BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTO'S.

THIS SHOWS TWO NEW PORCELAIN CROWNS AND COMPOSITE BONDED RESTORATIONS REMOVING OLD LEAKING AMALGAM FILLINGS.

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are advised for patients with: 

1.  artificial heart valves

2.  a history of infective endocarditis

3.  certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including

• unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
• a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery  or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
• any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device

4.  a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.

www.ada.org/public/topics/antibiotics.asp

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons(AAOS) states that preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are advised for patients with:

• total joint replacement

www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/antibiotic.asp

In order to help distinguish between fact and fallacy regarding periodontal disease, the AAP has identified and addressed below some common misconceptions about oral health.

1. Bleeding gums are not that big of a deal.
   Red, swollen and bleeding gums are an important sign of periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing, or when eating certain foods, you should schedule a visit with your dental professional to be evaluated for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that in addition to tooth loss, gum disease may contribute to the progression of other diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, so it is important that you begin treating periodontal disease as soon as possible.



2. You don’t need to floss every day.
   Routine oral care, which includes brushing after every meal and before bedtime, and flossing at least once a day, is the best way to prevent gum disease. However, a recent survey estimates that only 13.5 percent of Americans floss each day. It is vital that you keep up with your daily oral care, and see a dental professional for a thorough check-up twice a year. If gum disease is diagnosed, a consultation with a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating periodontal disease, may be beneficial.



3. A visit to the periodontist will be scary.
   Periodontists are gum disease experts. They have received three or more years of specialized training following dental school centered on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Periodontists are equipped with the latest treatments and technologies, using innovative tools such as digital radiography, ultrasound technology, biomarker measurement and laser therapy to help make your visit more comfortable.



4. A tooth lost to gum disease is a tooth lost forever.
   Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, in addition to treating gum disease, periodontists are also experts in placing dental implants – a convenient and comfortable way to permanently replace missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. Studies have shown that dental implants have a 98 percent success rate, and with proper care, allow you to speak, eat and smile with confidence. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found that over 70 percent of respondents reported being “pleased” or “extremely satisfied” with the results of their dental implants.



5. Poor oral hygiene is the only way to develop gum disease.
   Forgoing good oral hygiene can certainly contribute to the progression of gum disease, but there are a variety of other factors that can also impact your risk. For instance, tobacco use has been shown to greatly increase your chance of developing gum disease. Stress, poor diet, and even genetics, can also play a role in the health of your gums. To determine your risk of developing gum disease, the AAP offers a free online risk assessment test.

For more information on common myths surrounding periodontal disease, or to speak with an AAP spokesperson, please contact the AAP’s Public Relations Office at 312-573-3242 or meg@perio.org.

1. Spend More Time with Family (and Friends)

Recent polls indicate that more than 50% of Americans plan to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with their family and friends this year. With the economy putting a crimp on travelling, it is much easier to accomplish, at least with friends and family that live nearby.

2. Getting in Shape

Usually getting in shape is at least # 2 every year, and this year is no different. Everyone knows that exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Most keep their commitment for a few weeks and then taper off. The main excuse for not getting in shape is either no time, or bad weather.

3. Losing Weight

Another annual favorite with Americans is losing some weight. Over 2/3rds of adult Americans are considered overweight (or obese). The key to any commitment is to set reasonable goals, and make changes in your daily routine that will help in your efforts. Combine reasonable changes in your diet, with some exercise, and your resolution next year will be to only continue your efforts.

4. Get Out of Debt

The economy is now the number one problem in our Country, and most Americans are committed to changing their life styles. Luxuries are a thing of the past. Americans are now looking forward to reasonable expectations, “staycations,”, and smaller houses. If we did this 8 years ago, the Country would not be in the mess it is in today.

 5. Enjoying Life More

Along with reducing stress most folks feel that simply kicking back and taking a “one-day-at a time” attitude is a lot more satisfying. A lot of people are reading more, or looking for a simple hobby. More Americans are also spending time with their children, which is better for family life in general.

6. Stop or Control Drinking

Just after raising their glass and toasting the New Year, a lot of folks swear that this year will be the year where they cut back on alcohol consumption. With alcohol related accidents and deaths starting to rise in the past few years, this can never be a bad idea, Many groups would prefer that the resolution would be to never drink and drive, and if you are going to drink, either do so at home, or have a designated driver.

7. Quit Smoking !!!!

As a percentage of people that make resolutions, this category is always very high. In the past 10 years this Country has actually seen a decline in smoking, because Americans realize that smoking kills people. Statistically, an average smoker will quit at least 3 times before they quit for good. Then they jump on the “I wish everyone would quit” Bandwagon.

8. Getting Organized
Another annual favorite with Americans is to get organized, whether at home, or in business. Most people recognize that some portion of their daily life could be improved if they simply made it easier to find things, or made decision making easier. Whether it is junk in a garage or attic, or a messy desk in your office, your daily fumbling through unnecessary stuff is a waste of time. Like losing weight, a commitment to keep the junk out of your house or off your desk should be part of your commitment.

9-10. The last two resolutions that Americans make each year are split between commitments to: “Learn a Hobby”, “Volunteer to Help Others”, “Learn a New Part Time Way to Make Money” and “Not make Resolutions They Can’t Keep” !
 

11. Do what you need to do at your dentist office

Whether it be-- A)  get those cavities filled and crowns done, because you know a tooth ache could be just around the corner and you should always be maximizing your insurance benefits.  B)  Bleach your teeth like you have said you have always wanted to do.  C)  Seek  an orthodontic consult because you really do want your teeth straighter.  D)  Go for the veneers...a "Smile Design" by Dr. Ueckert that can put all of you aesthetic smile worries to rest!!

Too little saliva: Saliva helps repair the earliest stages of tooth decay. It supplies high levels of calcium and phosphate particles that enhance protection of the tooth's enamel surface. In addition, saliva protects the mouth by washing away food and the sticky film of acid-producing plaque that can cling to teeth.

Because of saliva's importance, dry mouth symptoms should be evaluated by a care provider. Dry mouth can be caused by medical conditions or their treatments. Examples include Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, diabetes and HIV or AIDS. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription medications, including some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, antihistamines, medications for high blood pressure, anti-diarrheals, muscle relaxants and medications for urinary incontinence and Parkinson's disease.

For some people, medications or doses can be changed to minimize this side effect. When that's not possible, chewing sugar-free gum sweetened by a naturally occurring sugar substitute called xylitol can help. Studies have shown that the frequent use of gum with high levels of xylitol can prevent cavities and even harden a tooth's surface where a cavity has begun. Chewing gums that contain Recaldent also can help. This ingredient is a form of calcium phosphate that penetrates and binds to the tooth enamel. It's found in Trident Xtra Care gum.

Inadequate fluoride: This mineral is an important enamel ally that can make teeth stronger and can enhance saliva's remineralizing, anti-decay properties. Most people get adequate fluoride exposure through drinking fluoridated water and brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpastes.

But people who drink primarily bottled or filtered water may not be getting adequate fluoride. Even with adequate fluoride, dry mouth can throw off the normal balance teeth need to stay healthy.

A dentist may recommend fluoride treatment to protect and strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride can be applied two to four times a year. Another option is nonprescription fluoride rinses available in drugstores.

Also helpful is limiting tooth enamel contact with acids that come from many foods and beverages. Examples include citrus fruits, tart candies, diet and regular sodas or sports drinks, fruit juices and wine.

Source: Mayo Clinic
 

The findings are discussed in the article, "Term Stillbirth Caused by Oral Fusobacterium nucleatum," in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

An internet search in 2008 led a friend of a mother, who had just delivered a stillborn baby, to Han's research lab - one of the few in the world working on understanding the role variations of the oral bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, have on pre-term labor and stillbirths.

The mother delivered her fullterm baby at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., at 39 weeks and five days.

During the 35-year-old mother's pregnancy (her first), she told Han she experienced excessive gum bleeding, a symptom of pregnancy-associated gingivitis. Approximately 75 percent of pregnant women experience gum bleeding due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy.

"There is an old wives' tale that you lose a tooth for each baby, and this is due to the underlying changes during pregnancy," said Han, "but if there is another underlying condition in the background, then you may lose more than a tooth but a baby."

Bleeding associated with the gingivitis allowed the bacteria, normally contained to the mouth because of the body's defense system, to enter the blood and work its way to the placenta.

Even though the amniotic fluid was not available for testing, Han suspects from work with animal models that the bacteria entered the immune-free amniotic fluid and eventually ingested by the baby.

Han says normally a mother's immune system takes care of the bacteria in the blood before it reaches the placenta. But in this case, the mother also experienced an upper respiratory infection like a cold and low-grade fever just a few days before the stillbirth.

"The timing is important here because it fits the time frame of hematogenous (through the blood) spreading we observed in animals," Han said.

Postmortem microbial studies of the baby found the presence of F. nucleatum in the lungs and stomach. The baby had died from a septic infection and inflammation caused by bacteria.

After questioning the mother about her health during the pregnancy, Han arranged for her to visit a periodontist, who collected plaque samples from her teeth.

Using DNA cloning technologies, Han found a match in the bacterium in the mother's mouth with the bacterium in the baby's infected lungs and stomach.

Han also ruled out by testing bacteria from the vaginal and rectal areas, which did not show the presence of F. nucleatum.

"The testing strongly suggested the bacteria were delivered through the blood," Han said.

With preventative periodontal treatment and oral health care, the mother has since given birth to a healthy baby.

Han, who has spent the past decade taking her oral bacteria research from the lab to the bedside, says this points again to the growing importance of good oral health care.

In addition to this direct link from the mother to her baby, oral bacteria have been associated with heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

The researcher suggests women, who are considering a pregnancy, seek dental care to take care of any oral health problems before getting pregnant. If pregnant, she encourages expectant moms to practice good oral health and alert the doctor to any gum bleeding.

Collaborating with Han on the case study were Yann Fardini, Casey Chen, Karla G. Iacampo, Victoria A. Peraino, Jaime Shamonki and Raymond W. Redline. The study had support from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Source: Susan Griffith
Case Western Reserve University