Tooth Decay In Baby Teeth Affects Permanent Teeth, Too

A study in China has found that decay in a baby tooth (or primary tooth) is a risk factor for defects in the enamel of the permanent tooth that replaces it.

The study took place in an area of southern China . Researchers examined children between ages 3 and 7 to look for decay in their primary teeth. About eighty-five percent had some decay.
As the children reached age 11 or 12, the researchers examined them again to look for defects in the enamel of their permanent teeth. Defects were found in 29 percent of permanent teeth replacing primary teeth that had decay at age 3. Defects were found in only 13 percent of permanent teeth replacing primary teeth that never had decay.

The earlier the age at which decay occurred in primary teeth, the greater the chance of enamel defects in the corresponding permanent teeth.

The study is being conducted at the University of Hong Kong. These preliminary results were presented at the International Association of Dental Research meeting in San Diego.

Illuminated Toothbrush

Innovative Illuminated Toothbrush To Aid Children In Learning Proper Brushing Techniques:

Dr. Fresh, one of the fastest growing toothbrush manufacturers in the world, has introduced a highly innovative means for parents to educate their children in complying with appropriate brushing techniques. Its new Fire Fly toothbrush, specially designed for children ages 2 to 8, is the first illuminated toothbrush and features a 60-second flashing timer. The one-minute interval is considered the amount of time necessary for a good thorough brushing by a conscientious young brusher.

Designed with soft rounded nylon bristles, Fire Fly is perfect for young developing teeth and gums. It comes in an assortment of bright colors that further motivate children to do their daily brushing. With Fire Fly, children actually look forward to doing what they previously considered an unpleasant task

Chronic Periodontal Disease Could Lead to Diabetes

Chronic periodontal disease may contribute to diabetes, according to a review of recent research presented last week.

While it has been established that people with diabetes are more prone to developing periodontal disease, new research is suggesting that periodontal disease may, in turn, be a risk factor for diabetes.

The research review was presented at an American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) symposium on periodontal systemic connections in Bethesda, Md.

Periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and activate immune cells. These activated cells produce inflammatory biological signals (cytokines) that have a destructive effect throughout the entire body. "In the pancreas, the cells responsible for insulin production can be damaged or destroyed by the chronic high levels of cytokines.

Once this happens, it may induce Type 2 diabetes, even in otherwise healthy individuals with no other risk factors for diabetes," explained presenter Anthony Iacopino, D.M.D., Ph.D. in the Division of Prosthodontics at Marquette University's School of Dentistry in Milwaukee

Wear Sunglasses? You May Have Sensitive Teeth

If you avoid bright light, loud noises, heavy perfumes and itchy clothing, you may find that you avoid hot and cold foods because you have sensitive teeth.

A new study, confirms that people with sensitivities to special senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch) also have sensitive teeth. Lead author Norman C. Bitter, DDS, FAGD, studied 47 patients with sensitive teeth and found a direct relationship between the two, with one of the most notable findings that all patients expressed a need to wear sunglasses when outdoors, helping to confirm this connection.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the stimulation of cells in tiny tubes located in the tissue found underneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp. Hot and cold beverages, grinding or clenching teeth or brushing too hard can irritate the tubes and increase sensitivity.

Although patients cannot control sensitivity, they can take proactive steps to decrease or even alleviate the pain. "Try over the counter products such as brushing with specially formulated toothpaste for sensitive teeth and drinking tea, which has tannic acid, to temporarily reduce pain," suggests Dr. Bitter.

The tannic acid clogs the material in the opened dental tubes, which means hot and cold temperatures will have a harder time seeping in and hitting the pulp of the tooth, which is what triggers the pain.

Healthy teeth can Help to Prevent Heart Diseases

Keep your teeth clean if you want to protect your heart from diseases, suggests a new study that has found evidence of a link for the first time between gum disease and heart disease


Periodontitis is a chronic gum disease, which occurs when waste material or plaque collects around the teeth and irritates the gums. One can remove the plaque by brushing and flossing the teeth regularly.

However, failure to regularly brush and floss can lead to the irritated gums becoming infected. Teeth become loose and can even fall out.

French cardiologists and dentists looked at 131 patients referred to hospital for an X-ray examination of the arteries. All were examined for gum disease and had their blood checked for inflammation.

Scientists found those with the worst blockages in their arteries had the most severe gum disease, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.

The findings released at the European Society of Cardiology's annual meeting in Vienna showed that patients with artery disease had more severe periodontitis than those without. The most severe teeth disease was associated with the most widespread heart disease.