Is inhalants dangerous?

Inhalants are volatile substances that emit chemical vapors which on inhaling give a psychological  effect  or a high.

These  addictive substances are benzene derivatives and high molecular weight molecules which are aromatic in nature.

These are the third most addictive substances among children  according to Union Ministry of Social Empowerment.

4 types of  Inhalants

1.Volatile solvents
2.aerosol
3. Gases
4.Nitrites

Wood, polish liquids, eraser liquid,petrol,kerosene, hair spray,nail polish remover,glues are some Inhalants that are volatile solvents at room temperature.

They are fat soluble which first affect the brain as the organ has the highest fat content.
The toxic element affects the lipid cover of neurons and leads to cell damage.

Effects

Psychological effect
Drowsiness
Hunger suppression
Lack of focus
Seizures can occur sometimes
It can also lead to sudden death.

what's up
By,
Dr.Renju T George,
India.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening/teeth bleaching

Bleaching is an oxidative process which alters the light absorbing nature of the tooth structure,resulting in increased perception of whiteness.

Most commonly used bleaching agents used are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

HP and CP oxidize the double bonds of organic molecule like pigments or chromogens,convert in to lighter colored compounds and constitute the chemical basis of tooth whitening.

Tooth bleaching Systems

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry  categorized tooth whitening systems in to following categories-

1.Whitening Toothpaste
It contains higher amounts of abrasives and detergents compared to standard toothpaste but some contain low amounts of CP or HP.

2.Whitening Strips and Gels

Plastic strips that can deliver a thin layer of peroxide gel applied for  30 min twice daily for 2 weeks.

Whitening gels are peroxide gels applied on to tooth surface with the help on tooth brush.
Twice daily for 14days usually.

3.Whitening Rinses

It contains oxygen sources.
Twice a day for 1 minute.

4. TRAY BASED TOOTH WHITENERS

It involves use of a fitted tray containing bleaching gel
2-4 hours a day or overnight.

5. In-office  whitening

It gives fast results.higher concentration of peroxide.
30-60 minimum  treatment.

6.Laser Assisted Tooth whitening


THE EFFECT OF BLEACHING IS NOT STABLE.
written by
DR.RENJU T GEORGE,
INDIA.

Precautions of COVID19 in Dental clinic

*For the attention of all Dental Surgeons *

_Issued by the CDH wing of IDA KSB_

General precautions to be taken in the Dental Clinics when you come across patients with suspected 2019 - nCoV ( Corona virus) infection.

*Wash your hands with soap & water for atleast 20seconds. Use an alcohol - based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap & water are not available.*

*Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth with unwashed hands.*

*Avoid close contact with people with who are sick.*

*Use of Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) depending on the risk.*

*Use a particulate respirator mask such as a NIOSH - certified N95  mask.*

*Eye protection goggles are a
must*

Preferably use clean non-sterile long -sleeved gown & gloves while attending suspected /infected patients.

Corona Virus and COVID19

Corona virus  is named after its spikes that protrude from its membrane,which resembles the sun's corona.

They can infect both animals and humans.

There are four to five strains of corona virus.

The most publicized human coronavirus is SARS. 

A sixth was discovered in the year 2019 known as Novel Coronavirus or nCoV

COVID-19

It has been for the detected for  first  time in Wuhan,China. 

 But SARS coronavirus has unique pathogenesis as it can cause both upper and lower respiratory symptoms along with gastroenteritis.


Symptoms of NCoC

• Running nose
• Headache 
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever

 How is coronavirus transmitted?

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:-

• The air by coughing and sneezing. 
• 
  
• Close contact with infected patients such as touching,shaking hands.
• 
  
• Touching an object or surfaces with the virus on it and then touching your mouth,nose,eyes without washing your hands. 
• 
  
• Rarely, fecal contamination. 

PREVENTION  WHO recommended guidelines 

 WASH YOUR HANDS 

• After coughing or sneezing .
• When caring for the sick.
• Before,during and after you prepare food.
• Before eating 
• After toilet use
• When hands are dirty
• After handling animals or animal waste. 

By,

Dr.Renju T George,

India. 

What is the most misunderstanding thing about brushing your teeth?

These things are advisable to understand while brushing your teeth. 

1.We need to brush only twice daily.Frequent brushing is not advisable,rather it damage your teeth structure 

2. If you brush after breakfast,you need to wait for at least 20 to 30 minutes.This time is to adjust the ph of mouth to become normal and for the remineralisation to occur.

3. During brushing we are not killing the bacteria in mouth or just removing so called plaque. We are actually disrupting its growth and maturation.

4. Flouride containing toothpaste is advisable.as it reduces the risk of decay.

5. Always remember during brushing only food particles that gets stucked needs to be cleared.So try to do a gentle brushing that's needed to remove the sticky food.

By,

Dr.Renju T George,

India.

Oral hygiene and heart disease

Is there any connection between oral hygiene and heart disease?

Yes. Healthier oral hygiene by frequent professional cleaning and proper teeth brushing may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

Getting a professional cleaning on a frequent basis lowers heart failure by 7 percentage.

Tongue Scraping

 Tongue Scraping or tongue cleaning 

Tongue Scraping is an age-old wellness trick.

Cleaning your tongue is an old Ayurvedic self care ritual and oral hygiene remedies  that you can do to remove toxins,bacteria,food debris,and dead cells from the tongue surface.

Tongue Scraping is the new dry-brushing.

So scrap your tongue before doing anything when you wake up.

Otherwise the  toxins, bacteria,food debris and dead cells will get reabsorbed by the body and can lead to digestive problems and also immune system may get compromised.

How to do tongue scraping?

You can either use a tongue cleaner or you can brush your tongue using a toothbrush.

By,
Dr.Renju T George,
India.