Miami Dental Sedation Spa Blog

It is common knowledge that everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day in addition to flossing and visiting your dentist semi-annually, to fight cavities and maintain good oral hygiene.  The use of fluoride to assist in this routine has recently come under fire though, as many believe that adding it to drinking water is not beneficial.  However, a recent study out of Sweden may change a few minds.  The Science Daily article, “Brushing Teeth: New ‘Massage Method’ Quadruples Protection Against Tooth Decay, Study Suggests,” discusses not only the method in which fluoride can be delivered, but also the benefits of the mineral.

Approximately eight years ago, a new type of toothpaste was introduced in Sweden and has recently been scientifically evaluated for the first time.  The new product boasts three times as much fluoride as standard toothpastes and is available without prescription.  A research team at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy has studied 16 volunteers, all of which used a variety of brushing techniques, both the standard and “high-fluoride” toothpastes, and brushed two or three times daily.  One of the more striking finds in the study was that those who used the high-fluoride toothpaste three times a day had four times better fluoride protection than those who only brushed twice daily with the standard paste, suggesting not only that the increase in fluoride was helpful, but that the additional brushing was also key.

Also included in the study was the testing of a new method of brushing that involves rubbing toothpaste onto teeth and gums with a finger.  It was found that this “massage method” was just as effective as a third fluoride application using a toothbrush.  Anna Nordström, a researcher from the Institute of Odontology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, suggests that this method may be useful for giving your teeth a quick and easy extra “shot” of fluoride during the day.  She warns that massaging should not replace brushing, however, that it’s simply a convenient way to add an extra treatment.  Studies continue to show that fluoride has, and should continue to play, a major role in the fight against tooth decay.  If you are at high risk for tooth decay, it is often recommended that you use high-fluoride toothpaste, and talk to your dentist about additional fluoride procedures that may help to further protect your teeth.

Written by Mark Paulsort

Follow me on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/MPaulsort78

With Children’s Dental Health Month occurring last month, many recent stories in the dental care world have revolved around the rising rates of tooth decay in kids.  Advice has been given about ensuring your children are brushing and flossing daily, visiting their dentist regularly, avoiding sugary snacks and beverages, but it’s not very often that you hear to keep bottled water away from your little ones.  A recent msnbc.com article, “Bottled water may boost kids’ tooth decay, dentists say,” by JoNel Aleccia, does just that.  As more and more families are skipping tap water in lieu of the bottled type, some feel the lack of fluoride might be contributing to the increase in cavities.

According to Jonathan D. Shenkin, spokesman on pediatric dentistry for the American Dental Association, everyone should brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, visit their dentist bi-annually for a check-up and fluoride treatment, and drink tap water for an additional dose of the mineral.  Without the tap water, a key component is missing.  Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have announced that bottled water may not have enough of the necessary fluoride to prevent tooth decay.  And it’s no secret that many kids now-a-days are drinking it.  A recent study in the Archives of Pediatrics found that about 45% of parents give their kids bottled water exclusively, while a similar study conducted by Pediatric Dentistry journal found the stat to be about 70%.  Is it coincidental that at the same time, about 42% of kids from 2-11 in the U.S. have cavities in their baby teeth, according to another CDC study? Some think not.  Another interesting fact discovered through the study is that kids of all socio-economic levels were experiencing an increase in decay, so access to a dentist alone cannot be blamed.

To be completely fair to the bottled water industry, it’s important to point out that there hasn’t been any research conducted that directly ties bottled water to tooth decay.  Additionally, the industry has taken steps to squelch any rumors by producing at least 20 different fluoridated bottles of water, out of approximately 125 different types sold. Additionally, bottled water does not contain any sugar, which is known to lead to tooth decay.  But many dental experts feel that there is a link, however without the proper funding to conduct any research, it is officially undetermined at this point.  Still, tooth decay is on the rise, and whether bottled water, poor brushing and/or flossing habits, infrequent trips to the dentist, poor food and beverage choices, or a combination of all of them, is to blame, there’s still one thing we do know.  By practicing good oral hygiene habits and proactively seeking out dental treatments, tooth decay can be avoided, and that’s true for people of all ages.

Written by Mark Paulsort

Follow me on Twitter:   https://twitter.com/#!/MPaulsort78

If you suffer from chronic heartburn, new research indicates that you should not only be concerned about your esophagus, but your teeth as well.  The condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach escape into the esophagus, often leading into the mouth, causing burning pain.  The study, described in the MSN Health article, “Acid Reflux From Chronic Heartburn May Damage Teeth,” followed patients suffering from the condition over a six month period and found over half had much worse tooth wear and erosion than their healthy counterparts.  Dr. Daranee Tantbirojn, associate professor at the University of Tennessee and study lead author says that most dental professionals are aware of this situation, but their goal is to raise awareness among the public, considering the disease is very common.

Tooth erosion is normal in all mouths, due to chewing, says Tantbirojn, however approximately half of those studied experienced erosion several times higher than those without the disease.  In the study, researchers used an optical scanner to measure the effects that heartburn had on the teeth of 12 patients.  Several of the patients who experienced this rapid erosion claim that they are currently taking medication for their condition, but still have reflux episodes. Dr. David Leader, associate clinical professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, states that once the outer coating of teeth, or enamel, is gone, it’s gone for good.  He notes that the only thing to do is wait for the erosion to get bad enough for treatment, which could include a filling, veneer, or crown.

The prognosis seems bleak, but Tantbirojn believes there are preventative measures that can be taken.  Saliva acts as a buffer as it has the ability to neutralize acid, but it’s obviously not enough to keep erosion from happening.  To maximize the benefits though, Tantbirojn recommends that you don’t brush immediately after an acid reflux episode, but using a fluoride rinse may help.  There is also special toothpaste for acid reflux sufferers that can be prescribed by a dentist, as well has taking baking soda or antacids after experiencing reflux to protect the teeth.  Another way to reduce acid in the mouth is to chew Xylitol gum, according to Leader.   And as always, be sure to visit your dentist regularly to stay ahead of any and all dental issues.

Written by Mark Paulsort

Follow me on Twitter:   https://twitter.com/#!/MPaulsort78