be healthy

Christine Haran

Medical reviewer:

Marvin Kornmehl, DDS

Medically Reviewed On: April 30, 2004

Published on: April 30, 2004

Below, Dr. Richard H. Price, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association who practiced dentistry in Newton, Massachusetts, explains the best ways to combat bad breath, and not just disguise it.

What causes bad breath?
Ninety percent of bad breath problems are caused by unique bacteria in the mouth. They produce volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath’s distinctive odor, that rotten egg odor.

How does what you eat affect your breath?
There's food and there's diet, and both can influence your breath. There's onion breath, garlic breath, tobacco breath. For example, the odor-causing chemicals that give onion its distinctive odor are digested and the digested products goes into your bloodstream. Then that blood is brought back to the lungs to get fresh oxygen, so you breathe in and out the onion breath (or garlic breath, or tobacco breath).

There's also bad breath that is associated with certain diets, such as the Atkins diet. In order to efficiently burn fat, you need a certain amount of carbohydrate, and the Atkins diet is a low carbohydrate diet. So if you don't have enough carbohydrates, the body has to modify the way it deals with fat and it produces a chemical substance known as ketones. Ketones give the breath a different odor.

How does poor dental hygiene contribute to bad breath?
Even somebody whose mouth is meticulously scraped, cleaned and flossed can still have bad breath. However, if you don't have good oral hygiene, you're more likely to have it. “With poor dental hygiene,” says Price “we're talking about a buildup of plaque.” Plaque is made up of colonies of bacteria mixed with mucous, cells that slough off the cheeks, and food debris. Food sitting around anywhere else is called garbage, and it has a distinct aroma. So decomposing foods that are not removed from the mouth via dental floss, a toothbrush, and rinsing, will produce odors.

In addition, a mouth that has unfilled cavities or gum disease in which there might be spaces between the tooth and gums, gives bacteria a place to hide. In fact, people who experience bleeding gums from gum disease have breakdown products in the blood that give the mouth a distinctive odor.

How do dry mouth conditions contribute to bad breath?
For the most part, if the bacterial population is kept under control, the volatile sulfur compounds will dissolve in saliva. It's when saliva gets saturated that the smelly vapors will start to come out. You've seen a quickly moving stream in the woods. It's much cleaner than the ones that are stagnant. Well, with a copious saliva flow, you tend to clean the mouth out a lot. When the mouth is dry, there's not as much cleansing action.

Respiratory infections and allergies can contribute to dry mouth. People with colds and allergies tend to breathe through their mouth, which dries out the mouth. And if you get a postnasal drip, the mucous dripping coats the back part of the tongue. Beneath this mucous coating are these bacteria and they start flourishing when in this environment.

Do underlying medical problems cause bad breath?
“I said 90 percent of the problems occur in the mouth, which leaves 10 percent for somewhere else,” says Price. There could be infected sinuses, diabetes due to the production of ketones, gastrointestinal conditions such as bowel obstruction and certain lung conditions. “My job, as a dentist, is to figure out if the problem is coming from the mouth and treat it,” says Price. “If it's not coming from the mouth, then I refer somebody to a medical doctor.”

How do you treat bad breath?
There's ways of treating it and keeping these bacterial populations under control. If you want to cure under-arm odor or foot odor, what do you do? You take a shower, which reduces the bacterial population. So for bad breath, you brush, floss and keep your mouth as clean as possible.

But even the healthiest mouth can have the bad breath problem because the bacteria tend to accumulate in the back part of the tongue. If you scrape your tongue once in the morning and once at night, most often it will do the trick.

Anything that cleans the tongue can act as a tongue scraper. A toothbrush is good, but the problem is it has a certain amount of height, where the top of the brush is and the bristles end. For some people, it'll bang into the roof of the mouth. Fortunately, you should be able to find a tongue scraper on the shelf of your local drugstore.

Remember to keep the mouth moist. Some people also use a saline nasal spray if they have postnasal drip. Also make sure that you're drinking water and have a piece of fruit, which adds fiber. Fiber helps stimulate saliva flow and adds some abrasiveness to the food to help clean off plaque.

Does gum or candy help?
The answer to that is yes and no. You can stimulate saliva flow by chewing gum. But if you're using it as a crutch, what you're doing is replacing one odor with another. If the gum or candy is sugar-laden, you might have problems with cavities. If there are sugar substitutes in the candy or gum, you might wind up with digestive problems because a lot of people have a gastric response to the substitute sugars.

Do mouthwashes help?
For the most part, mouthwashes replace one smell with another. You've got to treat the problem. But there's no question that it may help you through the tight spots.

What are common mistakes people make when they're brushing and flossing?
One of the more valuable things you can have on your sink is a timer and brush and floss for three minutes. “I think one of the other misconceptions people have is that the toothbrush is going to do it all,” says Price. You need special attachments to vacuum your house, to get in the nooks and crannies. You need special attachments, such as dental floss, to get to all parts of the mouth.

Another misconception people have is that all toothbrushes are the same. You want to choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand and in your mouth. You got a little mouth, use a little-headed toothbrush. You don't want a hard-bristled brush; all you need is something soft enough to brush the plaque away.

You do want to start with a toothpaste, a toothbrush and floss that carry the seal of the American Dental Association on the package. That way, you know the product was designed to treat you in the best manner without causing harm.

Christine Haran

Medical reviewer:

Medically Reviewed On: April 24, 2005

Published on: February 18, 2005

An array of products and choices are available to a smile-conscious consumer — from toothpastes and whitening strips to professional whitening procedures done by your dentist. So how can you figure out which method will make your grin glow?

Why Your Teeth Aren't Pearly White
The first item of business for you and your dentist is to uncover why your teeth are discolored, because not everyone is a candidate for tooth whitening techniques.

"Before beginning the process of tooth whitening, it's important for people to talk to their dentist to make sure their teeth are in a healthy situation," says Dr. Matthew Messina, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association (ADA) and a practicing dentist in Cleveland, Ohio.

Whitening is not a good option for people with untreated tooth decay or gum disease. Not only are whitening agents ineffective for people with certain dental diseases, but they can also cause hypersensitivity in teeth. So a dentist will need to work on improving the health of the teeth and gums before addressing any purely cosmetic matters.

Others who might need an alternative solution are those with stains from taking certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, as a child; those who experienced some kind of trauma to their mouth or people who have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings in their front teeth. While whitening might make these teeth a little lighter, it might not provide even results. Experts generally recommend using porcelain veneers that completely cover the affected teeth.

For most people, however, tooth discoloration can be chalked up to the passage of time and a habit of eating dark or brightly colored foods, like blueberries or cherries, and drinking certain liquids, like red wine, coffee or tea. Another culprit is cigarettes. White-teeth seekers in this group are considered good candidates for whitening techniques. People with yellowish teeth are thought to be the best bleaching candidates, followed by those with brownish-colored teeth and then those with grayish teeth.

According to the ADA, people should not experience tooth enamel damage or side effects beyond temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Some researchers have raised concerns about the peroxide in the bleaching solution being linked to oral cancer, but no clear connection has been established.

"In patients who have been in controlled, clinical trials for up to 10 to 12 years post-treatment with [dentist-prescribed night-guard bleaching], we didn't see any differences in the gums beyond what we would see in a normal situation," says Dr. Ralph Leonard, a clinical associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. "Nor have we seen any increase in fractures, tooth decay or in root canals. We think it is as safe as anything we do in dentistry."

What Are Your Options?
When choosing the best whitening option, you'll need to consider your goals, the expense and your level of commitment.

"Tooth whitening products run on a continuum from the simple to the involved," Messina says. At the low end are whitening toothpastes, which contain mild abrasive agents that help remove surface stains. However, according to Messina, toothpastes are better at maintaining brightness after a whitening procedure than actually lightening teeth in the first place.

The next step up is whitening strips, which contain hydrogen peroxide. To use the strips, you apply the gel-coated side of the strip to the surface of your teeth and leave it on for about a half-hour. According to Crest Whitestrips manufacturer Procter & Gamble, after using their strips for two weeks, you'll have whiter teeth for a year. The premium version of the strips is supposed to provide results in three days.

If you want to see a greater difference between your "before" and "after" smiles and you're willing to invest more time, money and effort, you might consider a home bleaching system. These systems can be purchased over-the-counter or through your dentist.

If you take the professional route, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth to create customized trays that you wear. While systems vary, you generally place a bleaching gel into the trays, which resemble a mouth guard, and wear them for an hour or two a night for about two weeks. Over-the-counter systems will provide bleach and trays, but the trays may cause irritation since they are not specifically tailored to your teeth. The customized bleaching systems a dentist provides usually cost between $200 and $400, while the over-the-counter systems can range from $15 to $85.

For the most dramatic result, you might want to consider an in-office bleaching procedure, which can make your teeth about nine times whiter in about an hour. Dentists use a protective gel that coats your gum tissue, and then apply a solution that contains between 15 percent and 35 percent hydrogen peroxide. A light is directed at your teeth to activate the gel. After the session, you're asked to avoid colored foods and beverages for about 48 hours. These procedures range in cost from $500 to $1,000. Some dentists also offer a combination of in-office and at-home methods.

No matter what whitening method you use, your teeth will gradually assume their old shade over time, regressing, Messina estimates, by about half a shade every six months. Someone who has had an in-office procedure might opt to use a home whitening kit or whitening strips to prevent future staining. If you are doing follow-up maintenance, however, you should check in with your dentist regularly — which you should be doing anyway, for that routine cleaning every six months.

"One of the nice side effects is that if you're proud of your smile, if you're investing in the care of your smile, then you're more likely to brush and floss and see the dentist regularly," Messina says.

"Tooth whitening is a fairly simple procedure that can produce a lot of beneficial effects," he continues. "If we improve someone's self-confidence, then they look better because they hold their head up high and smile."

Karen Barrow

Medical reviewer:

Medically Reviewed On: January 25, 2006

Published on: January 25, 2006

Sensitive teeth are a direct result of when either your gums or the hard, protective layer of your teeth, known as the enamel, begins to wear away. This exposes the microscopic, hollow canals of your teeth, called dentin. Because they are hollow, these canals easily send sensations of hot and cold to the nerves of your teeth.

"The nerves of the teeth, once their threshold has been breached, can elicit only one response—pain," says Dr. Richard Price, a dentist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA).

Sometimes teeth are so sensitive that even breathing through your mouth can cause terrible pain.

It is estimated that up to 40 million adults in the United States have sensitive teeth, making it the most common dental complaint. But there are ways to prevent and soothe a sensitive mouth. The ADA recommends the following steps to prevent sensitive teeth:

• Brush properly. With a toothbrush, make small, circular motions over the surface of your teeth. Don't scrub your teeth.
• Brush gently. As many as 90 percent of Americans brush too roughly. How do you know if you're being too diligent in your cleaning? Check the bristles of your toothbrush, if they are pointing in various directions, lighten up the pressure.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Anything rougher will strip the enamel from your teeth. Make sure you replace your brush every three months or when it shows wear.
• Avoid drinks with citric acid, like soda and orange juice; this compound may erode the enamel. If you must have these beverages, drink with a straw to limit the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth.
• Don't chew on ice. Crunching ice cubes can cause tiny fractures to form within the tooth. "Ice cubes are so hard your blender needs special blades to mash them, so give you molars a break," says Price.
• Prevent gum disease. If your gums begin to recede, bacteria in your mouth can move in. Bacteria will further destroy your gums, exposing the sensitive roots. Good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease.

If your teeth are already sensitive, avoid whitening products. The harsh chemicals in these treatments can worsen tooth pain. If the pain lasts for several days, see a dentist, who will likely recommend one of the following to lessen the pain:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. Available over the counter, this toothpaste may help block sensations from traveling to the nerve. However, it does take several uses to notice the effects.
• Fluoride gel. Applied in the dentist's office, fluoride gel or another, more powerful, desensitizing agent, may work better than the toothpastes to fill in the cracks of your teeth and dull the pain.
• Filling, crown or bonding. Depending on the source of the sensitivity, one of the following agents may help to fill in cracks in your tooth.
• Gum graft. If you have gum disease, a surgical gum graft can cover exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. This procedure works by removing part of the affected nerve of a tooth, removing the ability for it to feel any pain.

Whether you like it or not, we live in a society that places a tremendous emphasis on first impressions. Studies have shown how first impressions can influence job recruiting as well as salary offers. It is generally understood that your smile is one of the first characteristics noticed by others. A smile filled with beautifully aligned pearly whites will make a better impression than one that is poorly aligned. Children can be quite cruel to the child with bucked or severely crowded teeth. These comments can have a lasting effect on that child’s self-esteem. Fortunately, treatment is available to correct most of these problems of poorly aligned teeth known as orthodontics. The purpose of this article is to describe the many benefits orthodontic treatment offers along with those dental conditions most commonly treated.

No More “Metal Mouth”

Even today, when most adults think about orthodontics they have images of the character “Jaws” from the James Bond movie series. This mouth full of shining metal is truly a thing of the past compared to modern-day braces that are smaller and less noticeable. For many adolescent patients and even some adults, braces have become a fashion statement—some are decorated in various colors at each visit to the orthodontist. There are clear, ceramic braces for those of you who want to try and conceal the fact that you are wearing them. There are braces that can be placed behind the teeth for this same purpose. Braces in one form or another have been in use for 100 years and continue to be the primary mechanism used to move teeth. While braces definitely have their pain-evoking moments, whether by sore teeth and/or mouth ulcers, these episodes are usually limited to short periods of time and in the end, not a reason to avoid treatment. As more and more people of all ages are seeking the benefits of orthodontic treatment, it is this author’s opinion that what is really being sought is the number-one benefit of orthodontic treatment—improved esthetics.

Looking good, feeling good
In my practice ten years ago, it was not acceptable to tell an adult that the primary benefit from orthodontic treatment was improved esthetics. Even though I sensed that this benefit was being sought, unless I could also find a functional reason for braces, the patient usually felt that it was vain to want braces simply to look better. More to the point, they were concerned that others would think they were acting vain. Today, I have adults readily admitting that they want their teeth and smile improved. Parents have made orthodontic treatment a top priority for their children. As discussed above, the improved confidence and self-esteem that can come with an attractive smile is better understood today than it was in the past. Such improvement in self-image is valuable at any age—and the earlier the better.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist take place at age seven. This allows for early identification and treatment of significant dental and skeletal imbalances of the teeth and developing jaw structures. Children no longer have to be the object of ridicule just because their teeth or jaws are out of alignment. Early intervention in a young growing patient allows for corrections that are not always easily achieved in a nongrowing adult. I have seen a shy, reserved child gradually bloom as they begin to feel better about themselves as a result of their orthodontic treatment. It is for these reasons that I feel improved esthetics, or a smile that can last a lifetime, is one of the greatest benefits of orthodontic treatment.

Bad Bites

Another very important benefit of orthodontic treatment is improved function. The back teeth function like gears, and work most efficiently when they mesh properly. Teeth that do not mesh properly are called a malocclusion or “bad bite.” Untreated malocclusions can lead to teeth that wear poorly with time. Sometimes this wear can be severe enough that tooth structure must be replaced by the family dentist in the form of a cap, bonding, or veneers. Poorly fitting teeth can contribute to stress and strain on the muscles that support the jaws. This can lead to muscle pain in the chewing muscles. Also, poorly fitting teeth can result in unhealthy forces on teeth, which can negatively affect bone and gum support of the teeth. This could ultimately result in loss of teeth. Not all malocclusions lead to these problems. However, someone with a malocclusion can be more susceptible to these problems.

Besides the back teeth not meshing properly, the malocclusion can also include the front teeth. Protruding front teeth, or “bucked” teeth is called overjet and creates facial imbalance as well as risk for dental injury—a concern in young, active patients. The opposite problem—called an underbite—also creates facial imbalance and is best intercepted during the growing years. Both of the above malocclusions of the front teeth usually correspond with a malocclusion of the back teeth. When the back teeth touch, the amount of overlap of the upper front teeth with the lower front teeth is termed overbite. Too much overbite can lead to excess and/or unusual wear of the enamel of the lower front teeth. In time, the lower teeth can start chipping, which is an esthetic problem and a difficult area for the dentist to fix. When the front teeth don’t overlap at all, this is termed openbite, and can lead to excessive wear of the back teeth. All of the above conditions result in less than ideal function with potentially negative affects on the long-term health of the teeth and supporting bone. Orthodontic treatment is intended to treat malocclusions to bring the teeth and jaws into proper balance and function.

Crowded teeth
Severely crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss—and teeth with spacing can have areas for food impaction. Both conditions can make the teeth harder to clean and floss. Over the long term, these problems can lead to periodontal disease with associated gum and bone loss and possible loss of teeth. Orthodontic treatment can correct these conditions, allowing for teeth that are easier to maintain. The loss of teeth can result in the tipping and/or spacing of teeth around the missing tooth. Orthodontic treatment can often reposition these shifted teeth prior to the family dentist placing a replacement tooth. This allows the replacement work, either a bridge or implant, to have the best long-term prognosis because it is being done in more ideal conditions. Thus, orthodontic treatment can be quite beneficial in helping to restore a mouth that requires significant rehabilitation.

Conclusion

While still considered a treatment for adolescents, orthodontic treatment has extended its treatment range to children as young as seven in specific instances as well as adults of any age. Some of my most appreciative patients are in their 60s. While there are risks with any treatment modality, those associated with orthodontic treatment are minimal compared to other medical and dental procedures. These risks need to be discussed with your orthodontist prior to initiating any treatment. If you want to know if orthodontic treatment is appropriate for you or your child, a good referral source is your family dentist. You can also find an orthodontist in your area who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists by going to their Web site at http://www.aaortho.org.

By detecting levels of methyl mercaptan, the chemical responsible for the worst cases of halitosis (better known as bad breath), the newly-developed device may be a godsend for every teen who tests their breath by breathing into their cupped hands before a big date and for every professional popping breath mints before a meeting.

"Unfortunately, our human [nose] is less than perfect, in particular in detecting self-body odor," explains Kohji Mitsubayashi, a member of the team that developed the product from Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan.

Bad breath is caused by high amounts of bacteria in the mouth, which feed off of food and dead skin cells in your mouth. The bacteria then release various gases, some of which cause bad breath. Older bad-breath sensors, which can occasionally be found in a dentist's office, are only able to sense sulphur, the same chemical that gives rotting eggs their putrid scent. But the majority of the sulphur-filled gas in your mouth is much less pungent in smell than methyl mercaptan and masks the true amount of this odorous chemical in the mouth.

The new sensor, presented in October 2005 in The Analyst, contains an enzyme that only reacts to methyl mercaptan itself, allowing it to sniff past the sulphur in one's saliva. The device is twice as sensitive as the human nose, according to the researchers.

While it may not be available for a few years, Mitsubayashi sees a big future for his creation. The device is small enough to fit into cell phones, so people may one day be able to test their breath inconspicuously as they chat.

Getting Past the Smell
Discovering bad breath is helpful for social situations, but it can also serve as an important warning sign of gum disease. So, dentists may find that the new device is a good indicator of who needs extra monitoring and increased oral care.

"While even the healthiest mouth can cause bad breath, bleeding gums give bacteria a place to hide," says Dr. Richard Price, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

And if your breath does reek, Price advises conquering the odorous mouth the same way you would smelly armpits or toes—clean it. Most importantly, make sure you brush your tongue, especially way in the back where bacteria love to hide. Mouthwashes can help too, but brushing should come first.

"Mouthwash is like a deodorant," says Price, "You still need to take a shower beforehand."

And if your breath is particularly funky, Price recommends using a tongue scraper, a device specially designed to remove all of the creatures from your tongue. These small, plastic tool, available at most drug stores, allow you to safely loosen the bacteria on the back of your tongue without causing you to gag.

"Scrape your tongue first thing in the morning and last thing at night," he says. "And you won't wake up with dragon breath."

The device, developed by University of Alberta scientists, consists of a tiny chip that is placed into the patient’s mouth and emits ultrasound to stimulate jaw bone and tissue growth. It doesn’t mean that every chip and crack in one’s teeth can be mended, but for patients with damaged or decaying roots, this device may prevent the need for false teeth.

“If the root is broken, it can now be fixed,” said Dr. Tarak El-Bialy, researcher from the faculty of medicine and dentistry of the University of Alberta, Canada. “And because we can regrow the [tooth’s] root, a patient could have his own tooth rather than foreign objects in his mouth.

The wireless chip contains a device that emits low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), which stimulates tissue growth in the bone and jaw. It can either be implanted into the patient’s gums or even mounted on an orthodontic bracket or removable crown inside the mouth, positioned where the root growth is needed.

El-Bialy sees his device as a tool for helping patients who are experiencing root resorption, a common side effect of the use of orthodontic braces and even of some diseases. Since many orthodontic patients need to have braces removed early because of root problems, if this new chip is worn in conjunction with the braces, these patients can have their teeth fully corrected.

Additionally, the chip has shown promise in children born with birth defects in their jaw, specifically hemifacial microsomia, a condition that causes one side of the jaw to be underdeveloped.

The researchers are currently working on bringing their tooth-saving tool to market, which should be ready within the next two years.

“It’s very exciting because we have something you can touch and feel that will impact the health of people throughout the world,” said El-Bialy.

Bleaching is a cosmetic procedure to whiten the teeth using hydrogen peroxide. This changes the natural color of the teeth and removes both surface and deep stains. The degree of color change that occurs during bleaching depends on the types of stains present, the peroxide dose, the amount of time on the teeth and how frequently it is performed.

Canadian researchers conducted a thorough review of the literature on this procedure, including numerous unpublished clinical studies, to evaluate any potential link to oral cancer. The review found that tooth whitening products are safe when used as directed. Exposure of the active ingredient in these bleaching products is too low and too short in duration to cause changes in the oral tissues that may increase the risk of cancer. There is no evidence that proper use of these products causes oral cancer or any other effects that could be associated with increasing the risk of oral cancer.

The review also evaluated the use of dental bleaching products in smokers, who commonly use such products and are also at a separate increased risk for oral cancers. There was no evidence found that the combination of smoking and dental bleaching increased the risk of oral cancer.

This review was published in the November issue of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.

Copyright 2000-2006 HealthCentersOnline, Inc.

The approval of health claims for fluoridated bottled waters means that bottlers may now claim that optimally fluoridated water may help prevent tooth decay. However, this claim is not approved for bottled waters marketed for infants. Infants require less fluoride than older children and adults, and excess fluoride can lead to a type of tooth discoloration called fluorosis.

Fluorosis generally involves minor discoloration of tooth enamel, such as the appearance of white or opaque lines, streaks or spots. In severe cases, the discoloration may appear as brown, black or gray spots, and the enamel may become pitted or misshapen. Fluorosis occurs in children whose teeth are still developing. After teeth have erupted in the mouth, they are no longer susceptible to fluorosis.

"Parents who are using baby formula in the first year of their child's life want to closely evaluate the amount of fluoride in the water," Dr. Dick Wiberg of the Minnesota Dental Association said in a press release.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has issued guidelines to help parents monitor their infants' consumption of fluoride. They recommend breast milk over formula, and ready-to-feed formula over liquid concentrate or powdered formula. If liquid concentrate or powdered formula is used, the ADA recommends mixing it with fluoride-free water, such as purified, demineralized, deionized, distilled or reverse osmosis filtered water.

Copyright 2000-2006 HealthCentersOnline, Inc.

Brushing correctly twice a day, flossing correctly daily and seeing a dentist and hygienist two to four times a year are crucial in preventing gum disease. Eighty percent of adults have periodontal disease, according to Dr. Chris Kammer of the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, but many of them are unaware of it. The disease increases levels of bacteria that travel from the mouth to rest of the body, contributing to complications such as arterial plaque and atherosclerosis.

"Most people don't think of their dentist when it comes to health problems that are not found in one's mouth. But a dentist can actually be the first line of defense in reducing the risk for many of the most deadly diseases," Kammer stated in a news release issued this month.

Highlights of findings on the connection between oral health and serious diseases:

• Periodontal disease can result in tooth loss, which increases risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
• Dental care is especially important for people with diabetes because hyperglycemia complicates control of periodontal disease. For the millions of people with diabetes that has not yet been diagnosed, bleeding gums and other markers of periodontal disease can be symptoms of their diabetes and lead to diagnosis and treatment.
• Treating gum disease may reduce women's risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy, according to recent research.
• A recent study by the American Association for Cancer Research found that a history of gum disease increased men's risk of pancreatic cancer by 63 percent, even after accounting for other factors such as diabetes.

Copyright 2000-2006 HealthCentersOnline Inc.

Dentists primarily use a form of local anesthesia called "mandibular block." This form of anesthesia numbs one entire side of the mouth, including the lip, tongue and inside of the cheek. It can only be used on one side of the mouth at a time, so a second appointment must be made if dental work needs to be done on both sides.

Periodontal ligament (PDL) injection is an alternative to mandibular block. This form of local anesthesia numbs only the single tooth that needs repair. This avoids the numbing of the surrounding tissues and allows each individual tooth that needs work to be anesthetized. However, current techniques for delivering PDL injections can be quite painful and are difficult to administer.

In an attempt to make PDL injections easier for dentists to administer and less painful for patients, Milestone Scientific Inc. has developed a Single Tooth Anesthesia Device (STA). This device uses patented computer controlled technology to measure pressure at the tip of the needle, allowing dentists to accurately inject the precise location necessary for an effective PDL injection.

"The dentist will now be able to effectively target a single tooth with anesthesia, increasing the efficiency of his or her practice," said Leonard Osser, chief executive officer of Milestone Scientific Inc., in a press release. "Because the lips, cheeks and tongue are not numbed when using a PDL injection, dentists can also work on teeth that are located on opposite sides of the mouth during the same office visit."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the Single Tooth Anesthesia Device for marketing and sale in August.

Copyright 2000-2006 HealthCentersOnline, Inc.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), your dentist may be the first to spot signs of bone loss from osteoporosis, a disorder in which the bones lose mass and density. Though it may affect either gender, it typically impacts women during and after menopause. These women have lower estrogen levels which is essential for bone mass and retention. Low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals also contribute to weakening of the bones.

Dental X-rays taken over time can show the gradual erosion of the bones supporting the teeth and in the jaw. The bone loss can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, dentures that no longer fit properly and other mouth disorders.

According to the AGD, recent studies have shown a connection between osteoporosis and periodontal disease and are testing various drugs to prevent tooth loss. These include topical solutions, anti-inflammatory drugs and mouth rinses.

"This is a significant finding for women, since osteoporosis affects many more women than men," AGD spokesperson Dr. Susan Sup-Barnes, said in a press release. "Hopefully, this study will influence more women to visit their dentist on a regular basis for the health of both their teeth and bones."

She said the new drug treatments will help dentists detect osteoporosis and provide early treatment.

Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health.

In a study published in the April edition of the Journal of Periodontology, researchers in Brazil studied three groups of rats that had been induced with gum disease—inflammation and infection of the gums, tissues and bones surrounding the teeth. It is the most common cause of tooth loss, especially among older adults in the United States. Scientists wanted to determine how periodontitis, who the most severe form of gum disease, is affected by exposure to tobacco.

One group of rats was exposed to light brand cigarette smoke, meaning those containing lower levels of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide, while a second group was exposed to non-light cigarettes containing high tar nicotine and carbon monoxide levels. A third group of rats, the control group, was not exposed to cigarette smoke. All groups were studied for 30 days.

The results showed greater bone loss in the two groups of rats exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke than those not exposed, regardless of whether the cigarettes were high or low nicotine brands.

"This study is unique in that it evaluated the impact of secondhand smoke on periodontitis," author Dr. Getulio da R. Nogueira-Filho, said in a press release.

In severe cases of periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets that trap bacteria and food particles. Over time, periodontitis can lead to the destruction of gum and bone tissue, which may eventually cause the teeth supported by that periodontal tissue to fall out or have to be pulled.

"This study really drives home the fact that even if you don't smoke, the effects of secondhand smoke can be devastating," Dr. Preston D. Miller, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, said in a press release. "Part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle should include avoiding smoke-filled places such as nightclubs, bars and even some restaurants. The academy applauds the cities that are taking steps to make their hospitality industries smoke free so all patrons can enjoy not only a good time but also good overall health."

Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health.