Category: Dentistry

Dentistry

Dentistry

United States Rates of Periodontal Disease Underestimated by 50 Per Cent?

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Nearly three fourths of adults have some degree of periodontal disease. Aside from the traditionally discussed dental complications of gum recession, tooth root decay, tooth loss, bite collapse and bad breath, there are now well documented medical complications of periodontal disease, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease.

Apparently so.

The number of adults in the U.S. suffering from periodontal disease may be significantly higher than previous research has indicated, according to a study published online today in the Journal of Dental Research (September 21, 2010).

The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), researchers appear to have underestimated by as much as 50% how many cases of moderate to severe periodontitis actually exist in the U.S. population.

Because of the ever increasing research that suggests the connection between periodontal disease and systemic health, it is important that Americans have regular dental examinations and dental hygiene.

So, don’t procrastinate and make an appointment to see your dentist today.

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Dentistry

Oral Health America: Trident’s Committment to Smiles Across America

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My interview with Beth Truett, President and CEO of Oral Health America

I had the opportunity to interview Beth Truett of the non-profit Oral Health America this morning.

Some background from the press release:

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America, affecting nearly half of second graders and almost eighty percent of seventeen year-olds? In fact, over 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related problems and an astonishing 100-million-plus Americans lack dental insurance.

That is why Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America® program (SAA), in partnership with Trident are teaming up to help fight cavities among children and address the need for oral disease prevention services. To help further the cause in the second phase of Trident’s three-year, multi-million dollar commitment to Smiles Across America, parents can purchase any pack of Trident gum from September 13 through September 19 and five cents per pack (up to $600,000) will be donated to Smiles Across America.

This looks like a very worthwhile program. By merely chewing some gum (Trident, of course) you not only improve your own saliva flow and dental health, but, you also help America’s dental health.

For more information please visit the Oral Health America website.

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Dentistry

Gender’s Role in Oral Disease: Men Vs. Women

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Here is an interesting piece about the role of gender in certain oral diseases.

Although both dentistry and anthropology often characterize oral disease risks in behavioral terms, two recent studies indicate that a complex mix of both biological and cultural factors can determine increased risks of caries for women and destructive periodontal disease for men.

For example, does the number of pregnancies (parity) a woman carries in her lifetime influence the number of caries she develops? According to the ADA, some dietary behavioral changes that occur during pregnancy may contribute to caries development, such as increased snacking, decreased oral hygiene, and increased cravings for sugary food.

But John Lukacs, Ph.D., a professor of anthropology at the University of Oregon, believes that more than behavioral factors are at play.

And, for men:

Another recent study proposes that gender-based differences in immune response contribute to men’s increased risk of periodontal disease (Journal of Periodontology, April 28, 2010).

“Males are at greater risk for periodontitis than females,” co-author Mark A. Reynolds, D.D.S., Ph.D., chair of the periodontics department at the University of Maryland Dental School, told Dr. Bicuspid.com. “Similar findings in animals suggest that current risk models based on behavioral and environmental factors may not adequately account for sex-related differences in disease experience.”

Unfortunately, I see the devastating effects of dental disease on men, women and children.

More health education or certainly different models of education to develop incentive/means for people to practice good dental hygiene and watch their diet is needed.

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Dentistry

Six Dental Myths Debunked

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A beautiful smile

Yes and here they are:

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay

Myth 3: Losing baby teeth to tooth decay is okay

Myth 4: Osteoporosis only affects the spine and hips

Myth 5: Dentures improve a person’s diet

Myth 6: Dental decay is only a young person’s problem

It is amazing to me that after many years of advanced dental education that some of these myths continue to be perpetuated.

See your dentist and see him/her often!

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Dentistry

Quitting Smoking Pays Dividends in Treatment of Periodontal (Gum) Disease

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So, quit already.

It is well established that oral bacteria play an important role in the origin of chronic gum disease and that smoking tobacco contributes to a pathogen rich environment. Although prior studies indicate that quitting smoking can alter the oral microbial community, it is unknown if pathogenic colonization can actually be reversed.

In order to determine the effect of quitting smoking on select oral bacteria researchers launched a long-term study, at the beginning of which, plaque samples were collected from 22 initial smokers. Twelve months following nonsurgical periodontal therapy and counseling samples were again taken from all 22 participants, however, 11 were quitters and 11 still smoked. Results showed decreased levels in various bacterial pathogens as well as an increase in health-associated species in those patients who no longer smoked.

“Following nonsurgical periodontal therapy and smoking cessation, the subgingival microbiome is recolonized by a greater number of health-associated species and there are a significantly lower prevalence and abundance of putative periodontal pathogens,” say the researchers. “These results indicate a critical role for smoking cessation counseling in periodontal therapy for smokers in order to effectively alter the subgingival microbiome.”

Please……..

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