MOUTHPIECE

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with this pain for the rest of my life. It took me about 7 months to finally, completely rid myself of
the pain. That experience empowered me to be more proactive about my physical health so that I
wouldn't be jaded from my passion. I've talked to other dentists who've sold their practice after
such a short time, due to severe neck pain. Often times, treatment and physical therapy do not
help us to completely heal. We dentists need to stay physically fit, if not for our health, then for the
passion of running a successful practice. Doing a few stretches in between patients can make the
difference needed to abstain from neck, back and shoulder pains.
Taking a little time out for yourself can make the biggest difference to how you practice as a
dentist. I enjoy hot yoga, and this stretching in a 110 degrees room temperature for 90 minutes
has helped me cure aching muscles and prevent other injuries that dentistry may cause. We
SMCDS board members are focused on helping members maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle to
keep us involved and goal-oriented. We appreciate feedback and support from all our members,
no matter how small the concern or suggestion.
Being a part of the board can be a great opportunity if you have helpful suggestions to maintain
the drive and passion needed to practice. Becoming a part of the board provides an opportunity to
help grow our community and, in turn, help our members live healthier and happier lifestyles.
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possible champions took place the first week of June. Given the synchronicity of the topic, it is not
surprising I elected to champion via joint task force with MPDS (led by Dr. Jim Stephens) the
Coalition goal to increase our capacity to deliver preventive and restorative oral health services
by bringing dental and medical professionals together to bridge gaps in patient care; i.e.,
exchanging critical information and simple techniques with pediatricians, obgyns, special needs
physicians.
I share the above in hopes of piquing the interest of those who might relish the challenge of “bridge
building.” Please email etta@smcds.com or call the member line 650.637.1131
Bridging the Dental/Medical Divide
More synchronicity… A local Opthalmologist called wanting to make our dentists aware of a rare
condition he's seen three times in the last year. After obtaining go-ahead on appropriateness of
information from 2010 SMCDS president – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Sal Ahani, I share the
following for your edification:
Temporal Arteritis: Jaw Claudication that May Be Confused with TMJ Can Have Dire
Consequences The Wikipedia Article on Temporal Arteritis gives a good summary of the disease.
In my experience, the patients are over 55 - often 70 to 90. They present to the Ophthalmologist
with decreased vision from occlusion of a branch or the entire central retinal artery which means
partial or complete blindness in that eye. These conditions are irreversible in the affected eye but
treatment with steroids is essential to protect the other eye.
Three patients were seen in our office this past year and two had jaw claudication (caused by
involvement of the maxillary artery that supplies the masseter muscle) that may be confused
with TMJ. One patient had been treated by a dentist for several months. The other had been
diagnosed with cervical adenitis by an internist. In any practice these uncommon conditions
may be missed because their rarity leaves them out of the differential diagnosis. If you suspect
Temporal Arteritis, refer the patient to his or her internist or a rheumatologist on an emergency
basis. If they can't be seen by their own physician the same day, the emergency room is
appropriate. Richard Braunstein, MD - Ophthalmologist rbraunstein@comcast.net
2 | San Mateo County Dental Society | smcds.com
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Etta L. Kinney
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