Sunscreen & Summer

Before you buy sunscreen this year, know that the FDA is standardizing the language on sunblock labels. "Broad Spectrum" means it will protect against UVB (those that burn) and UVA (those that cause skin cancer) AND pass a regulated broad-spectrum test to ensure that a minimum level of UVA protection is provided BEFORE a manufacturer can put the claim on its label. 


SPF's below 15 do NOT provide an adequate level of UVA blocking protection. Know that there is no such thing as "waterproof" or "sweatproof" products (all must be reapplied @ 40 to 80 minutes, depending on formula). 


The FDA says there is little evidence that SPFs above 50 provide a substantial level of protection and has proposed capping all SPFs @ 50+( SPF 15 filters out 93% of UV rays, SPF 50, 98% and SPF 100, 99%) Finally, remember that quantity counts: head to toe, use enough lotion to fill a shot glass; for foam, make the squirt the size of a tennis ball. 


Enjoy the sun, but safely!

Kids and Dental Cavities

Dental cavities remain on of the most common chronic childhood diseases - five times more common than asthma. Over 50% of pre-teen children and over 80% of adolescences, in America, have a cavity or filling. With warm weather approaching, sugary drinks and food will be consumed more often by kids, so PLEASE stress the importance of proper dental care and visit your dentist every 6 months. 

We have a variety of DENTAL HEALTH LINKS on our website should you have questions about many different subjects from Baby Teeth, and Prevention for ages 1-5 and 6-18 to Sealants, Thrush and Orthodontics. Visit us @ www.DrOsmanski.com

Illinois State Dental Society Capital Conference

The 2012 Illinois State Dental Society Capital Conference was held at the State Capitol last week. 

Dr. Osmanski, along with his colleagues, represented our County on legislative briefings. 

This trip gives dentists an opportunity to visit their state legislators and lawmakers to provide their recommendations on programs that will shape dentistry within the larger sphere of health care in Illinois.

Cosmetic Considerations

Teeth Whitening has become very popular lately and is great to remove those stains caused by decades of coffee or red wine, but be sure NOT to overdo it. Overuse can remove enamel, the hard white surface of the tooth, and leave you worse off than when you started. Also, the ingredients in whitening products can cause sensitivity; a prebleach fluoride rinse may help, as can using toothpaste for sensitive teeth afterward.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Not only do regular dental exams help keep your teeth and gums healthy, they can help detect oral cancer.  It's recommended that people get a dental exam from a general dentist every six months.  Your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks, and oral cavity and thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth, specifically looking for any sores or discolored tissues.

Each year in the United States, more than 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed, and more than 8,000 people die of the disease with a five-year survival rate of only about 50 percent.  As with many cancers, the earlier it is detected and treated, the better the outcome.

Possible warning signs of oral cancer may include the following:  Bleeding sores - Sores that do not heal - Lumps or thick, hard spots - Soreness or feeling that something is caught in the throat - Difficulty chewing or swallowing - Ear pain - Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue - Hoarseness - Numbness of the tongue - Changes in the way teeth fit together

Some of our dental team will be taking part in the Oral Cancer Awareness Walk on 6/10/12.  If you wish to support them, you can donate @ donate.oralcancer.org.  Click on Donate Now and enter Team JEM-Osmanski.  

Feeling that Zingy feeling when you eat something cold?

As you age, your gums naturally receded, which exposes the roots of the teeth; also, enamel starts to soften. Proper brushing can help with the receding gums (soft-bristled brush used gently going up and down, not side to side) and a toothpaste (for sensitive teeth) and mouth rinse (use @ brushing) with fluoride can help strengthen enamel.

Saturday, April 7th, is the Downtown Crystal Lake's Lunch with the Bunny from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ Old Towne Hall. There will be food, music, games, photos and gifts.

Have an "Egg"citing Easter Day from all of us at Dr. Osmanski's Dental Office!

Dry Mouth & Soda

Allergy season has hit early this year, which means that people are taking their antihistamines already.  Antihistamines, as well as antidepressants, can cause a dry mouth.  Because saliva flushes away decay-causing bacteria, it's important to keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water, chewing sugarless gum and sucking on sugarless candies.

Watch drinking soda though, as it erodes enamel.  Use a straw to limit the liquid's contact with teeth and rinse with water after you drink.  In addition, avoid brushing right after you have acidic drinks or foods (citrus fruits) as this can exacerbate erosion.

Have a Great Spring from us all at Dr. Osmanski's Dental Office!