This is a
toll-free service which will help to answer difficult or embarrassing
questions about dental and general health issues.-more-
In recent years,
researchers have found a connection between gum disease and coronary
vascular disease, which can place people at risk for heart attacks
and strokes. In individuals with diabetes, gum disease is associated
with poor control of insulin levels. Pregnant women also need to be
careful; gum disease can place pregnant women at risk for having low-birthweight
babies.
By seeking dental care on a more preventive and
pro-active basis you will aid their overall health.
Missed the SmileLine on July 9? Visit SmileLine
Online
The
AGD’s SmileLine Online section at
www.agd.org enables consumers to post dental health questions online
and have them answered by an AGD member dentist. Click on the “Ask a
Dental Question” link on the AGD web page. Also, consumers can get
names, addresses and phone numbers of up to three general dentists, by
calling 1.877.2X.A.YEAR (1.877.292.9327) or by visiting the AGD
Web site. 7/06
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Soda Attack
Sugar and acidity can be lethal to teeth!
Sweetened drinks harm the protective enamel around
teeth. Over time, exposing dental enamel to carbonated beverages
weakens and permanently destroys enamel. This new study found that
non-colas and canned iced tea were especially harmful. They
contain flavor additives, such as malic, tartaric and other organic
acids which are more aggressive at eroding teeth.
Root beer, contains the least amount of flavor
additives was found to the the "safest soft drink to safeguard dental
enamel".
In 1977 12-19 year olds consumed 16 oz of soda a day
1996 12-19 year olds consumed 28 oz a day
In 1970 22.2 gallons of cola per person per year
consumed by Americans.
In 1996 44 gallons of cola per person per year
consumed by Americans.
In 1999 56 gallons of cola per person per year
consumed by Americans.
Soda consumed at meal times is less injurious
than when consumed alone and continuous sipping is more harmful than the
whole drink taken at one time. Drinking soda thorough a
straw may help reduce the amount of soda that comes into direct
contact with your teeth. Also rinse your mouth out with
water after drinking and use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Dentalnotes pg 1 Summer 2004
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Have You Talked to Your Dentist About Sex?
Among the more dangerous
myths floating around these days is that oral sex is a disease-free
alternative to intercourse. The fact is, not only can oral-genital
contact lead to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) it can,
depending on the disease, be harder to spot and more difficult to treat.
Your dentist may recognize
oral symptoms of an STD and instruct you to see a physician for
diagnosis. According to a study 60 percent of surveyed
college students do not equate oral-genital contact with sex. And
more than 55 percent of teen-agers admitted to engaging in oral
sexual acts. Ninety percent of those who contracted the oral
component of an STD-such as gonorrhea-may be asymptomatic (meaning
they do not show outward signs of being sick). The remaining 10 percent
exhibit symptoms such as gum swelling and discharge, and some
bleeding.
