Expose your kids early on to dentistry care. 

The American Dental Association advise a child should see a dentist by the time they are one or before their first birthday. Even though this is the best advice, many children do not see a dentist until they are much older. Having your child see a pediatric dentist early on can help avoid dental fear later on in life.

Weight Loss May Improve Gum Health. 

A study done by Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers found the human body is better at fighting gum disease when fat cells, which trigger inflammation, disappear. The pilot study of 31 obese people with gum disease. Half of the group with an average body mass index (BMI) of 39 had gastric bypass surgery and had fat cells from the abdomen removed. That half fared better than a control group of obese people with a BMI of 35 who also were treated for gum disease but did not have the gastric bypass surgery or fat removed.

Treating periodontal disease makes for a healthier mouth and freshens breath. Researchers treated 102 people with gum disease—everyone in the study also had bad breath. Dentists used a device that measured the levels of three chemicals that commonly cause bad breath. In the study, some people were randomly assigned to get periodontal treatment first, followed by tongue cleaning. The rest of the people got tongue cleaning first and then periodontal treatment. Everyone’s breath was tested twice. This was done after the first type of treatment and again after the second. Tests showed that both types of treatment helped bad breath. For patients with periodontal disease, the periodontal treatment improved people’s breath more than tongue cleaning did. This study appears in the July 18th issue of the Journal of Periodontal Research.

Oral Health and Depression in the Homeless. 

According to Scottish researchers, homeless people with tooth decay or missing teeth are more prone to depression than those with healthy teeth. The study was done on about 850 homeless. The research found that people with poorer dental health were more likely to be depressed. In addition, homeless people with decayed and missing teeth also tended to have a lower quality of life and more dental anxiety. Both of these could lead to depression, said the authors.

Children who have Asthma may have a high risk of having more Cavities. 

According to a Brazilian study that included 160 Children ages 3 – 15, children with Asthma had higher levels of S. mutans. Those with a long history of Asthma tended to have higher levels of these bacteria. The study did not find that levels of S. mutans were linked with asthma drugs or other treatments. Researchers also did not find a link between higher levels of S. mutans and more tooth decay.

A study suggests that more dentists should be using dental sealants to help protect back teeth. Temple University’s dental school researchers who did the study surveyed 595 general dentists and 176 pediatric dentists. The dentist was asked whether they would use sealants on teeth with different signs of early decay. They also were asked how they felt about using sealants with different groups of people. In 2008 the ADA endorsed the use of sealants n teeth with the earliest stages of decay. In these stages, a molar or premolar is discolored on its chewing surface, but the tooth has no cavity yet. Research has shown that sealing teeth like this can prevent cavities. However, the new survey found that many dentists need to learn about the ADA panel’s advice or the dentist that does know disagree with it. It also shows that Pediatric dentists were more likely to follow the recommendations than a general dentists. This study appears in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Gum Disease is an Emerging Health Concern. 

Two more studies have strengthened the evidence linking periodontal disease with other health conditions. One study focused on atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The researchers took samples of diseased arteries from 53 people. They also took samples of healthy arteries from 21 other people. They tested the arteries for bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The study found that 53% of the diseased arteries had periodontal bacteria in them, and only 24% of the healthy ones did. The other study focused on people with type 2 diabetes which included 60 people. Twenty had periodontal disease and diabetes. Another 20 had the periodontal disease but not diabetes. The last 20 had diabetes but not a periodontal disease. People with diabetes and periodontal disease had higher blood sugar levels and poorer blood-sugar control than people who had diabetes only. The people with both conditions also had more of a protein called C-reactive protein. Higher levels reflect more inflammation in the body. This group also had the lowest levels of HDL. The study is in the October issue of the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

Gum Disease may put Seniors at risk for Kidney Problems. 

According to Japanese researchers, older adults with more gum inflammation are at risk for kidney problems. The study was on 317 people who were all 75 years old. At the start of the study, each person had an oral exam. The researchers calculated how much of each person’s gum tissue was inflamed. They Followed the people for two years. During that time, 45 of them developed kidney problems. Those with the most inflammation were more than twice as likely to develop kidney problems as those in the study. Other studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and kidney disease. A 2010 study focused on people with both conditions. It found that periodontal treatment also improved kidney disease symptoms. This study appears in the October 14th issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

Dry Mouth is more common in those over the age of 50. 

A long-term study suggests that Dry Mouth is common in those over fifty, particularly older women. In the Swedish study, which started in 1992, researchers sent questionnaires to every 50-year-old in 2 Swedish counties. Fifteen years later, they sent the same questions to every 65-year-old in those counties. They also sent them to a sample of 75-year-olds. The study showed that dry Mouth was more common in women than in men in every age group. The authors speculate that the higher prevalence of dry Mouth in women may result from decreased saliva production in the Mouth following menopause. Dry Mouth occurred more often as people got older and more at night than during the day

Keep your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Did you know that your diet can play a significant role in the health of your teeth and gums? Here are some tips suggested by the American Dental Association (ADA) for maintaining teeth and gums healthy. Limit the number of sodas and fruit drinks sweetened with sugar, and limit your consumption of cookies, candies, cakes, and other desserts with added sugar. Eat nutritious snacks that are low in sugar. Brush and floss daily and drink water often throughout the day.

Keeping your Dentures Clean. 

It is vital to keep your dentures clean to help maintain a healthy mouth. The ADA suggests how to take care of dentures properly. Dentures are fragile, so ensure you hold them over something soft such as a towel, while cleaning them. You want to make sure you thoroughly brush your dentures daily using a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food particles and plaque. Clean your dentures with gentle hand soap or mild dish detergent. Never with bleach or abrasive powdered cleaners. Store your dentures in water or a dental cleansing solution in a safe place and out of reach of kids and pets.

An Innovative Device Helps to Combat the Fear of the Dentist Drill. 

Dental fear is a significant issue that prevents many people from getting and receiving the necessary dental care needed for good oral health care. A new innovative device that helps to cancel out the noise of the dental drill could help end some people’s anxiety and fears about going to the dentist. The device prototype works similarly to noise-canceling headphones but is designed to deal with the very high pitch of the dental drill. Simply plugging the device into an MP3 player or mobile phone and then plugging the headphones into the machine allows a person to listen to their music while completely blocking out the unpleasant sound of the drill and suction equipment. The patient will still be able to hear the dentist and other dental team members speaking to them, but the device filters out different unwanted sounds.

Tooth Whitening at beauty salons and clinics can be Dangerous. 

Dentists warn consumers about the safety of tooth whitening, now being offered at many beauty salons and clinics. The risk of teeth whitening procedure is manifold when it is performed by unqualified staff. The BDA and the General Dental Council have both reiterated that tooth whitening should be done only by registered dental practitioners.

Poor Oral Health Tied To Chronic Disease And Worse Overall Health. 

In Ontario, 45% of people 65 and older did not see a dentist last year. Studies show a lack of regular dental care increases their risk of chronic diseases and reduced quality of life. Poor oral health can contribute to many severe medical conditions and affect a person’s ability to chew and digest food properly. With dental services not covered under the universal health-insurance program and many older adults not visiting dentists regularly, the study findings suggest that there should be more thought given to services provided to seniors to keep them healthy as they age.

Mathematics is helping to provide better attachment for dental crowns. 

Researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology are developing a new method for determining exactly how to prepare a tooth to place a crown on it optimally. The technique will improve the quality and reliability of crown replacements and result in significantly cheaper and faster dental treatment. Dentists will soon benefit from a computer program produced by a group of researchers at Chalmers. The researchers are now planning to run clinical tests. The software is based on advanced mathematical models and state-of-the-art visualization technology.

Are you brushing your teeth correctly? 

Many people may not be brushing their teeth correctly, which can cause tooth damage. Abrasion is damage done to teeth by incorrect brushing habits. First, do not use hard-bristle toothbrushes since they are one of the most significant contributing factors to tooth abrasion. Use a soft bristle brush, place the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the junction of the gum and tooth, and move the brush in a gentle circular motion. Also, stay away from abrasive toothpaste.

Three major ways that teeth can wear down. 

Here are three major ways how a tooth can wear down. 

• Attrition: Bruxism or teeth grinding, also referred to as attrition, can be caused by stress. You can also grind or clench your teeth while you sleep. One way to prevent teeth damage is by wearing a night guard. 
• Tooth Erosion: Dental erosion is caused by acid. Many food and drinks are highly acidic and can cause the tooth enamel and dentine to break down or erode. Health issues can also cause acid, such as acid reflux. To try and prevent tooth erosion, you will want to do your best to limit your exposure to acidic foods and drinks. Chewing sugar-free gum can help to dilute acidity by increasing saliva flow. 
• Tooth Abrasion: Tooth abrasion can be caused by a hard-bristle toothbrush, but even a soft-bristled brush can be harmful and cause tooth abrasion. Correctly brushing is recommended to reduce tooth abrasion.  A dentist can repair tooth abrasion damage by dental bonding.

Free consultations for dental care. 

Many dental offices will provide free consultations for dental care, including general and cosmetic dentistry. How can you find this dentist? By searching online. Many dentists now have their websites, and to get new patients, they provide free consultations to first-time patients that visit their sites. By taking advantage of first-time patient savings that you can find online, you will save money on your needed dental care.

Trust is always a big issue, and you need to know whether or not you can trust your dentist and the advice on the dental care you are receiving. Does your dentist fully answer your questions to where you understand the services they suggest? When primary dental care is required, you may want a second opinion to verify all the dental services suggested. That usually is and is encouraged among dentists. However, not all dentists will advise the same treatment. So when comparing the two opinions, if you have questions about why the two do not match up, inquire into it with your dentist before just thinking one is a bad dentist. Cost may also be a factor. If you have dental insurance, make sure your dental insurance plan covers a second option. Some dental procedures may not substitute for additional services already done. You should know the cost ahead of time to make sure it is something you can afford to have done.

Getting a second opinion is advised when it comes to your health. But what about dental care and treatment? When should you get a second opinion, and why? Here are a few tips that may help you when thinking about getting a second dental opinion. Do your research before deciding whether you need a second opinion. If you need clarification on what your dentist advises, go online and search for information on your dental needs. See if doing so helps you understand and matches up with what your dentist is telling you. Then before going to another dentist, if there are still things you do not understand, call your dentist and discuss your concerns. If you are still left unsatisfied, then go get that second opinion