News in the World of Dentistry,Teeth Whitening & Oral Hygiene. The best dental information sourced from 1000's of online article's.

 

• Oral cancer is key topic in Euro conference

• British Dentists Advise on How to Fight Plaque (Dentistry.Co.Uk)

• Sports Drinks Linked to Tooth Damage

• The Impact Of Oral Health On Your Quality Of Life
• Managing periodontal disease and empowering patients - Dentistry.Com.
  
• Shock tactics aiming to help smokers pack it in
• Free Guide to a Best Practice Oral Hygiene Regime.
  
• Dental Cover Opens Wide - The Independent UK - Remember to Look After Your Teeth
• Hollywood Smiles
• The Dark Side of Radiation

• Teeth Whitening - Safer than Orange Juice? By Katie Bird.
• Infectious Smiles - Mens Health

Teeth Whitening Safer Than Orange Juice

The concentrations of hydrogen peroxide used in professional and over the counter teeth whitening processes do not cause significant changes to teeth / tooth enamel, according to US researchers.

Conversely the researchers found that an everyday practice such as drinking acidic fruit juices can have significant negative effects on the hardness and the roughness of tooth enamel.

The scientists, led by YanFang Ren at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester, investigated the effects of hydrogen peroxide 6 percent on tooth enamel.

According to the team, when compared to orange juice the hydrogen peroxide did not lead to any significant changes in the hardness of surface enamel.

After 20 minutes of daily exposure for five days to eBright Tooth Whitening Accelerator (6 percent hydrogen peroxide) provided by Beyond Dental Health which part funded the study, surface hardness was reduced by 5.6 percent.

Insignificant when compared to orange juice

However, compared to 20 minutes exposure to orange juice which reduced surface enamel by 84.4 percent, the researchers concluded the teeth whitening was insignificant.

"Enamel surface becomes significantly softer and rougher after the orange juice challenge," wrote the authors.

"The acid is so strong that the tooth is literally washed away," said lead author Ren.

Furthermore, softened and roughened enamel surfaces may predispose the tooth to the development of dental caries and non-carious lesions such as abrasion and attrition, according to the study.

The authors discussed the potential of fluoride to protect against the assault of acidic soft drinks on the teeth as it has been shown to help harden the enamel surface after whitening treatments; however, they were unsure as to fluoride's potential to fight against the dangers of acidic soft drinks.

"In contrast, the effectiveness of fluoride treatments on erosion caused by soft drinks has not been firmly established. Some studies have indicated that fluoride treatment had limited effect_but others have show that higher concentrations of fluoride could indeed reduce the erosive effects of soft drinks on surface enamel."

The researchers conclude that the results provide dentists with a unique perspective on the relative impact of tooth whitening on dental hard tissues.

Katie Bird, Cosmeticsdesign.com

 

 

Infectious Smiles - Men's Health

Your filthy mouth may have you headed for a heart attack--unless you follow this dental plan

There are two options when it comes to oral hygiene: Treat your teeth like gold, or buy gold teeth. The latter is a tough look to pull off. Unless you're a rapper (or, like Flavor Flav, a rapper-turned-reality-TV-star-turned-boy-toy-to-blonde-Amazon), women tend to frown on 24-karat caps.

Aesthetics aside, there's an even better reason to go for option one: Your life depends on it. Unhealthy mouths unleash bacteria into the bloodstream, where the bugs travel to vital organs. As a result, your chance of developing diabetes can go up, your stroke risk can quadruple, and your risk of a heart attack can spike up to 14 times higher. Of course, these are all worst-case scenarios. The best case? The ligaments tethering your teeth to your jaw disintegrate, and you start paying attention to Fixodent commercials.

Don't let it happen to you. Open up and apply these eight mouth guards, and we practically guarantee you'll live long and die without dentures.

Plaque
When you wake up tomorrow, run your tongue over your teeth. Feel that? It's plaque, a mossy mix of germs, dead cells, and saliva. Left alone, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis, a.k.a. inflamed gums. And gingivitis can lead to the ligament-destroying oral disease called periodontitis, says Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D., dean of the school of dental medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "You can have an infection the size of the palm of your hand and not know it."

Grab a cup for protection. If it weren't for afternoon tea, Brits would have no teeth at all. A recent Chicago College of Dentistry study showed that people who rinsed their mouths with black tea multiple times a day had less plaque buildup than those who swished water. "Polyphenols in tea suppress the bacterial enzyme that triggers plaque accumulation," says Christine D. Wu, Ph.D., the lead study author. "Drinking tea a few times a day could have the same effect." Choose iced or hot tea, but try to down it during your meals.

Worried about staining? Go green. "Green tea contains the same polyphenols as black tea," says Wu, "but it isn't fully fermented, and fermentation contributes to the staining."

Pull strings. Flossing belongs to that special category of onerous chores that includes cleaning the gutters, but it has to be done. What about the research showing that rinsing with Listerine (or one of its clones) is as good as flossing? A new study in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that swishing with Listerine and flossing is most effective of all. The key is matching floss to teeth.

"If you have rough fillings, use waxed floss," says Dr. Jeffcoat. "If you have bigger spaces between the teeth, consider braided floss." And for unequivocally average teeth? Go with unwaxed floss; the friction will pull out more plaque. In terms of technique, Dr. Jeffcoat says to listen as you slide the string. "When it squeaks, you know the plaque is gone."

Enamel
Just like the paint on a Plymouth, your enamel is shield and showcase. Its enemies: erosion and abrasion. Erosion is the breakdown of enamel by acids, while abrasion is wear from brushing. Either way, worn enamel sabotages smiles and lets bacteria tunnel into teeth.

Stick it to yourself. Sugarless gum is powerful medicine for your mouth; numerous studies have shown that chewing the sticky stuff stimulates the delivery of building-block minerals into damaged enamel. Most recently, researchers in Japan showed that people who chew sugarless gum fortified with the tongue-twisting ingredient casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (or CPP-ACP) can patch up twice as much enamel as those masticating gum minus CPP-ACP. Look for sugarless gums, such as Trident White, that list Recaldent as an active ingredient.

Take the softer, easier way. Pair heavy hand pressure with a firm-bristled toothbrush and you're all set--to clean grout. "Some people actually brush grooves in their teeth," says Bruce Reuben, D.D.S., an oral surgeon in Chicago. To protect and polish your enamel, pick up a soft-bristled brush with tapered tips, such as the Colgate 360. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania compared this type with a soft brush with rounded tips and found that the former removed more plaque while remaining gentle on teeth.

Still brushing the heck out of your bicuspids? Switch to your nondominant hand. Once you're used to exerting less force, switch back.

Cavities
Children are cavity magnets, but so are adults. "As we grow older, we might actually be more prone to tooth decay," says Richard Price, D.D.S., a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. What's worse, age, and the gum recession that accompanies it, puts us at risk of a variation called "root cavities." "When the gum pulls back, a bit of root is exposed," explains Dr. Price. The root's only protection is cementum, a soft coating that's no match for the bacteria that cause cavities.

Commandeer the cheese cart. A quick refresher: Eating sweets causes the pH level of your saliva to plummet, transforming plaque into tooth-dissolving acid. But follow cheesecake with cheese and your pH level will stay steady. A study review published in Nutrition Reviews that looked at the pH-boosting properties of 12 cheeses shows that while provolone is pretty good, Cheddar's better. In fact, aged Cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella raised pH levels highest. And one bite is all you need; the study subjects ate less than a quarter ounce.

Eat for two. Someone move your cheese? Finish your dinner before you dive into dessert. As you eat a meal, the plaque on your teeth absorbs some of the fat, fiber, and protein of the food, filling up space that would otherwise be occupied by sugar. "If the plaque is saturated with the food you just ate, the sugar you eat afterward can't sink in," says Dr. Price. Same rule goes for any other time you're sizing up a sweet snack: Try to eat a little real food first and you'll block out the sugar that follows.

Tartar
We aren't talking fish sauce. Tartar is a special kind of crud that's created when excess calcium in your saliva combines with plaque. The result is a brownish-yellow deposit above the gum line that provides a microscopic toehold for even more bacteria.

Waste it with paste. Fluoride fights cavities, but it can't touch tartar. For that, you need a toothpaste containing pyrophosphate, a chemical that disrupts the calcification process. Start using a tartar-control toothpaste now and your dental hygienist will do less scraping later. And in case you're tempted to stick with your regular toothpaste and just use a tartar-control mouthwash, consider this: "One place that mouthwash does not clean is where the teeth touch each other," says Dr. Price.

Get small. "You see your biggest tartar buildup where the saliva ducts enter the mouth," says Dr. Price. "It's like a river laying down silt." Unfortunately, these hot spots--the backs of your lower front teeth and the outer sides of your top molars--are difficult to reach with a full-size toothbrush. Choose one with a small head. And when you tackle the backs of your lower front teeth, turn the brush perpendicular to the floor, then scrub up and down.

By: MensHealth

 

The Dark Side of Radiation
It has often been rumoured that the light treatment used by dentists & salons does not in fact whiten your teeth, further evidence is now circulating to support these theories………

Recent research published in the journal Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences suggests light radiation used in teeth bleaching treatments may be both useless and dangerous, according to recent research.Researchers form the Nordic Institution of Dental Materials investigated seven different bleaching systems that were commercially available on the Scandinavian and US markets in 2005.

Using human molars donated after extraction, the team bleached one half of the tooth following the manufacturers’ recommendation and the other was left as a control. Half of the bleached teeth received both the bleaching gel and the radiation and the other half just the bleaching gel.

The team then went on to investigate the light sources to see whether the treatment time exceeded the recommended exposure times to such radiation. According to the study, there was no statistical difference in the colour change of the teeth with bleaching gel and radiation and those treated simply with the product.

Furthermore, the researchers noted that clients may be exposed to up to 60 minutes of radiation to the teeth and mouth area whilst undergoing a bleaching process, and that little is known about the effects of visible light and ultraviolet radiation on mucous membranes such as the inside of the mouth.

Dentists have been whitening teeth for hundreds of years and the ingredients used by dentists & salons, that is the hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are safe. There are no known facts that prove or support that these products used occassionally, would damage your teeth. The light used…..well that could be a different matter.

 

 

HOLLYWOOD SMILES

Achieving a Hollywood smile used to involve giving up all kinds of food and drink and spending long hours in the dentist's chair. Every day items like red wine, tea and coffee were suddenly off limits in case they turned your new pearly whites that dreaded shade of yellow. Now though, thanks to the availability of home teeth whitening kits, you can still enjoy all of your favourite food and drink without worrying about what they're doing to your teeth.

Home teeth Whitening - how does it work?

In the past few years, a number of different home whitening kits have been made available on the open market. Until now, only dentists had access to carbamide peroxide - the active ingredient in the most effective teeth whitening kits. This meant that it was almost impossible to achieve a Hollywood smile at home. These new DIY treatments, however, have been professionally dosed to ensure that they are safe and achieve the same whitening effect that you would get from your dentist. These products include Crest Whitestrips, Nite White, Day White and B'dazzled teeth whitening kits.

It can take as little as four steps for you look red carpet-ready. The process is incredibly simple - all you need to do is heat the tray from the teeth whitening kit, then ensure it is properly moulded to the shape of your mouth. After forming the tray, simply apply the gel to it and place over your teeth according to the instructions on the pack. The tooth whitening kit's active ingredient - carbamide peroxide - will then seep through the tiny pores in your tooth enamel to gently clean away any lingering stains which can not be removed by using conventional toothpaste. 

How safe are these teeth whitening products, and will they really provide me with a flawless smile?

The majority of these teeth whitening products have been judged as safe by the FDA - the Food and Drugs Administration of America. However, it is recommended that you do not brush your teeth before using the tooth whitening kits, as this may cause sensitivity. Also, those with stained crowns or fillings should be aware that the kits do only work on natural teeth, so any dentistry that has been matched to the pre-whitened colour would need to be replaced.

Sensitivity can be a part of the teeth whitening process, it is not harmful and will not damage your teeth however patients need to be aware. Sensitivity can range from a simple tingling sensation to mild discomfort. It recommended that if you do feel discomfort you stop the treatment immediately, and consult your dentist. You can purchase de-sensitising gels which can reduce sensitivity. Try Dr Collins De-Sensitising Gel.

Even when coupled with the expense of replacing fillings and crowns, these home kits are still the most cost-effective option when it comes to whitening teeth. At just a fraction of the price of any equivalent dental treatment, they achieve the same whitening effect, using the same ingredients, but at a time that is convenient for you. The last thing that anyone with a hectic, modern lifestyle wants is to wait in line at the dentist's surgery. A treatment session with these simple kits can be easily slotted into your day, saving you both money and time. By opting to use a home teeth whitening product, you really can get a Hollywood smile on a budget!

Click here to see our complete range of Teeth Whitening and Crest Whitestrips

 

 

Dental cover opens wide: Private insurance plans are thriving as dentists turn away from the NHS

It Pays to Look after your teeth - keep your dentists cost down by brushing twice daily for at least 2 minutes, regularly floss, keep smiling by whitening annually with a home teeth whitening kit, use a whitening toothpaste to keep tooth stain at bay, change your toothbrush every 3 months and from time to time use a tooth conditioning polish like Pearl Drops Replenishing 

Author: CAROLINE MERRELL  - The Independent UK.

This week's launch of a new dental scheme by Norwich Union and the move by Bupa earlier this month to make its scheme available nationwide mean there are now more than a dozen dental insurance schemes, which offer different deals at different rates.

Nearly a third of the 27,000 dentists in the UK will either not do any NHS work at all or will not take on any new NHS patients, leaving the public to pay more for basic dental treatment. Free treatment is also only available to certain people, such as pregnant women and the unemployed. All others must pay 80 per cent of the cost.

The expense varies from area to area. Under the NHS, a clinical examination costs pounds 4.75, while privately it can be up to pounds 20; a filling under the NHS is pounds 5, and up to pounds 20 again privately. For more complicated treatment, the differential is even greater. A standard NHS crown costs pounds 50, while private costs range from pounds 120 to pounds 250.

Dental plans fall into two categories. The first is a straightforward insurance scheme, under which policyholders receive benefits up to a certain amount for a monthly premium. The second is a capitation plan, in which the scheme provider agrees with a number of dentists to provide benefits for a fixed fee, again for a monthly premium.

Tim Baker, commercial director at Norwich Union Healthcare, said he prefers the second type because there will be no incentive for the dentist to carry out unnecessary treatment. 'Under the Norwich Union scheme there is no incentive to over-provide. In America, premiums have risen dramatically because of this effect.'

NU has joined up with the US healthcare provider MIDA Dental Plans to create Dental Care. This offers three levels of cover, and patients do not have to have their teeth assessed before joining the plan. Premiums range from under pounds 6 to pounds 12 a month, depending on the level of cover and the location of the practice. Only dentists registered with NU Healthcare can be used.

Mr Baker said: 'Our aim through Dental Care is to get the customer dentally fit and to maintain that fitness.'

The first level covers dental examinations and consultations, X-rays, polishing and worldwide emergency cover. The second also includes fillings and extractions, and the third level includes root canal fillings and clinically required crowns.

At the moment, the plan most people will be offered by their dentist is Denplan, which was recently taken over by PPP, the healthcare provider. Denplan is a capitation scheme and has 470,000 subscribers in the UK. It offers five levels of cover from pounds 5 to pounds 15 a month.

WPA launched its insurance scheme last year. For pounds 5.90 a month, routine dental visits are covered, and there is pounds 10 towards a filling and pounds 18 for a hygienist. It will also pay pounds 15,000 towards the treatment of serious dental problems, such as cancer, and covers dental injury.

David Ashdown, WPA's marketing director, said the company opted for the more conventional type of insurance because it was easier to understand. 'We have had tremendous interest in the plan since it was launched last year.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

FREE GUIDE

TO A BEST PRACTICE ORAL HYGIENE REGIME

 '8 STEPS TO A HEALTHY, BRIGHT SMILE'

 

What is Good Oral Hygiene?
Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means:

1. Your teeth are clean and free of debris
2. Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
3. Bad breath is not a constant problem

 

If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.

Your dentist or hygienist can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention during brushing and flossing.

 

How is Good Oral Hygiene Practiced?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.

Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing  tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:

 

1. Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily

1. Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals
2. Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
3. Rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist tells you to
4. Making sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area.

 

It takes more than just brushing.
OK, so you know about brushing and flossing. But there are other steps you should take if you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Some people assume they will lose their teeth as they age. That doesn't have to happen. David A. Albert, D.D.S., M.P.H., suggests these steps to keep your teeth and your mouth healthy. Dr. Albert is an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

 

 8 STEPS TO A HEALTHY, BRIGHT WHITE SMILE

 

Step 1: Understand your own oral-health needs.
"Your oral health depends on many factors," Dr. Albert said. "These include what you eat, the type and amount of saliva in your mouth, your habits, your overall health and your oral hygiene routine."

Changes in your overall health status often result in changes in your oral health. "For example, many medicines, including more than 300 common drugs, can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, resulting in dry mouth," he said.

"Women who are pregnant go through oral changes. This often includes inflammation of the gums, which is called pregnancy gingivitis. Patients with asthma often breathe through their mouths, particularly when sleeping. This can result in dry mouth and increased plaque formation and gingivitis."

 

Step 2: Commit to a daily oral-health routine.
Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about your oral health practices. Based on the discussion, come up with an effective routine. It should be easy to follow and should take your situation into account. For example, if you are taking medicine that dries your mouth, you may want to use fluoride every day. Pregnant women, people with health conditions such as diabetes, and people with braces also may want or need special daily care.

 

Step 3: Use fluoride.
Everyone can benefit from fluoride, not just children. Fluoride strengthens developing teeth in children. It also helps prevent decay in adults and children. Toothpastes (see Crest Pro Health) and mouthwashes are good sources of fluoride. Your dentist can prescribe a stronger concentration of fluoride in a gel, toothpaste or rinse if you need it.

 

Step 4: Brush and floss to remove plaque.
Everyone should brush at least twice a day. It's even better to brush three times a day or after every meal. In addition, you should floss at least once a day. These activities remove plaque, which is a complex mass of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn't removed every day, it can turn the sugars found in most foods and drinks into acids that lead to decay. Bacteria in plaque also cause gingivitis and other periodontal diseases. It's important to brush and floss correctly and thoroughly. You need to remove plaque from all sides of the tooth and where the tooth meets the gums. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum problems and cavities. Try the new Spinbrush or the Oral B Cross Action Battery Power

 

Step 5: Limit snacks, particularly those high in simple sugars, and eat a balanced diet.
Every time you eat, bits of food become lodged in and around your teeth. This food provides fuel for the bacteria in plaque. The bacteria produce acid. Each time you eat food containing sugars or starches (complex sugars), your teeth are exposed to these acids for 20 minutes or more. This occurs more often if you eat snacks and the food stays on your teeth for a while. These repeated acid attacks can break down the enamel surface of your teeth, leading to a cavity. If you must snack, brush your teeth or chew sugarless gum afterward.

A balanced diet is also important. Not getting enough minerals and vitamins can affect your oral health, as well as your general health.

 

Step 6: If you use tobacco in any form, quit.
Smoking or using smokeless tobacco increases your risk of oral cancer, gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay. Using tobacco also contributes to bad breath and stains on your teeth.

 

Step 7: Examine your mouth regularly.
Even if you visit your dentist regularly, you are in the best position to notice changes in your mouth. Your dentist and dental hygienist see you only a few times a year, but you can examine your mouth weekly to look for changes that might be of concern. These changes could include:

1. Swollen gums
2. Chipped teeth
3. Discolored teeth
4. Sores or lesions on your gums, cheeks or tongue

A regular examination is particularly important for tobacco users, who are at increased risk of developing oral cancer. If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, your dentist or dental hygienist can show you where a sore, spot, patch or lump is most likely to appear.

 

Step 8: Visit the dental office regularly.
Talk to your dentist about how often you should visit. If you have a history of cavities or crown and bridge work, or are wearing braces, you should visit the dentist more often. Some people, such as diabetics or smokers, have more gum disease than the general population. They also should visit the dentist more often. People with suppressed immune systems also are more likely to have dental problems. Examples include people who are infected with HIV or are receiving cancer treatment. More frequent visits for these groups are important to maintain good oral health.

 

Use this daily guide and witness the improvmenet in your overall oral hygiene. Then once you have whitened your teeth from of our range of high quality teeth whitening kits / Crest Whitestrips you can maintain easily a beautiful white and healthy smile

For all your dental requirements go to www.crestwhitestrips.co.uk.

 

 

 

News feature: Managing periodontal disease and empowering patients

Periodontal disease is one of most challenging and problematic of clinical issues for a plethora of reasons: the diagnosis is often difficult, the treatment inadequately remunerated by the NHS and most patients are unaware of it. Yet the need to implement a preventive approach to periodontal disease has never been greater.

The possible associations between periodontal disease and systemic health have given impetus for a more preventive approach to the disease.

Another driver for prevention is that periodontal disease is one of the fastest growing and most costly areas of litigation in the dental field.

One third of all the highest value negligence claims relate to allegations of undiagnosed or untreated periodontal disease, with one recent claim in this country being settled for £94,000¹.

So, this subject could not have been a more timely or apt topic for recent discussion by Johnson & Johnson's National Advisory Panel, consisting of 10 leading members of the dental profession, Professor Monty Duggal, Dr Elaine Giedrys-Leeper, Dr Stephen Hancocks, Professor Liz Kay, Professor Mike Lewis, Dr Mike Martin, Dr Susie Sanderson, Sally Simpson, Elaine Tilling and Professor Nairn Wilson (Chairman).

Also at the meeting was Iain Chapple, Professor and Head of Periodontology at Birmingham Dental School, who gave the panel a presentation illustrating the extent of periodontal disease and the consequent cost to society as well as an outline of research into the condition.

One of the first conclusions of the meeting was that it is misleading to refer to a 'link' between periodontal disease and systemic health.

Such terminology probably dates back to research from an era when there was no Cochrane Review and before evidence-based dentistry was in place.

Some of those present were happier to refer to an 'association' or even to refer simply to 'shared disease mechanisms'.

Nevertheless, it was pointed out that new research into people with cardiovascular disease found that their heart health improved if their perio condition was treated and the American Association of Cardiologists recommend that patients who have a periodontal condition get it treated prior to heart surgery ².

The key question of the day was how to encourage a more preventive approach to periodontal disease.

It is an aspect of dentistry which none of the different National Health Service contracts and systems have ever managed to cater for adequately. But hope lies on the horizon, the panel agreed, with the recommendations of the Steele Review and the possibility of outcomes being measured according to Key Performance Indicators. It was even suggested that high risk perio patients could be at the top of Steele's pyramid for advanced care.

Panel members agreed that the health gain of patients with periodontal disease could be measurable and this ought to be raised with commissioners of dental care.

It was stressed, however, that practitioners need to be paid properly to provide preventive care and encouraged to prioritise those patients at highest risk. One panel member suggested that CPD in periodontal diagnosis and treatment could be made a compulsory subject. Interestingly, this exact conclusion was subsequently made by the European Workshop on Periodontal Education, Segovia, Spain, November 2009³.

A case was also made for the training of more hygienists to deliver the kind of intensive care that patients with periodontitis require.

But the lifestyle and behaviour of patients themselves is critical. The panel agreed the aim should be to help all members of the population achieve a high standard of plaque control involving appropriate use of toothbrushing, interdental cleaning and mouthwashes.

This led to a discussion about how patient behaviour can be changed.

Diabetic patients were quoted as an example of what is achievable. They are taught to take control of their condition through a combination of diet, exercise and medication. Dental patients with periodontal disease need to develop a similar kind of responsibility for their condition and an awareness that their diet and oral hygiene has a major impact on their dental health.

Professor Chapple advised the panel about Pre Viser, a new validated online risk assessment software.

Routinely collected information is input to the software which generates scores for the patient's future risk of periodontal disease and their current periodontal health status. Reports can then be printed for patients and their clinical records. The system has been shown to predict tooth loss with a high degree of accuracy⁴. Its motivational impact in stimulating patients to improve their periodontal health is due to be trialed in UK NHS practices in 2010.

At one UK dental hospital, the panel was told, patients are shown the bugs that are killed when plaque is exposed to Listerine, which is found to be a powerful oral health message. Another panel member found that patients' attitude to their oral health changed dramatically once they had invested in a cosmetic treatment, like bleaching. This motivated them to take better care of their mouths.

Another valuable consensus area among the panel members was the need for the medical and dental professions to work together to ensure that those with conditions which might make them more susceptible to dental disease got co-ordinated help and interventions.

This was particularly true for children who have survived cancer treatment but who have been immuno-suppressed as a result of chemotherapy. Transient bacteria are a threat to their health and they need to be seen by clinicians who are aware that they are more vulnerable than others of their age.

 Delivering Better Oral Health, the Department of Health's evidence-based toolkit for prevention, was praised for its practical approach to reducing caries. What was needed, the panel agreed, was a toolkit for the management and treatment of periodontitis with a CPD element included. But it was also clear there should be a multi-pronged approach to achieving a new preventive strategy, resulting in more patients living into old age with their teeth.

The day was rewarding, partly because of the wealth of information to underpin the discussions and partly because of the shared commitment to a more preventive approach to periodontal disease.

The message for the future may be simple – a clean mouth is good for general health and well being – but it's no mere slogan.

It is supported by some of the most influential people working in dentistry today who believe that commissioners, dentists and dental teams can start to turn back the tide of periodontal disease in this country. 
 
The meeting concluded with agreement for the following consensus statements:
•    The panel affirms that a clean and healthy mouth is good for general health and wellbeing as well as oral health
•    The panel affirms the significant benefits of effective plaque control before clinical signs of inflammation
•    The panel recommends that patients should achieve a high standard of plaque control involving appropriate use of toothbrushing, interdental cleaning and mouthwashes
•    The panel recommends the development of an evidence based toolkit (with CPD) for management and treatment of periodontitis to update and enhance patients' and professionals' knowledge 
•    The panel strongly recommends the creation of a nationwide system within which periodontal care can be effectively delivered to those who need it most, and risk assessment underpins that assessment of need
•    The panel recognises the need to understand the scientific basis for the relationship between periodontitis and other non-resolving inflammatory health conditions.

 

References
1.    A presentation by Derrick Setchell, a former Vice Dean of the Eastman Dental Institute, to the 2009 Premier Symposium.
2.    Friedewald VE, Kornman KS, Beck JD, Genco R, Goldfine A, Libby P, Offenbacher S, Ridker PM, Van Dyke TE, Roberts WC (2009). The American Journal of Cardiology and Journal of Periodontology Editors' Consensus: periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Cardiology; Journal of Periodontology. Am J Cardiol; 104:59-68.
3.    Sanz M, Chapple ILC (2010). 1st European Consensus Workshop in Periodontal Education – Overall Recommendation. Europ J Dent Edu (in press).
4.    Martin JA, Page RC, Kaye EK, Hamed MT, Loeb CF (2009). Periodontitis severity plus risk as a tooth loss predictor. J Periodontol; 80:202-9.

 

 

The Impact Of Oral Health On Your Quality Of Life

Taking care of your teeth and gums is important. It keeps your smile sparkling, improves your oral health and even plays a significant role in the overall health of your entire body. In fact, studies have shown that diseases and conditions of the mouth have a direct impact on our general health.

After tooth decay, periodontal disease is the second most common oral disease worldwide, and is often a leading cause of serious diseases and conditions throughout the body, including heart disease, diabetes and premature births. This harmful disease causes inflammation and oral infections, and the chronic inflammation in our mouths can contribute to more serious, systemic diseases. This alone should be enough to make you think twice about skipping a routine trip to your Lone Tree dentist.

Oral Health and Heart Disease

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those with healthy gums. Additional research is needed in order to show the exact relationship between oral health and heart disease, but it’s thought to be caused by one of two reasons. One theory is that bacteria from the mouth can enter into the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the heart’s blood vessels, and eventually causing clot formation. A second theory is that gum inflammation can contribute to swelling in the arteries.

Whatever the exact reason, patients with chronic periodontal disease are at a greater risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke, and people with good oral health typically have fewer instances of heart complications.

Diabetes and Dental Health

Diabetes can have a serious impact on infections in the bones and gums surrounding the teeth. And because diabetes lowers an individual’s resistance to infection, diabetics are more prone to developing periodontal disease. Likewise, severe cases of periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, putting diabetics at an increased risk for serious diabetic health problems.

With all of that being said, if you are one of the millions of people living with diabetes, good dental health becomes extremely important in order to prevent gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth and other serious infections.

Pregnancy and Gum Disease

Any type of infection, including periodontal disease, is cause for alarm during pregnancy. In fact, expectant mothers who have gum disease can be up to seven times more likely to have a pre-term, low birth-weight baby, which in turn increases the likelihood for the child to have lasting developmental problems.

Because women are more likely to experience gum disease during pregnancy, it’s extremely important to practice good oral hygiene and visit a dentist for regular exams and cleanings. And if you’re planning to become pregnant, make sure to include a periodontal examination as an important part of your prenatal care.

As if taking good care of your teeth and gums wasn’t already evident, understanding the serious implications that the health of your mouth can have on the rest of your body should make practicing exceptional dental care an even more important part of your daily routine. Regular brushing, flossing and check ups with your Lone Tree and Highlands Ranch family dentist can go a long way toward preventing serious health complications and keeping your immune system strong.

Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Angela Osborn, a leading cosmetic and family dentist in Lone Tree, CO. Specializing in a range of cosmetic and family dental services including Invisalign and implant restoration, this Highlands Ranch family and cosmetic dentist is qualified to handle every dental need for patients in the Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree areas of Colorado.

 

Sports drinks linked to tooth damage

Sipping on sports drinks can damage your teeth because of the high levels of acid in them, dentists have warned.

Dental experts placed teeth in sports drinks and in water to compare the effects and found the citric acid in the sports drinks caused corrosion and could result in severe tooth damage if left untreated.

The results of the experiment were presented at the annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research in Miami.

Researchers at the New York University College of Dentistry cut calves' teeth in half and immersed each half in either a sports drink or water and compared the results after 75 to 90 minutes.

"This is the first time that the citric acid in sports drinks has been linked to erosive tooth wear," said Dr Mark Wolff, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care at the college, who led the study.

The erosion on the half placed in the sports drink was clearly visible because dozens of tiny holes had appeared while there was no damage on the half which was immersed in water

Brushing teeth immediately after the drinks would compound the problem, Dr Wolff said, because the acid in the drink softens tooth enamel leaving it vulnerable to the the abrasive brushing with toothpaste.

In another study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists found cutting out one serving of sugared soft drink led to weight loss of just over one pound after six months and 1lb 4oz after 18 months. Cutting out other drinks did not have the same effect, the researchers said.

A spokesman for the British Soft Drinks Association said: "This study does not replicate real life as the teeth were studied outside of the mouth. A real-life study conducted by Ohio State University, which is the most comprehensive study to date, found that there is no relationship between the consumption of sports drinks and dental erosion. Anyone concerned about this issue should consult their dentist for advice on how to minimise the effects of dietary acids from all sources in the diet."

By, Rebecca Smith

 

British Dental experts outline ways to fight plaque

Experts at the British Dental Association have outlined a number of ways to reduce plaque and fight harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Plaque is a sticky substance, which is made up of bacteria and left over food deposits; it clings to the surfaces of the teeth and the gum line. The bacteria produce plaque acids, which attack the protective enamel surfaces on the teeth and make the teeth more vulnerable to decay. As well as contributing to a range of oral health conditions, the harmful bacteria present in plaque can also contribute to serious medical conditions including cardiovascular disease.

In order to reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth, dentists advise people to adopt a good daily oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing the teeth twice each day, flossing and rinsing using mouthwash. Dentists also recommend using toothpastes that contain special anti-plaque ingredients, such as triclosan. Using an battery / electric toothbrush will also help to remove more plaque than brushing with a manual toothbrush.

Eating a diet that is low in sugar can also help to prevent plaque build-up as bacteria like to feed on sugary foods; this weakens the enamel surfaces of the teeth. Eating and drinking foods and drinks that are high in polyphenols can also reduce plaque, according to numerous studies; examples of these foods and drinks include cranberry juice, red wine and green tea.

Polyphenols prevent the plaque from sticking to the teeth and also stop the bacteria from producing the harmful plaque acids, which weaken the enamel surfaces of the teeth.
Researchers at the University of Madrid have also discovered that olive oil has benefits for oral health; adding a drizzle of olive oil to our daily diet can help to prevent bacteria from clinging to the surfaces of the teeth; this is a result of the high content of oleuropein, an anti-bacteria substance. The study was launched when researchers found a positive correlation between people who consumed olive oil on a regular basis and low rates of tooth decay.

Thank You to Dentistry.Co.Uk for this information

 

Oral cancer is key topic in Euro conference

Philips Sonicare is supporting a conference aimed at presenting the European perspectives on oral cancer.

It will be staged in parallel sessions for two distinct audiences; xentists, and zpecialists mainly in maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, oral surgery, special care dentistry, and otorhinolaryngology and dental care professionals [DCPs] and the cancer support team.

The Oral Healthcare for People Living with Cancer Conference brings together some of the worlds leading experts in the field of oral cancer, takes place on 11 June 2010.

It aims to enhance awareness throughout the healthcare team of the importance of early detection of orofacial signs and symptoms, and of the prevention of cancers.

In addition, it is hoped that healthcare professionals will learn ways to help reduce mortality rates through early detection and early treatment and reduce complications from cancers and their treatment.

Philips is working with Professor Crispian Scully of the Eastman Dental Institute to organise the event which takes place in London at The De Vere Conference Centre in the Docklands area of the City. 

The fit with Philips Sonicare is a good one.

The brushes in the Sonicare range use the latest sonic technology to clean the oral cavity highly effectively yet gently to ensure patients with oral health problems such as oral cancers achieve an exemplary level of cleanliness without damaging sensitive tissues and lesions so necessary to ensure that their treatment and overall health are not compromised any further.

For patients with oral cancer, many of whom are immunologically compromised, the addition of a Philips UV Sanitiser with its FlexCare+ brush enables them to eliminate 99% of selected germs from their toothbrush heads, so that they do not risk potentially risky infections.