One of the most common dental treatments involves the filling of cavities.  Cavities, often caused by tooth decay, occur when bacteria destroy the hard tissues, and eventually the  organic matter of a tooth, leaving a soft surface or hole that can be detected by your dentist.  In advanced stages, pain is often a symptom that a cavity is present.  Treatment is fairly simple but varies based on the severity of the cavity.  If the decay is not extensive, the affected area of the tooth is removed via drilling and replaced with a filling.  When the decay has progressed further, leaving little tooth structure, a crown will be necessary.  In extreme cases, when the decay has caused the death of the pulp of the tooth, a root canal will be performed.  Treatment for cavities is ever changing as dentists and scientist continue to develop new technologies to better the detection and care of this common ailment.

A recent article from Dental Health Magazine, “Innovative Cavity Filling Material Help with Tooth Regeneration,” details a new cavity system out of the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry.  Researchers there claim they have created a filling that will successfully kill all bacteria associated with a cavity and help the tooth regenerate too.  In the procedure, the dentist will still drill out the decayed tooth, but will then apply a primer on the surface of the tooth, followed by an adhesive which will help the filling to bond.  The filling material, which contains silver nanoparticles and ammonium to kill the bacteria, is then applied.  In addition to the antibacterial agents, the filling materials also contain minerals, such as calcium phosphate, to assist in the re-mineralization of the tooth, which may not rebuild the tooth to its original form, but will aid in the healing process.

Professor Huakun Xu, the lead scientist on the study, added that the new filling material should last much longer than traditional fillings, meaning fewer repeat treatments.  He claims that the antibacterial agents and added minerals are responsible for this additional bonus.  The new filling process is currently undergoing further tests to determine how effective they will be over time.  It should be interesting to see where this new technology leads the common practice of cavity filling.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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You only get one shot at making a first impression, and studies have shown that a person’s smile is one of the first traits to be noticed.  Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is the easiest and most effective way to get the best smile possible.  It seems a bit redundant to repeat the time-tested routine you’ve done since childhood (you know, brush your teeth twice a day, floss, visit your dentist regularly), but according to Carmen Schuller, D.D.S., from NYC, many people are going through the motions incorrectly.  The msnbc.com story, “Treat yourself to a total mouth makeover,” gives some great tips for effective dental care.

Andie Pearson, a dentist in Chicago, suggests flossing before you brush.  This way, you can dislodge food and plaque, and then brush it all away.  Speaking of brushing, some dentists recommend soft or even extra soft bristles to minimize harm to the gum tissue and protect enamel.  Also, while most believe an electric brush is the most effective, Dr. Pearson recommends a manual one, which offers more control.  Just be sure to replace it every three months.  Be selective about your toothpaste and use it sparingly, too.  You don’t need a ton, about a quarter of a teaspoon at most.  If you’re prone to cavities, pastes with added fluoride could help, and if you experience some sensitivity, you probably want to steer clear of whitening pastes.  When brushing, apply gentle pressure for three to five minutes, using a large circular motion.  Don’t forget to brush the back side of teeth as well, and rinse brushing by-products away with water, or a fluoride mouthwash for added protection.  Ideally, you’ll brush after every meal, although twice a day is acceptable.

One of the most important aspects of maintaining those pearly whites is visiting your dentist regularly.  Cleanings should be done about every six months, and even more if you’ve had regular bouts of gum inflammation.  If you’d like to boost the impact of your smiling even more, there are treatments available to really optimize this characteristic.  At Miami Dental Sedation Spa, a smile analysis takes into account the amount of teeth showing, their shape, shade, position, the smile arch, midline, and other determinants of beauty.  Together, this information is used to develop a treatment plan so that you can obtain the smile of your dreams.  A great smile has been known to increase self-image and esteem, allowing you to always put your best foot forward.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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The dental health of young people continues to be a hot topic in the news as shocking numbers of children are turning up with early signs of tooth decay.  There have been a number of fingers pointed to different culprits, and yet another report has been released, this time putting sports and energy drinks in the spotlight.  The Medical News Today, article, “Sports & Energy Drinks Damage Teeth,” discusses the findings of the study, which were published in the May/June 2012 issue of General Dentistry.

Poonam Jain, BDS, MS, MPH, and lead author of the article, claims that young adults are targeted by advertisers of these products and truly believe that their sports performance will improve by consuming the high acid, sugary beverages.  The research examined acidity levels in thirteen different drinks and found that across brands, and even flavors of the same brand, levels were varied.  The study consisted of immersing samples of tooth enamel in each drink for approximately 15 minutes before placing them in artificial saliva for two hours.  This pattern was repeated four times a day and was meant to simulate consuming the same number of sports drinks per day.  The teeth were stored in artificial saliva at all other times.  Damage to the enamel was observed after just five days of trials, with energy drinks causing nearly twice the amount of damage as sports drinks.  Statistics show that about 50% of teenagers across the country consume energy drinks and approximately 62% admit to drinking at least one sports beverage a day.

Acid levels in these types of drinks are causing the erosion of tooth enamel, as shown in the study.  Once the hard, protective surface is compromised, the softer dentine, which lies beneath, can decay quite easily.  Most kids believe that sports and energy drinks are better for them than soda, and they just don’t know the damage that they are doing to their teeth.  Education for young adults and parents alike is the key to good oral health.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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Dental phobias, or fear of visiting the dentist, stems often from the misconception that pain will most likely be involved.  For example, when many people think of having a root canal, they immediately imagine excruciating pain both during and after the procedure.  There was a time when this was indeed the case, however with the help of new and improved instruments and technology, root canals can be virtually painless as well as highly efficient.  Dental Health Magazine’s article, “Root Canal Therapy Then & Now: Treatments, Materials and Technology Used,” describes the improvements made to the common procedure.

A root canal is the treatment used to repair, and often times, save a tooth that has become badly infected.  During the procedure the nerve and pulp, or soft inner area of a tooth, is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.  There are a number of reasons why a root canal may be required.  The nerve and pulp of a tooth may become irritated and infected due to deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or repeated dental procedures.  Significant pain when chewing, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration, and swelling are all signs that you may need a root canal.

In the past, the numbing agent Lidocaine, or Novocaine, had been used to decrease any pain that was experienced during the procedure.  While this form of anesthesia is still often used, for those with a low threshold for pain or extreme fear or anxiety, an array of alternative, more effective anesthetics are available through sedation dentistry.  Additionally, improvements in the instruments used have been implemented to further decrease pain.  The inflexibility of the older, stainless steel root canal file often caused difficult removal of the pulp, resulting in additional discomfort.  New tools, made of titanium, are flexible, allowing the instrument to follow the shape of the root canal closely, further eliminating discomfort.  Dentist can also use newer technology to determine the depth of the filling required for a more efficient and effective treatment.  Apex locators, which use sound wave technology, are more accurate than the dental X-ray previously used.  Developments in procedures coupled with the popular practice of sedation dentistry has allowed for nearly painless experiences in common dental treatments, making it unnecessary for the fear of pain to keep anyone from visiting their dentist.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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Alfred Lord Tennyson once wrote, “It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.”  These beautiful words are often spoken in the voice of heartbreak, and almost everyone believes them to be true.  One exception may be a Polish man, Marek Olszewski, who recently lost more than his girlfriend.  The world has become captivated by his story, a tale of how one ex-girlfriend took advantage of her professional position to perform a shocking act of revenge.

Olszewski was suffering from a toothache when he sought help from a once trusted professional, his ex-girlfriend who also happens to be a dentist.  He told the UK Daily Mail that he thought that Anna Mackowiak was a professional and could handle treating him despite their break-up just days earlier.  He thought wrong.  Mackowiak heavily sedated the 45 year old man and proceeded to remove every single tooth in his mouth before bandaging his jaw shut.  The disgruntled dentist has been reported as claiming that she tried to be professional, but couldn’t detach herself emotionally.  When she saw how vulnerable he was in her chair, she lost all control and acted in retaliation against losing her love to another woman.  Upon awakening she told Mackowiak that his mouth was numb from the procedure and that the bandage was in place to protect the gums.  She also informed him that he would need to see a specialist.  What he didn’t know at the time was that she was referring to a cosmetic dental specialist who would be required to replace all of his pearly whites.

Mackowiak is currently being investigated for malpractice and could face up to three years in jail.  And if losing all of his teeth wasn’t enough, Olszewski’s new girlfriend broke things off after the incident, claiming that she just can’t date anyone who doesn’t have any teeth.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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As Oral Cancer Awareness Month winds down, new research has been released linking an unlikely condition to this sometimes fatal disease.  The Oral Cancer Foundation has stated that about 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2012, marking the fifth year in a row in which this number has increased.  Unfortunately for many, diagnoses often occur in the later stages of the dangerous disease, leaving only a 50% survival rate at best.  When caught early, that rate jumps to an astounding 80-90%, leading many to believe that education about early warning signs and risk factors is key.  The Dental Tribune article, “Oral cancer on the rise in the US; Americans unaware of major risk factors,” details the latest findings.

A recent national survey questioned 1,024 Americans, aged 18 and over, about their current knowledge of oral cancer.  The good news is that 83% of participants knew that smoking and chewing tobacco are risk factors for the disease.  On the other hand, very few were aware of other risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is the most common sexually transmitted infection.  This means that heavy smokers and drinkers are not the only ones at risk for this disease; anyone who is sexually active is potentially in danger.  The study also showed that women are slightly more aware of oral cancer risk factors than men (40% as compared to 33%), however neither gender demonstrated much knowledge about the link between HPV and the disease.

Brian Hill, founder and executive director of the Oral Cancer Foundation, has much experience with the disease, as he is a stage-four oral cancer survivor.  According to Hill, oral cancer is one of the few types of cancer that hasn’t experienced a decline in fatalities in recent years, leading many to believe that education is key.  He believes that everyone over the age of 18 is potentially at risk and should seek an annual oral cancer screening, available at most dental offices.  Hill states that because people are unaware of the risk factors, they are not proactive about screening, which is crucial in early detection of the disease, which in turn significantly raises the survival rate.  Through Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the organization is hoping to educate as many people as possible about the seriousness of this disease.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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At this moment in time, many are finding reason to be experiencing an increased amount of stress.  Whether it’s the tough economy, unemployment, the crazy amount of tornadoes wreaking havoc across the Midwest, or simply all of the negative campaign ads that bombard you as soon as you turn on the TV, anxiety-causing triggers seem to be everywhere these days.  One way people tend to deal with their stress is through the grinding and/or clenching of their teeth, or bruxism, and according to the msnbc.com story, “Stress of daily grind takes toll on teeth,” dentists are seeing an increase in this behavior.

The journal, Head & Face Medicine, published a study linking sleep bruxism to on-the-job stress, which many Americans face as several industry’s make cutbacks to stay afloat.  Dr. Matthew Messina, a dentist in the Cleveland-area and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association, acknowledges that he’s seen a significant increase in patients who are showing signs of bruxism through headaches, joint and muscle pain, chipped and broken teeth, and broken fillings.  These are all warning signs for patients to be aware of, as many don’t even realize that they are grinding in their sleep until they break a tooth.  According to the Academy of General Dentistry, about 33% of people suffer from bruxism, which shouldn’t be ignored.

Continued grinding of teeth can result in significant damage to the oral cavity, which may require quite a bit of restorative work, such as crowns or implants.  Some patients seek relief from the stress-induced clenching through the use of a night guard, which is covered by few insurance plans and can run upwards of $400.  The custom-fitted plastic dental appliance might just be the cheapest solution to the problem, as restorative work often costs more.  For some though, simply identifying that they’re under stress can help ease the tension and stop the behavior.  Messina claims that there are techniques that can be taught to assist in breaking the habit as well.  Learning how to relax and manage stress can not only alleviate your oral problems, but will improve your overall health too.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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It is a common misconception that once pregnant, it is not safe for a woman to visit the dentist.  While it’s true that having a dental x-ray may not be the best idea, continuing to practice good oral hygiene, including visiting your dentist regularly, is, according to the article, “Dental care important to healthy pregnancy,” published in the Daily Camera out of Boulder, Colorado.  In her piece, author Cara DeGette details recent research that has shown that pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease, which can actually put the health of their unborn child at risk.

Research completed over the last decade has found associations between gum disease and many other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.  Additionally, Pamela McClain, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, claims that many studies have shown that pregnant women, due to an increase in the hormone progesterone, are at risk of contracting gum disease. When left untreated, it can cause periodontal disease, making them two to four times more likely to deliver babies pre-term.  While the percentage of premature deliveries to mother’s with poor oral hygiene is small, McClain states that underweight and premature babies are more likely to have mother’s with periodontal disease.  Additionally, Jeff Kahl, a pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs, claims that mothers can easily share unhealthy oral bacteria with their babies, which may contribute to the recent increase of dental issues among toddlers.  Kahl believes that good oral hygiene practiced by women who are expecting could help to lower the amount of such cases.

Currently, a bill is being considered in the state of Colorado that would extend dental health care to women on Medicaid who are pregnant or have recently given birth.  The bill passed the Senate Health and Human Services committee in late March, with the support of Democrats, while most Republicans oppose it.  While both parties believe it’s a great idea, Republicans are not too crazy about the cost, which is estimated around $3.5 million in the first year, and $10.3 million the following year.  At a time when many are trying to cut federal spending, a new bill with that kind of price tag is going to have a tough time in legislation.  While many politicians’ focus is on the immediate cost, both Kahl and McClain argue that the money will easily be made back in the long term through preventative care, not to mention the huge savings that could be associated with fewer premature births.  The future of this particular bill may be undetermined, but there are related facts that you can be sure of.   Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, coupled with flossing and regular trips to your dentist, is still the best way to protect yourself from oral disease and promote overall wellness.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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There have been several stories released recently involving a study that has shown a correlation between dental X-rays and brain tumors.  The study was published in an American Cancer Society journal, Cancer, and it found that people with meningiomas (brain tumors that are generally benign), reported more frequently that they experienced specific types of dental x-rays in the past.  In response, the American Dental Association (ADA) has released a press statement about their thoughts on the matter, as described in the article, “ADA releases statement on dental X-rays study,” by Jean Williams, and found on the ADA website.

The press statement, released on April 10, 2012, comments on the fact that the results rely heavily on the participants’ ability to recall their dental x-ray history, which has been shown to be an imperfect method of gathering data.  Therefore, the ADA claims the results of any study that uses this design, including the current one in question, can be classified as unreliable.  The study focused on 1,433 patients who had intracranial meningiomas diagnosed from ages 20 to 79.  Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data.  Participants reported the number of times they experienced bitewing, full-mouth, or panoramic films during four periods of time: birth to 10, 10 to 19, 20 to 49, and up to age 50.  Dr. Alan G. Lurie, head of radiology at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and president of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR), believes the study is very flawed, and that portions of the released report aren’t even biologically possible.  He believes that recall bias on the part of the patients involved may be to blame for the discrepancies.

While Dr. Lurie is considered an expert in the field, he was sure to stress that his comments are his alone, and do not represent the views of the AAOMR, as they are preparing their own statement to be released soon.  The story was broadcast over several news mediums, including Good Morning America, USA Today, and ABC World News, leading some to fear how the general public will react to the results.  The worst case scenario has individuals feeling even more anxious about going to the dentist for routine check-ups and allowing their oral health to suffer based on factors they don’t even understand.  It’s important to remember that the study concluded that “exposure to some dental X-rays performed in the past, when radiation exposure was greater than in the current era, appears to be associated with an increased risk of intracranial meningioma.” Nowhere in that statement does it say that getting an x-ray at the dentist will give you brain tumors.  Neglecting dental care is far worse for your overall health than getting an x-ray ever will be.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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A recent study out of Japan has linked poor oral health to yet another life threatening condition.  The research, which studied more than 4000 elderly people, indicates that individuals who have few teeth and who do not use dentures or visit the dentist regularly, are at a much higher risk for experiencing dementia than those who routinely practiced good dental hygiene.   A recent Medscape Medical News article, “Poor Dental Health Linked to Dementia Onset,” by Deborah Brauser, discusses the study in depth, explaining how important it is to identify risk factors for the disease since effective treatments are virtually non-existent.

Yukio Hirata, PhD, DDS, and professor at the Kanagawa Dental College in Japan, points out that it is surprising that individuals with few teeth who do use dentures, were not at as high a risk for the onset of dementia as their counterparts who chose not to use the effective tooth replacement.  Dr. Hirata claims that this result suggests that denture treatment might prevent dementia.  Data was collected on 4,425 adults over the age of 65, with 55% of the participants being women.  All subjects completed a survey in 2003 which included questions on oral history, number of teeth, use of dentures, ability to chew, regular dentist visits, and attitude about dental care.  From 2003 to 2007, 220 of the participants experienced the onset of dementia.  The data showed those with few teeth who did not use dentures were at a much higher risk for developing dementia, along with not visiting the dentist regularly, not being able to chew well, and not taking care of overall dental health.

This is not the first study to make connections between oral health and the development of dementia.  However, many are not convinced that poor oral health is a risk factor as opposed to being a side effect of the disease.  Robert Stewart, MD, and professor at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London, United Kingdom, has also completed research in this area and describes how with the loss of cognitive function, many adults begin to neglect their oral health, leading to decay and eventually loss of teeth.  Additionally, tooth loss has been shown to negatively affect the diet and nutrition of the individual, especially when dentures are not utilized.  This suggests that perhaps nutrition plays a role in the onset of dementia as well.  Regardless of the cause and effect relationship between tooth loss and dementia, the study confirms what many already know.  It is undeniable that oral health is very closely connected to overall wellness, which is why it is so important to practice good oral hygiene in addition to visiting your dentist on a regular basis.

Written by Mark Paulsort

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