Welcome to Poplar Dental
Welcome all,
This page is designed to give you more information on orthopaedic orthodontics, my speciality area.
Kind Regards,
Dr Amir Kamburov
I recently attended to a patient in her mid forties that came to us with the following:
- She had limited mouth opening (39mm)
- Her jaw was deviating on opening and closing.
- Her jaw used to click in her 20s and 30s, but does not now anymore.
- Complains of sore throats and occasional dizziness.
- She has had for many years pain in the neck and head
- She has always clenched her teeth, mostly at night
- Interrupted sleeping pattern
- Feels that she is out of breath constantly
- Feels that above all her quality of life has been dramatically affected for over 10 years now.
Medication: Muscle relaxants, Painkillers, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Anxiety
Note Facial Asymmetry
Allergies: milk and seafood
Symptoms she’s had in the past:
- Panic attacks
- Hyperventilation
- Palpitations
- Low blood pressure
- Poor circulation
- Leg cramps
- Muscle tremours
- Asthma
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty in remembering or concentrating
- Disturbed sleeping patterns
- Skin issues
- Headaches at crown of head, forehead and above eyebrows, back of head
- Itching/pain around and behind eyes
- Eyelid tics/tremours
- Sinus catarrh
- Motion sickness
- Metal taste in mouth
- Teeth ground down by dentist
- Orthodontics
- Chew gum
Symptoms she has currently:
- Muscle soreness / stiffness
- Poor memory and concentration span
- Shortness of breath
- Frequently irritable
- Lose temper/mood swings
- Allergies
- Dizziness/light-headedness
- Easily nauseated/vomit
- Cannot full open mouth
- Mouth opens to one side
- Clench teeth during the day
- Grind teeth at night
- Difficulty swallowing teeth
- Teeth sensitive to hot or cold
- Pain on twisting neck, neck aches
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
Practitioners she has seen for this:
- Acupuncturist
- Applied Kinestheologist
- Chiropractor
- Dentist
- ENT specialist
- GP Doctor
- Nuturopath
- Neurologist
- Psychologist
- Osteopath
- Homeopath
Duration of Problems:
10 years of headaches and neck aches almost constantly.
Symptoms are worse upon waking, at work and at home. Anxiety worsens the pain. Regularly takes medication for pain relief.
On assessment, the following was noted:
- Her head tilts to the right with a marked difference between left and right eyes
- Noted dark areas under her eyes
- Narrow nose and thin upper lip
- Her cheeks bones are not symmetrical, with her right cheek more outstanding than her left
- Her left ear is more outstanding than her right ear
- Her upper lip demonstrates rhagaids (smokers lines), deep nasolabial folds
- Her right neck muscle is more pronounced than her left
- Her left shoulder is rolled in while her right shoulder is dropped
- Her back swayed backwards
- Forward head posture
- Left foot flat and bunion present
- Knees toed in
- Pelvis is higher on her left
- On opening her mouth, there is a late closing click, crepitations noted in her left ear
- When altering her jaw position, kinestheologically she is physically stronger
Radiographic report of her Jaw Joints show:
Displaced Jaw joint disc displaced without being recaptured correctly asymmetrically. Degenerative changes have occurred and joint inflammation and rotation of the disc asymmetrically is preventing her deviated jaw from opening correctly.
For A Free Consultation, Contact Poplar Dental at: 020 8715 9970
Did you know this?!?!?
Healthy Gums and Healthy Life!
The Story of Mercury usage in Dental Fillings
As long ago as 1500 BC the physicians of the time knew that exposure to mercury had disastrous effects. So why have dentists been using mercury amalgam fillings for 160 years?
The answer is of course MONEY. In the 19th century the only alternative to using mercury fillings to restore teeth was to use gold. Dentists preferred to use gold but the majority of patients could not afford it and so they started using amalgam instead. Mercury has certainly done a good job in helping restore the function of teeth over the centuries. In the early days it was assumed that because people with mercury restorations did not become ill immediately, there were no risks involved.
In the past 40 years there has been growing evidence that amalgam restorations “leak” mercury into the body. The way mercury affects the brain and nervous system has also become clear.
However the dental establishments, including the manufacturers of amalgam suggest that there is no link between amalgam restorations and diseases that are linked to mercury toxicity.
“Lots of people have amalgam fillings, few are proven to be ill because of them.” This is a similar stance to that originally taken by the tobacco industry. This is not the way to safeguard the health of you and your family.
Healthcare is always a complex and emotional issue because it is so very personal. Most of us would benefit from talking to an experienced professional who understands the science and its impact on individuals.
The Facts on Mercury Dental Filings…
Fact: Amalgam Fillings leak mercury into your body.
Fact: Mercury is extremely poisonous.
Fact: The effect of mercury toxicity is cumulative and could take many years to become apparent.
Fact: Some people are allergic to mercury and other metals found in amalgam fillings.
Fact: Amalgam fillings will not last forever. They are expected to last no more than 20-25 years.
Fact: When amalgam fillings fail there is often significant damage to the remaining tooth.
Fact: You don’t need to have mercury fillings. They can be removed and biocompatible materials used.
Fact: Poplar Dental in Wimbledon, London U.K. can provide a FREE consult on the safety of your current filling.
CALL: 020 8715 9970 for a FREE Consultation
-
- Note pain distribution in head and neck for this particular patient.
Note how Jaw pain radiates out to other seemingly unrelated anatomical sites!
Note pain distribution in head and neck for this particular patient.
A very broad and endemic issue, causing millions to suffer every year, throughout the world.
Why and can it be cured for good?
Where does one begin on such a broad issue?
Perhaps we can explain briefly that our head undergoes slight contractions and expansions many times a day, thereby pumping the vital cerebrospinal fluid through all the brain chambers and finally downwards into our spines. This is known as cranial motion and represents part of the craniosacral respiratory system (not lung breathing). This is a very vast subject which chiropracters can speak hours about. However, for our intended purposes here, we shall focus on the palate and its interaction with this cranial motion and ill-effects when not functioning correctly.
The palate connects with ELEVEN other head bones which are all designed to move ever so slightly during cranial motion. However, if the palate is locked and unable to flex, it would directly affect cranial rhythm disadvantageously. So much so that characteristic side effects include: unexplained irritability or mood swings, facial pain, chronic fatigue, eye-pain, mental confusion, balance issues and surprise surprise – HEADACHES, to name a few. Indeed, depending on our abilities to adapt and compensate for these irregularities means that different people are affected at different stages in their lives and ages.
Chief complaints my include:
- constant head-band-type headaches
- head and face tightness
- generalised irritability and stress
- neck pains
- limited head flexibility and rotational ability
- chronic fatigue, poor balance, disorientation, muscle weakness and arms and/or legs pins and needle sensations progress later.
- Hearing acuity may be affected with time.
Although not everone who has a restricted upper jaw may develop the above over a period of time, a compensatory response will exist somewhere in the body…its just a matter of time and how much the body can compensate for this restriction in cranial motion. It is for this reason that acute and/or chronically ill patients with evidently unrelated symptoms should be evaluated dentally.
This article is referenced from Alltop.
A peptide solution that is painted on teeth takes the pain out of fighting dental decay by helping damaged teeth regenerate themselves.
Tooth decay begins when acid produced by bacteria in plaque dissolves the mineral in the teeth, causing microscopic holes or “pores” to form. As the decay process progresses the micro-pores increase in size and number to the point that eventually the damaged tooth may have to be drilled and filled, or even removed.
“This may sound too good to be true, but we are essentially helping acid-damaged teeth to regenerate themselves. It is a totally natural non-surgical repair process and is entirely pain-free too,” says Jennifer Kirkham, a professor at the University of LeedsDental Institute.
Article reference: Dental work without the ouch (really!)
Healthy muscles contract when required and relax after an activity ceases. Muscles that are however affected by stress do not get the chance to relax and remain tensed up. When this occurs, they eventually go into spasm, are knotted up and do not allow blood to circulate within them sufficiently. When one does not exercise regularly, one is more susceptible to the negative effects of physical and emotional stress. Muscular tension builds up faster in such weakened and poorly nourished muscles which leads to prolonged stiffness. Without proper muscle nourishment (poor circulation), the tissue undergoes degeneration to form nodules, also known as “trigger points”. These knots are the SOURCE of much referred pain associated with muscle-strain issues.
Trigger-points usually refer pain to other body parts, and is the main reason why such conditions are often misdiagnosed medically. When examining a trigger-point, once pressed you would instantly feel a shooting-like pain elsewhere. For example a shoulder trigger-point when pressed would refer the pain to the side of your head (temple/s). This would lead you to think that you have a headache or migraine, but in actual fact the origin of pain is in the shoulder muscle being in constant spasm. If one is unaware of how trigger-points work, you may wrongly mistake a throbbing pain in your head to be a migraine, a common misdiagnosis, even amongst medical professionals.
Trigger points by and large present themselves anywhere in the body which invariably results in diagnotic chaos for many physicians. Neck and shoulder pain typically creates migraine type headaches as a common misdiagnosis. Buttock pain is often confused with spinal disk problems. Most physicians do not take trigger points as hints to correct pain-origin diagnosis and prefer to easily medicate against these sensations/symptoms. These pain-clues (cause) if not taken seriously will always result in continued chronic pain and loss of quality of life. Chronic muscle-contraction pain misdiagnosis will simply result in more muscle tension and contraction, more trigger points and more pain. Migraines and spinal problems are characteristically difficult to treat, however, ironically trigger points are easily resolved with resultant pain ablation and relief.
Below are some illustrations of typical pain centres related to trigger points. Illustrations reproduced from “Myofacial Genesis of Pain” by Janet Travell and Seymour H Rinzler, Postgraduate Medicine (Vol.11 No.5), May 1952. Subsequently now revised to:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Janet-G.-Travell/e/B001IQZE1A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Just as I put this post up I received this link which you may find quite useful too!
http://oxfordchiroclinic.com/index.php?newsletters=10004
Myofacial Genesis of Pain
Myofacial Genesis of Pain - Trigger Points & associated Pain Centres.
Myofacial Genesis of Pain - Trigger Points & associated Pain Centres.
Having a good smile and a healthier mouth not only makes it easy for you to eat food that is good in nutrition but also makes it easier to laugh and talk while others are around. Everyone has the intention of keeping their teeth in their mouth so dental care is the most essential part in giving teeth what they deserve.
There is one thing that you need to know for sure- your teeth are your life long partners. Now it is your duty to take care of them as they will not auto clean. By doing so, you are protecting teeth against decays and deceases for the years to come and you will feel good about it. Just ask someone with painful teeth or bleeding gums and you will know the difference.
So, why are the gums important? The gums and bone need to be strong as they hold the teeth in place. When plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it forms a hard covering called tartar, which is very harmful. Brushing does not clean tartar. If plaque and tarter stay on your teeth for a long time, they cause a log of damage. Your gums may become swollen red and bleed easily. They will hurt too. This is called gingivitis.
The more you delay the treatment of gingivitis, the more harm you do to your teeth. Your gums will get pulled away from your teeth and cause infection to the tissues and bones. This is called periodontitis. Furthermore, it can cause loose teeth and they may have to be removed by your dentist. At this stage immediately visit your dentist before it gets any worse.
So, how do you prevent gum disease?
- Clean your teeth and gums
- Floss at least once a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste and brush teeth twice a day
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Keep away from tobacco and related products
- Have a balanced diet
When brushing, make sure you brush all sides gently and carefully. Also, use dental floss to keep teeth healthy. Flossing will remove plaque and the leftover food which the toothbrush cannot reach. Rinse your mouth after flossing.
Gum disease is not inevitable. Gums are special parts of your mouth that require care. Have you had a gum disease before? What in your opinion is a good way to keep your gums safe?
Everyone knows the importance of the mouth since we smile, talk, chew, drink and eat with it. Mouth care is vital because you have a lifelong relationship with teeth. Who wants to lose teeth or who hasn’t had or is having problems with them? The most essential part of taking care of teeth begins with the food we eat. We simply don’t realize the fact that we are ruining our teeth day by day by not paying attention to them. And what is expected to happen is ending up at the dentists having the teeth replaced or undergoing a painful surgery that’s costing thousands of dollars.
White teeth are not natural as teeth do not come in white. If someone has sparkly white teeth, they have either bleached them or they are not natural. You will not be able to spectacularly change the color of your teeth unless you can afford the bleaching procedure which costs thousands. So, white teeth should not be your prime objective as there are additional things which are most commonly overlooked.
Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that helps fight tooth decay. It is considered the hardest mineral substance in your body which is harder than bone. If it is so hard, how does it get spoiled? Acids from certain foods and drinks, particularly those which are sugary or contain starch put your tooth enamel to severe danger.
Stained teeth are caused by coffee, tea and nicotine products. If you do not pay consideration to this, the coloring will get more prominent and permanent. However, the staining can be removed with baking soda or a lemon peel and then rinsing with water. Toothpastes that serve to fight tarter and plaque may well spoil your teeth enamel making teeth extra likely to stain than before.
Eating good food in the appropriate combination is the answer to fighting tooth decay. Candy is the tooth killer, we all know but did you know that citrus fruits and fruit juices give out the similar intention? They create an acidic situation in your mouth which fights teeth. Citrus foods should be eaten with other food so that the acid is neutralized. For example, eating an apple after the meal removes more food particles than brushing your teeth. Keep in mind to clean your mouth with dental floss and rinse it so that there are no remains of food which cause bad breath and decay.
Don’t delay as soon as you have found out that you have problems with your teeth as it may lead to a worse scenario. The dentist is your only hope; after all he or she is qualified for their job. And if you take care of your teeth on the go, you will find out that you have a sweeter breath and brighter teeth. Now isn’t that something to smile about? How do you take care of your teeth? What is your teeth care plan, if any?
We have always heard that prevention is better than cure, in other words stopping problems before they arise. Sadly enough, people suffer from dental anxiety and are too afraid to visit a dentist for a routine checkup. And what usually happens is that the small problem they had, turned out to be a big problem and the only hope or the last option for them was to pay a visit to the local dentist. Why the delay? What would have been a small checkup turns out to be your worst nightmare. And you can avoid all of this.
You have to realize that the dentist is always there to help and all he or she wants is to make the pain go away. A good dentist:
- Does face to face communication.
- Strives to make the appointment pain free.
- Cares about his patients.
- Has the ability to relax and guide you through the process or operation.
- Is highly competent.
- Focuses on patient-dentist relationship.
At times, dental phobic’s are to blame who tell stories about their past experiences with bad dentists who were uncaring, incompetent and unskilled. This is where you have to ask your friends and family to recommend you to a good dentist.
Here are some good tips:
- Do not visit your dentist when you are stressed out.
- Always share your problem or fear with the dentist, he or she will guide you and help you overcome your fear, whether it is of pain or of the apparatus, via a composed and comforting dialogue.
- Your dentist will always answer your questions so feel free to ask them.
Remember, a good relationship is without the gap of communication. The fear and anxiety is reduced if you know exactly what to expect. You should feel confident that the dentist will do everything possible to reduce your anxiety. How was your first experience at the dentists? Are you having dental phobia?
