Lipomas

Pathogenesis: Lipomas are slow-growing, benign, painless lesions with an exophytic (extending outward) growth pattern. The lesion is a soft tissue, broadly based tumor of adipose tissue with an unknown etiology. Some cases report an occurence of blunt force or soft tissue trauma to the area preceding the development of external lipomas (Aust, et al., 2007).

Approximately two years on average elapse between soft tissue trauma and the development of the lipoma. Lipoma is a benign neoplasm of adipose cells, but has a malignant counterpart called liposarcoma.

Dr. Banić

Does whitening toothpaste work?

Despite pretty much every mainstream brand – as well as lots of specialist brands – making a whitening toothpaste, the truth is that most haven’t been shown to make a huge difference in the whiteness of teeth.

This study into different whitening ingredients found the top three that made the most difference, especially with sustained use, were:

Microbeads – abrasives which are banned from use in toothpastes and other cosmetic products in the UK

Hydrogen peroxide – a key ingredient in many whitening kits and professional treatments

Blue covarine – which gives the teeth a bluish tinge, making them appear whiter

Activated charcoal and some other types of abrasive showed some, less significant, whitening effect.

It’s also worth noting that even the best whitening toothpastes will only remove surface stains on your tooth enamel; they can’t brighten beyond the natural colour of your teeth or alter any discolouration below the surface. There are other options for stronger whitening.

Dr. Banić

HOW DOES COFFEE STAIN YOUR TEETH?

Coffee, among other beverages, stains your teeth because of one ingredient in particular that provides the distinctive flavor of your favorite drinks. “Many drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine contain tannins, an organic substance found in plants. When the tannins build up on the teeth from drinking the beverages, they form stains,” explains Beverly Hills periodontist and cosmetic surgeon Dr Mahnaz Rashti. “Additionally, the enamel is porous. The stain from the drinks penetrates into the microscopic holes causing long-term staining of the teeth.”

Dr. Banić