Archive for December, 2008

Cold sores and canker sores-  What are the differences and treatments?

Over the Holidays stress reveals itself in people in many different ways.  I observe it first hand recently in patients mouths and thought it would be helpful to post some observations and treatment options.

Canker sores also known as aphthous ulcers are small painful ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores appear inside the mouth and are not contagious. There may be only one canker sore or several and they often return. Their exact cause is uncertain but some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved.  Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore. A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot, spicy  foods may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible.

Treating Canker Sores: They usually heal on their own after a week or two.. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouth rinses may provide temporary relief. Stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore.  I have instantly treated these sores locally with a medication called debactrol that actually  the sore.  The pain is resolved immediately and healing is instituted on the spot.  Over the holidays I treated my brother-in-law who is working out of the country.  He has been stressed and made sure we could take care of the pain.  He was suffering for weeks and in an instant his pain was taken care of.

Cold sores, fever blisters or Herpes simplex type 1 are different in that they are very infective fluid filled blisters that erupt from a viral infection.  They are annoying and painful and erupt on the outside of the mouth usually on the lips or on the face.  Once a person is infected with the virus there is an occasional outbreak because the virus stays in the nerve and is never  totally eliminated. They may follow a fever, sunburn stress and emotional upset.

Treating Cold sores-These infections will usually heal after a week on their own.  During the time they are erupted these sores are very infective so do not contact anyone with the lesion or they will contract the virus.  A tingling sensation will usually precede the outbreak of the virus.  Antiviral medications and topical agents can be prescribed to reduce the length of time and intensity of the infection.  I will also recommend that the patient keep 1 or 2 of the anti viral tablets readily available and when the tingling sensation starts to have them take the pills immediately.  They are to then refill the prescription.  This immediate treatment will reduce the level of outbreak or the outbreak may not even occur.

About the Author

Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to relax while we take care of your smile. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb County, Michigan. In addition to Dr. Antolak’s practice in Shelby Township, The Gentle Dentist provides portable dental services for the handicapped and homebound.

So the holidays are upon us and if you are like me the access to rich and high caloric foods are plenty.  The trick is to limit food intake and closely monitor the quantities eaten.  I want to give suggestions to help so that the New Years Resolutions will not seem to be so monumental.  Obesity is a growing concern in the United States. Half of the U.S. adult population is overweight or obese. Factors contributing to weight gain include increased stress, hunger, reduced activity, and smoking habits.  The problem is that the mean weight of adults increases significantly during the holiday period. . Thats why its important to maintain a balanced weight, because even a very small imbalance can greatly affect weight gain.  Many health issues develop from over eating such as

• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems.

The following are some suggestions on how to reduce the temptations of holiday eating:

• Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a major source of calories, plus it leads to the munchies.
• Limit soda and other sweetened beverages. These are loaded with sugar and citric acid and add extra calories.
• Schedule holiday food celebrations at normal meal times. Celebrations outside the normal eating hour can unbalance natural hunger and alter eating habits.
• Use smaller plates. Larger plates hold more food and increase the likelihood of overeating.
• Eat a healthy snack or drink a full glass of water before a holiday party. Your hunger will be satisfied and youll be less likely to overeat.
• Brush your teeth when youre finished eating. Besides practicing good oral hygiene, youre less likely to munch throughout the remainder of the day

Remember that making intelligent decisions about your diet now will give you a better chance of success in 2009.

Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to relax while we take care of your smile. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb County, Michigan.

Give us a call at (586)247-3500 or email DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com for more information.

The Candy Man

PUBLISHED: Sunday, November 16, 2008
The candy man

By CHRIS WILLIAMS
Source Staff Writer

Dr. Robert Antolak had his third annual Halloween Candy Buyback program Nov. 1 and 8 at his Shelby Township dental offices. He will donate the candy to needy children. Pictured from left are Jill Lapay, treatment and finance coordinator; Dana Kelly, insurance and marketing coordinator; Antolak; and hygienists Nellie Likomanov, Tammy Fryer and Margie Venetis.

Source photo by Chris Williams

Amidst the examination rooms, drills and other equipment in the Shelby Township office of Dr. Robert Antolak is a room filled with things you dont expect to see in a dentists office.

In boxes on the floor, against the wall and on cardboard tables sit nearly 500 pounds of candy bars, caramels, peanut butter cups, gum and other things that give the good doctor nightmares about cavities.

Its a real temptation for us, Antolak said, referring to his staffs struggle with working so close to so many sweets. We call it the room of sin.

The goodies are the result of Antolaks third annual Halloween Candy Buyback, in which children from throughout the area come in to sell their candy to the doctor for $1 a pound. This year, Antolak said the amount of candy he received was much higher than in years past and donations are still being made.

We have probably gotten more than 500 pounds of candy. I know weve given away about $420, plus weve had some donations come in, said Antolak. Last year we got about 400 pounds, so were doing even better this year.

Official buyback days were Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 at Antolaks office on 22 Mile Road. Staff members said the day following Halloween, there were lines of children eager to trade in their candy stash for some cold hard cash.

This was my first year doing this and I was here for it. These kids were so excited to show off their candy, said staff member Jill Lapay. A lot of them were so excited just to see how much it weighed; we even had some say they just wanted to donate the candy and they didnt care about the money.

Girl Scout groups and church organizations also donated money, and the room is full of not only Halloween treats, but full-size candy bars and unopened bags of candy.

Antolak has much more in mind for the treats than telling kids to cut back on the sugar. Each year he takes a missions trip to Haiti with his church and donates approximately 100 pounds of the candy to needy children overseas. The rest of the candy will be given to various rescue missions and outreach ministries throughout the Detroit area.

Its just been a real blessing to be able to give this candy away, said Antolak. Is wonderful what the kids will do.

Antolak also said its heartwarming to see children part with their candy, which they spent all Halloween night collecting, so willingly and selflessly.

They really dont mind. Theyre excited to do it, he said. They like to help other kids.

Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb County, Michigan.

Give us a call at (586)247-3500 or email DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com for more information.