Dental Tips for Looking Younger

Your mouth is more than just a pretty smile. It’s also a gateway to your overall health. Keeping that gateway clean may keep you healthier longer and looking younger.

“Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA’s School of Dentistry. “

The adage ‘long in the tooth,’ used to describe older persons, reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result.”

Keeping a youthful mouth comes down to two simple, proven, and practical steps:

• Brush and floss daily
• See your dentist every six months.

“Taking the time to brush and floss is what’s needed,” says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the dentistry faculty at Canada’s University of Manitoba, professor of restorative dentistry, and an American Dental Association spokesman. “Brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist is so easy to do, it’s not expensive, and everyone should be doing it.”

What’s Stopping You?

“Folks don’t take (oral health) seriously,” says Samuel Low, DDS, MS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology and professor emeritus of periodontology at the University of Florida.

“They take their looks seriously and the smile is a priority, but people don’t think about their gums. Brushing takes time, and flossing is one of the most difficult habits. Only 25% of people floss and I don’t think people see the benefits,” says Low, who estimates that it takes two to three minutes per day to floss properly, but “these days, people are crunched for time.” Low is a stockholder in Florida Probe Corporation, a dental technology company.

Looks aside, there’s another reason to make time for dental care. If you don’t, it could affect your health.

Inflammation, Periodontal Disease

Inflammation can happen when bacteria and debris, such as bits of food, enter the blood vessels around the teeth. Inflammation is your body’s response to such invaders. And if it happens over and over again, you could wind up with long-term (chronic) inflammation.

“The mouth is one of the major contributors to high levels of inflammation in the body,” says Iacopino, who has consulted for Colgate and Johnson & Johnson.

Chronic inflammation is linked to chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not clear if the inflammation causes those diseases or is a marker of some other cause. But either way, it’s not a good sign.

Then there’s periodontal disease, which affects 80% of Americans. It’s caused by extensive bacterial buildup along the gums and teeth. Periodontal disease is the top cause of tooth loss.

Bacterial buildup, inflammation, tooth decay, and periodontal disease happen quietly and slowly. That’s why so many people don’t know it’s happening.

When done consistently and correctly, brushing and flossing reduce bacteria or plaque buildup. That helps prevent inflammation and gum disease.

Stained Teeth

Smoking and drinking, particularly red wine and coffee, can stain your teeth and affect how old you look.

Tooth whitening (over-the-counter and in dentists’ offices) has become increasingly popular in the U.S. and is often marketed as a way to look and feel younger.

Experts say although artificial whitening can temporarily improve a smile, you still need consistent brushing, flossing, and routine dental care to have a lasting impact on how well you age.

Of course, you need to do more than brush, floss, and see your dentist to stay young. Your entire lifestyle matters. “If you want to slow down your aging clock, getting enough sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, and keeping down your levels of inflammation are all key,” Iacopino says.

Hewett agrees. “The fact remains that there are no shortcuts to getting and staying healthy, and oral health is no exception,” he says.

Source: Prisma Dental

Top 10 Dental Tips For A Healthy, Whiter Smile

Having a healthy, white smile is a goal for most of us. Maintaining a good routine for dental hygiene is key to the foundation of that success.The work required to make this happen, can be difficult and even overwhelming at times. Below are just a few easy tips to keep you on track for a healthy, white smile that dazzles.

Top 10 Dental Tips

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly. This is very important to not only keep your teeth clean but keep your mouth free of periodontal disease. Regular dental examinations along with professional cleanings can help you keep your teeth clean, white, and healthy for a lifetime.

2. Beware of stains. Drinking red wine, black tea, or even indulging in an occasional cigar will give your teeth a darker, duller appearance. Brushing and flossing alone will not be able to remove these stains that work their way deep into your teeth. A good tip for when you do indulge is to brush and floss immediately after eating and drinking any items you think might stain your teeth. There are also natural tooth whiteners that you can use like crunchy vegetables and fresh apples. Their crunchiness helps give a cleaning action to your teeth to remove some of the lighter staining. There are also whitening toothpastes, such as colgate  optic white, which are very effective at removing surface staining when used regularly.

3. Don’t Forget Your Tongue. Studies have shown that bad breath can emanate from the tongue. Dead cells and bacteria can harbor in the folds of our tongue contributing to bad breath. Tongue scraping alone will not rid you of bad breath but it can help. You can use a toothbrush for this or most stores carry tongue scrapers specifically designed for the task at hand.

4. Gargle With Apple Cider Vinegar. This has become a popular remedy for whiter teeth. However, the vinegar can promote an acidic environment in the mouth causing tooth enamel erosion. Rinse with this at your own risk. The benefits may not be worth the risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay.

5. Use An Antibacterial/ Anti-Tartar/ Fluoride Mouthrinse. Oral rinses can get to places we sometimes miss from brushing and flossing. They also have the ability to lower the bacteria count in the mouth to help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. A good tip is to choose a mouthwash that  specifically targets your needs. There are whitening rinses, anti-plaque rinses to reduce periodontal bacteria such as listerine, anti-tartar rinses such as Periogen, Fluoride rinses such as ACT.

6. Chew Sugarless Gum (with Xylitol). Xylitol has been shown to decrease the incidence in tooth decay when chewed regularly. Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, particularly in small decay spots just developing in the tooth enamel. Also, bacteria are unable to produce acid when xyltiol is present. This inhibition of acid production will help the teeth to stay safe from tooth decay.

7. Brush With A Teeth Whitening Toothpaste. While the effectiveness of these toothpastes comes into question for many they do help remove light staining. Brushing with a toothpaste like Colgate’s optic white can keep your teeth as white as possible in between dental visits.

8. Choose The Right Lipstick. This tip is for the ladies, choose a medium coral or light red lipstick. These colors can make your teeth appear to look whiter, whereas lighter-colored lipsticks tend to bring out the yellow and darker areas in teeth.

9. Floss Regularly. Many do not realize the staining that can occur in between teeth from plaque buildup. Flossing will help keep tooth decay and periodontal disease in check but it can also make your teeth whiter and brighter.

10. Strawberries. There has been some evidence showing that strawberries have some teeth whitening properties. So next time you grab for a snack think about your teeth and grab some strawberries.

 Whiter Smile Conclusion

Having a healthy, white smile can be a reality with routine dental care coupled with good dental hygiene at home. For those, who need have dental issues already and need a little boost, there are many treatments that your dentist can advise you of  that can be personalized for your individual needs. It is never too late to have a healthier looking smile!

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS 

Seeing the Invisible: Desperate for dental work, an all-night wait

 At the end of July, the N.C. Dental Society’s Missions of Mercy spearheaded a massive, two-day free clinic at the Crown Expo Center in Fayetteville. More than 200 dental professionals and nearly 500 other volunteers ensured that nearly 900 grateful souls received desperately needed extractions, fillings, dentures and cleanings – procedures that would have cost half a million dollars on the market. It was a smorgasbord of generosity, accompanied by a heaping helping of gratitude. I’ve never seen anything like it.

People started lining up outside the Expo Center at 10 a.m. on Thursday in anticipation of the Friday morning opening. By 6 p.m., hundreds were lodged in the long queue – armed with water, snacks, lawn chairs and sleeping bags – prepared to spend the night to get what, for them, was otherwise unavailable treatment.

Craig and Melissa from Raleigh got the coveted first spots. He had a damaged crown that was killing him. A food server, she was convinced that her broken front teeth hurt not only her gums but also her income. They’d camped out all night at a similar clinic in Wilmington six months earlier but hadn’t been seen by closing time. They wouldn’t make that mistake again.

“I’ll wait 24 hours to stop the pain,” Craig said. “What choice do I have?”

Jackie Reeves of Zebulon was just behind them. She said her teeth had become a real problem during her pregnancy.

“There’s no way I could spend $400 on myself instead of my daughter,” she said, no matter how much her broken tooth hurt. You’ve “got to make choices.”

Further back in line, a slightly apprehensive older woman from Elizabeth City hoped to get her long-aching front teeth fixed.

“I ain’t ever done it,” she explained, “but I’ll spend the night out if it’ll stop my mouth hurting.” Asked how long it had been since she’d seen a dentist, she replied: “I guess 20 years. Who can afford a dentist?”

Randy, from Cameron, said his wife, Katie, had made him come because he needed several teeth pulled. He’d already gone to a dentist who wanted $3,500 up front. “I’m broke, so I just walked out,” he said.

When this happened a few years ago, Randy pulled a tooth with a pair of needle-nosed pliers and some Jack Daniels, Katie said, adding that she never wanted to see that again.

“You wouldn’t think that in the richest country in the world people would be standing all night in a line like this to get medical care,” she said. But, “There’s no other way. We hate to take charity, but when you see what it costs, you have to put your pride aside.”

A gentleman from Fayetteville explained that the job he’d held for two decades had been eliminated and that, three weeks earlier, the legislature had cut off his unemployment benefits.

“It’s hard to tell what life holds for me right now,” he said. “I sure can’t be spending money on my teeth, even if it means I can’t sleep.”

Sue Byrd of Operation Inasmuch arranged to take more than a dozen homeless residents to the clinic.

“They’re living and dying on the streets and under the bridges in Fayetteville,” she said. “Getting them here to get dental care is the least we can do.”

They left “with tears of joy and gratitude, just like everybody else,” she said.

The stories go on and on. Over a thousand of them. My students and I met Tar Heels ranging in age from 2 months to 77 years, camping out all night. They came from across the state – Greensboro, Durham, Garner, Sanford, Hickory, Smithfield, Jacksonville, Halifax County, Hoke County, Wilmington, Charlotte, Rocky Mount, Cumberland County and beyond. A few arrived from South Carolina and Virginia as well. Given the lengthy lines and limited resources, many had to be turned away.

As the indomitable Cathy Ory of Fayetteville’s nonprofit Care Clinic, the mission’s lead organizer, put it: “The people we serve are like us, like our neighbors; they’ve lost their jobs, or their insurance, or both; they’re hurting, with nowhere to go.”

Dr. David Dickeroff of Spring Lake, working long hours both days, spoke for many volunteers. “The problem of unmet need is a huge mountain, and we’re only able to take out a few bucketfuls this weekend,” he said. “I wish we could do it every day.”

Twenty-three percent of North Carolinians have no health care coverage – one of the highest rates in the nation. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that for every person without health insurance, three don’t have dental coverage. Medicaid sharply limits adult dental services, and private insurance often doesn’t cover dentistry.

Limited access to dental services plagues us as well. North Carolina ranks 47th in dentists per capita. Only 16 percent of our dentists accept Medicaid. In four counties (Currituck, Hyde, Perquimans and Tyrell), none does. Judy Klinck of Better Health, another nonprofit co-sponsor, explained: “No one familiar with health care in North Carolina could be surprised at the gigantic lines.”

Almost to emphasize the point, two days after the Fayetteville clinic, the Robeson County Health Department announced it was closing its dental facility, which had been operating 13 years. Director Bill Smith indicated the General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid had sounded the death knell.

Missions of Mercy offers almost-impossible-to-describe service to low-income North Carolinians. Last year, with the help of selfless local partners, it put on 13 huge, privately funded mobile clinics across the state. But Dr. Bill Blaylock, the Missions’ director, reports it will be able to sustain only five this year.

Demand explodes. Resources, support and supply constrain.

Lynne Grates, whose Cape Fear Kiwanis began cooking breakfast for hundreds of volunteers at 4 a.m. both mornings of the clinic, summed up the force of the weekend: “I love the people in this never-ending line. But in America, in this day, in this time, no one should have to go through this.”

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/08/24/3130709/desperate-for-dental-work-an-all.html#storylink=cpy

4 simple tips for inspiring more whitening procedures

Practice culture affects a team's ability to be passionate about dentistry and be motivational with patients. The right team, when excited about a practice's vision, has endless potential.

Synergy creates a productive, fun environment, and patients respond by accepting necessary and elective treatment. Clarity is the first step toward a successful practice culture. The thriving practices we work with have leaders who are clear about their values and vision for their practices and communicate this consistently to their teams.

Team members who are on the same page and enthusiastic about the services and products their practice offers are more effective at patient education. As they see the positive results from patients' experiences with recommended services and products, they gain confidence to further promote and support the doctor's advice regarding products or services.

If one of a practice's values is to create an environment in which patients ask for a beautiful smile, promoting the benefits of teeth whitening is a part of that culture. Try the following four simple tips to highlight the significance of a beautiful smile and promote whitening services and products in your practice:

Tip 1: Use smile quotations, poems, and statistics about the importance of smiles in your practice and as part of patient giveaways. Put them on statements, use them as screen savers, or have them run as part of a digital photo frame picture sequence in your operatory.

Life is like a mirror; we get the best results when we smile at it.

63% of people say they look best in photos when they show their teeth.

Tip 2: Office décor that is supportive of health, longevity, a beautiful smile, and a quality life subtly reinforces the message that a beautiful smile matters. Hang photos of fabulous smiles and families enjoying a healthy lifestyle in the reception area, the patient bathroom, and the operatory.

Tip 3: Inspire your patients to consider whitening with two easy steps:

1. As part of the cosmetic evaluation portion of the new patient experience, record a shade to have as a baseline. Use this evaluation to introduce the benefits of tooth whitening and the results you see in patients who have chosen this treatment.

Have shade guides in each operatory.
Match the shade as closely as possible.
Record the shade in a designated spot in your patient chart system.
Take an intraoral camera photo of the patient's smile with the shade guide.
Show the patient where he or she falls on the shade spectrum.
Educate the patient about changing tooth color due to nutrition and aging.

2. Annually, record his or her shade and compare to the baseline. To encourage the desire to whiten, discuss the shade and any changes with the patient.

Tip 4: Create tasteful displays of whitening products on shelves in the operatory, on retail display shelves in the reception area, and at the checkout counter. Present-type packaging is attractive and complete, easy to purchase, and no work for the gift giver. Use social media such as Facebook to promote gift certificates for teeth whitening. You might say something such as, "Teeth whitening is a great gift for a new grad." Include a picture of the beautifully wrapped package.

Get started now by brainstorming the benefits of teeth whitening at a team meeting. Discuss your personal philosophy on whitening and the services and products your practice offers. Review the tips presented in this article with your team.

What could you do in your practice to illustrate the importance of a beautiful smile? Bring in a sales rep to ensure the team is educated about the products and services you provide. Make sure your entire team has personally experienced the benefits of whitening, especially the doctor.

When time, money, and energy are spent on developing team members, they gain an understanding of the life-changing benefits dentistry can offer. When a team embraces its practice culture, productivity and profitability will soar.



Source: Dental Economics

Better oral health largely due to fluoridation

 Dunedin's water supply should be retained and expanded, 21 senior School of Dentistry staff have said in a letter to Dunedin city councillors.

In 1958, the Faculty of Dentistry requested the council to fluoridate the water supply of our city.

The Otago Branch of the Dental Association pledged its support of this request.

Our position remains unchanged after 55 years.

A debate surrounding community water fluoridation has recently surfaced again in Dunedin, and has received some coverage by local and national media.

We would, therefore, like to remind councillors of the strong case for fluoridation to continue in our city, and be expanded wherever feasible, including to unfluoridated areas of Mosgiel and areas covered by the Northern Water Scheme.

The New Zealand Ministry of Health has commissioned extensive reviews, which have led to development of ministry guidelines and statements on fluoridation.

These guidelines and statements are clear: community water fluoridation is effective and safe, and community water supplies should be fluoridated at 0.7-1.0 parts per million (ppm) wherever feasible.

The Australia New Zealand Food Safety Authority also approves the addition of fluoride to bottled drinking water, as it believes this is important for public health.

The US Centers of Disease Control estimate that for every $1 spent on water fluoridation, $38 is saved on tooth decay treatment, and named water fluoridation as one of the greatest public health improvement measures of the 20th century.

The World Health Organisation considers access to fluoride to be a human right.

Scientific evidence shows that there remains a very strong public health case for continuing and expanding the use of community water fluoridation, because it improves New Zealanders' oral health and quality of life.

While the extent of tooth decay has reduced in recent decades, the disease remains more prevalent than other significant health conditions in New Zealand (such as asthma), particularly in unfluoridated areas and among disadvantaged New Zealanders.

The recent New Zealand Oral Health Survey found much less tooth decay in fluoridated than in non-fluoridated areas.

The argument that water fluoridation is no longer necessary due to better oral health in New Zealand is not correct.

In fact, the improved oral health we now enjoy in New Zealand compared to the past is in no small way a direct result of water fluoridation.

We forget that very few New Zealanders are affected by water-borne diseases, thanks to water chlorination.

If chlorination was not used, we would have more water-borne diseases.

If community water fluoridation ceased, the severity of tooth decay would increase again, back towards historical levels.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance which is present at varying concentrations in water.

It is even detectable at 0.1ppm in the water of the Rattray St ''Speight's'' spring.

Community water fluoridation is not just a matter of fluoride addition; rather, it is the adjustment of fluoride levels up (or even down) to an optimal effective level for the prevention of tooth decay.

Adjusting the background fluoride level (which is generally about 0.3ppm) to 0.7-1.0ppm has a significant effect of reducing tooth decay among people of all ages.

This is particularly important in New Zealand, as we are a country with very little in the way of a publicly funded ''safety net'' for adults who cannot afford dental care.

We also now know that, rather than being a disease of childhood only, tooth decay continues through life.

We respectfully request that when councillors consider the fluoridation issue, they be aware of current Ministry of Health guidelines and statements on fluoride, and that when formulating strategy they consult relevant experts at the University of Otago and the Southern District Health Board who are familiar with the relevant peer-reviewed literature.

The opinions of those experts are strongly endorsed by the Otago Branch of the New Zealand Dental Association, the New Zealand Dental Hygienists' Association and the New Zealand Dental and Oral Health Therapists' Association.

The Otago Branch unequivocally supports the national Dental Association's 2012 statement on water fluoridation.

We also advise councillors that anti-fluoridation arguments are often based on un-refereed internet resources or books that present a highly misleading picture of water fluoridation, rather than being based on objective science.

With this letter, we have included copies of an excellent Australian article from the journal Australia and New Zealand Health Policy, and the Victorian government publication Water fluoridation helps protect teeth through life.

Both are short, and are written for the benefit of public health officials.

We trust that the council will make the sensible public health decision to retain and expand community water fluoridation in our city. 


Source: Otago Daily Times

Have diabetes? tips to protect your teeth

Diabetes can put you at greater risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis. Here’s how to help keep your smile healthy and bright.

Taking charge of your diabetes means being vigilant about the health of every part of your body—and that includes your mouth.

Elevated blood sugar levels increase your risk of tooth decay, early gum disease (gingivitis) and advanced gum disease (periodontitis.) But if you’re careful, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy—and your smile bright.

Tooth care basics for people with diabetes

“Good diabetes control is key,” says Todd Coy, DMD, of the Cleveland Clinic. “If you have diabetes, your body’s ability to fight bacteria is reduced, so you don’t deal as well with issues like gum disease. But people who are diligent with their diabetes can reduce the risk of tooth decay and other oral problems to near-normal levels.”

Here’s how to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

Tell your dentist that you have diabetes, Coy says. Remind him when you go for checkups, and make sure he has the phone number of your endocrinologist.

If you have tooth pain, don’t ignore it, says Ira B. Lamster, DDC, M M.Sc, professor of health policy and management at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. “The whole idea of prevention is very important,” he says. “If you think something is developing, do not delay. See your dentist.” If you get an infection in your mouth, it can be more severe than in someone without diabetes, which is all the more reason to contact your dentist right away.

Brush after meals and floss at least once a day, advises Coy. Individuals with diabetes tend to get more cavities at the root line of the teeth, Lamster says, and, as Coy points out, “As the gums recede, the vulnerable root surface is exposed.” Also try to avoid refined carbs and sugary foods. “If you are taking in a lot of these, this further increases your risk of tooth decay.”

Use a toothpaste with fluoride, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can make the job much easier. Be sure to avoid vigorous scrubbing as this can irritate your gums.

Tooth Troubleshooting

It’s not uncommon for individuals with diabetes to have a reduction in saliva, which can increase your risk of cavities. Check out one of the many saliva substitutes available to see if one will work for you. If you have this symptom, tell your dentist and your physician, Lamster recommends.

Watch out for warning signs of gum disease, which include gum bleeding, swelling and redness.

If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your dentist right away. Also tell him if you feel any loose teeth. The earlier treatment for periodontal disease begins, the better it is for your oral health.

Finally, if you smoke, quit. You’re at an increased risk for gum disease if you smoke, so find out about all the options to help you break the habit once and for all.



Source: El Dorado Springs Sun

Dental health tips: A glass of milk after eating sugary cereals may prevent cavities

Washing down sugary breakfast cereal with milk after eating reduces plaque acid levels and may prevent damage to tooth enamel that leads to cavities, according to new research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.

Dry ready-to-eat, sugar-added cereals combine refined sugar and starch. When those carbohydrates are consumed, bacteria in the dental plaque on tooth surfaces produce acids, says Christine Wu, professor of pediatric dentistry and director of cariology, who served as principal investigator of the study.

The research is published in the July issue of the Journal of The American Dental Association.

Reports have shown that eating carbohydrates four times daily, or in quantities greater than 60 grams per person per day, increases the risk of cavities.

The new study, performed by Wu's former graduate student Shilpa Naval, involved 20 adults eating 20 grams of dry Froot Loops cereal, then drinking different beverages — whole milk, 100% percent apple juice, or tap water.

Plaque pH, or acidity, was measured with a touch microelectrode between the premolar teeth before eating; at two and five minutes after eating; and then two to 30 minutes after drinking a liquid.

The pH in plaque dropped rapidly after consuming cereal alone, and remained acidic at pH 5.83 at 30 minutes. A pH below 7 is acidic; a pH greater than 7 is basic. Pure water has a pH close to 7.

Participants who drank milk after eating sugary cereal showed the highest pH rise, from 5.75 to 6.48 at 30 minutes. Those who drank apple juice remained at pH 5.84 at 30 minutes, while water raised the pH to 6.02.

Fruit juices are considered healthy food choices, but the added sugar can be a risk to dental health, Wu said.

"Our study results show that only milk was able to reduce acidity of dental plaque resulting from consuming sugary Froot Loops," said Naval, who is currently a fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. "We believe that milk helped mitigate the damaging effect of fermentable carbohydrate and overcome the previously lowered plaque pH."

Milk, with a pH ranging from 6.4 to 6.7, is considered to be a functional food that fights cavities because it promotes tooth remineralization and inhibits the growth of plaque, Wu said.

Wu says most consumers think that since milk is considered to be cavity-fighting, acid production by plaque bacteria can be minimized by mixing it with cereal. However, in an unpublished study in her lab, it was discovered that the combination of Froot Loops and milk became syrupy. Eating cereal combined with milk lowered plaque pH to levels similar to that obtained after rinsing with a 10% sugar solution.

Eating sugar-added cereal with milk, followed by drinking fruit juice is thus a highly cavity-causing combination, Wu said.

Diet plays an important role in oral health, Wu said. Studies of food intake and cavities have focused mainly on the sugar, or carbohydrate, content. Fewer studies have looked at how combinations of food, and the order in which they are eaten, may help fight cavities.

"Results from a previous study suggested that the last food item consumed exerts the greatest influence on subsequent plaque pH," she said. For example, eating cheese after a sugary meal reduces acid production, and consumers can modify their diet in such a way as to prevent the cavity-causing effects of sugary foods."

"If understood and implemented properly, food sequencing can be used as a public health educational tool to maintain and preserve good oral health," said Naval.

Other contributors included Drs. Anne Koerber, Larry Salzmann, Indru Punwani, and Bradford Johnson, all of the dentistry faculty at UIC. The research was supported by the college's pediatric dentistry department.

UIC ranks among the nation's leading research universities and is Chicago's largest university with 27,500 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, 15 colleges and the state's major public medical center. A hallmark of the campus is the Great Cities Commitment, through which UIC faculty, students and staff engage with community, corporate, foundation and government partners to improve the quality of life in metropolitan areas around the world.


Source: Dentistry IQ

5 Cheap And All-Natural Tips For Healthy Teeth

Think you can’t afford a beautiful smile and be a healthy kisser? Think again! 

Dental health affects 90% of overall health. In fact, the mouth acts as a barometer, picking up diseases and problems before you see them in the rest of the body. This characteristic is important to holistic dentists because we not only care about the health of your teeth, but of your whole being. Therefore, if issues can be identified in the mouth first, further problems and diseases can be prevented down the road, including cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. 

By taking small, but significant, steps to care for the health of your teeth now, you can also prevent the price of costly doctor bills later.
Here are five steps you can take to keep the health of your mouth and body in check, without breaking the bank:

1. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.

It’s well known that sugar causes cavities and plaque. But what might not be as obvious is that no matter how thoroughly one brushes, it is difficult to remove all sweeteners from the teeth. This is because most sugary foods and drinks contain corn syrup – a sweetener that coats the teeth and hides in cracks and crevices, giving it time to fester and decay your teeth.

2. Brush for two to three minutes per brushing.

The time you put into brushing makes a difference. Even if you stopped eating sweets and brushed your teeth twice daily, but only for 30 seconds, you would miss out on the benefits of brushing.

3. Hydro floss daily.

Flossing removes little bits of food, but it does not kill bacteria. In fact, it can actually spread bacteria, and it's bacteria that causes diseases in your mouth and body. Floss instead with an oral irrigator (we like Hydro Floss), which can get into those hard to reach places and actually remove bacteria, germs, and food debris. 

Also, make sure you drink plenty of water. Water will help flush out the toxins in your body and hopefully will replace some of the sugary drinks you may be consuming.

4. Maintain a balanced pH.

A low pH in your mouth is an acidic environment, which is a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria and leaves you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Keep your pH at an optimal level by eating a diet rich in whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

5. Avoid fluoride.

It may seem like fluoride is good for us, because it's in everything: our water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses. However, just because fluoride is widely used does not mean that it's good for you. Consider that pesticides are used on fruits and vegetables — but are pesticides good for you? Too much fluoride in your body can cause a number of terrible side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, upset stomach, headaches, tremors, seizures, muscular weakness, cancer, arthritis, white spots on the teeth, and death. 

So put away your pocket book, pucker up and smile! Give your mouth, and your health the attention it deserves, and treat it to a little loving prevention.



Source: Mind Body Green

Oral health linked to diseases

Photo Via  My San Antonio

Bacteria-laden mouths and bleeding gums are giving medical researchers plenty to think about.

Turns out gum disease is associated with a greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and even pregnancy complications. And a study released recently found evidence that bacteria linked to gingivitis traveled to brains afflicted by Alzheimer's disease, hinting at a role in dementia.

As the latest research deepens scientists' understanding of the link between dental health and disease, the potential implications are coming into focus. Something as simple as treating gum disease, a neglected, often painless condition, could limit damage from some of the world's most widespread and costly illnesses.

About half of all adults have some form of gum disease, says Iain Chapple, a professor of periodontology at the University of Birmingham in England. That shows the potential impact of healthier mouths, he said.

“Even if it's just going to delay onset of arthritis or cardiovascular disease, if you add it up in fiscal terms, the savings would be huge,” said Chapple, who co-led a recent review of research on gum disease's links with diabetes.

Heart disease and diabetes are costly illnesses and are becoming more prevalent around the world.

Heart disease, the world's biggest killer, costs the U.S. alone $108.9 billion each year, according to the American Heart Association. Diabetes, which most frequently occurs in older people who are overweight and sedentary, costs $245 billion last year, according to the American Diabetes Association.

The link to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy complications was highlighted in the research review organized by Chapple and other scientists from the U.S. and Europe. Colgate-Palmolive Co. funded the review.

Colgate, a New York-based maker of toothpaste and toothbrushes, and other makers of dental-hygiene products such as Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble Co. and Royal Philips NV stand to benefit if more connections between oral health and disease are established.

What gum disease has in common with other illnesses is inflammation, a response by the immune system to invaders that features swelling, redness, heat and pain as fluids and white blood cells rush to the affected area.

Bugs can travel from the mouth by being swallowed, inhaled or by entering the bloodstream through the gums, according to Frank Scannapieco, chairman of the department of oral biology at the University of Buffalo's School of Dentistry.

If harmful bacteria and viruses spread from the mouth, that could explain inflammation that leads to disease elsewhere in the body.

“The real question, the so-what question, is does it act as a risk factor with other medical conditions,” said Ian Needleman, a professor at University College London Eastman Dental Institute. “There's a substantial body of research that connects them, but we are a long way from demonstrating causation. Can there be smoke without fire?”

To answer that question, larger and more expensive studies are needed, and funding is scarce, according to Needleman. “The field is wide open and the gaps in knowledge are large,” Chapple's group wrote in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in April.

Scientists are trying to fill that void. At least four trials are exploring whether dental treatment improves diabetics' control of their condition, according to clinicaltrials. gov, a U.S. government website. Colgate-Palmolive is collaborating on one of the trials.

To prevent gum disease, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends brushing both teeth and tongue after meals, flossing and rinsing with a mouthwash once daily and seeing a periodontist. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamin C and stopping smoking also help.

“Prevention is better than intervention,” said Steve Engebretson, the chairman of the department of periodontology and implant dentistry at New York University's College of Dentistry.

If the diabetes research shows a benefit, patients would have another way to improve their health in addition to diet, exercise and medication.

One of the studies, a U.S. trial of about 600 people, has been completed, said Engebretson, the lead researcher. It builds on previous findings that show treating gum disease improves a measure of blood sugar.

Heart disease is another promising area for research. The link between it and gum disease is “robust and significant” though it isn't clear whether gum disease can cause heart disease, Chapple said. Only long-term trials can establish a connection, he said.

“I was the biggest cynic” about the link between the two illnesses, Chapple said. “But I've changed my view. The evidence is very strong now and I'll be surprised if there isn't a causal role.”

The British research team behind the Alzheimer's study is seeking more funding for a larger trial that would track recently diagnosed patients, said StJohn Crean, the dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Central Lancashire in England.

The goal of the trial would be to show whether taking action against gum disease can slow the progression of the dementia, according to Crean.

People should care for their teeth regardless of gum disease's links to other illnesses, Needleman said.

“There are over 1,000 different kinds of bacteria in your mouth,” Chapple said.
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Can Poor Dental Health Cause Dementia?

Poor dental health and gum disease may be linked to Alzheimer's disease and dementia, a new study from the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry suggests.

Although past studies have suggested a link between oral health and dementia, this is the first to pinpoint a specific gum disease bacteria in the brain.

Researchers looked at donated brain samples of 10 people without dementia and 10 people with dementia. They found the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis in the brains of four of those with dementia.

This bacteria may play a role in changes in the brain in Alzheimer's disease, contributing to symptoms including confusion and failing memory.

Everyday activities like eating and tooth brushing, and some dental treatment, could allow the bacteria to enter the brain. "We are working on the theory that when the brain is repeatedly exposed to bacteria and/or debris from our gums, subsequent immune responses may lead to nerve cell death and possibly memory loss," says Sim Singhrao, PhD, a senior research fellow at the university.

This could mean that visits to the dentist could be vital for brain health, she says. 

"The future of the research aims to discover if P. gingivalis can be used as a marker, via a simple blood test, to predict the development of Alzheimer's disease in at-risk patients."

For now, "it remains to be proven whether poor dental hygiene can lead to dementia in healthy people," says St John Crean, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. "It is also likely that these bacteria could make the existing disease condition worse."

Reacting to the findings, Alison Cook, director of external affairs at the U.K.'s Alzheimer's Society, said: "There have been a number of studies looking at the link between dementia and inflammation caused by factors including poor dental health, but this is not yet fully understood. This small study suggests that we need more research into this important area."

Also reacting to the study, Simon Ridley, PhD, head of research at Alzheimer's Research U.K., said: "We don't know whether the presence of these bacteria in the brain contributes to the disease, and further research will be needed to investigate this. It is possible that reduced oral hygiene, and therefore P. gingivalis infection, could be a consequence of later-stage Alzheimer's, rather than a cause.

"Other studies have suggested that infections, including oral infections, could be linked to Alzheimer's, and there is ongoing research in this area."

He said it will be important for future studies to consider looking back at dental records, to match these with oral hygiene during a person's life. 


Source: Web MD

California Dental Association Offers Tips to Avoid Dental Emergencies

 Being at the peak of the summer weather, parents and children often take advantage of the warm season by enjoying more recreational sports and outdoor activities, which can increase injury potential for the teeth and mouth. For safe oral health all year long, and especially during this season, CDA is offering helpful tips to avoid oral injuries and dental emergencies.

While enjoying popular summer activities like swimming, biking or playing soccer, and to prevent dental accidents — including teeth that have been knocked out, broken or forced out of position — CDA suggests wearing a mouthguard.

“Accidents happen. But there are a number of things you can do to help prevent them. Wearing a mouthguard is a great example,” said CDA President Lindsey Robinson, DDS, a pediatric dentist.

If a dental emergency does occur, CDA suggests the following tips for the best possible outcome.

If a tooth is knocked out, attempt to find the tooth and immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment. Handle the tooth gently and, being careful not to damage the surface of the root, place the tooth in a Save-A-Tooth kit or immerse in milk for transport to the dentist.

“If a tooth is knocked out, do not try placing the tooth back into the socket. This could cause more damage to the injury,” Robinson said. “If it’s within about 30 minutes of the injury, it may be possible to re-implant the tooth. And knowing what to do in a dental emergency can be the difference between losing a tooth and being able to save it.”

Should a tooth be pushed out of place, reposition it to its normal alignment with very light finger pressure, do not force the tooth into the socket. Instead, hold the tooth in place with a moist tissue or gauze and get to your dentist as quickly as possible.

For a broken or fractured tooth, rinse the area with warm water and use cold compresses on the injury to keep any swelling down.

“Treatment for a fractured tooth will depend on the severity of the fracture,” said Robinson. “Regardless of the damage, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible to determine appropriate treatment.”

If there’s an injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, including the cheek, lips or tongue, clean the wound right away and get to the emergency room for necessary suturing and wound repair. Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound area.

Keep teeth healthy throughout the year by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, twice a day, avoiding sugary drinks like soda, flossing daily and visiting a dentist for a complete dental checkup on a regular basis.

Read more: Digital Journal

Dental health: Our top 10 dental health tips

Dental health tip # 1: Brush twice a day
Dr Ajay says that 70% of dental problems can be solved, if we brush our teeth thoroughly. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for a minimum of 2-4minutes, to get rid of plaque.

Dental health tip # 2: Use good products
To get rid of all the food particles, invest in a good toothbrush. Choose a scientifically designed toothbrush, which will help you reach all corners in your mouth. Also, choose a good fluoride based toothpaste.

Dental health tip# 3: Rinse well
If you are a regular snacker, then Dr Ajay suggests that you rinse your mouth thoroughly after every snack. You can even gargle with a good mouthwash, if you want to keep tooth decay away.

Dental health tip# 4: Visit a dentist
To maintain good oral hygiene, visit your dentist at least once a year. Besides, this will help you maintain good strong healthy teeth.

Dental health tip# 5: No smoking
Smoking not only harms our body, but also deteriorates our teeth. The nicotine present in cigarettes causes tooth decay and bad breathe. So, avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.

Dental health tip # 6: Change your toothbrush
If you have been using your toothbrush for a year, then replace it with a new one as soon as possible. As soon as you notice the bristles of your toothbrush getting frayed, it is time to replace your toothbrush.

Dental health tip# 7: Eat a healthy diet
Just practicing good dental habits is not good enough. For strong teeth, you need to eat a diet full of nutrients. Include loads of vitamin B food in your diet to make your teeth strong and healthy.

Dental health tip# 8: Include dairy in your diet for strong teeth
Dairy products decrease gum diseases and help develop and maintain the whiteness of our teeth. Along with protecting and strengthening the enamel, hard cheese like cheddar, is very effective for cleaning and whitening the teeth.

Dental health tip# 9: Avoid aerated drinks
Stay away from colas and other aerated drinks, because they cause stains on our teeth. If you wish to drink colas, try using a straw to minimise the stains on your teeth.

Dental health tip # 10: Floss
Flossing helps to maintain hygiene and remove plaque from teeth. So, floss your teeth at least twice a week.



Source:  The Times of India