Poor Oral Health Could Lead to Pneumonia

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 03 January 2012 12:09



There may be a connection between poor oral health and pneumonia, according to Yale University.

The study shows that changes in the mouth resulting from bacteria could lead to pneumonia, according to Dr. Samit Joshi from the Yale University School of Medicine. Older people are also at a higher risk of developing pneumonia.

The study involved 37 participants who were analyzed throughout the course of a month. The research indicated that people who were on ventilators who developed pneumonia went through a major change to their oral bacteria before becoming sick.

The connection between illnesses involving the respiratory system and oral health has been discussed for years. The reason is bacterial infections in the chest stem from breathing droplets from the mouth and throat that seep into the lungs. Also, the more gum issues a person has, the greater the chance of death from pneumonia.

Basic dental care and maintaining good oral health can make the connection between oral bacteria and pneumonia irrelevant to a person.

This information could eventually be beneficial to the way pneumonia is treated

Possible Solution to Dry Mouth Exists

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 05 January 2012 16:18



There may be a way to aid dry mouth condition.

A new battery-powered mouthguard was created to fix this problem. The mouthguard fits over the lower arch of the teeth and enables the production of saliva thanks to little electric shocks. This device is necessary because dry mouth impacts 20 percent of people older than 50.

This device could be extremely helpful because of the importance of saliva in digestion and fighting against bacteria. A healthy person can generate three pints of saliva per day but there are many people that don’t produce enough. The result is the condition of dry mouth, known as xerostomia. The condition usually stems from some kind of medication or cancer treatment.

This new mouthguard is custom designed for each person and triggers saliva production by way of electric shocks. Each patient controls the device and can be worn for up to 10 minutes every hour.

The device can be beneficial for people who developed dry mouth from Parkinson’s Disease and Sjogren’s Syndrome. More tests are on the way.

Scientists have also created mint disks with Xylitol in them, which are thought to aid dry mouth. The disks are applied at night. They melt while the person is asleep and studies from the University of Washington indicate a reduced impact of dry mouth symptoms with one week.

Baby Bottles Result in Tooth Decay

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 06 January 2012 16:36



One of the top causes of tooth decay is a baby bottle, according to dentists.

Tooth decay remains a major problem for babies. There’s now evidence that shows baby bottles are one of the major reasons decay develops.

About two out of five children beginning kindergarten have at least one decayed tooth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s disappointing for dentists because this is an issue that can easily be prevented.

Many parents put children to bed with substances full of sugar, including fruit juices, milk, formula and breast milk. This sugar opens the possibility for the bacteria that develops into tooth decay.

When the baby’s teeth start to emerge, the child is already at risk for tooth decay based on the amount of bacteria present. Giving the child water is a solution to this issue.

It’s also common for the caregiver to unintentionally pass on bacteria to the child. Sharing utensils with your child is a surefire way for the baby to eventually develop tooth decay.

When a baby has untreated tooth decay, a dentist may have to pull the teeth because there are times when the teeth cannot be salvaged. That’s why dental visits for babies are just as important as they are for adults.

New Test Could Enable Dentists to Detect Oral Cancer Faster

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 17 April 2012 15:20



It’s possible that it may take only 20 minutes to diagnose oral cancer.

The new test involves the dentist collecting stem cells from the patients’ mouths and then utilizing a computer program to analyze the diagnosis one way or the other. The whole process takes 20 minutes, light years ahead of the current methods, which include taking a biopsy and then awaiting the results from a lab. The results may not be in for roughly two to three weeks.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom and researchers from Rice University have been working on a two-year trial. If the trial is a success, the new method will first be utilized in the UK.

The test uses small sensors and biologic agents that are attached to a portable machine. The actual testing device, known as lab on a chip, is about the size of a credit card. The test can be used in dental practices, providing dentists with the opportunity to test for oral cancer at their practice. The patients wouldn’t have to be anxious about the results for a period weeks and, instead, could learn the results that day.

There are 275 people who have signed up for the trial in the UK. There were 20 of those patients that tested positive for oral cancer and didn’t know they had the disease. The current rate of survival for oral cancer (50 percent) may receive a huge increase because of this test. Early treatment of oral cancer can result in about a 90-percent survival rate.

Professor Martin Thornhill, one of the leaders of the study, thinks the test will become a standard part of dentistry in the UK during the next five years. The test is useful because it can test patients who come in for a basic dental checkup or those patients that have an ulcer, a lesion or some reason to suspect they may have oral cancer. Oral cancer can be confirmed or ruled out in a matter of minutes based on this test.

Gums Suffer as People Age

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 19 April 2012 07:36



It has recently become clearer why gum health declines with age.

Queen Mary, University of London, along with research teams in the United States, put together a comprehensive study on why gum disease rises with age. The information appeared in Nature Immunology and explained that a decrease in the chemical Del-1 played a major role in gum problems.

The research teams want to learn as much as possible about Del-1 and the way it impacts the rest of the body’s immune system.

Periodontitis is a major problem that results in bleeding and bone loss. When people age, they are more susceptible to diseases and gum problems, such as gum disease.

This research was generated from a study of mice. The researchers concluded that an increase in gum disease in the older mice was associated with a drop in the Del-1 levels. This protein holds back the immune system by preventing white blood cells from sticking to the mouth tissue and attacking it.

Mice that were without Del-1 tended to develop severe gum disease and had elevated levels of bone loss. There were also more white blood cells in the gum tissue. The amount of white blood cells dropped after the gums were treated.

This information could lay the foundation for new treatment or prevention methods for gum disease.

Oral Cancer Detection May Become Easier

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 19 April 2012 12:57



A new saliva test may soon make the lives of many people much easier.

A Michigan State University surgeon is collaborating with a dental benefits firm on a trial that would perfect this oral cancer-detecting saliva test. It would make things much simpler for the tester and it would increase the effectiveness of the screening process, meaning more people would be accurately diagnosed with oral cancer and they would be diagnosed sooner in the process.

A professor in the College of Human Medicine Department of Surgery, Barry Wenig, and Delta Dental of Michigan Research and Data Institute will select 100 to 120 patients with white lesions or growths in their mouths to be part of the study.

The researchers will be looking to pinpoint the signs associated with oral cancer. If the saliva test was created, it would enable dentists and physicians to know which patients could avoid surgery.

This is so essential because only about 60 percent of oral cancer patients live more than five years after being diagnosed.

Wenig and the researchers recently worked with a team of UCLA colleagues, who are working on saliva tests for other forms of cancer. The whole key to the saliva test is that all the patient would have to do to generate a sample is spit in a cup—it doesn't get much easier than that.

A secondary benefit that would transpire if the test is successfully created is that healthcare costs could be lowered based on the fact that the number of biopsies would decrease.

Scientists Say No Link Exists Between Gum Disease

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 20 April 2012 09:44



Any link between gum disease and heart problems is coincidental, according to a panel of researchers.

The 13 researchers stated that the link between heart problems and gum disease simply doesn't exist based on their extensive research. Many recent studies have concluded that a link does actually exist.

The panel analyzed 500 studies and the basic conclusion was that the people that developed gum disease and heart problems stemmed from the fact that the diseases have similar risk factors.

There are several studies that show that there's a link between the two but the evidence isn't the greatest to make the case. There are also many studies that are inconclusive about the topic.

The more likely reason for people with gum disease developing heart problems is based on lifestyle factors. People that make a concerted effort to take care of their health are less likely than people who take less of interest in their health to develop problems.

Regardless of what conclusions research teams make, it doesn't change the fact that good oral health leads to good overall health.

Beverage Choice May Lower Diabetes Risk

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 07 June 2012 15:37



Breaking news: there is no downside to one’s health if a person’s drink of choice is water.

A study was conducted by a research team at the Harvard School of Public Health, however, to quantify the ways in which water was better than soft drinks. Women who consistently drink water instead of fizzy drinks have a much lower chance of developing diabetes. The goal of this study was determine the exact benefit of drinking water.

The researchers examined data from more than 83,000 women in the United States during a 12-year period.

The study looked at the diet and overall health of the women. About 2,700 ended up developing diabetes. Water consumption had no impact on diabetes but the study indicated that replacing one soft drink with water lowered the diabetes risk by about 7 to 8 percent.

The research, led by Dr. Frank Hsu, also showed that unsweetened tea and coffee are healthier choices then soft drinks or energy drinks.

The study appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Dental Hygiene to Blame for Komodo Dragon's Bite

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 08 June 2012 10:29



The bite of the Komodo dragon is known as one of the deadliest bites among all animals.

The reason why is now clear. It has nothing to do with sharp teeth or anything of that nature. Instead, it's the horrendous dental hygiene and a mouth filled with infectious bacteria, enabling the animal to kill prey rather easily.

The researchers also claim that the infectious bacteria spread though groups of the dragons, which makes the community as a whole more dangerous. The researchers from the University of Texas concluded that the bacteria spread by prey that isn't killed.

On average, there are 58 strains of bacteria located in the saliva of the Komodo dragon. About 93 percent of that is considered to be pathogenic. One species of bacteria, called Pastuerella multocida, killed mice after the mice were injected with the bacteria.

The Komodo dragon is the world's largest dragon, and they can grow as long as nine feet. The dragons inhabit five small islands in Indonesia. Their bite allows them to kill animals much larger than they are.

Dentists Urge People to Avoid Brushing Directly After Eating

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 08 June 2012 11:31



Brushing too soon after eating can have devastating effects.

This message sometimes can be misunderstood. Dentists urge people to clean their teeth and brush twice each day to prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. But research shows that brushing too soon after eating could do a great deal of harm when done repeatedly over time.

Dentists recommend waiting at least one hour to brush after eating.

Brushing less than 20 minutes after eating causes damage to the teeth, especially when the food or drink consumed was something sugary or acidic. The sugar and acid cause damage to the enamel, which exposes the dentin and leaves the teeth open to decay and sensitivity.

According to information from the Academy of General Dentistry, brushing too soon after eating may push acid from food or drinks deeper inside the teeth. It then reaches the enamel and dentin, and the dental problems ensue.

Teeth corrode faster if brushed within 30 minutes of drinking an acidic drink, according to research. Many trials indicated that when teeth are brushed anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes after consuming food or drinks that the results were similar to when brushing is done with more of a gap between eating/drinking and brushing.

Neanderthal Tartar Shows Insight Into Early Humans

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 19 July 2012 14:05



The first example of self-medication has been discovered after a study of Neanderthal dental tartar.

Dental tartar collected from a sight in the northern part of Spain indicated that the ancestors of humans gathered around fires to cook plants, with the goal being to create medicinal potions, in addition to food. This was about 50,000 years ago.

The research shows that Neanderthals consumed various types of food. Prior findings suggested the Neanderthals ate meat, but this research demonstrates that they ate plants as well.

A research team from the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies and a research team from the University of York compiled the data on tartar from five Neanderthals. The research included chemical tests and an investigation under and electron microscope.

The study showed that there was cracked tartar, which signifies that the Neanderthals cooked plants before eating them. The study also concluded that the plants were wood-smoked.

There wasn’t much protein in their diet, meaning these particular Neanderthals didn’t consume as much meat as others. There was one Neanderthal that showed signs of eating yarrow and chamomile, which were thought to be an anti-inflammatory.

Growing Teeth May Soon Be Possible

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 20 July 2012 14:16



A group of researchers have made a discovery that could eventually lead to the regrowth of teeth.

A research team in the group of Irma Thesleff at the Institute of Biotechnology in Helsinki, Finland recently discovered a marker for dental stem cells. The discovery was made after locating a transcription factor on the mouse front tooth.

The transcription factor Sox2 is specifically present in the stem cells of the mouse incisor. This tooth grows throughout one’s life thanks to the stem cells located at the base of the tooth.

The research team managed to create a way to record the movement, division and specification of these cells. Sox2 positive stem cells also enable enamel-forming ameloblasts and other lineages of the tooth to exist.

Human teeth are similar to mouse teeth in that the mechanisms to regulate growth is the same, even though human teeth don’t grow continuously. That’s why this could be a pivotal discovery for tooth regeneration.









This finding, however, doesn’t necessarily mean the ability to regenerate tooth is right around the corner. A detailed recipe is necessary and many factors have prevented tooth regeneration from happening at this point in time.

Dental Visits May Lead to Diabetes Detection

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 23 July 2012 15:44



A prediabetes diagnosis can be made during a basic dental visit.

The information comes from a recent Columbia University College of Dental Medicine study. The study appeared in the Journal of Dental Research.

The research could have a major impact for people that develop Type 2 diabetes. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes comes mainly from a bad diet. If it’s detected early, it will be prevented from progressing into a more serious problem.

The study analyzed the information from 530 adults that had at least one of the risk factors for diabetes. The patients then received a periodontal exam and a hemoglobin test. The patients returned for a plasma glucose test to determine whether or not they had diabetes.

The ability to determine whether or not the patient had diabetes was as simple as looking at two factors. The number of missing teeth and the percentage of deep periodontal pockets were all it took to determine if someone had prediabetes or diabetes. The algorithm was even more effective after adding the hemoglobin component.

The reason this information is so important is because periodontal disease is one of the first complications that stems from diabetes.

There are now more than 25 millions Americans that have diabetes. More than 90 percent of the cases are Type 2 diabetes.

Dentist Fesses up to Drug Addiction, Gives up License

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 05 September 2012 15:53



The dentist that reused syringes came clean about his drug addiction.

Dr. Stephen Stein gave up his license to practice dentistry as well. He also signed a Stipulation and Final Agency Order, after which he conceded that he’s been addicted to drugs for some time now.

By surrendering his license, Stein will have the chance to apply for a new license in two years. If he is lucky enough to receive a new license, it will be linked to the old license in public records.

According to the investigation, Stein’s drug addiction caused him to seek help in the summer of 1998. The Board of Dental Examiners did not become of aware of this until June 2011 when an anonymous complaint was filed against Stein.

Stein’s addiction included Vicoprofen and Vicodin. He wrote prescriptions for the drugs and asked the patients to bring the medication to their appointments. During this time, he would take the drugs for his personal usage.

Three people may have been infected by Stein. This was after the Colorado Department of Public Health mailed letters advising that 8,000 patients should be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The dentistry board voted to suspend Stein earlier this year. During the process, the board did not state the length of time in which Stein had been using drugs. In 2005, Stein called in a prescription under a patient’s name and proceeded to the pharmacy to pick up the drugs and use them. There likely were times when Stein practiced dentistry while impaired.

The misusage of syringes was the main findings of the board. Stein has yet to be charged with any criminal offense.

Some Bacteria may Develop Ability to Move within Mouth

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 06 September 2012 15:26



A new study indicates that some bacteria may be capable of grow an appendage and swimming to a new area. This activity has recently been seen in marine sponges.

This information is applicable to dentistry because it may aid the way harmful bacteria in the mouth are understood. It’s possible that the bacteria in the plaque on teeth and in other areas of the body could be treated in a different, more advanced manner.

Bacteria have the ability to communicate with other bacteria. When a critical mass of bacteria is present in a certain area, an appendage known as a flagellum appears and finds a way to swim to a new area. A new biofilm can then develop.

All things considered, there are more bacteria on earth than all other forms of life combined. The more that is understood about bacteria, the more chance there is that the bacteria will be combatted in a more educated way.

This new study by scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Indiana University, and University of Colorado Denver’s School of Medicine, appears in the September issue ofMolecular Microbiology.

Some Foods May Boost Oral Health

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 07 September 2012 14:41



At this point, it’s clear that acidic drinks and sugary foods have a negative impact on your teeth. But there are some foods and beverages that could aid your oral health.

Foods such as salmon, quinoa, basil, onions, broccoli and mushrooms will most likely make sure your oral health stays the way it should.

Salmon is high in omega 3 oils, which enables it to prevent inflammation.

Basil could be considered a natural antibiotic, meaning it lowers the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

Quinoa is rich and protein and calcium. This characteristic gives it the ability to keep teeth and bones strong.

Onions possess a sulfur compound that can combat Streptococcus bacteria.

The iron in broccoli forms a protective barrier against tooth decay.

Shitake mushrooms limit the ability of plaque to get caught in the teeth and gums, while fruits high in vitamin C could be considered natural tooth whiteners.

By sticking with these foods instead of foods high in sugar, one can ensure that good oral health is maintained.

Domestic Violence Victims Get Tooth Makeovers

Domestic Violence Victims Get Tooth Makeovers

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 12 November 2012 16:14

Dentists are doing what they can to help domestic violence victims.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is using its charity, known as Give Back a Smile Programs, to reconstruct the victims’ mouths thanks to the dentists who are volunteering their time.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1.5 million people have been abused by their partners. The abuse may result in tooth injuries, as well as mental or physical harm.

Fixing the teeth of domestic abuse victims is a way to enable them to get back self-confidence. When domestic abuse victims are unable to smile with confidence, it may adversely affect the rest of the person’s life.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation began in 1999 and has been helping domestic violence victims since.

University of Utah to Add Dental School

University of Utah to Add Dental School

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 13 November 2012 16:18

The University of Utah plans to finish what it started.

The school is going forward with plans to build Utah’s first public dental school, even though there are some people against the move. Officials just announced the location for the school, which will be named after donors Ray and Tye Noorda.

Many local dentists don’t think there is a necessity for a dental school in that area. The dental school, however, will be a less expensive choice for dental students in Utah. It will also aid the community clinics with dental treatment, which will be provided by students close to graduating.

The dissension stems from a privately run dental school that recently opened in the area. The Roseman University of Health Sciences in South Jordan will produce 64 dentists in 2015 and 80 dentists the following year.

A 2006 survey of Utah dentists showed that 95 percent of people familiar with the dental trade thought the local dental market was saturated. A different study, however, indicated that there were 56.8 dentists for every 100,000 people in Utah that year, which was a decline of about five dentists since 2002. The national average at that point was 59.8 dentists for every 100,000 people.

There could be other issues for these new dental students, such as the amount they owe after graduation.

But the new program has already received 175 applications for the 20 positions in the first year. The interest is certainly there.

At this point, the University of Utah has a contractual agreement with Creighton University to help students interested in studying dentistry. With the new dental school, this arrangement will end.

The only states in the vicinity of Utah with a dental school as of now are Arizona, California and Nevada.

Construction of the school will commence early next year and is expected to be completed in late 2014.

Link Exists Between Obesity and Poor Dental Health for Homeless Children

Link Exists Between Obesity and Poor Dental Health for Homeless Children

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 14 November 2012 16:27

Obesity and dental cavities become worse as impoverished children grow older, according to a new study.

The researchers determined that as body mass index went up as children got older, the numbers of cavities increased as well. Groups at the Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron conducted the research. The information appeared in the Journal of Pediatric Health.

The research was compiled after analyzing data from 157 children, aged 2 to 17, at an urban homeless shelter. Most of the fathers were not in the picture.

BMI was used as the determining factor for obesity. The cavity total was determined based on missing, filled or injured teeth. Few previous studies in the United States have pinpointed this correlation between obesity, poverty and dental health.

The information from this study indicated that number of obese people and poor oral health cases have just about doubled since 1980, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The problems for impoverished people when it comes to dental health are plentiful. The lack of access to healthy food, the inability to refrigerate food and the lack of running water in some instances are some of the issues. There is also the possibility of spreading gum disease and other oral diseases by sharing spoons, baby bottles, toothbrushes, etc.

Those problems don’t even include the inability to receive dental treatment. And even if the possibility for dental treatment exists, transportation to get to the appointment may not be available.

There is no fast or easy solution to ending these problems.