Hardin Dental in Cincinnati takes a look at the Dangers of Lead in Dental Restorations

The recent concern about lead on imported toys and products from China is a warning for all of us. We must be aware of these toys being placed into our childrens’ hands and mouths. We are very concerned about lead in toys, but how about lead being used in our dental restorations. Yes, that is happening in our own backyard.

About one month ago, Columbus’ Ohio’s News Channel Ten did a report on a patient that had become ill from having a new bridge placed in his mouth. An article was published in the Columbus Dispatch in February substantiating the claims http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/health/stories/2008/02/28/DentalLead.ART_ART_02-28-08_A1_GJ9FVGD.html?sid=101. The story on news ten followed an elderly woman that had become sick after some dental work was completed. The only thing her doctor could relate to her recent illness was a bridge placed in her mouth. The doctor instructed the dentist to remove the bridge after it was discovered to have been manufactured in China. The bridge was removed and the metal inside the bridge was tested. It was found to have toxic levels of lead. http://www.10tv.com/live/contentbe/EPIC_shim.php?story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200802/1544047925.html. Unfortunately, this could be happening to many unknowing patients as they seek out cheaper dental care. Sometimes dentists have to save money to be part of a preferred provider network. There would be no other reason to send your crowns to China than for savings.

Many patients look for the cheapest crown or someone that must be “in network” for their dental treatment. Obviously, this can be detrimental to your health if your dentist is trying to cut corners. The most important thing is to search for a dentist you know is using the best materials. My advice is to ask lots of questions. Meeting the dentist and touring the office will give you a good indication about whether or not he or she is providing the latest technology and materials. At Hardin Dental in Cincinnati, we ensure our patients have the best materials and latest dental technology available in dentistry today.

Hardin Dental in Cincinnati, Ohio evaluates the mouth to body link

The eyes are the window to the soul and the mouth is the window to the body. Our mouth is one of the most important parts of our body. We use our mouths for speaking and eating. It dictates our overall health. Many people have problems with their teeth and don't link it to a nagging illness. We now know there there are links between your mouth and Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Disease, and low birth weight babies. Many OB doctors are encouraging their patients to seek dental treatment before considering pregnancy.


At Hardin Dental in Cincinnati, Ohio we evaluate total dental health at each visit. Our dental hygienists are highly skilled in evaluating gum health. They closely work with Dr. Gary Hardin and myself(Dr. Tara Hardin) to assess health risks related to their gum health and tooth infection. If we are concerned about underlying medical conditions, we immediately contact their primary care physician. We also do blood pressure screenings at all visits to Hardin Dental. Many patients are on blood pressure pills and they are not as closely monitored as they should be. At Hardin Dental in Cincinnati Ohio we want patients to be aware of their pressures and let their physicians know what their readings are. Many times a change in medication or simply changing the time a medication is administered can help lower their blood pressure. Sometimes people forget the importance of taking their medication until we monitor the spike in their pressures. "We pride ourselves in caring about the person and not just their teeth," states Dr. Gary Hardin.




Recently, a link between our saliva and breast cancer has been discoveredhttp://www.dbtechno.com/health/2008/01/13/saliva-test-that-detects-breast-cancer-in-works/. This could lead to early detection of this disease. You can be assured that Hardin Dental in Cincinnati, Ohio will stay on the cutting edge to provide our patients total body health.

Have you thought about cosmetic dentistry?

Never underestimate the advantage a cosmetically enhanced smile can give you. Even something as easy and quick as whitening your teeth can improve your overall appearance. Every once in a while, I ask people to think about the advantages.

The choice of porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dental treatments is sometimes tied to an event: a wedding, an important business function, a holiday, a graduation or some family event. But, if you think about it, there are so many ways an improved smile can impact your life on an every day basis.

There is no doubt that a better smile is an advantage in business. This can impact promotions, sales and career paths. In a society that has learned that teeth can be improved, when you see a misshapen smile or misaligned teeth, you often can’t help but wonder why the person has done nothing to fix their smile.

If you know someone who might benefit from cosmetic dentistry, this is why you should think about referring them to me for a cosmetic consultation. A better smile can mean a better presentation at work. Makeovers of all kinds lead to promotions all the time. It can improve a person’s social prospects. It can also give a new sense of inner confidence that can manifest itself in many ways.

If you know someone who might be interested in cosmetic dentistry to gain an advantage somewhere in their life, refer them to me. It could be the best advice they get all year.