method, as one video racked up millions of views promoting the use of elastic bands. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Using elastic bands may work to move your teeth, but not in the aesthetic way you probably desire. The thin, tight elastic bands used by users on social media can penetrate the gum, severely damaging the soft tissue in your mouth which may ultimately lead to serious irreversible damage, including your tooth falling out from the root,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Fraser reminded people that for any dental work, attending a dentist is always the safest and most effective option. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

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4 habits that are surprisingly bad for your teeth

<p>While we’d never go weeks without taking a shower or eating, why is it that so many of us are guilty at neglecting our teeth every day? Just as much as taking care of your teeth is about keeping them clean and your breath fresh, it’s also about preventative maintenance. </p> <p>How many of these bad oral health habits are you guilty of? </p> <p><strong>Not visiting the dentist enough</strong></p> <p>Even if you think you go above and beyond when looking after your oral health – think brushing, flossing, and even use a special set of dental tools remove plaque – that still doesn’t mean you can skip your yearly cleaning at the dentist’s office. </p> <p>Make sure to schedule an appointment at least once a year.</p> <p><strong>Brushing from side to side</strong></p> <p>If you clean your teeth twice a day you deserve a pat on the back, right? Simply sticking a toothbrush in your mouth and moving it around is not enough. Good tooth brushing requires a certain technique. This does not involve any side-to-side action. Rather you’ll want to go in small circles. Forceful side-to-side brushing combined with an abrasive toothpaste can actually damage the teeth. </p> <p>You also need to ensure you brush along the gum line and the back of your teeth to loosen bacteria. Another big brushing mistake? Not doing it for long enough. While most people would’ve heard that the ideal length of time is two minutes, this is an arbitrary number, rather you should brush until you completely get all sides of every single tooth.</p> <p><strong>Using a non-fluoride toothpaste</strong></p> <p>Not all toothpastes are created equal! Some toothpastes, especially natural ones, brand themselves as fluoride-free, even though you need fluoride to achieve the healthiest mouth possible. </p> <p>Fluoride is essential because unless you remove absolutely every bit of plaque each day, fluoride can help replace the minerals worn away by bacteria-produced acid.</p> <p><strong>Chewing on ice</strong></p> <p>While chewing ice can be very refreshing, given that teeth don’t have great fracture resistance, it’s not a good habit to get in. Furthermore, as ice will take your mouth from warm to cold – and this tends to make things expand and contract very slightly – it can be enough to put little micro-cracks in your enamel. </p> <p>You can get away with it for a while, but the little cracks in your teeth can build up and one day, a piece might just break off.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Man accidentally inhales drill bit at the dentist

<p>A run-of-the-mill trip to the dentist for a 60-year-old man from Illinois in the US turned into anything but a normal occasion with the unthinkable happened.</p> <p>Right at a crucial moment during his dental procedure, the man inhaled sharply right before an innocent cough – and accidentally breathed in the dentist’s drill bit, resulting in an emergency trip to the hospital.</p> <p>In recounting the terrifying incident, Tom Jozsi said that he was at the dentist getting a tooth filed when he was told he had "swallowed" the tool. However, doctors later determined that he had "inhaled" it right before he coughed, sending the 2.5cm drill bit deep into the lung.</p> <p>“I didn’t really even feel it going down. All I felt was a cough. When they did the CT scan they realised, ‘You didn’t swallow it. You inhaled it,’” he said.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/Drill-bit.jpg" alt="" width="572" height="370" /></p> <p>Dr Abdul Alraiyes, at Aurora Medical Center-Kenosha in Wisconsin, said the bit was so deep that normal scopes couldn’t reach it. Jozsi said he was told that if it couldn’t be taken out, part of his lung would have to be removed.</p> <p>Alraiyes and his medical team decided to try a newer device to remove the object – one that’s designed for early detection of cancer. They were able to pull out the drill piece without harm.</p> <p>“I was never so happy as when I opened my eyes, and I saw him with a smile under that mask shaking a little plastic container with the tool in it,” Jozsi said.</p> <p>Joszki said he now keeps the drill bit on a shelf at home.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty & NBC</em></p>

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The reason behind your sensitive teeth

<p>If you are someone who experiences teeth sensitivity when enjoying a coffee or ice cream, you might be feeling quite frustrated. Sensitivity can stop you from enjoying your meals, as you are so worried about the pain that could come at any moment. </p> <p>But working out the cause of your sensitive teeth can play a major role in helping you to get rid of it.</p> <p><strong>Have you got gum disease?</strong></p> <p>When you have this, your gums start to recede, causing exposure to sensitive tissue underneath. You will also feel sensitivity if you have a tooth that is damaged and left untreated. Avoid this by ensuring good dental hygiene, brushing and flossing regularly, and having annual check ups at the dentist.</p> <p><strong>Are you a bit heavy handed when brushing and using the wrong products?</strong></p> <p>Use a soft bristled toothbrush and avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth when you brush as this affects your gums.  When it comes to mouthwash and toothpaste, avoid those with whitening agents if you already have sensitivity, as the alcohol content will make it worse.  Go for a sensitive toothpaste as these contain potassium nitrate, which will provide some relief.</p> <p><strong>Do you have enamel damage?</strong></p> <p>Things like teeth grinding, or using your teeth to open bottles (yikes!) can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth. You should also avoid bleaching your teeth if you already have issues with sensitivity.</p> <p><strong>Have you just had a procedure (or do you need one)?</strong></p> <p>If you’ve just had a trip to the dentist you can feel sensitive for weeks afterwards. This is perfectly normal but always ask your dentist if you feel it has been going on for some time.  If you know you need an extraction or crown, it’s very common to feel sensitivity in the lead up to the procedure.</p> <p><strong>Have you got any tips for dealing with teeth sensitivity that you’d like to share?</strong></p> <p><strong>RELATED LINKS:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/pains-you-should-never-ignore/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>6 Pains you should never ignore</strong></em></span></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2016/06/rules-for-denture-care/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span>7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new</span></span></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2017/01/calcium-and-maintaining-your-bone-health/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>What you need to know about calcium and good bone health</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Dog dental assistant helps calm patients

<p>A dental surgery in the US has employed a special helper to comfort those who experience anxiety during visits to the dentist – a 6-year-old golden retriever named JoJo!</p> <p>JoJo, a trained comfort dog, was a first responder to survivors of the horrific Sandy Hook massacre in 2012. Today, she works every week at the Paediatric Dentistry of Northbrook in Illinois, calming children during their dental appointments.</p> <p>According to her handler, Lynne Ryan, “JoJo had to be trained to get used to all the different noises in a dental office, like the sound of the drill and the suction,” she explains. “But now, she gets up on the chair and reclines on children’s laps.”</p> <p>Clearly the beloved pooch has made a big difference to anxious children. Staff member Veronica Renteria says JoJo helps the children take their minds off the situation and makes the appointment run faster and more effectively. “When Jo Jo comes in with them and sits in the chair, they’re comforted. They can just sit and pet her as they’re getting their teeth cleaned. She’s does a great job with them,” she told <a href="https://www.thedodo.com/dentist-office-hires-comfort-dog-1700145805.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Dodo</span></strong></a>. “She loves coming in. She’s very well trained and knows what she’s doing. We all benefit from her so much.”</p> <p><em>Image: Paediatric Dentistry of Northbrook / Facebook</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/04/blind-dog-has-sight-restored/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Blind dog has his sight restored</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/04/dancing-dog-shows-off-his-moves/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dancing dog shows off his moves</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/grandpa-and-dog-go-viral/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">90-year-old grandpa’s photos with new dog will warm your heart</span></strong></em></a></p>

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