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.

Doctors Find Toothbrush In Woman's Nose

Mumbai, India (AHN) -- Doctors in India have removed a 3-inch toothbrush lodged inside the nose of a 31-year old woman, a local paper reported.

The report said that the housewife went to a hospital in Mumbai two months ago suffering from severe pain.

During a CT scan, doctors were shocked to find the broken toothbrush prompting them to order an immediate surgery.

"I was brushing my teeth, my husband accidentally pushed me and the toothbrush in my hand broke,"| said the woman. "I was left holding the lower portion of the brush but couldn't locate the rest of it."

"Soon after, I started bleeding profusely from the nose," she added. "But since that day, I began getting breathless and a foul-smelling discharge began to come out of my nose."

"The odor from her nose was so bad that it could be smelt from a distance of two feet," said Kaushal Sheth, the doctor who performed the surgery. "If the object had fallen into her windpipe, she could have choked to death."

Clean tongue is essential to fresh breath

Want to control bad breath? Don't ignore the tongue.

All those bumps and grooves on your tongue are a haven for bacteria and could be contributing to your bad breath because of the gases they give off, says Dr. Matthew Messina, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. It's important to take care of the tongue in addition to regular brushing and flossing.

According to Dr. Messina, "Scraping the tongue can really reduce the number of those bacteria and can help a number of people with bad breath."

But what's the best way to tackle the tongue?

But Dr. Messina said a toothbrush can work just as well as long as you remember to brush the tongue's middle and back, where microbe populations can be especially high.

While brushing the tongue doesn't have a long-lasting effect on bad breath, it is an important step in keeping your entire mouth healthy.

The ADA notes that bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.

Poor Dental Health Leads to Dementia Later in Life

Tooth loss and oral diseases may be indications that a person may develop dementia later in life,

or oral health may contribute to the development of dementia. The researchers say that there can be several possible reasons for the association between tooth loss and dementia, including periodontal disease and early-life nutritional deficiencies, infections or chronic diseases that may result simultaneously in tooth loss and brain damage.

They, however, have admitted that further study is needed to confirm whether tooth loss has any real role in bringing on dementia. "It is not clear from our findings whether the association is causal or casual," they say.

Tooth Enamel Eaten Away By Popular Drinks

The high acid content in populardrinks could just be sufficient enough to erode tooth enamel and cause dental damage, suggests a new study conducted by researchers at University of Iowa.

There is a general agreement that the high acidic levels of the popular beverages can cause etching of the thin enamel layer that provides protection for the exposed areas of the teeth. Additionally, the cementum, the hard calcified tissue that overlies the root area of the tooth can be damaged. The researchers of the present study studied the acid corrosive potential of five most commonly consumed beverages- apple juice, Diet Coke, Coke, Red bull and Gatorade.

Four extracted teeth were immersed in each of the drinks for a period of 25 hours. Every five hours, the old beverage was replenished with a new one. The rate of cementum and acidic enamel erosion was observed under a microscope. Gatorade, a sports drink was found to be the worst offender (erosion depth of 131 micrometers). This was followed by Coke (92 micrometers), Diet Coke (61 micrometers) and apple juice (57 micrometers). Comparable results were obtained when cementum damage was examined for the acid effect.

'If it erodes far enough it could lead to real tooth sensitivity. If the enamel is gone, then the dentin, which is underneath, becomes more sensitive. Acid eliminates that hard outer covering,' said Luther, one of the researchers. 'When most drinks -- sports drinks, orange juice, carbonated beverages -- are used the way they are supposed to be, it's not a problem', remarked Dr. Paul Casamassimo, Ohio State University.

Syrupy Medicines Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay

A report published in the January/February issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal, says that most children's medicines have the potential to cause cavities since they have liberal doses of sugar in them.


For example, antihistamine syrups contain a high level of sugar as well as low pH levels, which mean that they are high in acid content. The combination of the acidic content and sugar leads to the development of cavities. These medicines are usually available as over the counter preparations for allergies and flu or even cough. “It’s important to talk with your dentist about any medications that your child is on and see what he or she recommends to combat the problems those medications might cause,” said AGD spokesperson Paul Bussman, DMD, FAGD. But the report says that when treated with fluoride preparations the erosion of dental enamel was not so pronounced meaning that it resulted in fewer cavities. “Although some medications are necessary for general health they can be extremely harmful to the teeth if the medicine is given at bedtime or without following proper oral health habits,” observed Carolina Covolo da Costa, DDS, MSc, the author of the study.

The report adds that taking the medications at mealtimes minimizes the risk since the medicine is not in contact with the teeth for a long time.

Straighter teeth can improve oral health

There are many reasons why a dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment.

It is used to correct a malocclusion (bad bite), a condition caused by crowded, crooked or protruding teeth; teeth that are out of alignment; or jaws that do not meet properly. Malocclusion may be inherited, or it may be the result of thumb sucking, the premature loss of teeth or an accident.

Correcting the problem can result in better oral health because crooked and crowded teeth can make daily oral hygiene difficult. Over time, this may lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease and possibly tooth loss. An improper bite can interfere with chewing and speaking, cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel and lead to problems with the jaws.

Orthodontic treatment often is more comfortable and takes less time than it did years ago. Braces can be as inconspicuous as the patient desires. Brackets (the part of the braces that attach to each tooth) are smaller. Some brackets are attached to the back of the teeth, making them less noticeable.

Two types of braces are available: fixed, which are worn all of the time and can be removed only by the dentist, and removable, which the patient can take out of his or her mouth. The dentist selects the type based on the patient’s treatment needs and how well he or she will follow instructions regarding care and oral hygiene.

Although treatment plans are customized for each patient, most people wear their braces for one to three years depending on the conditions that need correcting. This is followed by a period of wearing a retainer that holds the teeth in their new positions. Although a little discomfort is expected during treatment, today’s braces are more comfortable than ever before. Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments.

Good oral hygiene is especially important for people wearing braces. Brushing regularly, as directed by the dentist, flossing daily and scheduling dental visits can help keep teeth healthy.

Chew on this: crunching ice can be bad for your teeth

While blenders and ice crushers are perfect for crunching ice cubes, teeth are not.

Many people habitually chew on ice, especially during the summer months. That’s when dentists' offices are crowded with patients suffering from gum injuries and broken teeth. The American Dental Association says avoiding chewing ice is a simple way to avoid tooth injuries.

For refreshment, instead of crushing big chunks of ice with the teeth, dentists recommend letting ice slivers melt in the mouth like candy. Dentists also recommend baby carrots or apple chunks to ice chewers who are seeking a crunch.

But anyone who has a persistent ice-chewing habit and finds it difficult to stop should let his or her dentist know. Craving and chewing ice is often associated with iron deficiency anemia.

As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen.

It's a common type of anemia. Some 20 percent of women, 50 percent of pregnant women, and 3 percent of men are iron deficient. It is often corrected with iron supplementation.

Foods can help brighten your smile

What you’re eating could damage your smile, but other foods and beverages can help clean your teeth. If you experience persistent tooth stains, talk to your dentist about ways you can enhance your smile.

Certain foods and beverages can lead to surface staining. Coffee, dark sodas, red wine and blueberries all leave their mark quickly.

“While daily home care and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth,” said Dr. Marty Zase, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. “Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.”

Drinking beverages from a straw helps food dyes avoid teeth altogether, and regular toothbrushing with baking soda, whitening toothpaste or a bleaching agent are also effective.

Smoking and Oral Health

Tobacco's Effect on The Mouth

• Oral cancer
• Bad breath or halitosis
• Black hairy tongue
• Gum recession - especially with chewing tobacco, the gums recede away from where you place the tobacco, exposing the roots
• Delayed healing of the gums
• Increased severity of periodontal disease
• Nicotinic stomatitis (smoker's palate) - inflammation of salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
• Staining
• Tar deposits remaining on the teeth

Too Much of Acidic Foods can Cause Permanent Damage to Teeth

Researchershave revealed that fruit, yoghurt, citric and soft drinks, may seem like harmless snacks and beverages, but improper consumption and overuse may lead to devastating and permanent damage to teeth.
It’s known as tooth erosion, the break down of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth that leads to decay. “Early diagnosis and prevention of the effects of tooth erosion are fundamental to keeping teeth healthy for life. Sipping or holding acidic drinks in the mouth before swallowing increases the risk of erosion on dental enamel,”.

Dental enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth's structure and shape while protecting it from decay. Soft drinks, which contain acids, break the tooth surfaces. These acids also damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving the mineral structure of teeth, thinning the teeth. Eventually, because of repeated exposure to acid, the tooth’s enamel will lose its shape and colour and as the damage progresses; the underlying dentin, (which is the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth), becomes exposed causing the teeth to look yellow. To prevent tooth erosion,patients who eat or drink an acidic food or beverage to wait at least 20 minutes before brushing the teeth so as not to destroy the weakened enamel. Eating acidic foods within five minutes, instead of snacking on them throughout the day, and eating these foods just during meal times in order to minimize the amount of time the acid is on the teeth.

Scientists Develop Toothpaste That Rebuilds Tooth Enamel

British scientists have developed a toothpaste that they claim contains a liquid form of calcium and can help in treating sensitive teeth by rebuilding the tooth enamel.
People with sensitive teeth experience pain and discomfort after consuming hot or cold food, liquid or breathing cold air. This problem often occurs when gums recede and the tooth roots are exposed. They are not covered by hard enamel, the protective outer layer of the tooth. Arm and Hammer's enamel care toothpaste produced by Church and Dwight Co., the world's leading manufactures of a wide range of personal care, household and specialty products is said to contain a liquid form of calcium, the key component of tooth enamel. The liquid calcium rebuilds the tooth by plugging microscopic gaps in the enamel. The repair stops dental nerves from becoming exposed thereby preventing pain, reported online edition of Daily Mail. Dentist Graham Barnby, who tested the new product at his clinics in south England, said, "This is a unique product. Current toothpastes aimed at people with sensitive teeth simply mask the pain while this one solves the problem." The toothpaste, which has been five years in the making, will be available in Britain by the end of this month at 3.49 pounds for a 75 ml tube before going on sale in the U.S. The problem of dental sensitivity increases with age as teeth become more sensitive as a result of gum recession or erosion of the enamel by acidic food and drink.

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A Glass of Wine can Keep Tooth Decay and a Sore Throat at Bay

A new study has revealed that a regular glass of wine, both red and white can help put off tooth decay, gum disease and heal sore throats.


According to Italian scientists, who used bottles of supermarket Valpolicella and Pinot Nero wine, the drink has ingredients that can kill bacteria. "However, the drink's antibacterial qualities, although well- known by the ancient Romans, have been little investigated," the Daily Mail quoted Professor Gabriella Gazzani, as saying. "Overall, our findings seem to indicate that wine can act as an effective anti-microbial agent against streptococci bacteria and upper respiratory tract infections," she said. The professor added that it is still necessary to maintain good oral health. "We should still drink wine because it tastes good, goes well with food and is a pleasure to share with company. And we should still brush and floss our teeth the accepted way," she added. The study is published in the American Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Whitening Teeth

If you are planning to whiten your teeth by bleaching them, consult the people because getting it done by unqualified people could cause considerable harm, warn doctors.
"Some beauty salons are offering teeth whitening by unqualified technicians, some of whom even use industrial bleach," said Christopher Orr, president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. "Not only are the treatments performed by non-dentists, but some of these chemicals aren't accepted material for this cosmetic use and could cause considerable harm," the doctor added. A salon in Britain treated 23-year-old Stephanie Ramezan with chlorine dioxide, a powerful acidic disinfectant used to clean up toxins that cause infections like pneumonia and to purify water, reported UPI news wire. The acidic disinfectant actually turned her teeth browner. Ramezan's dentist said the unconventional cleaning solvent had damaged the surface of her teeth.

Healthy Dental Practices can Help to Prevent Heart Diseases

Oral health products maker Oral B has created an electric toothbrush with a built-in “satnav” that uses a radio and a separate miniature display screen to tell its users where to clean, for how long, and whether a user is brushing too hard or not hard enough.
The manufacturers of Triumph with SmartGuide hope that their new gizmo will be this year’s Christmas must-have in the bathroom product. The device comes with a wireless LCD display that can be stuck on to the shaving mirror as the brush whirrs away. It uses tiny microchips and sensors to feed back information to an inbuilt "brain", which can detect when too much or too little pressure is being applied. The LCD display shows a circle divided into four, which represents four different sectors of the mouth. As each quadrant is cleaned, the screen guides where to clean and for how long. The display counts 30 seconds for each quadrant and two minutes overall. It also alerts the user to when the brushes have become worn, and acts as a clock when not in use.