Source : PopSci

The loss of a tooth is a minor deformity and a major pain. Although dental implants are available, the healing process can take months on end, and implants that fail to align with the ever-growing jawbone tend to fall out. If only adult teeth could be regenerated, right?

According to a study published in the latest Journal of Dental Research, a new tissue regeneration technique may allow people to simply regrow a new set of pearly whites. Dr. Jeremy Mao, the Edward V. Zegarelli Professor of Dental Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, has unveiled a growth factor-infused, three-dimensional scaffold with the potential to regenerate an anatomically correct tooth in just nine weeks from implantation. By using a procedure developed in the university’s Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Dr. Mao can direct the body’s own stem cells toward the scaffold, which is made of natural materials. Once the stem cells have colonized the scaffold, a tooth can grow in the socket and then merge with the surrounding tissue.

Dr. Mao’s technique not only eliminates the need to grow teeth in a Petri dish, but it is the first to achieve regeneration of anatomically correct teeth by using the body’s own resources. Factor in the faster recovery time and the comparatively natural process of regrowth (as opposed to implantation), and you have a massively appealing dental treatment.

Columbia University has already filed patent applications in regard to the technology and is seeking associates to aid in its commercialization. In the meantime, Dr. Mao is considering the best approach for applying his technique to cost-effective clinical therapies.

[Columbia University Medical Center]

Source: Natural Life Magazine

Sweden has banned mercury amalgam dental fillings, effective January, 1997, after determining that at least 250,000 Swedes have immune and other health disorders directly related to the mercury in their teeth. Denmark will ban amalgams beginning in January 1999.

In 1991, Germany’s Health Ministry recommended to the German Dental Association that no further amalgam fillings be placed in children, pregnant women, or people with kidney disease, and in 1993 this was extended to include all women of child-bearing age, pregnant or not. Austria is also phasing out mercury fillings.

By contrast, the American Dental Association (ADA) says replacing amalgam fillings from non-allergic patients for the purpose of removing toxic substances from the body is “improper and unethical.” The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) insists that there is no scientific evidence linking medical illness symptoms to mercury fillings, except relatively rare allergic sensitivity to mercury. (The number of persons with a specific and detectable sensitivity to mercury may not be so small. According to a Health Canada report, as many as 15 percent of people with amalgam fillings show signs of sensitivity to mercury. Some American researchers claim that at least 20 percent of people with amalgam fillings are “mercury toxic.”)

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Source : Medical News Today

Women who want to have a baby should look after their oral health, a fertility expert told a meeting in Sweden yesterday. During the meeting, delegates heard about preliminary research that found for the first time, from when she starts trying to conceive, a woman’s chances of falling pregnant can depend on how well she looks after her teeth and gums.

Roger Hart, a professor at the University of Western Australia in Perth, told the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Stockholm, that the effect of gum disease on conception is about the same order of magnitude as the effect of obesity.

Hart, who is Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University and Medical Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, said their study was the first to be published that investigates links between gum disease and women’s chances of getting pregnant, so it is the:

“… first report to suggest that gum disease might be one of several factors that could be modified to improve the chances of a pregnancy.”

He says women who want to become pregnant should visit their dentist and brush their teeth regularly.

For their research, Hart and colleagues analyzed data on over 3,400 pregnant women from Western Australia who were taking part in a study called SMILE that was investigating how treatment for gum disease affects pregnancy outcomes.

They found that women with gum disease took on average two months longer to conceive than women without gum disease (seven months instead of five).

Non-Caucasian women appeared to be the group most affected: they were likely to take more than 12 months to become pregnant if they had gum disease.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is where the gums and supporting tissue are chronically infected and inflamed.

Our mouths are full of bacteria, which stick to mucus and bits of food and form a sticky “plaque” on our teeth. Brushing and flossing gets rid of plaque, but if this is not done regularly, then the plaque goes hard and turns into “tartar”, that is much harder to get rid of. You should then visit the dentist or hygienist to have it removed properly.

If you leave it too long before removing plaque and tartar, the bacteria causes an inflammation called “gingivitis”, where the gums appear red and swollen, and bleed. At this stage, daily brushing and flossing and visits to the dentist can restore oral health. But eventually, if not attended to, the disease moves to a stage where tissue and bone are affected: this is periodontitis, which literally means “inflammation around the tooth”.

In periodontitis the gums pull away from the teeth and little pockets develop that become infected. The bacteria and plaque starts to grow below the gum line, causing the immune system to respond. Toxins from the bacteria and immune system activity start to attack the tissue and bone that hold teeth in place, and they become loose.

But these destructive agents also get into the bloodstream, which may explain why gum disease is linked to increased risk of a number of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, respiratory and kidney disease, and also, miscarriage and premature birth.

About one in ten people is thought to have severe periodontal disease. The best way to prevent it is to brush and floss your teeth regularly.

Hart suggests the reason the non-Caucasian women were the most affected was because they appeared to have the highest level of inflammatory response when suffering from gum disease.

He also said that receiving treatment for gum disease while pregnant does not affect the health of the foetus or the mother.

Source : Medical News Today

Professional tooth scaling was associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes in a study (Abstract 17704) from Taiwan presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2011.

Among more than 100,000 people, those who had their teeth scraped and cleaned (tooth scaling) by a dentist or dental hygienist had a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack and 13 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who had never had a dental cleaning. The participants were followed for an average of seven years.

Scientists considered tooth scaling frequent if it occurred at least twice or more in two years; occasional tooth scaling was once or less in two years.

The study included more than 51,000 adults who had received at least one full or partial tooth scaling and a similar number of people matched with gender and health conditions who had no tooth scaling. None of the participants had a history of heart attack or stroke at the beginning of the study.

The study didn’t adjust for heart attack and stroke risk factors – such as weight, smoking and race – that weren’t included in the Taiwan National Health insurance data base, the source of the information used in the analysis.

“Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year,” said Emily (Zu-Yin) Chen, M.D., cardiology fellow at the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan.

Professional tooth scaling appears to reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease or stroke, she said.

Type of periodontal disease predicts degree of risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

In a separate study (abstract 10576), researchers found that the value of markers for gum disease predict heart attack, congestive heart failure and stroke in different ways and to different degrees.

Anders Holmlund, D.D.S., Ph.D. Centre for Research and Development of the County Council of Gävleborg, Sweden, and senior consultant; Specialized Dentistry, studied 7,999 participants with periodontal disease and found people with:

• Fewer than 21 teeth had a 69 percent increased risk of heart attack compared to those with the most teeth.
• A higher number of deepened periodontal pockets (infection of the gum around the base of the tooth) had a 53 percent increased risk of heart attack compared to those with the fewest pockets.
• The least amount of teeth had a 2.5 increased risk of congestive heart failure compared to those with the most teeth.
• The highest incidence of gum bleeding had a 2.1 increased risk of stroke compared to those with the lowest incidence.

Source : Medical News Today

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers found the human body is better at fighting gum disease when fat cells, which trigger inflammation, disappear.

Findings come from a pilot study of 31 obese people with gum disease. Half of the group with an average body mass index (BMI) of 39 had gastric bypass surgery and had fat cells from the abdomen removed. That half fared better than a control group of obese people with a BMI of 35 who also were treated for gum disease but did not have the gastric bypass surgery or fat removed.

What intrigued the researchers is that the majority of those who underwent surgery had a drop in their glucose levels after the procedure, a result that bodes well for overweight people predisposed to diabetes and insulin-related problems.

All study participants underwent nonsurgical periodontal treatments of scaling/root planing and oral hygiene instructions for home care. While both groups showed improvement, the surgery group did even better on the measures for periodontal attachment, bleeding, probing depths and plaque levels.

Inflammation that continues to brew in the body can have harmful effects over time, and inflammation from gum disease can erode bone and cause tooth loss. It can also cause breaks in the gums where harmful oral bacteria can enter the blood stream. Such bacteria have been linked to preterm birth, fetal death, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, said Nabil Bissada, chair of the department of periodontics at Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.

Bissada is the lead author of the study, “Response to periodontal therapy in subjects who had weight loss following bariatric surgery and obese counterparts: a pilot study,” published in the Journal of Periodontology.

This study raises two hypotheses about why the surgery group improved.

The first theory is that excessive fat cells (adipocytes) secrete more cytokines (such as TNF and IL-6), which make insulin more resistant to doing its function. As a result, more accumulation of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) occurs. Losing weight, therefore, makes insulin less resistant and improves the diabetic status. This in turn helps in the response to periodontal treatment.

The other theory relates to the presence of the leptin hormone that regulates appetite. Leptin plays a role in regulating metabolism and has been linked to inflammation by increasing the production of cytokines and the -C-reactive protein, which is also linked to inflammation. Bissada said leptin production was reduced after bariatric surgery and may be one explanation for the better outcomes in the periodontal treatment.

As the researchers look to the further their research, their next step will be to conduct a longitudinal study to support their preliminary findings.

I was invited to give a lecture at a Greater New York Dental Meeting, one of the largest exhibitions in the dental world. The lecture was for the American Association of Women Dentists.

The topic of the lecture was Maxillo-Facial Rehabilitation…

A very nice group of dentists were in attendance. The topic created a stir of interest around the existing problem of underdiagnosing oral cancer and the associated consequences.

If you have any questions about the symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment of oral cancer, please, don’t hesitate to send me an email with a question.

Dr. Lyssova

Source : MedicineNet.com

When you think about dental health, your focus is likely to be on preventing cavities in your teeth. But it’s important to pay attention to your gums, too. Your gums play a major role not only in your dental health, but in your overall well-being.

In many instances, swollen and bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. But there are a number of other factors that could be causing your gum problems. Whatever the cause of your sore, painful gums, there are steps you can take to minimize gum damage and discomfort.

Causes of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Improper Brushing Technique

In your quest to keep your teeth clean, you might be tempted to brush your teeth as vigorously as you can. Your gums are made of sensitive tissue, though, so brushing the wrong way could damage them.

Whether you opt for a manual or electric toothbrush, choose one with soft nylon bristles that have blunted ends. Even though you can find brushes with medium or hard bristles, they may damage the enamel on your teeth or cause red and swollen gums.

When you brush, make sure you use gentle, circular motions to massage and clean the teeth and gums. While many people use a back-and-forth motion, this motion can actually irritate and damage your gums, making them sore and more likely to bleed or recede.

Causes of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Improper Flossing Technique

We all know the importance of flossing every day to help remove plaque from places where your toothbrush cannot reach. To make sure that your healthy habit isn’t causing swollen or bleeding gums, be gentle when you floss. Rather than forcing the floss between your teeth, carefully slide it up and down, following the curve of each tooth.

Causes of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Gum Disease

More than three-quarters of American adults over the age of 35 suffer from periodontal (gum) disease. While most people with gum disease have the less severe form, called gingivitis, between 5% and 15% of the population has a much more serious type of gum disease known as periodontitis.

When people do not practice proper dental hygiene, bacteria in the mouth form plaque on the teeth. These bacteria may cause your gums to become inflamed, which results in red, swollen, or bleeding gums. For many people with gingivitis, this inflammation is not painful. If you catch gingivitis early, it can be reversed and healed with proper oral hygiene. But left untreated, gingivitis can worsen and ultimately lead to tooth loss. Be sure to seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms, even if you are not experiencing any discomfort:

• changes in the way teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures
• formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• gums that bleed during and after toothbrushing
• loose or shifting teeth
• persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• receding gums
• red, swollen, or tender gums

When gingivitis progresses, it develops into periodontitis, a condition in which the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place can be severely compromised. The bacteria on the teeth release toxic substances that harm your gums and cause them to become infected. The infection and the inflammation that result when your body attacks the bacteria can degrade your gums and the bones in your jaw. You may experience exceptionally swollen, painful gums that are likely to bleed. If not treated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

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Source : PennLive

NAME: Warren D. Silvers III TITLE: Owner/Dentist COMPANY: Silvers Family Dental Care in Susquehanna Twp. YEARS IN FIELD: 17

Q: What is dental anxiety and/or dental phobia? How common is it?

A: It has been estimated that about 75 percent of all patients experience anxiety in some form. Anxiety levels can be broken up into mild, moderate and severe. Dental-phobic patients fall into the severe category. They account for 5 percent to 10 percent of patients. Phobic patients have fears so great that they generally avoid dental visits (even routine visits) at all costs. This unfortunately has the effect of letting things go until they become intolerable.

Q: What are some of the reasons that people say they are afraid to go to the dentist?

A: Even with the advances in anesthetics, pain is considered by most people as the No. 1 reason for fearing the dentist. Other fears include the sound of the drill, needles and fear of being lectured by the dentist or being presented with a plan of care they can’t afford.

Q: What can patients who have a fear of going to the dentist do to make it easier?

A: All dentists realize that fear of dentistry is a concern for many patients. Most modern dental offices provide a caring and relaxing atmosphere for their patients. Even patients who are not afraid of the dentist can benefit from dental sedation. Often when patients are sedated during dental procedures, more work can be done in a single visit, eliminating the need for return appointments in many cases. Discuss your concerns about anxiety with your dentist. He or she can make recommendations based on your specific needs.

Several pharmacological methods exist today to help alleviate anxiety. Nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) has been around for a long time and is a very safe and effective way of relieving mild to moderate anxiety. It is delivered painlessly through a mask placed over the nose and breathed in by the patient. At the end of treatment the patient breathes oxygen and there are no lingering effects. This is an advantage for many patients as they can drive themselves to and from the appointment.

Oral sedation is another method of relieving moderate anxiety. This is administered by way of pill or liquid. Dentists sometimes prescribe these medications the night before, as well as the day of, so the fearful patient can get a good night’s sleep and not be up all night worrying about the next day’s visit. This method requires someone to drive the patient to and from the office. IV sedation is another method available to relieve moderate to severe anxiety. This technique produces a state of total relaxation and comfort. Some preparation before the appointment may be necessary (for example: not eating from the night before) and you should be sure to have a ride to and from your appointment arranged.

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Source : Worldental.org

August 16th, 2011 By Dental Health Magazine staff

Each and every dentist likes to create his own treatment plan for the patient.

One dentist might be totally opposing the idea of making dental implants while the patient still has to wear dental braces for let’s say 3 months, while another dentist might consider dental implants and braces extremely appropriate.

It is basically up to the dentist and his expertise what kind of treatment plan he will follow.

Let’s suppose you are in the situation where you need to wear the braces for a few months more, yet your dentist suggests a dental implant should be made in the meantime. Then, it is best if you talk frankly to your dentist and ask him about the advantages/disadvantages of dental implants treatment and why he believes this is the most opportune moment.

If there are a few more months left until your braces come off, the dentist might suggest that you get started on the dental implant treatment, but the implant itself will be fitted only after the braces come off. This is just a mater of timing, and it is quite a good solution then.

However, it is important to keep in mind that if in the respective region where the implant will be fitted, there will be teeth movement (adjustment) as the braces straighten your teeth, you should definitely wait a little longer with the dental implant treatment. Obviously, the dental implant will not be a perfect fit if the teeth around your missing tooth still need adjustment.

It is extremely important to revise the overall treatment plan. Your dentist should explain to you the pros and cons of going through a dental implant treatment right now while you still wear braces.

For adult orthodontics, 3 more months of treatment with the braces will not make huge changes, so technically it is possible to work on your dental implant plan while the orthodontic device is still on.

Source : Teutopolis Press

Naperville, Ill. —

Most Illinois caregivers don’t know that wearing a mouthguard while playing sports helps prevent the likelihood of a concussion, despite recommendations made by dental professionals.

That’s one key finding from a survey of Illinois children’s oral health, conducted on behalf of Delta Dental of Illinois – which is part of a national survey of American children’s oral health, conducted on behalf of Delta Dental Plans Association.

“Mouthguards do more than protect young athletes’ teeth. They can also help prevent concussions by acting as shock absorbers,” said Dr. Katina Morelli, DDS, dental director for Delta Dental of Illinois. “Studies show that concussions can cause serious, long-term consequences for athletes, and the majority of at-risk athletes are children.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 300,000 people suffer from sports-related concussions every year, with children and teens at the highest risk.

Although mouthguards are only mandatory for some youth sports, such as ice hockey, football and lacrosse, dental professionals recommend they be worn for all athletic activities where there is a strong potential for contact with other participants or hard surfaces.

But according to the national survey of children’s oral health, nearly seven in 10 Americans (68 percent) report that their child does not wear a mouthguard at soccer, basketball, baseball and softball practices or games. And studies show that today’s basketball players are 15 times more likely to sustain an oral-facial injury than football players.

Mouth injuries in football have dropped dramatically since mouthguards became mandatory. More Americans report that their child wears a mouthguard for football than for any other sport. However, even in football – a sport requiring protective gear – only seven in 10 caregivers (70 percent) report that their child wears a mouthguard at both practice and games. And according to Safe Kids USA, most organized sports-related injuries occur during practice rather than games.

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