Wowee. Say that word three times fast! So, the word “otolaryngolist” not only has numerous syllables, it denotes a medical professional pertaining to the throat.
I recently became acquainted with an otolaryngolist. After enduring seven years of a swollen and chronically painful gland under the right side of my jaw, this particular physician was my fifth referral. With MRI results on a CD, I handed them over to him to review.
“How have you put up with this chronic [pain] so long?” he asked. “Why?”
“Well doc,” I began, stating numerous reasons that came to mind. “Affordability with SSI medical acknowledgements with its limitations; onto referrals, acceptance, and my depression, It is not unusual for me to see three physicians in one week.I get really tired of seeing doctors.”
He nodded his head gently which denoted understanding.
Looking at me quizzically before I continued…”As told to my by two former, different EENTs, I continue to hot pack the area, suck on lemon drops to increase salivation, and stick my toothbrush down my throat to release my gag muscle.”
With that said – long story short – he stuck a finger down my throat, causing me to gag. Showing me the MRI display; he pointed out “calcium stones” swarming both tonsils. There had to be 20 stones between and around both tonsils. Amazing.
Setting up a pick-up prescription, my use of a mouthwash called “Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12% Oral Rinse” three times daily has yet to show any promise toward the dissolution of pain.
“Give it two weeks,” the doc said. “Continue with the hot packs and the toothbrush and contact me via computer. I don’t foresee the need to release the deposits surgically. However, let’s try this first.”
Hmm. Yes. Let’s try this first.
Okay. I will. It has not been two weeks at this writing. I’ll wait and see if this elixir works.
After reading the following article, I can only wonder how such calcium deposits arrived – formed – in my salivary gland. A fastidious mouth and teeth cleaner, my personal overall hygiene has never been questioned. Hmm.
“As the Webmaster for a site dedicated to helping people save money when they go to the dentist, I find myself having to consistently fight two different and distinct battles; one against the average American’s reluctance to pay the high cost of modern dental care and the other is the same American’s belief that seeing a dentist regularly just isn’t that important.
“The first battle I have a decent chance of winning but the second battle I’ve had to throw my hands up in surrender; I mean if someone doesn’t care about their teeth enough to have them taken care of by a dentist, what can I possibly say to convince them otherwise?
“How about this: “Did you know that your next visit to the dentist could prevent a heart attack?”
“Medical researchers have known for years now that there’s a definite link between gum disease (i.e. gingivitis) and person’s risk for heart disease. Evidence is mounting, however, that information gleaned from a routine panoramic dental X-rays — wide-angle frontal images taken to establish the baseline condition of teeth and surrounding bone — may serve as an accurate early warning system of risk of dying from heart attack or stroke.
“According to researchers at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, a study of 818 teeth and jaw X-rays of Pima Indians in Arizona found that those who had a build-up of calcified plaque in the carotid arteries were twice as likely to die from heart attack or stroke. Normally, calcified plaque is present in only about 3 percent of the general population.
“An earlier study of 2,700 dental patients showed calcium deposits on each side of the carotid arteries can be spotted in X-rays of the teeth and jaw bone.
“It makes sense that the dental X-rays would see the carotid artery (which carries blood from the heart to the brain and back) so dentists should be aware that it is a screening tool for cardiovascular disease. If they see signs of calcification in dental X-rays, they tell the patient to see his or her doctor as soon as possible.
“BOTTOM LINE: Most dental insurance plans allow you a yearly dental exam at little or no cost, so schedule a complete check-up — including X-rays — with your dentist as soon as possible. If you don’t have dental insurance, consider enrolling in a discount dental plan that fits your budget and then go see a dentist as soon as possible.”
Just sayin’…. #buckroth