December 2006
Consumer
Reports Evaluates Toothpastes
Consumer Reports (CR) found that most
toothpastes carry a prominent, but misleading claim -
whitening teeth. The fine print reveals that most
products whiten by removing stains, not by lightening
the base color of the teeth. In their tests of 41
toothpastes, no correlation was found between these
claims and stain-removing ability. Even those containing
peroxide did no better at bleaching out stains than
others. Only one toothpaste stood out as a stain
remover: Ultrabrite All in One Advanced Whitening
(without peroxide). At 28˘ per ounce, roughly
one-tenth the cost of the priciest brand, it was one of
the least expensive products. CR advised consumers to
follow the American Dental Association's to use a
product containing fluoride. Up To Top
Antacids May Fight Gingivitis
Chemicals commonly used to treat heartburn also display
fighting power against the oral bacteria linked with gum
disease, according to researchers at the University of
Rochester Medical Center. The team studied a compound
known as lansoprazole, part of a family known as
benzimidazoles that already have a range of uses,
primarily controlling stomach hyperacidity and killing
bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. This compound
is showing potent antimicrobial actions that interfere
with other types of bacteria that cause plaque buildup
and gingivitis. The research, supported by the National
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, "shows
promise for preventing cavities and providing protective
benefits to guard against gingivitis."
TIP: Watch for developing research.
(Source: University of Rochester Medical School,www.urmc.rochester.edu,
November 2006, Archives of Oral Biology.) Up To Top
American
Dental Association: Fluoride and Infant Formula
The American Dental Association (ADA) has
issued guidelines regarding fluoride intake for infants
and children. The interim guidelines report that ”recent
studies cited in the report of the National Research
Council (NRC), ‘Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific
Review of EPA's Standards,' have raised the possibility
that infants could receive a greater than optimal amount
of fluoride through liquid concentrate or powdered baby
formula that has been mixed with water containing
fluoride during a time that their developing teeth may
be susceptible to enamel fluorosis.”
For the complete ADA position statement click
here=http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/reports/report_fluoride.pdf
Up To Top
Cold Plasma to
Replace Dentist's Drill?
Bio-medical research and the advent of cold plasma
needles could eliminate the need for drilling teeth. A
physicist based at the Eindhoven University of
Technology in the Netherlands started development of the
device three years ago. Using a needle with a drop of
plasma comes in contact with the affected part of the
mouth and is cold and painless to the touch. Plasma
is ionized gases in a state of high temperature.
Researchers are experimenting with a hand-held device
that can localize plasma to kill bacteria,
including Streptococcus mutans bacteria.
(Source: DentalCompare Orthodontic Newsletter, 11/14/06)
Up To Top
High Doses of Pain Drugs Increase Heart
Attack Risk
The Commission on Human Medicines is issuing guidance to
doctors regarding high daily doses of common painkillers
such as ibuprofen. The British Medical Journal
published research in June 2006 which indicated that
taking the drugs meant an extra three people out of one
thousand would develop a higher risk of heart attacks or
strokes. The Medicines and Healthcare Products
Regulatory Agency, which oversees the safety of drugs
used in the United Kingdom, advises that the lowest
effective doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, should be taken for the
shortest time necessary. However, the European
Medicines Agency (EMEA) has decided that the benefits of
NSAIDs still outweigh any increased risks.
Up To Top
Check Your Child's Brushing
Listerine has introduced Agent Cool Blue© mouth rinse.
It has a chemical in it that identifies the bacterial
buildup that we call plaque.
Here’s how it works: after brushing (and, for those old
enough to do it, flossing), you rinse with Agent Cool
Blue. Any area you missed will show a blue stain.
Brush and floss away the stain, and you get the areas
you were missing. If you suspect that your child is
trying to pull a fast one on you by brushing quickly and
poorly, a surprise post-brushing inspection with Agent
Cool Blue will reveal the truth.
Up To Top
Survival Guide for Your Smile!
There is one thing that seems to unite us all: comfort
food.
Cold weather and sweets go hand-in-hand, let's take a
moment to think about what it’s doing to your teeth. How
Could Something So Good be So Bad?
Sugar can wreck havoc with your teeth. Bacteria in your
mouth use your sweets as energy, growing and multiplying
faster than they would otherwise. Some bond with the
sugar to form a sticky glue called plaque. Plaque, in
turn, produces acid. The acid dissolves the minerals
that make your tooth enamel hard, and the surface
becomes porous. The acid causes these tiny holes in the
enamel to become bigger until one large hole appears.
This is a cavity.
All we can do is try to minimize the damage. Don’t
let your holiday routine interrupt your dental care
regimen. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with
a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once.
If you decide to indulge in more sweets than usual, it’s
a good idea to brush more often. If you don’t have your
toothbrush on hand, rinse your mouth out with warm
water. Certain sugar-free gums can help as well. Choose
those with Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can
help prevent tooth decay. And finally, try to mix up
your snacks. If you’re eating a sugary treat, try to
also eat a bit of cheese (or a similar protein) as well
and have a happy Jesus birthday celebration.
|
November 2006
What foods cause tooth decay in
children?
Many different types of food can
cause tooth decay, not just candy. Foods that are high in
carbohydrates, as well as some fruits, liquids, peanut butter,
crackers and potato chips are culprits. Factors that cause tooth
decay include the frequency in which the foods are eaten and the
time they remain as particles in the mouth.
Can decay affect infants?
Yes. Tooth decay in infants and young children most often occurs
in the upper front teeth, but also may affect other teeth.
Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby's teeth can decay
soon after they first appear. The decay may even enter the
underlying bone structure, which can hamper development of the
permanent teeth. This problem is frequently referred to as baby
bottle tooth decay. This kind of decay is caused by long-term
exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. When a
child consumes a sugary liquid, acid attacks the teeth and gums and
causes decay.
Are children safe from
soda and other beverages?
Dentists believe that kids who consume too much soda and not enough
nutritional beverages are prone to tooth decay in addition to
serious ailments later in life, such as diabetes and
osteoporosis. Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly can
contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Soft drinks contain
sticky sugars that bacteria in our mouths use as an energy source.
They break down into acids and adhere to tooth surfaces.
How does bacteria hurt
teeth?
Decay is caused by bacteria that feed on any food that contains
sugars and carbohydrates. Decay occurs when solid or liquid food
particles are left unswallowed and cling to the teeth or gums for
long periods. Bacteria in the mouth use sugars to produce acid
that attacks the enamel of the teeth, softening and then eroding
them. Enamel breakdown leads to cavities. If erosion spreads beneath
the enamel, pain and sensitivity may eventually result. This can
cause nerve infection, which can result in the need for a root
canal.
My children rarely drink
soda. Are they still at risk for tooth decay?
Yes, any prolonged exposure to soda can cause damage. Sipping a soft
drink all afternoon is more harmful to your teeth than drinking a
large soda with a meal and then not drinking any soda for the rest
of the day. While many dentists advocate drinking nutritional
beverages, such as milk, many agree soda should be consumed from a
can rather than a bottle with a replaceable cap to discourage
prolonged exposure to soda.
How can
children prevent damage to their teeth?
Children at school should rinse their mouth with water after meals,
leaving their teeth free of sugar and acid. Children also should
seek sources of fluoridation. If you purchase bottled water, be sure
that it is fluoridated. Encourage children to drink tap or fountain
water. Use a straw when drinking soda to keep sugar away from teeth.
Remember, bottled juices are not a good alternative due to the high
sugar content. Regular dental check-ups, combined with brushing with
fluoride toothpaste also will help protect children's teeth.
How can you help your child
prevent tooth decay?
Parents should take their infant to the dentist just after the first
tooth appears. Brushing teeth after meals, regular flossing and
fluoride treatments are the best ways to prevent tooth decay.
Children should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of
thumb is that when children can dress themselves and tie their own
shoes, then they are ready to brush unsupervised. Children should be
supervised in proper flossing techniques until the age of 10. If you
have any concerns about your child's dental health or want some tips
on preventing tooth decay, ask your dentist.
The AGD 11/06
Up To Top
Mother of 5-year-old with rotted teeth faces court
The mother of a 5-year-old
Bethlehem boy whose teeth were so badly rotted from
a lack of dental care that he had to have 12 teeth
pulled faces Northampton County Court action on
charges of endangering his welfare. Eneida Resto,
43, of 1235 Livingston St. waived her right to a
preliminary hearing today. She is free on $25,000
bail. Police said the boy, whose name they withheld,
could not eat properly because of the extreme
pain and decay in his teeth. All of his molars
had to be removed. He will probably continue to need
extensive orthodontic care, police wrote in an
affidavit.
According to court records:
The boy had complained of pain in his mouth and
headaches since the summer of 2005. A dentist who
treated him in February and pulled his teeth was so
concerned about the boy's condition that he
contacted the Northampton County Children, Youth and
Families Division.
Investigator Glennie Racz interviewed Resto about
her son's lack of dental care. Resto said she had
been aware of his tooth decay for months, but had
not attempted to get dental care for him until
December.
"Rivera said she was aware of her son's teeth
decaying and causing him pain, but felt like they
were baby teeth and going to fall out on their own
and there was no reason for dental care," according
to the police affidavit.
In February, Racz contacted Dr. Talel Noumeh, who
said the boy was a patient. Noumeh, who has offices
in Allentown and Phillipsburg, told investigators
that on Dec. 10, the boy had a total of 11 severe
cavities in his front and back teeth. Noumeh said he
recommended the boy see a specialist for follow-up
treatment.
It's not clear in the affidavit what Noumeh did for
the boy.
Noumeh told Racz that if the boy's cavities weren't
treated, he would experience a high degree of pain
and lose his teeth or could get an infection. Noumeh
said he did not see or treat the boy after Dec. 12.
On Feb. 17, the boy was treated by Dr. Nicholas
Prusack of Allen Oral Surgery Associates in
Salisbury Township, police said. Prusack said he
removed 12 of the boy's teeth, including all of his
molars.
Prusack wrote a letter to Racz on Feb. 25, saying he
was concerned about the child's welfare. Prusack
said the boy's dental condition resulted from his
lack of dental care and it would have taken two to
three years for his teeth to reach such an advanced
stage of decay.
Prusack told investigators that in his opinion, if
he hadn't removed the boy's teeth the boy could have
been hospitalized in six months for treatment of
massive dental abscesses.
The boy has eight teeth remaining, but his ability
to chew food is limited due to a lack of molars.
Bethlehem police Investigator Thomas Galloway said
the boy is now in foster care through the Children,
Youth and Families Division.http://www.mcall.com/all-rottedteeth1027-cn,0,2913263.story?coll=all-topnews-pointers
|
Up To Top
ADA
Oral-System Connection
ADA’s study of oral-system disease connections October’s
JADA.
RDH Magazine,
September 2006, Healthy Gums, Healthy Life
Healthy Gums, Healthy Life award of Distinction for 2006.
Scientific American
Presents Oral and Whole Body Health
Enjoy this special supplement of Scientific American compliments
of Crest and Oral-B. To order free copies:
www.dentalcare.com
DrKoop.com Gum Disease
Can Trigger Host of Problems
Experts say an unhealthy, bacteria-filled mouth can also lead
to a host of problems throughout the body, such as
heart disease, diabetes, blood infection and even low
birth-weight babies. And the culprit, more often than not, is
gum disease. Gum disease is suspected of contributing to
ailments through the bloodstream. Bacteria from the mouth flood
into the circulatory system and travel to other parts of the
body, causing widespread inflammation. (Dennis Thompson,
HealthDay Reporter, 10/14/06.)
Wall Street Journal,
September 2006, Health Plans Expand Dental Benefits
Author M.P. McQueen describes how the “mounting evidence
linking poor oral hygiene to a range of expensive medical
problems,” is causing insurers to look at a patient’s
health in new ways.
Pennwell’s Grand Rounds
in Oral/Systemic Medicine
“Dentists and physicians are on the cusp of an emerging science
called oral systemic medicine that treats the whole patient with the
aim to identify, manage and prevent diseases and chronic health
conditions.”
RealAge.com Healthy Teeth,
Healthy Heart
“Men under age fifty with advanced
periodontal disease were found to be 2.6 times more likely to die
prematurely and 3 times more likely to die of heart disease compared
to men with healthy teeth and gums.” “Flossing regularly can
make your RealAge® as much as 6.4 years younger.” Smart Practice
10/06
Up To Top
October 2006
Up To Top
Tongue Scrapers only
Slightly Reduce Bad Breath
At least 40 million
Americans suffer from halitosis. Unfortunately, there is no
standard treatment for it.According to a study in the
September/October issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s
(AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal, halitosis is a term
used to describe any disagreeable odor of expired air. Bad
breath is a generally accepted term for foul smells emanating
from the mouth. Oral malodor is a term reserved for unpleasant
smells originating from the oral cavity. A common reason for bad
breath is post-nasal drip, which coats the back area of the
tongue with bacteria-rich mucous, A tongue scraper is often
effective in relieving oral malodor caused by sinus drainage.
The study
reviewed literature examining the effects of using tongue
scrapers to brush the tongue, rather than using a toothbrush to
scrape the tongue. Data revealed that a tongue
cleaner/scraper demonstrated a significant difference in
reducing volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) levels, which are
produced when bacteria and amino acids interact to produce bad
breath. Though there is no standard treatment, bacteria-causing
halitosis can be reduced by brushing or
scraping the middle and back
of the tongue. Tongue
scraping can lower VSC concentration, subsequently reducing
oral malodor. However, that reduction is only short-term,
and not an absolute solution for eliminating malodor.
Despite the
short-term reduction, tongue scrapers are a good tool for the
short-term. Tongue cleaners and scrapers are
straightforward and comfortable to use, easy to transport, and
inexpensively priced. Cleaning the tongue is quickly and easily
accomplished. Everyone from children to elders should be able to
incorporate this technique into their oral care regimen.
Up To Top
Pediatric
HIV: Oral lesions are commonly associated with the disease
Across the globe,
the presence of HIV is wide-spread, 500,000 children died from
disease-related cases in that year alone. In the United States,
90 percent of infected children are infected by the disease
through birth.
The effects of
the disease on children differ greatly from those in adults,
according to a report/study that appears in the July/August 2006
issue of General Dentistry. Type, severity and progression are
all factors that differ, depending on the age at which one
contracts the disease.Children do not demonstrate HIV-specific
symptoms as adults do, their bodies will most likely display an
infection or weakness instead of common HIV signs.”
The place
where this most commonly occurs is in the mouth. There
are many variations of the way lesions appear, but a few common
types are: candidiasis, or “thrush,”
a fungal yeast infection; salivary gland enlargement; herpes
simplex virus; inflammation of the gingiva;
and canker sores.
Orofacial manifestations of HIV are
common in pediatric HIV infection, it is important to be aware
of these signs, as they may serve as both a marker of infection
and predictor of HIV progressing to AIDS.
What to
do:
• Visit your general
dentist. They handle the majority of dental emergencies.
• If you fear that your child or teen might be at risk, have
them tested as soon as possible. The sooner a child is
diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
• Communicate with your dentist if the child has HIV. It will
alert them to look closely for signs of disease, plus allow them
to provide the best possible treatment 10/06
Up To Top
September 2006
Steroid-Abusing Athletes Risk Gum Disease
Illegal anabolic
steroids may pump up athletes’ gums as well as their muscles
according to Turkey’s Journal of Periodontology author Onur
Ozcelik, DDS, PhD. The overgrown gums make it easier for bacteria in
plaque to accumulate placing steroid users at risk for severe gum
infection. The study compared bodybuilders who had been using
steroids for less than one year with 20 bodybuilders who had never
used steroids. Participants were between the ages of 17 to 29.
Steroid users were found to have:
- Significantly thicker gums (an average score
of 1 vs. 0.3; P<.001)
- More gingival encroachment onto teeth (an
average score of 0.9 vs. 0.2; P<.001)
- More overall gingival enlargement (average
score 0.9 vs. 0.3; P<.001) Smart
Practice News 9/06
Up To Top
Whole Grains Lower Gum Disease Risk
Eating whole grains
lowers a person’s risk of developing diabetes or heart disease. New
study findings suggest that a diet rich in whole grains may also
lower the likelihood of periodontitis. Dr. Anwar T. Merchant of
McMaster University in Canada followed more than 34,000 men aged
40-75 over a 14-year period. During that time, 1,897 men were
diagnosed with periodontitis; those who reported eating the most
brown rice, dark breads and other whole grains (3 servings/day) were
23% less likely to develop heart disease than those who ate less
than one daily serving of whole grainsUp To Top
ADA Testifies Before FDA on Dental Filling Safety
Story Receives Widespread Media Coverage
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is holding a two-day panel
meeting today and tomorrow to gather facts and opinions regarding
dental amalgam. ADA representatives, as well as a number of
witnesses from other dental organizations, are testifying at the
meeting. Numerous other individuals will also testify, including two
international participants describing the basis for their countries'
regulation of amalgam. Time has been set aside for comments from the
public, and we expect a number of dental amalgam opponents will
share their views.
The FDA has prepared a draft report in advance of the meeting that
supports the safety of dental amalgam.
No specific FDA regulatory action is expected; however, this meeting
has received widespread media coverage due primarily to Associated
Press and CBS network radio stories. Both stories cited the ADA's
position that the weight of scientific evidence indicates dental
amalgam is a safe and effective restorative material. NBC
Nightly News is also covering this story, and may air its segment
tomorrow night.
* Dentists welcome this review of the science by the FDA.
* The overwhelming weight of scientific evidence, including
two recent clinical trials published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association, support the safety and effectiveness of dental
amalgam.
* Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury combined with
other metals such as silver, copper, tin and zinc, which forms a
safe, stable cavity-filling material. It's important to note that
dental amalgam has entirely different properties than mercury by
itself.
* Amalgam is one of several safe, effective materials to fill
cavities. Other materials include gold and tooth-colored fillings.
More information:
* A news release about the FDA meeting and testimony from our
three representatives is posted on ADA.org <http://www.ada.org/public/media/releases/0609_release01.asp>
.
* Dental Filling Options: information for patients <http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings.asp>
* An ADA press statement <http://www.ada.org/public/media/releases/0604_release03.asp>
on the dental amalgam clinical trials published in the Journal of
the American Medical Association.
* A Journal of the American Dental Association patient page
entitled, <http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_52.pdf>
When A Filling Needs to be Replaced
Up To Top
August 2006
One lollipop
in the morning, one at night and...no more cavities, mom!
Yep, that's true if Max Anderson's little company is in fact on
target. 20 pops for ten bucks. Repeat four times a year and
you chase out
the evil strep bugs. After ten days, you can't culture streps.
Ingredients hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, citric acid, orange
flavor, acesulfame potassium. Herbal ingredients include
extract of Sophora flavescens and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. (The
last, incidentally, you'll recognize as licorice.)
HSH is a conglomerate, usually, of the non-cariogenic sorbitol,
maltitol, etc polyols.
The key to making the product work is the time-intensive extraction
and elution technology. Your regular licorice won't cut the
mustard. It's an ethanol extraction. Sadly, the ethanol must
be discarded in the process. Sophora flavescens, far as I can figure
out, is Japanes yew and is also under a bunch of research as
an anti-cancer agent. In any event, the final product, Dr. John's
Herbal Candy (Grand Rapids, MI), is the result of a trip to
China that eventually produced 100 different herbs that had some
bioactivity. 9600 experiments elucidated the anti-strep
properties. There is other research ongoing with relatively
short chain peptides 20 amino acids that can keep them from sticking
to the enamel.Keep your eyes peeled for STAMPS, specifically
targeted antimicrobial peptides. Looks promising but maybe too
costly to produce.So far, the STAMPS can kill streps, lactobacilli
and sobrinus.It's not gonna be a good thing to be a strep in the
near future. bill domb8/06 IDF
order them
through Max:
maxscruiser@gmail.com
Dr. Maxwell H Anderson President, C3 Jian,
Inc. 872 Three Crabs Road Sequim, WA 98382 Phone: 360-681-5033 Fax:
360-681-5324 Cell: 206-499-7616
Steroid Abuse Harms Gingival Tissues
Researchers from the Cukurova University, Turkey,
have found that prolonged use of anabolic androgenic
steroid (AAS) is closely associated with significant
levels of gingival enlargement, according to a new study
published in the Journal of Periodontology. Additionally,
gingival inflammation was higher in the AAS user group compared
to the non-AAS users. The researchers examined 24 athletes
between the ages of 17 and 29 who had been using AAS for more
than one year. All subjects were examined for plaque
levels, gingival inflammation and gingival enlargement.
The results were then compared with a control group of 20
bodybuilders who had never used AAS drugs and matched for
age, educational level and oral habits according to the
data obtained from the AAS user group.
Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gingival tissues
become swollen and grow over the teeth which makes it easier for
bacteria found in plaque to accumulate and attack supporting
structures of the teeth, potentially leading to severe
periodontal infection. People taking AAS without
medical supervision, should be informed of the adverse effects
and strongly encouraged to begin a cessation program,
experts say. 05.07.2006 Dental Tribune
Up To Top
Treating the “New”
Old
Baby boomers are the “new” old and are markedly
different than previous generations, according to the U.S. Census
Bureau’s report on the aging population.
They are more prosperous, better educated and healthier, and those
differences will accelerate as the first boomers hit retirement in
2011.
In the survey, 24% of the general dentists indicate that just 5% of
their elderly patients are edentulous. More than half indicate that
10% or
fewer of their elderly patients are edentulous. As more older
patients keep their teeth longer, the risk of root caries and
periodontal disease increases.
Currently, about 30% of the 65 and older population is totally
edentulous. The most common oral conditions present in elderly
patients include:
|
Root caries |
37% |
| Xerostomia |
24% |
|
Periodontal disease |
21% |
|
Erosion/abrasion |
13% |
| Other |
6% |
Smart Practice eletter 8/14/06
Up To Top
|
Canadians Scientists “Re-grow”
Teeth?
Researchers at the University of
Alberta in Edmonton filed patents in the U.S. for a
tool based on low-intensity pulsed ultrasound
technology that can “re-grow” teeth. The tiny
ultrasound machine gently massages gums and
stimulates tooth growth from the root once inserted
into a person’s mouth, mounted on braces or a
removable plastic crown. To stimulate growth, the
wireless devise must be activated for 20 minutes
each day for four months. (Source: American Journal
of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics)
Up To Top
|
|
|
Periodontal Disease Increases
Health Care Costs
Researchers find prevention of
periodontal disease may lead to saving of not only
dental care but also medical care. Investigators
presented data at the 84th General Session of the
International Association for Dental Research based
on health, dental examinations and health insurance
claims of 4,285 civil officers aged 40-59 years.
Over the 3.5-year period, those with severe
periodontitis accrued 21% higher total costs than
those with no pathological pocket (pocket depth less
than 4 mm). The admission rates of those with severe
periodontitis were high for both sexes. In males,
the dental costs for this group were approximately
two-fold higher than those with no pathological
pockets.
(Source:
medicalnewstoday.com 7/4/06) |
|
Up To Top
July 2006
|
Knives Being
Used as Floss
Thought you’d seen it all? A
survey by the British Dental Health Foundation has
found that more than 60% of people use whatever
comes into their hand to clean food debris stuck in
between their teeth. Items like screwdrivers,
scissors, earrings, needles and knives are commonly
used. Worse yet, 23% leave food stuck in between
their teeth, giving rise to oral health problems and
bad breath. The foundation is launching an
educational campaign to promote the use of dental
floss.
Smart Practice 7/06 |
|
Up To Top
|
New Anti-Smoking Pill
Now there’s an FDA approved tablet
shown to help more than 1 in 5 smokers quit.
Varenicline is the first new prescription drug for
smoking cessation approved in nearly a decade and
only the second stop-smoking drug that is
nicotine-free. In 1997, the FDA approved bupropion,
an antidepressant sold as Wellbutrin and then
rebranded as Zyban.
Varenicline works in two ways, by
cutting the pleasure of smoking and reducing the
withdrawal symptoms. Pfizer will market the drug as
a twice-daily tablet, intended for adults only, as
Chantix™. (Source:
Pfizer.com) |
|
Up To Top
|
Dentistry, a Trusted
Profession!
More Americans trust the advice
they get from their dentists than from nearly all
other professionals, a 2006 Harris Poll shows. More
than 2,300 U.S. adults ranked 11 different
professions in terms of the trust they place in the
advice those professionals give. Dentists came in
just shy of physicians, and well above many others:
“Completely trust”
50%
47%
46%
28%
18%
16%
12%
9%
7%
6% |
Physicians
Dentists
Nurses
Accountants
Lawyers
Bankers and financial advisors
Mechanics
Insurance agents
Real estate brokers
Stockbrokers |
Smart
Practice newsletter 7/06 |
|
Up To Top
Half of the people diagnosed with cardiovascular
disease do not have the classic risk factors of smoking, high
cholesterol, lack of exercise or genetics. Athersclerosis
is an inflammatory disease with the immune response
believed to be involved in the formation and growth of atheromas.
Chronic infections, like periodontal disease, may be involved
with artheroma formation. A review of laboratory studies
concludes that P. gingivalis can invade endothelial cells,
the cells that comprise blood vessel walls. P. gingivalis
can trigger the release of specific substances from the
endothelial cells that begin artheroma formation.
The link between periodontal disease and heart disease
becomes clearer when we understand how oral bacteria may
change blood vessel walls. Periodontal infection may be the
first step in the development of an arthroma.
Gibson, F., Yumoto, H., Takahashi, Y., Chou, H., Genco, C.:
Innate Immune Signaling and Porphromonas Gingivalis
Accelreated Atherosclerosis. J Dent Research 85: 106-121,
2006. cited
PeriReports 2006; 18(4.
Up To Top
San Diego - Healthy and beautiful looking
teeth have a dramatic effect on a person's attractiveness to
others as well as on his or her own self-image and
self-esteem. Studies have shown that appearance will
have a strong effect on social and career success by
influencing how a person is perceived.
Yet many women (and men) who are desperate to attain the perfect
image will destroy a beautiful smile, ruining their dental
health while literally risking their own lives to be thin.
A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa
and Associated Disorders reported that 5% to 10% of
anorexics die within 10 years of
contracting the disease. Up to 20% will be dead within 20 years.
For women ages 15 to 24 years old the death rate
associated with anorexia is 12 times higher than the death
rate of all other causes combined.
Starvation can cause major organs to shut down. A heart attack
is one of the most common causes of death from those
suffering with an eating disorder. People can die from
eating disorders at any body weight. Since depression
accompanies anorexia, suicide is also a risk factor.
Approximately 25% of all anorexics attempt suicide, and
about 50% of anorexic deaths result from suicide.As society's
obsession with body image continues to grow, so does the
prevalence of eating disorders. It is now estimated that eleven
million Americans have an eating disorder.
Eating disorders often remain extremely hidden. Sufferers take
great pains to hide their symptoms and activities due to
the shame and stigma of their disease. The deterioration
of dental health due to eating disorders is a critically
important clue to successfully recognizing when someone
may be affected by an eating disorder such
as anorexia or bulimia.
Observing these symptoms could reveal the effects of eating
disorders on dental health:
Erosion of teeth enamel by stomach acid brought into the mouth
due to purging
Accelerated tooth decay and gum disease
Infected nerves
Cracked and painful lips, tongue and gums
Bruised mouth and gums
Dry mouth and swollen salivary glands due to frequent vomiting
Deterioration of bones and gums supporting the teeth due to lack
of nutrition
According to the Institute of Dental Research and Colgate Oral
Pharmaceuticals, 28% of bulimia cases are first diagnosed during
dental exams. Yet in a study conducted by Old Dominion
University, fewer than 33% of dentists and 43% of dental
hygienists currently assess patients for eating disorders.
Worse yet, fewer than 20% of
dentists and 17% of dental hygienists refer these patients for
treatment.
Since the destruction of teeth and gums from anorexia and
bulimia can start as early as three months after extreme
dieting or "purging" (vomiting), dentists and dental
hygienists may be the first health care providers to see
the physical and oral effects of eating disorders. The
effects of eating disorders on dental health are
devastating. The pain and discomfort of poor dental
health can significantly add to the physical and emotional
suffering of a person with an eating disorder.
Dental health professionals can be valuable allies in the
fight to identify and treat eating disorders. Early
diagnosis, referrals and treatment can significantly increase
the chances of recovery for people suffering from eating
disorders. If we can raise awareness, we'll get help to a
greater number of people suffering from this devastating
illness before it's too late.
Up To Top
June 2006
Dental Tourism
Seeking dental care from dentist in other
countries....India, Africa, Mexico, Thailand, Hungary and Cost Rica
is not advised by the American Dental Association. Here are
the reasons why:
 | They do not met the accepted standards of
care. |
| There is no guarantee for the work done. |
| You may have to pay much more to fix problems
that these dentist caused upon returning to the United States. |
| There is no one to follow-up on your care
over time. |
| Who will maintain the responsibility for the
case if it is completed outside the United States. May US
dentists are reluctant to take ownership of dental cases that
were performed outside the U.S because they are unaware of which
systems were involved and do not have the opportunity to
consult with the dentist who performed the work. |
| A large amount of dental work is done within
a short time. |
| The foreign dentist may not speak your
language and communication issues will occur that can affect
your care. |
| Many insurance companies only pay benefits
for services rendered in the US. |
| Foreign based dentist do not need to comply
with infection control standards that protect you. |
| There may be no state or federal laws
regulating the foreign dentist practice and review committees. |
Dental Tourism. AGD pg 2 Dentalnotes Sumer 2006
May 2006
Ozone in Dentistry?
Ozone therapy is used in the dental industry in
Europe and Canada. Shirley Gutkowski, RDH, BSDH, writing in
Contemporary Oral Hygiene predicts that it will be available in
the US within about a year. As the pH of the mouth fluctuates
throughout the day, tooth enamel can break down and rebuild. If it
continues to breakdown, bacteria creates a hole in the tooth. If
bacteria is detected early, the application of bactericides can
create an environment that promotes the remineralization of enamel.
Ozone is a strong bactericidal agent that destroys the cellular
membrane of Streptococcus mutan, the main cause of enamel caries.
Ozone is also deadly to other microbes living in toxic biofilms.
“Sterilization with ozone destroys the colony-forming units, the
niche, and other bacteria associated with dental disease ... and the
enamel can begin to heal.” (COH, 12/05)
Up To Top
FDA Rejects Health Claim for
Green Tea
By ANDREW BRIDGES
There is no credible scientific
evidence that drinking green tea reduces
the risk of heart disease, federal
regulators said Tuesday in rejecting a
petition that sought to allow tea labels
to make that claim.
The Food and Drug Administration said
it reviewed 105 articles and other
publications submitted as part of the
petition but could find no evidence to
support claims of the beverage's health
benefits.
``FDA concludes there is no credible
evidence to support qualified health
claims for green tea or green tea
extract and a reduction of a number of
risk factors associated with CVD'' or
cardiovascular disease, Barbara O.
Schneeman, director of the agency's
Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling
and Dietary Supplements, wrote in a
letter denying the petition. The FDA
posted the letter to its Web site
Tuesday.
Ito En Ltd., a Japanese company that
bills itself as the world's largest
green tea company, and its U.S.
subsidiary, Ito En (North America) Inc.,
petitioned the FDA in June 2005, seeking
to make the claim that drinking at least
five ounces of green tea a day may
reduce the risk of heart disease.
A message left for a spokesman for
Ito En (North America) Inc. was not
immediately returned late Tuesday. A
message left for the AAC Consulting
Group, a Rockville, Md. company that
filed the actual petition, also was not
immediately returned.
Green tea is brewed from the leaves
of Camellia sinensis, also known as Thea
sinensis. Unlike black and oolong tea,
green tea is made from unfermented tea
leaves.
The FDA previously has said that
green tea likely does not reduce breast,
prostate or any other type of cancer
risk.
Nonetheless, the belief that drinking
green tea confers health benefits has
driven its popularity over the last
decade, the Tea Association of the
United States has said.
A health claim, in the language of
the FDA, characterizes the relationship
between a substance and a reduction in
the risk of contracting a particular
disease.
On the Net: Food and Drug
Administration:
http://www.fda.gov/
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April 2006
|
JAMA
Publishes Dental Amalgam Studies
Chicago, April 18,
2006—The results of two independent and
well-designed studies published in
tomorrow's Journal of the American
Medical Association add to the
substantial body of peer-reviewed scientific
literature that supports the safety of
dental amalgam as an option for patients and
their dentists in treating dental decay.
The published studies
measure whether children with dental amalgam
fillings experienced any adverse effects
related to neurobehavioral,
neuropsychological (IQ) and kidney function.
They found that there was no difference
in neurological performance and kidney
function in children who have amalgam
fillings compared to a control group with
composite (white) fillings.
These studies support the
existing scientific understanding that the
minute amount of mercury released by
amalgams during such common activities as
eating and drinking does not affect health
adversely. Both studies support the
continued use of dental amalgam as an
important treatment option.
Dental amalgam contains
elemental mercury combined with other metals
such as silver, copper, tin and zinc to form
a safe, stable alloy that dentists have used
for generations to restore teeth damaged by
decay.
The bottom line for
consumers: Dental amalgam remains among
several safe, effective options for treating
dental decay. Of course, the best option is
still to prevent dental disease through
brushing, flossing and regular dental
visits. For comprehensive information
about fillings and all other aspects dental
care and oral health, ask your dentist and
visit ADA.org. |
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Saliva Component May Predict Future Oral Bone Loss
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified two
components of saliva that may serve as the basis for novel tests to
determine the risk for future loss of the bone that holds teeth in
place. By comparing dental X-rays of 100 patients with analyses of
their saliva, they found that higher-than-normal levels of
salivary protein called IL-1 beta were associated with increased
bone loss. For more details on their
findings go to:
www.buffalo.edu
Up To Top
Early Warning Signs of Oral
Cancer
Any lesions on the face, neck, or in the mouth that do not heal
within two weeks. These lesions are often not painful.
Swellings, lumps or bumps on the lips, gums, or other areas inside
the mouth.
White patches, red patches, red and white patches, or dark patches
on the tissue on the cheeks, tongue, floor of mouth, or palate.
Repeated bleeding in the oral tissues
Numbness, loss of feeling or pain in any area of the face, mouth or
neck
Reducing Your Risk For Oral
Cancer
Stop or limit use of tobacco products, including cigarettes,
pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation
Protect your lips from excessive exposure to sunlight by using a
sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 12
Ensure that dentures fit properly and are not irritating the gums or
cheeks
See slide show on how to do a self examination:
http://www.dent.ualberta.ca/hygiene/cover.html
Up To Top
Prevalence of Overweight Children, Teens and Men
in U.S. Continues to Rise Though Rate May Be Leveling Off for Women
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among
children and adolescents and obesity among men increased
significantly between 1999and 2004, according JAMA.
Obesity continues to be a leading public health concern in the
United States. Between 1980 and 2002, obesity prevalence
doubled in adults aged 20 years or older and overweight prevalence
tripled in children andadolescents aged 6 to 19 years.
Staff from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville,
Md., and colleagues examined data on national measurements of weight
and height in 2003-2004 and compared these data with estimates from
1999-2000 and 2001-2002 to determine if the overweight trend is
continuing. The data consisted of weight and height measurements
from 3,958 children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years and
4,431 adults aged 20 years or older obtained in 2003-2004 as part of
the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a
nationally representative sample of the U.S. population. Overweight
among children and adolescents was defined as at or above the 95^th
percentile of the sex-specific body mass index (BMI) for age growth
charts based on data collected between 1963 and 1994. Body mass
index is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of
height in meters. Obesity among adults was defined as a BMI of 30 or
higher; extreme obesity was defined as a BMI of 40 or higher.
The researchers found that 17.1 percent of children and adolescents
aged 2 to 19 years were overweight and 32.2 percent of adults aged
20 years or older were obese in 2003-2004. The prevalence of extreme
obesity among adults was 4.8 percent. There was a significant
increase in the prevalence of overweight in female children
and adolescents from 13.8 percent in 1999-2000 to 16 percent in
2003-2004. There was also an increase in the prevalence of
overweight in male children and adolescents from 14.0 percent to
18.2 percent.
Among men, the prevalence of obesity increased significantly
between 1999-2000 (27.5 percent) and 2003-2004 (31.1 percent).
Among women, no significant increase in obesity was observed between
1999-2000 (33.4 percent) and 2003-2004 (33.2 percent). The
prevalence of extreme obesity in 2003-2004 was 2.8 percent in men
and 6.9 percent in women.
In 2003-2004, significant differences in obesity prevalence remained
by race/ethnicity and by age. Approximately 30 percent of
non-Hispanic white adults were obese as were 45 percent of
non-Hispanic black adults and 36.8 percent of Mexican Americans.
Among adults aged 20 to 39 years, 28.5 percent were obese while 36.8
percent of adults aged 40 to 59 years and 31.0 percent of those aged
60 years or older were obese in 2003-2004.
Journal of the American Medical Association
on"Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States,
1999-2004"by CL Ogden, MD Carroll, LR Curtin, MA McDowell, CJ Tabak,
and KM Flegal (JAMA. 2006;295:1549-1555). To contact Cynthia L.
Ogden, Ph.D., call the National Center for Health Statistics Press
Office at 301-458-4800.
Up To Top
Drinking pink liquid may lead to a black
tongue
Dentists are often the first to diagnose and treat
oral reactions, especially since many reactions occur with any
medications used in excess, or in combinations with other drugs,
such as vitamins and herbs.The mouth can react differently to drugs
and those reactions can vary in significance.
An adverse reaction depends on the drugs you use.
Too much bismuth subsalicylate, for example, can turn your tongue
black, but the reaction is temporary and harmless, Also,
too much antibiotic usage can do the same thing and give you a
black, hairy-looking tongue. And, any acidic type of medication can
cause canker sores, including chewable vitamin C.
Most of these reactions, however, cannot be
prevented, but early recognition, appropriate treatments, and
changing drug regimens can eliminate them. Your dentist can help,
both in diagnosing drug interactions and in writing prescriptions
that would be good to take in order to avoid side effects. Some side
effects are not dangerous and others are, depending on the extent of
drug administered and the kind of drug that is used. Don’t forget
that vitamins in excess become drugs and can cause serious damage
and injury.
How to avoid and treat an oral reaction to
medication:
• Let your dentist know what drugs,
vitamins, and herbs you regularly take.
• Visit your dentist when you suspect that a reaction is occurring
to medication you are taking.
• Use vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter medications only as
directed by your physician. AGD 4/06
Up To Top
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Oral
and Dental Health
(Data are
for U.S. for year indicated)
Health care use
 Percent
of children ages 2-17 with a dental visit in the past year:
75 (2003)
Percent
of adults ages 18-64 with a dental visit in the past year:
65 (2003)
Percent
of adults ages 65 and over with a dental visit in the past
year: 58 (2003)
Source: Health,
United States: 2005, table 84
More data
Untreated
dental caries by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin,
(1971-74, 1988-94, 1999-2002)
Source: Health,
United States: 2005, table 85
Frequencies
and percents of hearing trouble, vision trouble, and absence
of teeth
by age, sex, and race/ethnicity
Source: Summary
Health Statistics for U.S. Adults, National Health Interview
Survey, 2003, tables 11, 12 |
Up To Top
Licorice Root Prevents
Tooth Decay
Licorice root is the peeled or unpeeled dried root of the licorice
plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The primary active component of licorice
root is a substance called glycyrrhizin. Licorice root is the peeled
or unpeeled dried root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza
glabra). The primary active component of licorice root is a
substance called glycyrrhizin. Side effects and possible risks: Taking
licorice over a prolonged period of time can lead to
potentially serious side effects, including high blood pressure,
salt and water retention, swelling, depletion of potassium,
headache, and/or sluggishness.1 Glycyrrhizin can worsen
ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, a
condition that can be caused by cirrhosis.2 The herb also can
interact with certain drugs, such as diuretics, digitalis,
antiarrhythmic agents, and corticosteroids.
Radix glycyrrhizae. In: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants. Vol.
1. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization;
1999:183-194.
Lewis JH. Licorice for hepatitis C: yum-yum or just ho-hum? The
American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2001;96(8):2291-2292.
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Lush Black Toothgel
Maybe this black-is-chic thing is going too far. Black lipstick is
one thing, but black tooth gel? The mad scientists at Lush have come
up with just that. It looks like caviar in a tube, but in fact it
tastes delicately citrusy, with flavors of lime, tangerine and houji
tea. What makes it black is charcoal, which makes for an excellent
all-purpose cleaner (a fact probably discovered by someone who went
camping and forgot the dish soap). It also absorbs odors.
Aimed especially at coffee and red wine drinkers (that would be most
of us), the gel leaves the mouth feeling fresh, without that cloying
mint flavour. Keep a tube in your handbag and you'll always have a
conversation starter for the ladies' room.For
store information visit www.lush.com, $5.95 for 18 grams.
Up To Top
March 2006
Red Wine May Ward Off
Gum Disease
Red wine may help keep gums healthy and strong.
Though the results have so far only been borne out in the test
tube, a team of Canadian scientists believe antioxidant components
in red wine and grape seeds have anti-inflammatory effects that may
ward off periodontal troubles. "Our findings demonstrate that red
wine polyphenols have potent antioxidant properties," conclude
researchers led by Dr. Fatiah Chandad from the Universite Laval in
Quebec City.
Experts believe that upwards of 80 percent of
Americans are estimated to have some form of gum disease, either
in the relatively mild form known as gingivitis or in a more serious
form, known as periodontitis. Periodontitis
(meaning "around the tooth") is linked to poor oral hygiene. It
is a chronic infection involving bacteria present in plaque that
persistently coats teeth.
According to the AADR, approximately 15 percent
of Americans between the ages of 21 and 50 suffer from this harshest
form of gum disease. Among adults over the age of 50, 65 percent
are affected. Smokers, diabetics and those taking steroids, oral
contraceptives and certain cancer drugs are a higher risk for
developing periodontitis, often in the absence of any obvious
warning signs. And gum disease's effect may extend beyond the mouth:
Recent research has indicated that the inflammation and immune
responses which accompany serious gum infection may also provoke an
increased risk for diabetes, heart disease and birthing
abnormalities among periodontal patients.
However, the Quebec researchers say laboratory
tests conducted on mouse cell samples revealed that antioxidants
found in red wine known as polyphenols may help limit the severity
of bacteria-linked gum inflammation.They note that
inflammation is the immune system's natural response to the presence
of such bacteria, Unfortunately, that response also involves the
accelerated production of unhealthy molecules called "free
radicals." The production of too many free radicals can lead to a
further weakening of gums. The result is inflammation, bleeding, and
a gradual tissue and bone decay that can ultimately result in the
loss of one or more affected teeth.
But Houde and her colleagues found that -- in the
test tube, at least -- red wine polyphenols inhibit key proteins
at the cellular level to slow free radical production. They
speculate that red wine's antioxidant punch could be a useful weapon
in the fight against gum disease. y. "Many antioxidants have been
tested in humans, and they have not been too effective," Genco
stressed. "We've been very disappointed, so we have to be very
careful. So, while this study is an interesting first start, the key
now is clinical trials in humans."
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2006/03/10/hscout531486.html
Up To Top
Living Taste Cells
Produced Outside The Body
Researchers from the Monell Chemical Senses Center have succeeded in
growing mature taste receptor cells outside the body and for the
first time have been able to successfully keep the cells alive for a
prolonged period of time.
These cells contain the receptors that detect taste
stimuli: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (savory). Each taste
receptor cell lives for only about 10-14 days.
By producing new taste cells in an in vitro system, our results
demonstrate that direct stimulation from nerves is not necessary to
generate taste cells from precursors.
Another important avenue for
research aims to help people who have lost their sense of taste from
radiation or diseases. Identification of factors that promote taste
cell regeneration and growth may provide new avenues of treatment
for these patients.
Up To Top
PERIODONTITIS MAY AFFECT
ANTIBIOTIC EFFECTIVENESS
Periodontitis may influence the effectiveness of antibiotics used to
prevent recurrent cardiovascular events, report researchers
in the Jan. 4 online issue of the journal Atherosclerosis.
A research team led by Dr. Susanna Paju, Institute of Dentistry,
University of Helsinki, Finland, examined 141 patients who were
hospitalized for acute cardiovascular events such as myocardial
infarction or unstable angina pectoris. In a double-blind trial,
researchers registered the recurrence of new cardiovascular events
over one year of observation after the patients received a three-
month course of clarithromycin or a placebo. Researchers used
radiographs to evaluate the status of the patients' teeth and tooth-
supporting tissues. They also assessed the presence of
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in
the patients' saliva and measured the serum antibodies for these
bacteria.
They found that patients with no signs of periodontitis were more
likely to avoid experiencing new cardiovascular events.
Seventy-nine percent of these patients did not experience a new
cardiovascular event, compared with 74 percent of edentulous
patients and 66 percent of patients with periodontitis.
The differences were even more noticeable in patients younger than
65 years. Ninety percent of patients without periodontitis did not
experience a new cardiovascular event compared with 64 percent of
patients with periodontitis and 50 percent of edentulous patients.
Researchers concluded that patients younger than 65 years who have
periodontitis may have a five-fold increase in the risk of
recurrent, acute cardiovascular events compared with healthy people.
The study was funded in part by the Academy of
Finland, Helsinki.J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 137, No 3, 308-309.
Up To Top
Long-Term
Clinical Effects of a Chlorhexidine Varnish Implemented Treatment
Strategy for Chronic Periodontitis
Scaling and root planing in combination with oral
hygiene monitoring are still considered the therapeutic standards
for periodontitis. The
purpose of this study was to investigate, over a 9-month period, the
clinical benefits of a treatment strategy for chronic periodontitis
based on a combination of sequential scaling and root planing and
subgingival chlorhexidine varnish administration.
This randomized controlled, single blind, parallel trial included 26
volunteers with chronic periodontitis. The control group
received oral hygiene instructions and was scaled and root planed in
two sessions. The test group received the same instructions and
treatment; however, all pockets were additionally disinfected
using a highly concentrated chlorhexidine varnish. Clinical
response
parameters were recorded at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months.
Both treatment strategies showed significant reductions in probing depth
and gains in clinical attachment at study termination
in comparison with baseline. However, combination therapy resulted
in a significant additional pocket reduction of 0.62 mm . Initially
deep pockets around multirooted teeth seemed to benefit
most from the combination strategy, resulting in an additive
pocket reduction of 1.06 mm and a clinical attachment gain of
0.54 mm in comparison to scaling and root planing alone. These
findings suggest that the outcome of initial periodontal therapy
may benefit from the adjunctive subgingival administration of a
highly concentrated chlorhexidine varnish.
Jan Cosyn et al.Journal of
Periodontology 2006, Vol. 77, No. 3, Pages 406-415
Up To Top
Light Therapy May Combat Gum Disease
Dr. Nikos Soukos, director of the Applied
Molecular Photomedicine Laboratory at the Forsyth Institute in
Boston, was a principal investigator in a recent study of how light
therapy could combat oral bacteria associated with
gum disease. He states, “Some of the key
bacterial pathogens associated with periodontitis produce and
accumulate compounds that are sensitive to light … when exposed to
particular wavelengths of light, a percentage was eradicated within
seconds.” The findings of the study suggests that blue light may be
useful in preventing, controlling or treating periodontitis while
also increasing the proportion of potentially helpful bacteria. Free
research abstract:
aac.asm.org
Americans: Calories Don't Add Up
Drink Soda? Don't Do
This For 1 Hour
If you drink a soda to quench your
thirst, do not rush to brush after you drain
that can.
Why? Carbonated
drinks are highly acidic and have the
potential to damage a tooth's enamel.
Brushing right after you drink can
exacerbate this. Instead, wait 30 to 60
minutes to brush, according to new research
from dentists at Goettingen University in
Germany. Waiting to brush after drinking a
soda actually is three to five times more
effective at protecting enamel from the
erosive effects of carbonated drinks,
reports Reuters.
Soda is so acidic that it can actually
dissolve the upper layers of the tooth.
Thomas Attin, director of the university's
department for tooth protection, explained
that waiting to brush allows the tooth
enamel to mount its own defense against
acidic erosion, typically through protective
agents in the saliva that help repair and
rebuild damaged tooth enamel. Brushing too
soon not only destroys this opportunity, but
also brushes off the affected layers of the
teeth. The research, which was presented at
the annual meeting of the German Association
for Tooth Protection, was awarded a prize
from chewing gum maker Wrigley.
Should you just give up soda altogether
and drink juice instead? Maybe not. The
dental school faculty at South Africa's
University of Stellenbosch did a comparison
test on the effects of orange juice, apple
juice, Pepsi Cola, and Diet Pepsi. (Although
these researchers used Pepsi products, the
differences between them and other popular
brands of soda--for the purposes of this
test on dental health--are not significant.)
While fruit juices definitely provide
more vitamins than soda, they are also
acidic and that can cause demineralization
and softening of the teeth.
HealthScoutNews reports the results:
Orange juice and Pepsi were equally harmful
to teeth, followed next by apple juice. Diet
Pepsi was not only the least likely drink to
soften the teeth, but also the least likely
to cause cavities.
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February 2006
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Association
between Dental Caries Activity and Coronary
Heart Disease Severity
The link between dental diseases and a wide range of
systemic medical conditions has recently
acquired increased attention.
Periodontal disease, in
particular, has been implicated as a marker of
cardiac disease. Dental caries, the most common
oral infection, should be considered as a
potential risk factor for all systemic
diseases. Few studies have investigated this
association. To investigate the potential
relationship between dental caries activity,
dental plaque levels and presence of mutans
streptococci (Ms) in saliva (independent variables)
and coronary heart disease (CHD) severity
(dependent variable). Methods: 219 cardiac patients
in a hospital cardiac clinic were included. Dental
caries activity was evaluated by the "D" or
"untreated" component of the DMFT index , dental
plaque was measured according to the Turesky
index, and the number (CFU\ml) of salivary Ms were
measured on
MSB-agar. CHD severity was assessed according to
extent of vessel blockage; function and size
of left ventricle
According to results of LV-Gram catheterization;
Stress tests were categorized by physiological
symptoms of CHD; previous
hospitalization (due to CHD) was recorded. Results:
Previously hospitalized patients due to CHD had 3.03
untreated carious teeth as
compared with 1.84 among patients not previously
hospitalized (Mann-Whitney, p=0.032). Levels of MS
were lowest among patients who had no coronary
blockage: 11.63 million CFU\ml, as compared to
patients with single, double, or triple vessel
blockage: 12.97,
30.64, 21.11 million CFU\ml respectively (ANOVA,
p=0.031). Plaque index levels were lowest among
patients with no coronary blockage (2.80) as
compared with patients with single, double or triple
vessel blockage: 3.56, 3.31, 3.54 respectively
(ANOVA, p=0.049).
Conclusions: These data consistently indicate a
potential association between dental caries activity
and CHD severity and emphasize the role of
preventive dentistry in the promotion of general
health.
H.D. SGAN-COHEN1, M.N. SELA1, M.
ANGIE1, and M. MOSSERI2, 1Hebrew University -
Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem,
Israel, 2Hebrew University - Hadassah School of
Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel Seq #56 -
Epidemiology10:45 AM-12:45 PM, Thursday, 10 March
2005 Baltimore Convention Center 331
Up To Top
Prevention of
Periodontal Disease
An inverse association between
calcium intake and periodontitis prevalence was
recently reported. Dairy products are rich sources
of calcium and other important nutrients. To date,
it appears that the relationship between the intake
of dairy products and periodontitis has not been
investigated. The purpose of the present study was
to examine whether or not there is an association
between the intake of dairy products and
periodontitis prevalence.
A total of 12,764 individuals who participated in
the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey were included in this study. Individuals who
had at least one site with an attachment loss ˇÝ3 mm
and a probing depth ˇÝ4 mm were considered to have
periodontitis.
The intake of dairy products was categorized into
quintiles. Descriptive statistics and logistic
regression models were used for data analyses.
Prevalence of periodontitis was 41% lower for
individuals in the highest quintile of intake of
dairy products than those in the lowest quintile.
After adjusting for known and suspected
periodontitis risk factors (age, gender, race\ethnicity,cigarette
smoking, education, diabetes, poverty index, vitamin
use, body mass index, physical activity, time since
the last dental visit, dental calculus, and gingival
bleeding), individuals in the highest
quintile of intake of dairy products were 20% less
likely to have periodontitis than those in the
lowest quintile (P = 0.024 for trend).The results
of this study showed an inverse association between
the intake of dairy products and prevalence of
periodontitis.
Increased Intake of Dairy Products Is Related to
Lower Periodontitis Prevalence - Mohammad S. Al-Zahrani
Journal of Periodontology 2006, Vol. 77, No. 2,
Pages 289-294
Up To Top
Cavity-fighting candy.
A recent discovery in dental care could soon make it
possible. Researchers at Stony Brook University have
found a new way to fight
tooth decay by mimicking the powerful
re-mineralizing benefits of saliva, long known to
naturally protect teeth from harmful,
cavity-
causing bacteria.
A two-year study in the latest issue of the Journal
of Clinical Dentistry found that CaviStat, a
calcium/arginine-based product, was
more effective than fluoride in fighting tooth decay
when used in toothpaste form. The study, involving
726 children, found the group
using CaviStat had 58 percent fewer cavities than
those using over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste.
While BasicMints, Ortek's first candy-based product,
is not yet available, the Roslyn Heights-based
company sells CaviStat toothpaste
as DenClude for sensitive teeth and ProClude, a
polishing paste used by dental hygienists. People
will be able to have two candies in the morning and
two candies at night, which should dramatically
reduce tooth decay. It gives us an alternative
toluoride.
Clinical trial results, which uncovered no side
effects from CaviStat, still require additional
studies to confirm results.
Dental plaque, a sticky biofilm of bacteria that
grows on tooth surfaces, starts when sugars are
broken down to acids, which erode
teeth over time. CaviStat contains arginine, an
amino acid in saliva, which breaks down to produce
acid-neutralizing alkali. CaviStat can be considered
to be a super-saliva complex that picks up where
fluoride has left off.
2006 Newsday Inc.BY CURTIS L. TAYLOR
January 19, 2006
Up To Top
Compounds In Liquorice Root May Help
Fight Tooth Decay
Compounds isolated from liquorice
root may help prevent cavities, according to
researchers at the University of California, Los
Angeles. In test tube studies, the scientists showed
that an extract from a plant root that is used to
make liquorice sweets and other products contains at
least two compounds that appear to be potent
inhibitors of Streptococcus mutans, a major cause of
dental caries.
More studies are needed before it is proven that the
compounds effectively fight cavities in humans If
further studies show promise, the liquorice
compounds could eventually be used as
cavity-fighting components in mouthwash or
toothpaste. In addition to being used as flavoring
and sweetening agents in sweets, tobaccos and
beverages, compounds derived from liquorice root
have been shown to help fight inflammation, viruses,
ulcers and even cancer.
Feb. 24 print version of the Journal of Natural
Products, a monthly peer-reviewed joint publication
of the American Chemical Society and the American
Society of Pharmacognosy.Tuesday
24th January 2006
Up To Top
Reader’s Digest Dental
Story
December 2005’s Reader’s
Digest featured, “The Checkup That Can Save
Your Life,” which delves into the relationship
between oral and systemic health through case
reports and research results. The subhead,
“The dentist may be the most important doctor you
see this year” ... And the article
concludes “ … as
medical science reaffirms that head and body are
indeed connected, there’s more reason than ever to
brush twice a day, floss daily, and get dental
checkups every six months or see a dentist promptly
if you have a problem.” |
|
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Association Between
Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
An Australian study published in the Journal
of Periodontology found that participants who had rheumatoid
arthritis were more than twice as likely to have periodontal disease
with moderate to severe jawbone loss as patients in the control
group. In addition, they averaged 11.6 missing teeth compared with
6.7 in the control group. A higher percentage of participants
with rheumatoid arthritis had deeper pocketing. Researchers are
not stating that the relationship between the two diseases is
causal; however, some scientists think a bacterial infection may
trigger the disease process in some with rheumatoid arthritis. 2/06
Up To Top
Diabetic Child and Gum Disease Periodontal destruction can start very early in life in children with diabetes, according
to study findingspublished in the February issue of Diabetes Care. The results also show that
periodontal changes can become more prominent in adolescence.
Dr. Evanthia Lalla and colleagues from Columbia University Medical Center, New York,
assessed dental caries and periodontal disease in 182 diabetic children between 6 and
18 years of age and in 160 nondiabetic controls.
No significant differences were observed between cases and controls in regard to dental caries.
On the other hand, children with diabetes had significantly more dental plaque and
higher gingival inflammation levels compared with nondiabetic controls. Children with diabetes
also had a significantly greater number of teeth with evidence of attachment loss (5.8 versus
1.5 in controls).
A highly significant correlation remained between diabetes and periodontitis after controlling
for age, sex, ethnicity, gingival bleeding, and frequency of dental visits
(odds ratio 5.23; p < 0.001). This was especially true in the 12- to 18-year-olds.
Body mass index was significantly correlated with the number of affected teeth in children
with diabetes, but no correlation was observed with duration of diabetes or mean HbA1c.
"As periodontal diseases are largely preventable and progression of destruction can be best
arrested when identified in early stages, screening for periodontal changes and
implementing prevention and treatment programs should be considered as a standard of care for
young patients with diabetes," Dr. Lalla's team advises.
"This becomes even more important," they point out, "in the light of the emerging view that
control of periodontal infections in adults with diabetes can further have a positive
effect on the level of metabolic control in these individuals." (Reuters Health) Feb 07
Diabetes Care 2006;29:295-299.
January 2006
Gum disease may weaken
heart meds
Finnish researchers are linking periodontitis, or gum disease,
with the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics that prevent heart
attacks. Scientists in Helsinki gave 141 patients with and
without periodontitis a three-month course of treatment with
antibiotics made
to decrease the recurrence of cardiovascular events. The
double-blind trial then registered the recurrence of new
cardiovascular events
over the course of one year. According to the article, which is in
the journal Atherosclerosis, 79 percent of patients without gum
disease went a year without new heart problems. That number dropped
to 74 percent in the patients without teeth and 66 percent in those
with periodontitis. Periodontitis destroys the soft tissue and bone
that support your teeth and can cause tooth loss.
The researchers said this is the first time dental infections
have been linked to the effectiveness of long-term treatment with
these antibiotics. But other research has recently linked gum
disease with an increase risk for heart
disease, stroke and premature births.
Sat 07 Jan 2006 01:13 PM CST WASHINGTON DC (myDNA News)
Up To Top
Full-mouth Tooth Extraction Lowers Systemic
Inflammatory and Thrombotic Markers of Cardiovascular Risk
Prior studies of a link between periodontal and
cardiovascular disease have been limited by being predominantly
observational. We used a treatment intervention model to study the
relationship between periodontitis and systemic inflammatory and
thrombotic cardiovascular indicators of risk. We studied 67 adults
with advanced periodontitis requiring full-mouth tooth extraction.
Blood samples were obtained: (1) at initial presentation,
immediately prior to treatment of presenting symptoms; (2) one to
two weeks later, before all teeth were removed; and (3) 12 weeks
after full-mouth tooth extraction. After full-mouth tooth
extraction, there was a significant decrease in C-reactive protein,
plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and fibrinogen, and white cell and
platelet counts. This study shows that
elimination of advanced periodontitis by full-mouth tooth
extraction reduces systemic inflammatory and thrombotic markers of
cardiovascular risk. Analysis of the data supports the hypothesis
that treatment of periodontal disease may lower cardiovascular
risk.
B.A. Taylor1,*, G.H. Tofler2,
H.M.R. Carey1, M.-C. Morel-Kopp2, S. Philcox2, T.R. Carter1, M.J.
Elliott1, A.D. Kull2, C. Ward2, and K. Schenck3
1 Sydney Dental Hospital, 2 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010,
Australia; 2 Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales, Australia;
and
3 Department of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Norway*
corresponding author,
barbara.taylor@email.cs.nsw.gov.au Up To Top
Oral Sex and Braces-BEWARE!
Sex Warning For
Teenagers With
Braces
Metal braces can scratch genital areas or rip a hole in a
condom, increasing the potential for sexually transmitted
diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cautions Boston cosmetic dentist
Helaine Smith. She has issued a warning to teenagers engaging in
sexual practices such as oral sex or French kissing, saying they
should be cautious if they or their partners wear metal braces
on their teeth.
Metal braces can scratch delicate genital areas, tear
sensitive mouth tissues, or rip a hole in a condom. Such
incidents increase the potential for sexually transmitted
diseases and blood-borne pathogens, including HIV/AIDS,
chlamydia, and hepatitis B and C.
Most teens and young adults don't realize that metal dental
braces can do some damage,. `And while new dental
technologies such as Invisalign and plastic braces have been
introduced, the fact is, many dentists still rely on the
traditional metal braces and their nickel titanium brackets,
wires, and ties. Even plastic braces still use metal wires and
ties that can cause damage.
Because the metal brackets and wires can catch on the thin
latex of condoms and dental dams and cause microscopic tears,
Dr. Smith advises teens and young adults to carefully
consider whether to engage in oral sex with partners who wear
wire braces. Safer sex practices also include changing the
condom before engaging in another sexual activity in order to
reduce the risk of STDs and/or unintended pregnancy – even if
one thinks the condom has not been damaged.
Dental dams, which are also made of latex, are used when
performing oral sex on a woman and protect against herpes and
genital warts. Dr. Smith advises young adults to also exercise
caution when participating in long kissing sessions with
partners who wear braces because the brackets can tear delicate
mouth tissues and increase the exposure to blood-borne pathogens
and STDs such as HIV/AIDs. 1/06 Up To Top
Sodium
Bicarbonate and Hydrogen Peroxide: The Effect on the Growth of
Streptococcus mutans
This experiment studied the effects of sodium
bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide on the cariogenic bacteria
Streptococcus mutans through analysis with a spectrophotometer. The
growth of S. mutans was analyzed using seven different environments.
Twelve wells in each of the seven rows of a multi-well plate were
used to incubate the test materials. In combinations of 10 µl
distilled water, 100 µl broth, 10 µl 10% sucrose, 10 µl S. mutans,
10 µl 10% sodium bicarbonate, and 10 µl 3% hydrogen peroxide, seven
different environments were created for testing. Environments had
either sodium bicarbonate or hydrogen peroxide with S. mutans, or a
combination of sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide with S.
mutans. The plate was incubated at 37°C and measured at 0, 18, 20,
22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 42 hours by optical density with a
spectrophotometer.
Results showed bacterial growth was prevented by
sodium bicarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and the combination of sodium
bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. Although hydrogen peroxide is
bacteriocidal and sodium bicarbonate is bacteriostatic, there were
no significant differences among the three treatment groups in
spectrophotometer readings at any of the nine readings over 42
hours.
There was no significant difference among the effects of hydrogen
peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, or the sodium bicarbonate and
hydrogen peroxide combination, as measured by optical density. The
hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and the sodium bicarbonate
and hydrogen peroxide combination prevented bacterial growth of S.
mutans. The results show that products containing these agents
have the ability to stop the
growth of S. mutans. Products containing sodium bicarbonate and/or
hydrogen peroxide may be useful to caries- prone patients. More
studies are needed to confirm these results on patients.
Author(s): Kelly J Silhacek
RDH, BS ; Kristin R Taake RDH, BS Source: Journal of Dental Hygiene
Volume: 79 Number: 4 Page: 7
Publisher: American Dental Hygienists' Association
Up To Top
Study links Tooth Loss, Heart
Disease
A new study shows a progressive
association between tooth loss and cardiovascular disease, even
among nonsmokers. According to December 2005 American
Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers analyzed data from more
than 40,000 responders ages 40-79 in the 1999-2002 Behavioral Risk
Factor Surveillance System Study.
Heart disease was found in 4.7 % of
the respondents without tooth loss, 5.7% of those missing 1-5 teeth,
7.5% missing 6-31 teeth and 8.5% with total tooth loss. The
finding after adjusting for sex, race and ethnicity, education,
marital status, diabetes, smoking status, alcohol consumption, high
blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and body mass index and the
correlation between tooth loss and hart disease heal when smoking
status was considered. Smoking has strong relationships to
both tooth loss and heart disease. Nonetheless, when this
study stratified by age group and smoking status, a significant
association remained between tooth loss and heart disease among
respondents aged 40-59 years who have never smoked. These
results are consistent with previous studies that link gum disease
and tooth loss to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart
disease. ADA News pg 15, 1/06. Up To Top
According to
the results, long-term antibiotic medication would prevent
myocardial infarcts in patients that do not have periodontitis, or
related signs of inflammation such as disease-causing bacteria or
antibodies to those bacteria. Periodontitis appears to be such a
significant chronic infection that the effect of antibiotic
treatment in preventing cardiovascular events is lost in patients
that suffer from it. During one year of observation, patients
with no signs of periodontitis were more likely to avoid new
cardiovascular events. A total of 79% survived without a new
cardiovascular event compared with 74% of patients without teeth and
66% of those with periodontitis.
The article Paju S, Pussinen PJ, Sinisalo J, Mattila
K, Dogan B, Ahlberg J, Valtonen V, Nieminen MS, Asikainen S.
Clarithromycin reduces
recurrent cardiovascular events in patients without periodontitis is
published online before print in the journal Atherosclerosis on the
4th
of January
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T12-4HYN57P-1&_user=10&_handle=V-WA-A-W-WWY-MsSWYWW-UUW-U-AABEVAZWBZ-AABZEEDUBZ-CDYWBDAYB-WWY-U&_fmt=summary&_coverDate=01%2F04%2F2006&_rdoc=8&_orig=browse&_srch=%23toc%234878%239999%23999999999%2399999!&_cdi=4878&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=4fe8808ca115aea2ca1bcdd906008882 Up To Top
Infant
Antibiotic Use Linked To Later Dental Problems
Infants who are given the antibiotic amoxicillin
are at an increased risk of dental problems later in life,
University of Iowa researcherssuggest. Amoxicillin is one of the
most common antibiotics used among children, for conditions such as
middle ear infections.
The BBC reports that the researchers say the drug appears to be
linked to enamel damage in permanent teeth. Enamel defects can
showclinical signs ranging from barely noticeable white flecks, to
pits and brown stains.
The study found that the more children took the drug, the more teeth
were affected, but a UK expert said it was more likely the diseases
themselves had caused the damage, rather than the drug. The
researchers followed 579 infants from birth until they were 32
months old, using questionnaires every three to four months to
gather information on fluoride intake and amoxicillin use.
By the age of one, three-quarters of the subjects had used
amoxicillin. By 32 months, 91% had used amoxicillin. It was found
that amoxicillin use from three to six months doubled the risk of
dental fluorosis. This condition is usually linked to exposure
to
excess levels of fluoride in which the normal maturation of dental
enamel is blocked due to disruption of the ameloblasts - the cells
which produce the enamel.
Writing in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the team
led by Dr Liang Hong, said, `The results of our study show that
amoxicillin use during early infancy seems to be linked to dental
fluorosis on both permanent first molars and maxillary central
incisors. Duration of amoxicillin use was related to the number of
early-erupting permanent teeth with fluorosis.'
`Amoxicillin use in infancy could carry some heretofore
undocumented risk to the developing teeth. While the results of
this
one study do not warrant recommendations to cease use of amoxicillin
early in life, they do further highlight the need to use antibiotics
judiciously, particularly during infancy.'
Dr Paula Waterhouse, a dental paediatrician at the University of
Newcastle, took issue with the research findings. She said research
had shown that problems with enamel maturation were more likely in
children who suffer from infections. She told the BBC News website,
`My feeling is that despite in-depth statistical analyses it is
likely to be the illness itself which is causing the developmental
defects in enamel.'
Monday 3rd October 2005 cited smile-on.com
Up To Top
Sodium Bicarbonate and
Hydrogen Peroxide: The Effect on the Growth of
Streptococcus mutans
This in vitro experiment studied the effects of
sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide on the cariogenic bacteria
Streptococcus mutans through analysis with a spectrophotometer.:
The growth of S. mutans was analyzed using seven
different environments.
Results showed bacterial growth was prevented by sodium bicarbonate,
hydrogen peroxide, and the combination of sodium
bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. There was no significant
difference among the effects of hydrogen peroxide, sodium
bicarbonate, or the sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide
combination, as measured by optical density. The hydrogen peroxide,
sodium bicarbonate, and the sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide
combination prevented bacterial growth of S. mutans. The results
show that products containing these agents have the ability to stop
the growth of S. mutans. Products containing sodium bicarbonate
and/or hydrogen peroxide may be useful to caries- prone patients.
Author(s): Kelly J Silhacek RDH, BS ;
Kristin R Taake RDH, BS Source: Journal of Dental Hygiene
Volume: 79 Number: 4 Page: 7
Publisher: American Dental Hygienists' Association
Up To Top
|
New Saliva/Cardiovascular Kit
in Testing
A self-contained
saliva test kit that allows dentists to determine
whether a patient has periodontal or cardiovascular
disease, biomarkers is currently undergoing
preliminary testing at the University of Michigan.
The kit is designed to eliminate the need for
dentists to send a patient's saliva sample to a
laboratory, thus allowing clinicians to offer
same-day results to their patients. Researchers hope
to determine just how much of a link there is
between a person's saliva and their blood, as well
as how it may be affecting their overall health.
University of Michigan News Service:
www.umich.edu
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|
LIP PIERCING: ASSOCIATION
WITH GINGIVAL RECESSION
Oral piercing, typically involving the tongue and/or
the lip, has been associated with periodontal complications.
The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of gingival
recession on the buccal aspect of mandibular central incisors in
subjects with lower lip piercing and in controls.
Methods: Twenty-nine young adults with lip piercing (mean age: 21.8;
15 females) and 29 without (mean age: 22.3; 15 females) were
recruited from the community and examined for gingival recession on
the buccal aspect of the mandibular central incisors. Results:
There were no demographic (age, gender distribution) differences
between the 2 groups of subjects. Prevalence of recession among
subjects with lip piercing (41.4%) was significantly greater than
among controls (6.9%) (p=0.0022). The average recession depth
was more than double in subjects with piercing compared to controls
Length of time of wear was the only significantly associated
demographic variable.
Conclusions: These results indicate that lip
piercing is strongly associated with increased prevalence and
severity of gingival recession on the buccal aspect of mandibular
central incisor teeth. Increased time of wear is associated with
increased prevalence of recession.
K.I. BLAIR, M.P. CARR, R.G.
RASHID, and D.N. TATAKIS, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
Supported by the Sections of Primary Care and Periodontology,
Up To Top |
Informative
points about dental floss: