Preventing Dental Problems

         That's the name of the game!

"Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat,

energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks."

                                                                        Warren Buffet

All-natural sweetener puts the brakes on decay-causing bacteria

Here's great news for gum chewers! Researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in Minneapolis discovered that a new gum sweetened with xylitol (pronounced zy-li-tall) actually reduces the formation of cavity-causing bacteria on your teeth.

In the study, researchers measured the levels of the bacteria streptococcus mutans in the mouths of 151 cavity-prone individuals. Those who chewed the xylitol-sweetened gum for at least five minutes after eating had significantly lower levels of these destructive bacteria on their teeth than did those who chewed other gum, or none at all.

"While chewing gum discourages cavities by stimulating saliva flow and neutralizing acids in the mouth, gum sweetened with xylitol is the only kind that actively discourages the growth of mutans streptococci, the bacteria that promote cavities.

In contrast, gums sweetened with sugar or sorbitol can feed the growth," said lead study author Gary Hildebrandt, DDS, associate clinical professor of dentistry at the University of Minnesota.

Another bonus of chewing xylitol-sweetened gum - the bacteria are working so hard to eliminate the xylitol they have no energy left to reproduce. And, according to study results, xylitol has this repressive effect for as long as three months.

MORE ABOUT XYLITOL

Xylitol occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Discovered in 1981 by German chemist Emil Fischer, it's been used as a sweetening agent in food since the 1960's.

Commercially, xylitol is extracted from birch trees and other hardwoods, then sold in powdered form as an alternative sweetener.

It has a fresh sweet taste that's similar to other non-sugar sweeteners, and it has none of the chemical aftertaste that some non-sugar sweeteners have. Xylitol contains 1/3 of the calories of regular sugar. It's currently used in mints, toothpastes, mouthwashes, cough syrups and throat lozenges. And it can benefit diabetics! Xylitol is absorbed slowly, so the rise in blood glucose - and the resultant insulin response - is greatly reduced.

The ONLY downside problem with Xylitol noted so far?          

It shouldn't be eaten by PETS!                                                                                                                                                              

Some dogs have had toxic reactions to the sugar substitute.

 WHOOOPS What happened to Whoopi???

It could happen to you.

On October 23, 2008 on the National Television show, The View, Whoopi Goldberg confesses her dental disaster! You can watch the original clip on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-t7Npdwi8c .

A partial transcript :

Whoopi: Welcome to “The View” and boy am I glad to be back

Group: We missed you and you look better today

W: I feel much better today, emergency gum surgery

G: You had the chipmunk cheek

W: Yeah I had the chipmunk cheek and whenever you get an infection in your face and it alters the way you look.. when I came into work and people said  “HEY” “How ARE you?” And my face was out to here and I’m not feeling as good as I should!

G: Her face was so swollen, she couldn’t even look down to dial the phone.

And you tried not to have the look of horror on your face

W: I looked like I got beat up and I said when I found out all the stuff going on in my mouth, take care of your teeth, and I’m embarrassed to say this to people, I have great dental insurance and I did noth9ing with it. For years and years I left my mouth go and I am paying the price. I am losing teeth because I am losing bone and I brought this on myself and I could have prevented it and you mouth is connected to your entire system, to your immune system. If you do not take care of your mouth you are not taking care of your bodhy and your entire body and it will kill you. I don’t know whether you guys saw this but about a week ago they linked your mouth health to heart health

G: And I have a good friend , a family friend who is a dentist and he said that for the first time physicians are connecting.. and cardiologists are speaking to dentists and physicians talking about oral care and there is a good conversation going on between the two medical fields and this is great.

W: And I’m begging all of our watchers and listeners and everybody and everybody in the audience, I know you’re scared because you think, you know, Listen you know if you are of a certain age we didn’t go to dentists who cared about the way you felt. They went in your mouth and drrrrillled and no numb and no sweetness. Dentistry has changed so much that really, they can do it they can take care of it. It will be easier to teach your kids and your grand kids to go. I’m begging you save your own life. Don’t do what I have done because I am going to lose my teeth!! And when it happens I will let you know what’s going on because they will be fake in my mouth.

G: And there’s no tooth fairy for adults, you know there’s no tooth fairy for adults.

The ZT4BG project

When Whoopi Goldberg revealed to the world on The View that she was about to lose teeth thanks to gum disease, a long time silentnational epidemic took center stage.

ZT4BG stands for Zero Tolerance for Bleeding Gums.  We've created a separate website that brings to the fore the increasingly recognized connection between infection in the mouth and the entire rest of the body.  This is a first on the web.

Heart disease.

Stroke.

High blood pressure.

Diabetes.

Arthritis.

Pre-term/low birthweight babies.

It's serious!

There are sections for the general public as well as medical/dental professionals.  This is a great reference for your physician.

>>>>> click here <<<<< to visit www.ZT4BG.com

With many thanks to our friend, Dr. Lisa Marie Samaha in Virginia:

Are you Certified Kissable?

Even if your smile looks healthy, there’s a good chance you have gum disease, (otherwise known as periodontal disease), lurking around those pearly whites. As much as 85 percent of the adult population has some level of periodontal disease, according to current scientific research. Periodontal disease is the most common chronic infection known to man. It is considered an infectious disease and is easily spread within families and close circles of friends.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Controlling your gum disease is critical if you want to keep your teeth. But controlling gum disease also is key to your overall health -- the bacteria that cause gum disease can spread from your mouth to the rest of your body. Research has shown links between gum disease and premature birth, as well as other complications during pregnancy. Periodontal disease can worsen diabetes and diabetes can worsen periodontal disease. This insidious disease is also linked to heart attacks and strokes, lung and kidney diseases and may be a factor in multiple cancers, as well as Alzheimer’s disease. In essence, periodontal disease can be life-threatening. This is why we refer to the mouth-body connection as the oral/systemic link.

An Inflammatory Disease
Gum disease is an inflammatory disease, which is why it is able to be so destructive - to every organ, every cell in the body. Inflammation is known to be the root cause of nearly all degenerative disease, including cancer. As an active, bacterial infection, it is contagious. You can catch it through mouth to mouth kissing and sharing drinks and food. Not everyone who is exposed to the bacteria which cause gum disease gets the disease, but a diligent regimen of good home care, good nutrition and professional care is necessary to avoid its grip. Alarmingly, periodontal disease is a silent disease until symptoms appear usually in its mid to late stages.

Do you have the gene for Periodontal Disease?
According to dental research, one-third of the population has a genetic marker for the disease. Having the genetic marker doesn’t mean you must “kiss your teeth goodbye,” though. It just means you are more susceptible. Anyone, at any age, can be easily tested for the genetic marker for periodontal disease via a simple DNA-PCR salivary test, but the genetic test isn’t necessary for every patient. We find it especially helpful for establishing proper home care and professional maintenance protocols for someone who is at risk for the disease. If you don’t have the genetic marker – you’re not in the clear – you can still get periodontal disease. Remember, about 85% of the population have periodontal disease and only 33% have the genetic marker. And if you have the genetic marker, it doesn’t mean you have to have gum disease. It means you just have to work harder not to have it. And, once controlled, its treatment and prevention may need to be more aggressive if you have the disease.

What Dangerous Bacteria is Causing Your Disease?
If diagnosed with periodontal disease, another important test is the bacterial DNA salivary test which assesses the specific type and number of destructive periodontal bacteria in your mouth, ie, the bacteria which are causing YOUR disease. By knowing the results of this test, targeted treatment can be designed for your disease. The test, which typically costs less than $200, is important for someone diagnosed with periodontal disease and/or someone considering dental surgery and major dental treatment. With the knowledge of what bacteria are contaminating your mouth and infecting your bloodstream, the disease can be better managed, healing is accelerated and postoperative complications are minimized.  

Zero Tolerance for Bleeding Gums

As for prevention, it’s important to get children in early for proper treatment and testing if they show any signs of gingivitis (early gum disease) such as bleeding when they brush or floss their teeth. There should be a zero tolerance for bleeding gums and our profession and the public is slowly beginning to realize this fact. Early detection is critical as the longer a person has gum disease, the more aggressive the bacterial colonies become. In essence, the less dangerous bacteria transform into the more dangerous ones, as time goes on. According to the American Academy of Periodontology if one person in the family is diagnosed with periodontal disease, the entire family should be evaluated. Remember, periodontal disease is a highly contagious disease.

Treatment Must Be Multifaceted

Because periodontal disease is such a complex disease, its successful treatment and management requires a multi-faceted approach. There are many steps you can take to avoid gum surgery, as long as you are under a watchful professional eye.

We work closely with patients’ physicians to screen our patients with periodontal disease for certain blood markers related to gum disease, such as Vit D, cholesterol, high sensitivity-C-reactive protein levels and diabetic markers. We enjoy helping our patients’ and their physicians manage their total body health – a natural result of treating our patients’ periodontal disease.

Healing from the Inside Out …And the Outside-In

Proper nutrition, in the form of a minimum of eight tennis ball servings of fruits and vegetables per day – along with specially targeted nutritional supplements – help boost the integrity of the entire immune system, and nourish the oral soft tissues when necessary, this is what we call “healing from the inside out.” It is important to realize that the soft tissue in the mouth is the most vulnerable tissue in the body and the periodontal bacteria living in the mouth are some of the most aggressive bacteria living anywhere in the body. A dose of a specific antibiotic may be necessary if the bacterial load is exceedingly high, and is only recommended after confirmation of the need via bacterial DNA testing.

Simultaneously with medical consultation, simple bacterial testing and nutritional support the root surfaces of  the teeth are smoothed to remove the excessive build-up and toxins which are embedded on the roots and in the soft but sticky “biofilm” on the teeth which is much like the film that develops inside an aquarium or flower vase. Simultaneously, the calcified debris is removed from the teeth, which is much like barnacles on a boat.

This treatment helps to reduce inflammation and the depth of pockets between the teeth and gums. For more serious cases of periodontal disease in our office, these procedures are combines with gentle laser treatment to disinfect the roots of the teeth and the soft tissue around the teeth. With these methods, traditional periodontal surgery is rarely needed to treat the diseased tissue.

Probiotics for the mouth help your gums, prevent decay and whiten your teeth all at once!

As part of treatment, and for follow-up, a special mouthrinse and toothpaste is recommended, along with specific home care, often with a rotary toothbrush and toothpicks, floss or specific brushes which clean between the teeth. Special oral pro-biotics dissolved once a day are also valuable. These lightly flavored wafers flood your mouth with good bacteria, leaving no room for the bad bacteria to take hold. This minty wafer pro-biotic also prevents tooth decay and whitens your teeth at the same time!

Are you “Certified Kissable”?

Unfortunately, once you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you’ll always be at risk for recurrence. Your dentist and/or hygienist will monitor your gum health with professional preventive treatment. Periodontal disease doesn’t have to be a death sentence for you or your teeth. But diligence is always necessary because, as scientific research shows, we can go from healthy gums to diseased gums within 36 hours of neglect. Think about it—what other part of our body requires such diligent care in order to prevent a disease state from occurring?

Is it time for your next dental visit? Your health – your life –may depend on it. Call the dental office of your choice today. Make sure your smile is “Certified Kissable.”

 >>>>> click here <<<<< to visit www.ZT4BG.com

Trouble thinking? Better see the dentist

Fri Nov 13, 2009

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Good oral care such as regular brushing, flossing and trips to the dentist, may help aging adults keep their thinking skills intact, according to a U.S. study.

Research has already established an association between poor oral health and heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as Alzheimer's disease.

But researchers from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York found gum disease could also influence brain function through several mechanisms, such as causing inflammation throughout the body, a risk factor for loss of mental function.

The study based on adults aged 60 and older found those with the highest levels of the gum disease-causing pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis were three times more likely to have trouble recalling a three-word sequence after a period of time.

The study, led by Dr. James Noble, also found that adults with the highest levels of this pathogen were two times more likely to fail three-digit reverse subtraction tests.

"Despite the association of periodontitis with stroke and shared risk factors between stroke and dementia, to our knowledge, no epidemiological studies have investigated periodontitis relative to cognition," the researchers wrote in their study.

"Although results presented here are preliminary and inconclusive, a growing body of evidence supports exploration of a possible association between poor oral health and incident dementia."

The study, reported in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, was based on more than 2,350 men and women who were tested for periodontitis and completed numerous thinking skills tests as part of a national survey.

Overall 5.7 percent of the adults had trouble completing certain memory tasks, 6.5 percent had impaired delayed recall, and 22.1 percent had trouble with serial subtractions.

But those with the levels of the pathogen were nearly three times more likely to struggle with the verbal memory tests, and twice as likely to fail on both delayed verbal recall and subtraction tests.

"Although our results are preliminary, they suggest that further exploration of relationships between oral health and cognition is warranted," they concluded.

(Reporting by Joene Hendry of Reuters Health, Editing by Belinda Goldsmith)

Don't forget to visit www.ZT4BG.com to follow the most current thinking on the oral/systemic connecton.

Gene Therapy Effective In Treating Gum Disease

Gene therapy has found to be effective in impeding the development of periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, according to researchers.

With the help of gene therapy, the research team led by William Giannobile, professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry were able to find a way to help certain cells using an inactivated virus to produce more of a naturally-produced molecule soluble TNF receptor.

This factor is under-produced in patients with periodontitis.

The molecule delivered by gene therapy works like a sponge to sop up excessive levels of tumour necrosis factor, a molecule known to worsen inflammatory bone destruction in patients afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, joint
deterioration and periodontitis.

"Gene therapy has not been used in non-life threatening disease. (Periodontal disease) is more disabling than life threatening," said Giannobile.

"This is so important because the next wave of improving medical therapeutics goes beyond saving life, and moves forward to improving the quality of life," he added.

With the gene therapy, periodontal tissues were spared from destruction by more than 60-80 percent.

"If you deliver the gene into the target cells once, it keeps producing in the cells for a very long period of time or potentially for the life of the
patient," Giannobile said.

"This therapy is basically a single administration, but it could have
potentially life-long treatment effects in patients who are at risk for severe disease activity," he added.

The findings are published in Gene Therapy.

---

But I think they are wrong on gum disease just being disabling and not life-threatening.  Dead wrong!---Dr. D

It's called The Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM), a technological wonder developed by Canadian dentist, Dr. Anil Makkar. By holding his jaw in a position that allows his jaw and neck muscles to completely relax, The PPM is literally giving Ramirez an edge in strength, balance and flexibility.

"Incredible," is how Ramirez describes it. "I pop this thing in my mouth before I go to the plate, and man do I feel a difference. Just like that, I feel stronger, and more relaxed. And when you're feeling relaxed and in tune with your body, you can do some damage… I just love it," he says.

The star slugger has been showing off the device during games. He knows the device is helping improve his game, especially during the play offs.

Manny Ramirez models mouthguard

Dr. Anil Makkar, the neuromuscular dentist who invented the device, says that years of research went into designing his mouth guard. "This is about human physiology," he says. "Over 90% of the population has a misaligned bite, which causes muscle tension. When the neck and jaw muscles are tense, the body can't perform at optimal efficiency. Strength and balance are diminished. In the simplest terms, what The PPM does is allow the body to perform at its absolute peak, in a purely natural way."

To achieve this kind of efficiency, athletes who are interested in using The PPM must be fitted by specially trained and licensed dentists. Dr. Makkar, a graduate of the reputable Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dentistry, says that the key to getting the perfect fit is the use of state-of-the-art equipment which monitors the condition of the jaw muscles so that a dentist can determine where the optimal bite position is.

"Once we know where the optimal bite position is, we can then fit the mouth guard," says Makkar. "So whenever they put the device in their mouth, it will hold their jaw in the perfect position, freeing up the rest of the body to perform at it's best."

In the case of star slugger, Manny Ramirez, he was fitted for The PPM during spring training in Fort Myers. During a session that lasted almost one hour, a machine called the J5 myomonitor was used to induce his jaw muscles into a state of relaxation. Once his jaw could be opened into it's most relaxed position, a mold was made.

"There are a lot of dentists throughout North America and around the world who are fitting athletes with The Edge," says Dr. Makkar. "That number is growing at an exponential rate."

The PPM is indeed taking off. It is part of a comprehensive mouth guard system. One protects the upper teeth, while the other, worn on the lower jaw, holds the jaw in optimal position. Currently, there are over 200 dentists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore, who offer the appliance to professional and amateur athletes. The list of world class athletes using The Edge is also growing.

One notable fan of the device is St. Louis Rams kicker, Josh Brown. Brown says that The Edge has allowed him to run significantly faster, which he attributes to making a number of tackles over the last season with the Seattle Seahawks. "Who thinks of a kicker making tackles?" he says. "But last season I made five or six, which is incredible for a kicker."

Brown says that The PPM allows him to lift an additional 20 or 30 pounds in each exercise he does in the weight room.

Other notable athletes using The PPM include Scott McCarron, PGA, Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks, and Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons.

There are currently over 200 professional athletes using The PPM, from MLB, the NBA, NFL, NHL, and UFC. As well, there are over 1000 collegiate, Olympic and amateur athletes who are embracing The PPM phenomenon.

Dr. Makkar believes that The PPM will soon be a hit with athletes of all levels of ability.

"I would encourage anyone who is interested in improving their athletic ability to talk to a dentist about taking a short and simple test for The Edge. We all have different goals when it comes to sports, but there isn't anyone who wouldn't like to have an overall increase in strength, balance, and range of motion. The Edge is a great, natural way to achieve these things."

As for Manny Ramirez's goals? One only needs to watch him in batting practice to understand. One only needs to witness the grace, speed, and frightening power with which he swings the bat.

"This is the game I love," he says solemnly, after knocking one over the fence in left-centre. "Better believe I'm going to make the most of it."

---------------------

Yes, we do make various types of mouthguards and strongly recommend them for all playing sports that can knock out and chip teeth.  But they also help cut risk for brain-damaging concussion and can improve performance in any sport that makes demands on upper body strength.  The Olympics committee found this out many years ago.  About 25% of athletes had a 15% increase in upper body strength.  You can TRY this yourself with a simple boil-and-bite guard, but more modern techniques can put us closer to your body's 'sweet spot'.  --Dr. D

Questions? Contact US!click here

Sugarless gummy bears may battle cavities
Wed Jul 30, 2008

By Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Gummy bears containing a sugar substitute called xylitol seem to reduce cavity-causing bacteria on young children's teeth suggesting, researchers say, that candy could be turned into a weapon against tooth decay.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in various berries, corn, birch and other plant sources. Research has shown that the sugar substitute reduces levels of mutans streptococci (MS) bacteria, which are known to cause cavities.

This is because xylitol differs from others sugars, like table sugar and glucose, which MS bacteria use for energy. MS bacteria "take in" xylitol, but can not break it down to use for fuel, explained lead investigator Dr. Kiet A. Ly of the University of Washington in Seattle.

"So in the process of trying to break down xylitol, they expend energy and don't get any in return," Ly told Reuters Health. "That reduces their ability to reproduce and multiply and leads to a reduction in number."

Xylitol-containing chewing gum is available, but it's not considered suitable for young children. So Ly and his colleagues tested the effects of xylitol-sweetened gummy bears in 154 elementary school children.

Each child was given four gummy bears, three times per day, during school hours. Some children received xylitol-containing gummy bears, while the rest were given candies sweetened with maltitol, another sugar substitute.

At the beginning of the study and six weeks later, the researchers measured the amount of bacteria in plaque samples from the children's teeth.

In the end, both the xylitol and maltitol gummy bears reduced levels of MS bacteria in the children's mouths, the researchers report in the online journal BMC Oral Health. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL07089520080730  

Preventing Halitosis  See our Fresher Breath Page--click here

    Before opening the tooth after use of Diagnodent

This is the giant cavity found below the surface.  It would have been impossible to notice until total disaster struck.

Think all you need to do to prevent dental problems is brush your teeth?  THINK AGAIN! 

The brush is maybe the least important of all the things you can do to keep teeth and gums healthy.  Yes, it can carry decay-preventing fluoride toothpastes. That helps.  But the floss is probably your best line of defense--AT EARLY STAGES OF THE DISEASE PROCESS.

Later on, though, other specialized tools and techniques may be needed to get rid of the germs and germ waste products that plague your gums and your teeth.

This is where our staff can really contribute to your long-term success by crafting a personalized preventive program just for you.

And this needs to be revisited every time you come back to see us.  Things are always changing!

Off the wall dental hygiene:

Here's a little laugh for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3P6nlXhTtk

Don't try this at home...

Questions? Contact US!click here

BANNING SODAS IN SCHOOLS

It looks as if school vending machines are dumping sweet sodas for 'healthier" drinks.

That sounds great, but there seems to be an epidemic of disguised junk food marketed as healthy stuff. It's a complete scam as far as we're concerned.

Raisins, Fruit Rollups and granola bars. Even Gatorade, which is not only loaded with sugar, but it's also somewhat acidic.

Latest thing we've seen is called "Fruit to go" which is found in the produce section, to make it seem highly virtuous. They claim each bar is like a couple of servings of fruit.  Well, it's got all the sugar from a few servings, and maybe some of the vitamins, but it's still junk.Kids would eat these by the kilogram if they could.  I call it stealth junk food.

Makes it a lot tougher for all but the most informed patients.  I've had some kids recently who said they never eat candy or drink sweet sodas.  They only eat sweets at dessert.  BUT... on closer examination the kids love those mini boxes of raisins, fruit bars and fruit juice.  These dudes are full of decay. 

Even unsweetened fruit juice will cause decay and acid erosion if the kids are popping them several times a day between meals.

Take look at Stop the Pop designed by the Missouri State Dental Association.click here There's a wealth of references and things you can print out to give to your kids.

The Centre for Science in the Public Interest, who publish Nutrition Action Newsletter, have done some good work there. They had an earlier expose on sugar in drinks called "Liquid Candy".

HEART DISEASE FROM GUM PROBLEMS?

Further evidence is piling up that ties gum disease in with heart disease caused by plugged arteries in the heart muscle.

Recent studies show that if you take out the factors of age, sex, economic status, smoking, high blood pressure, blood fats, and diabetes, people with active gum disease have significantly greater risks for coronary heart disease.

This effect was observed for individuals with periodontal disease, and not gingivitis. Gingivitis is more surface attack, but periodontal disease gets into the bone.

People with deep gum disease, "perio", constantly have germs getting into the blood stream. We believe this is what causes increased levels of fibrinogen, one of the starting materials for clot formation, scarring and plugging of arteries.

The constant work of heart muscle without any rest makes it a particular target for shrunken arteries.

These papers follow other disturbing research pointing to damage to the fetus in pregnant mothers with perio.

Now you may understand why we make such a fuss here about gum disease. It's not just worry about bad breath and loosening of the teeth!

Inflammation from gum disease raises C-reactive protein levels (CRP) and this can lead to a variety of other damage in the body.

In a research group, the top 25% CRP participants had 2.5 times rate of colon cancer compared to the bottom 25% CRP group!

In a research group, the top 1/3 in CRP values had twice the heart attack rate compared to the bottom 1/3 CRP group!

We strongly encourage you to visit ZT4BG.com for a larger look at the oral/systemic connection!

Some other important links to investigate:

See - How Gum Disease Works - http://www.howstuffworks.com/gum-disease.htm

FLOSS OR DIE??

We've noted in past issues the connection between infection in the mouth and damage to the rest of the body.

This was the topic of a major talk at the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology meeting in Colorado Springs.

Bill attended the meeting and also made a presentation on lesions of the jaws that can follow incomplete cleaning up after extractions.

Dr. Walter Loesche discussed the consequences of quiet, hidden infections that can occur under and around teeth. The conclusion: gum disease and chronically abscessed teeth can lead to increased risk of heart problems, pneumonia, brain infection, stroke and disturbances of sugar balance.

Moreover, much evidence is pointing toward gum disease as one of the causes of low birth weight or premature babies.

There's a lot of evidence pointing toward gum disease as a significant factor in hardening of the arteries. In fact, gum disease is a much better predictor of coronary artery blockage than is high cholesterol!

Questions? Contact US!click here

The oral / systemic disease connection came into prominence with the U.S. Surgeon General's report in May of 2000. (US Department of Health and Human Services) Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General-- Executive Summary., 2000. The report states: "The terms oral health and general health should not be interpreted as separate entities". Oral health is integral to general health; this report provides important reminders that oral health means more than healthy teeth and that you cannot be healthy without oral health. Studies have demonstrated an association between periodontal diseases and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The past half century has seen the meaning of oral health evolve from a narrow focus on teeth and gingiva to the recognition that the mouth is the center of vital tissues and functions that are critical to total health and well-being across the life span. Periodontal disease may increase risk for a variety of health concerns including heart disease, stroke, pre-term birth, diabetes, osteoporosis, lung disease and others. The statistical relationship between periodontal disease and systemic diseases has been well documented and was referred to in the Surgeon General's report. While the statistical relationship has been well documented, it has remained until recently to demonstrate that the periodontal disease is a causal factor and not just a correlated bystander, and that in fact removing the gum disease reduces the risk of the systemic disease. The mouth, with it's 500 different naturally occurring organisms is only second to the intestines in the number of bacteria present, and periodontal disease allows these bacteria to enter the bloodstream and create problems. Additionally, periodontal disease can be a main cause of inflammation in the system the most important of which is increasing the level of C-reactive protein (CRP).   We strongly encourage you to visit ZT4BG.com for a larger look at the oral/systemic connection! Levels of CRP may be a stronger predictor of potential heart attack or stroke than cholesterol, according to a study published in the Nov. 14, 2003 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers have found that levels of both cholesterol and C-reactive protein were indicative of potential heart attacks and strokes, although the latter was more so. Also, women with high levels of one didn't necessarily have high levels of the other. University of California Davis study identifies C-reactive protein as cause of blood clot formation. (Jan. 25, 2003 print edition of the journal Circulation - a publication of the American Heart Association). "The study provides further conclusive evidence that CRP, until now viewed as an 'innocent bystander' in the formation of heart disease, is in fact a key culprit that causes inflammation in the arteries, resulting in formation of clots and plaque that lead to heart attacks and strokes. Treatment of Periodontal Disease significantly reduces CRP levels. Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama, Japan. Treating periodontal disease can significantly lower the levels of two inflammatory proteins associated with a heightened risk of heart disease, ," Dr. Sara Grossi, senior author of the study, said. "Our results showed that in people who had elevated levels of CRP at baseline, removal of dental plaque bacteria by scaling or scaling combined with topical antibiotics produced a statistically significant reduction, bringing CRP levels close to the low-risk level. SUNY Buffalo. Just one example J Med Microbiol 54 (2005), 93-96; DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.45845-0 © 2005 Society for General Microbiology ISSN 0022-2615 Molecular detection of Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis in carotid and aortic atheromatous plaques by FISH: report of two cases Pregnant women who receive treatment for their periodontal disease can reduce their risk of giving birth to a low birth-weight or pre- term baby . Of the women who received treatment during pregnancy, 2 percent gave birth to either a low birth-weight or pre-term infant. By comparison, 10 percent of the women who did not receive treatment after birth had either a low birth-weight or pre-term baby. University of Chile- were published in the Journal of Periodontology August 2002   Dr. Robert Genco, Chairman of the Oral Biology Department at SUNYAB, shows in studies that treating periodontal infection may reduce a diabetic's blood sugar. Grossi et al. 1997: Treatment of periodontal disease in diabetics reduces glycated hemoglobin. J. Periodontal 68(8): 713-719.   Stroke patients are three times more likely to have PI. Individuals with periodontal disease are more likely to have thickened carotid arteries, which can lead to stroke, according to a study released at the American Academy of Neurology's 51st annual meeting in Toronto.   Scientists have found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lung to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease.   The relationship between bone mineral density and periodontitis in post-menopausal women. J. Periodontol. 71(9): 1492-1498. Preliminary results indicate that, as dental bone density decreases, so does hip bone density.Wactawski-Wende et al. 1998. s.   Even when H. pylori was eliminated from the stomach with antibiotic therapy, it was not completely eradicated from the mouth, where it continues to grow in colonies deep within periodontal pockets. These pockets could be a source of re-infection for the stomach. Heller et. al. The Carbohydrate Addict's Healthy Heart Program. New York: Ballantine Books.   Researchers found that seniors with the highest levels of inflammation (those whose blood levels of IL-6 and CRP were in the upper one-third) had substantially more cognitive decline than those with blood levels in the lowest one-third. These results were published in the journal Neurology in 2003.

Many Women Don't See Dentist During Pregnancy
About half of women do not visit a dentist during a pregnancy, according to two recent studies, despite recent research that shows a link between oral health and a healthy pregnancy. Both a U.S. and a Kuwaiti study found that only about half of pregnant women visit the dentist. Most Kuwaiti women who made a dental visit did so because they were in pain. Access article online at: http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.EMIHC252/st.32571/t.32571/pr.3/d.dmtNewsContent/c.423846.html

We strongly encourage you to visit ZT4BG.com for a larger look at the oral/systemic connection!

New Saliva Test Can Predict Cavities

Researchers at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry have developed a new test that can predict the number of cavities a child will get from now up through his or her early thirties. The Caries Assessment and Risk Evaluation, or CARE test, measures the relative proportions in saliva of different types of sugar chains — sugar chains also present on tooth surfaces. Access article online at: http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid=1448.

Questions? Contact US!click here

NEW DRUG ELIMINATES CLEANINGS

Right. And if you believe that, we’ve got a bridge to sell ya…

With some fanfare, a ‘new’ medication has broken on the scene. We are seeing some wild claims for Periostat keeping gums healthy for those with active gum disease even without periodic deep cleaning.

In a word: hogwash. The drug is a much lower dose of the antibiotic Tetracycline. Ideally, it cuts down the attack on the protein collagen that holds our gums together.

Measurable improvements seem to have been small, and patients will have to take the drug for at least nine months, perhaps life. The good news is that many patients in the study did not get WORSE.

Now that's a step forward!

We’ll be watching this one…

CHANGING RECOMMENDATIONS

We are now recommending the Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush as probably the best of its type on the market today.

In the past we've only been suggesting the Interplak type electric brush, but new data suggest this is now our number two recommendation in terms of effectiveness, convenience and reliability.

We've come to this decision after reading a lot of the literature and testing the brush for several years.

Are other electric brushes OK? It's hard to comment at this time, since many have not taken the trouble to do the university testing that Interplak and nowSonicare have.

But the bottom line is that, no matter how well you brush, it's not enough to fully protect against cavities and gum disease.

All about electric toothbrushes
http://www.smiledoc.com/dentist/elctbrs.html

FLUORIDE

California is at the bottom of the list in the US for having fluoride in its water supplies. As a result, children and adults here sport more cavities than is necessary.

Nevertheless, it appears that most kids in our area DO get enough fluoride without any supplementation.  So, except in special cases, we do NOT prescribe fluoride tablets any longer.

But surface-applied fluoride such as is found in Prevident 5000 prescriptions IS a great aid in cutting cavities for targeted adults.

So you think you want your tongue pierced?

Check out the information on Dr. Steve Hendry's site: CLICK HERE!

New Tooth Cavity Protection: Nanoparticles Make Surface Too Slippery For Bacteria To Adhere

  ScienceDaily (Dec. 22, 2008) — Clarkson University Center for Advanced Materials Processing Professor Igor Sokolov and graduate student Ravi M. Gaikwad have discovered a new method of protecting teeth from cavities by ultrafine polishing with silica nanoparticles.

On the left, bacteria and roughness are clearly seen on the human tooth surface before nanoparticle polishing. On the right, the tooth surface after polishing. (Credit: Image courtesy of Clarkson University)

The researchers adopted polishing technology used in the semiconductor industry (chemical mechanical planarization) to polish the surface of human teeth down to nanoscale roughness. Roughness left on the tooth after the polishing is just a few nanometers, which is one-billionth of a meter or about 100,000 times smaller than a grain of sand.

Sokolov and Gaikwad showed that teeth polished in this way become too “slippery” for the "bad" bacteria that is responsible for the destruction of dental enamel. As a result the bacteria can be removed fairly easily before they cause damage to the enamel. Although silica particles have been used before for tooth polishing, polishing with nanosized particles has not been reported. The researchers hypothesized that such polishing may protect tooth surfaces against the damage caused by cariogenic bacteria, because the bacteria can be removed easily from such polished surfaces.

The Clarkson researchers' findings were published in the October issue of the Journal of Dental Research, the dentistry journal with the top worldwide scientific impact index. Sokolov is a professor of physics, professor of chemical and biomolecular science, and director of Clarkson's Nanoengineering and Biotechnology Laboratories Center (NABLAB). Gaikwad is a graduate student in physics.

Treating gum disease linked to lower medical costs for patients with diabetes

University of Michigan, December 23, 2008

ANN ARBOR, Mich.—A new report suggests that treating gum disease in patients who have diabetes with procedures such as cleanings and periodontal scaling is linked to 10 to 12 percent lower medical costs per month.

The findings are encouraging but the study was not designed to firmly establish cause and effect, said George Taylor, University of Michigan associate professor of dentistry, who also has an appointment in epidemiology in the U-M School of Public Health. Taylor led the research project to investigate whether routine, non-surgical treatment for gum disease is linked to lower medical care costs for people with diabetes.

In periodontal disease, the body reacts to the bacteria causing the gum infection by producing proteins or chemicals called inflammatory mediators. Ulcers and open sores in the gums become passageways for these proteins and for the bacteria themselves to enter the body's blood circulation. These inflammatory mediators, as well as some parts of the bacteria, prevent the body from effectively removing glucose, or sugar, from the blood.  The higher level of blood sugar is known as poor diabetes control. Poor diabetes control leads to serious diabetes complications such as vision disorders, cardiovascular and kidney disease and amputations, among others.  "Cleanings and other non-surgical periodontal treatment remove the harmful bacteria," Taylor said. "We believe this helps prevent the body from producing those harmful chemicals that can enter the systemic circulation and contribute to poorer diabetes control."

Blue Care Network provided U-M researchers data from 2,674 patients aged 18-64 who were enrolled in BCN between 2001 and 2005 and had at least 12 consecutive months of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical coverage.

"We found insured adults with diabetes in Michigan who received routine periodontal treatment, such as dental cleanings and scaling, have significantly lower medical care costs than those who do not," Taylor said. "These results could be meaningful to individuals, employers, health care providers and insurers."  The study showed that medical care costs decreased by an average of 11 percent per month for patients who received one or two periodontal treatment procedures annually compared to those who received none. For patients receiving three or four annual treatments, costs decreased nearly 12 percent.  The study also showed that combined medical and pharmaceutical monthly costs were 10 percent lower for patients who received one or two periodontal procedures annually.

"The results of our analyses provide additional evidence supporting a beneficial role for periodontal treatment in improving overall health for people with diabetes," Taylor said. The findings could fuel changes in policies and practices for diabetes patients and their insurers.

The research was supported by a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. Taylor's team includes: Wenche Borgnakke, senior research associate in health sciences; Michael Manz, senior research associate in health sciences; and Tammie Nahra, assistant research scientist.

Questions? Contact US!click here