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. 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

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A 2002 survey established that smell impairment might affect fourteen million Americans older than 55 years old.  It affects 50% of the population between 65 and 79 years old and 75% by the age of 80.  A dog has one billion taste cells and we humans have only 1% of that. 

Spices and condiments of various kinds such as horseradish, salsa, mustard, and catsup are detected by a different system than the tastes:  sweet, sour, bitter, salt, and savory (as in meat broth due to MSG).  The trigeminal system is made up of nerves from the tongue and the whole inner mouth.  These are the same nerves which are deadened when the dentist numbs your mouth to do restorative work.

THE SMELL ORGAN

Our smell organ resides in the upper part of the nose and is responsible for identifying odors.  It is also important in recognizing flavors in our food such as chocolate or vanilla.  If you put your food in your mouth and hold your nose, you will still be able to identify flavors since the molecules of the food travel to the back of the throat and go up to the back nasal passages to reach the smell organ during the swallowing and exhaling phase. 

SMELL TESTING AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Smell testing is being used as a diagnostic tool in differentiating neurological disorders.  In recent studies some patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI-defined as memory loss only)  that have low scores on smell testing and no apparent reason for the low score (such as cigarette smoking, certain medication use, or recurrent nasal and sinus disease) are more likely to be developing early Alzheiner's disease than those with MCI and normal smell function.  Ten odors are more likely to be missed by patients with MCI who might be developing Alzheimer's.  They are:  menthol, clove, leather, strawberry, lilac, pineapple, smoke, soap, natural gas, and lemon.

Eight odors are more likely to be missed by patients with idiopathic Parkinson's and/or Lewy body dementia.  Licorice, coconut, banana, dill pickle, paint thinner, turpentine, cherry, and soap.  The American Academy of Neurology just recently included smell testing as one of the diagnostic tests for Parkinson's disease.

The five basic tastes and the texture, temperature, and spiciness of food are usually normal in Alzheimer's disease.  However, because of the smell impairment, flavor recognition is impaired and food does not always taste the same.  Foods that are creamy and thicker allow time to contact different parts of the mouth and tongue to stimulate more taste in the sensory receptor.  Liquids in general, like soups and beverages,  are usually quickly swallowed and spend less contact with the taste receptors and thus are less likely to give enjoyment in eating. 

COMPENSATING FOR SMELL IMPAIRMENT IN RECIPES

Recipes that emphasize texture, spiciness, and basic taste (sour, sweet, and savory) tend to be more enjoyable.  When making fish, chicken, or beef, try marinating them in fruit juices or sweet and sour sauce or Italian dressing.  This emphasizes texture, temperature, spiciness, and basic tastants, which are normal in Alzheimer's disease and other disorders.  Add a small amount of MSG to meat, fish, or chicken to give the savory taste sensation.  Use salsa or other spice-like foods such as horseradish or mustard to baked potatoes, eggs, meat, and chicken.  Try adding flavor extracts in higher concentrations in some food where flavors like vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate are important.

OralRisk (R) HPV is a new diagnostic test that enables a dental office to assess a patients' risk for developing Human Papilloma Virus before an oral lesion is even visible.  It is currently estimated that 50% of all oral cancers are associated with HPV lesions.  HPV is sexually transmitted and is the causative agent in more than 90% of all cervical cancers.

The death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high due to the fact that it is usually not discovered until its later stages.  This is according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.  Not all versions of HPV are equally destructive.

Floss your teeth at least once a day after brushing (Some people who have not flossed before are surprised as to how much extra debris can be removed by flossing in addition to brushing.) If you are not sure how to floss, then ask your dentist or dental hygienist. Briefly: the 'usual' floss looks a bit like cotton thread. Cut off about 40cm. Wind the ends round your middle fingers of each hand. Then grab the floss between the thumbs and first finger to obtain a tight 3-4 cm section which you can pull between teeth. Gently scrape the floss against the sides of each tooth from the gum downwards. This will clean the narrow spaces between the teeth which toothbrushes cannot get to.
 

Effective cleaning with your interdental brush:
1. Slide the brush at right angles very gently between your teeth. If it does not glide easily, work it in gently or choose a smaller size.
2. Move the brush full length back and forth until the interdental area is clean. If the brush is angled, first at one side and then at the other, it will clean larger surfaces. 3. Cleaning between your back teeth will be easier if you curve the wire so that it can be moved in at right angles. Once curved, do not straighten or curve at another angle to avoid damage to the brush.
 

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."

With today's high consumption of popular soda pop drinks and the gaining popularity of certain high energy drinks, destruction of dental enamel from the acids within the drinks can be potentially devastating.

Stomach acids are also a destructive agent. Persons who are Bulimic or have refluxive disease often sustain damage to the lingual surfaces of both their anterior and posterior teeth. Left untreated, considerable restorative efforts may be required to maintain proper oral health.

Lemons also can compromise the integrity of dental enamel. Patients who have acquired long standing habits of eating or sucking lemons typically require any number of restorative procedures to restore the surfaces of their teeth.

Crowns, veneers and in extreme cases, tooth replacement is required for treating enamel erosion.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Coffee, tea, and cola are notorious for leaving stains on your pearly whites.

Tobacco -- whether it's smoked or chewed -- is one of the worst offenders. Coffee, tea, and colas are culprits as well. Other possible causes include fruit juices (especially grape), red wine, fruits such as blueberries, soy sauce, and curry. Think of it this way: If a food or beverage can leave permanent stains on clothes or carpets, it can probably taint your teeth.

Aging also contributes to the yellowing of teeth. The enamel, which is the hard outer coating of your teeth, wears thin, allowing the underlying layer of yellowish dentin to show through.

And some stains are what's called intrinsic. That is, they actually occur on the inside of the tooth. For example, children who take the antibiotic tetracycline (or whose mothers took it during pregnancy) often have such stains. Silver-colored fillings can sometimes leach out and stain the surrounding tooth.

Some folks simply go ahead and take matters into their own hands, risking damage to their teeth and gums in the process. Before you can safely take action, however, you have to understand what kind of stains are dulling your teeth. And you need to be realistic, too, in what you seek: Even the healthiest, most perfectly maintained teeth are not pure white.

Only your dentist can correct intrinsic stains, through the use of such cosmetic procedures as composite resin bonding and porcelain laminate veneers (which essentially cover the offending colored area with opaque material). Stains from food and drink can often be removed with a professional dental cleaning. Another option is in-office bleaching, such as "Zoom".

Brush your teeth twice daily using a toothpaste containing fluoride. To get the most benefit from the fluoride, do not rinse the toothpaste away after brushing.

Clean between your teeth using dental floss, woodsticks or an inter-dental brush according to your dentist's advice. Visit your dentist regularly. This way, problems can be diagnosed early and your treatment will be more straightforward.

What should I do if I have toothache?

If you have toothache, seek immediate advice from your dentist before the problem becomes severe.

Pulpitis is often reversible and, once your dentist has identified and treated the problem (usually with a simple filling), the toothache will disappear. A dental abscess will require extraction of the tooth or a more complicated filling (root canal treatment ) if the tooth is to be saved.

However, the following advice may be helpful until you are able to see your dentist:

--avoid hot, cold or sweet stimuli. This will help prevent pain from pulpitis.
--if the pain is prolonged and severe, painkillers such as ibuprofen (eg Nurofen) may provide some relief. Remember even if the pain goes away, without treatment it will eventually become worse.
if the pain is caused by exposed root surfaces, toothpaste for sensitive teeth, either used normally or rubbed onto the exposed root, may be helpful.
--a hot saltwater mouthwash (a teaspoon of salt to a cup of water) used to thoroughly rinse the painful area may help if the problem is caused by a tooth erupting.
--a saltwater mouthwash can also prevent infection if you have mouth ulcers.
visit your dentist as soon as possible. This way any treatment will be simple.
 

What causes toothache?

--Dental decay.
--A fracture of the tooth.
--A cracked tooth. This may be invisible and so can be difficult to diagnose.
--Irritation of the pulp following dental treatment. Regardless of how well it is done, dental treatment and the materials used to fill the tooth can sometimes cause pain later.
--An exposed tooth root, which can occur if the gums recede or are damaged by over-vigorous brushing.

The following problems can also cause symptoms similar to toothache, even though the teeth themselves may be free of disease:

--an abscess in the gum (lateral periodontal abscess).
--ulceration of the gums (acute ulcerative gingivitis).
--ulceration of the soft tissues can sometimes be mistaken for toothache.
--inflammation of the gum around a tooth which is in the process of growing/breaking through (pericoronitis).
--inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis) can be mistaken for toothache in the upper jaw.
--Several other conditions may also cause pain in the mouth - always seek advice from your dentist if you have toothache.

It is worth remembering that the nerves supplying the teeth sometimes give the wrong message to the brain. This means that, although you feel pain in a particular tooth, the problem may actually be in a different tooth - even one located in the opposite jaw.

Once an individual understands that decay in a tooth is the result of demineralization and that demineralization is caused by an acidic environment in the mouth, it is not a huge leap to also understand that acid reflux can lead to dental enamel erosion.  The same acid that can damage the teeth can also damage the esophagus.

THE ESOPHAGUS

The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that is 18-26 centimeters long.  It allows food to be transported from the mouth to the stomach.  When the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of a hydrochloric acid back up from the stomach, it is labeled as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).  The esophagus lies just behind the heart, thus the term heartburn was created to describe the sensation of burning chest pain during episodes of GERD.  

HEARTBURN

Thirty six percent of otherwise healthy Americans suffer from heartburn at least one time per month.  Seven percent suffer at least one time per day.  The incidence increases markedly after the age of 40.  GERD can also affect children and infants.

Hydrochloric acid is produced by the stomach after each meal.  This aids in the digestion of food.  The stomach itself secretes large amounts of protective mucus that helps in resisting the corrosive nature of hydrochloric acid.  The cells that line the esophagus do not share this resistant feature.

A ring of muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter prevents the backing up (reflux) of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.  This sphincter lies at the esophagogastric junction.  It is designed to relax during swallowing to allow food to pass through the esophagus into the stomach.  It then tightens to prevent flow in the opposite direction.  With GERD the sphincter relaxes between swallows.  This allows stomach contents and corrosive acid to pass into the esophagus and damage the lining of the esophagus.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

Some factors that weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphincter are:

the use of alcohol or cigarettes;  obesity;  slouching posture;  some medications;  fatty and fried foods;  chocolate;  garlic;  onions;  caffeine;  citrus;  tomatoes;  spicy foods;  mint;  eating large meals;  eating just before bedtime;  hiatal hernia;  pregnancy;  diabetes;  and rapid weight gain.

With the discomfort that GERD produces it would be easy to focus on the gastroesophageal area and to forget that this condition could also be affecting your teeth.