Dental Health News
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Dr. Qureshi and his staff continuously work to educate patients on dental health issues and on new research and news that can help to ensure healthy bright smiles for a lifetime. Check back regularly for new information and news, or contact our office with any questions.
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ENERGY AND SPORTS DRINKS ASSOCIATE WITH TOOTH ENAMEL DISSOLUTION, RESEARCHERS REPORT:
High titratable acidity in energy drinks, and to a lesser extent in sports drinks is a significant predictor of enamel dissolution, according to a study published in the May issue of general Dentistry.
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ASPIRIN MAY HELP FORM NEW BONE
More than 110 years later, researchers continue to discover new uses for Aspirin. In an issue of Nature Medicine, National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) scientists and grantees report in mouse studies that Aspirin, applied directly to the site of an experimental skull wound, helps bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) form new bone.
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SUCCESSFUL DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR PATIENTS TAKING FOSOMAX, BONICA, ACTONEL, ETC. (BIPHOSPHONATES)
Osteoporosis is a well-known disease that weakens bone and increases the risk of fracture, particularly among postmenopausal women. Biphosphonates, an inhibitor of bone resorption, are widely used as a drug therapy for those with osteoporosis. Prolonged use of biphosphonates, however, can lead to a painful refractory bone exposure in the jaws, known as ”biphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw” (BONJ). This condition usually develops after dental treatment, indicating that oral surgery and implants placed into the jawbone can precipitate BONJ.
A study published in the Journal of Oral Implantology involved a total of 54 patients, 8 of them female, who ranged from ages 45 to 68 years. All had been taking oral biphosphonates for less than 3 years; a significant increase in risk of BONJ is associated with more than 3 years of biphosphonate therapy. Immediate occlusal loading procedures were used, which require the motion at the bone-implant interface be kept below a certain threshold during healing. This study demonstrated a 100% success rate, with all patients rehabilitate with a full-arch prosthesis supported by 6 dental implants. Two year of follow-up found no adverse events of infection, tissue swelling, or lesions, showing this to be a viable one-stage treatment. (Source: Journal of Oral Implantology, 2012, Volume 38)
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PATCH FOR PROMOTING WOUND HEALING
“PerioPatch is an excellent device, applied directly to the affected area by my patients with no side effects. It markedly improved soft tissue healing and reduced the signs and symptoms of inflammation in the oral cavity. Having versatile applications, ranging from management of inflammatory lesions in the oral cavity to post-operative care for enhancement of soft tissue healing after periodontal and other oral surgical procedures, PerioPatch is a valuable addition to a wide range of dental procedures for every practice.”
Prof. Carlos E. Nemcovsky, Associate Professor
Department of Periodontology and Dental Implantology
Dental School
Tel Aviv University
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ORAL PROBIOTICS REDUCE CARIOGENIC BACTERIA IN CHILDREN
Two over-the-counter oral probiotics are now available to control cariogenic bacteria: PerioBalance by Sunstar Butler and EvoraKids by Oragenics. PerioBalance uses Lactobacilli reuteri and EvoraKids uses ProBiora3, a blend of Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus rattus.
Clinical Implications: Over-the counter oral probiotics are effective in decreasing cariogenic bacteria in children found to be at moderate to high risk of caries.
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ORAL PROBIOTICS AND EXPERIMENTAL GINGIVITIS
Oral probiotics in the form of mints or chewing gums introduce healthy bacteria to the oral cavity. The goal is to change the balance of the oral flora to one of health.
Clinical Implications: A probiotic chewing gum can introduce and promote colonization of good bacteria, but once daily is not enough to prevent experimental gingivitis.
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LENGTH OF TOOTH SURVIVAL IN OLDER ADULTS WITH COMPLEX MEDICAL, FUNCTIONAL AND DENTAL BACKGROUNDS
Tooth loss is a serious public oral health concern among older people. Tooth loss can be considered a failure of current oral health care strategies, Knowing how soon this failure will occur can help clinicians enhance preventive strategies for preventing tooth loss and minimizing its impact. The authors conducted a study to detail tooth survival patterns in an older cohort.
Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of 491 participants aged 43 to 102 years. They treated the participants’ dental conditions before they entered the study. They also collected participants’ socio-demographic, medical, functional, cognitive and dental date when they first arrived at the clinic. The authors used Fisher exact tests, x2 tests and analysis of variance to examine the association between baseline characteristics and tooth survival. They generated Kaplan-Meier estimates and used Cox proportional hazards regression models to detail tooth survival and associated risk factors.
Results: The authors found that tooth survival patterns differed among participants who had different numbers of carious teeth or retained roots. (carious or broken teeth that were missing most of their coronal structures)when they first arrived at the clinic and between participants who wore removable prostheses and those who did not. Participants’ tooth loss at different times differed by sex, number of medication being taken and number of carious teeth or retained roots. The authors found that after they adjusted for other factors, tooth survival was associated with the number of carious teeth or retained roots, as well as the interaction between the number of carious teeth or retained roots and use of prostheses.
Conclusions: Caries and the use of removable prostheses synergistically compromised tooth survival in older patients. Patients who wore prostheses and had multiple active carious teeth or retained roots at arrival had the highest risk of losing teeth soon after their existing conditions were treated.
Clinical Implications: These findings highlight the need for preventing tooth loss in older adults who wear removable prostheses and have poor oral health. Knowing the groups at the highest risk of experiencing tooth loss soon after dental treatment is received can help dentists better target and design preventive strategies.Xi Chen, BMEd, PhD; Jennifer J. J. Clark, BS; Supawadee Naorungroj, DDS, MS
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HEALTH BENEFITS OF XYLITOL RECOGNIZED BY AAPD
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the caries preventive benefits of xylitol. Its policy, based on current scientific research, assists dental professionals in making informed decisions on the use of xylitol products for caries prevention. The original xylitol policy was adopted in 2006, with this update in 2010.
Clinical Implications: The AAPD supports the use of xylitol as part of a preventive strategy.
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XYLITOL PREVENTS TRANSMISSION OF BACTERIA FROM MOTHER TO CHILD
Xylitol is a five-carbon, natural sugar that does not contribute to caries. Daily oral consumption of xylitol appear to interfere with the adhesion properties of Mutans streptococci (MS) bacteria. In other words, MS sheds easily from plaque into saliva.
Clinical Implications: A mother’s use of xylitol chewing gum during the first two years of their child’s life will reduce MS transmission to the child’s mouth.
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SWALLOWING EXERCISES MAY AID PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHEMORADIATION THERAPY STUDY SHOWS:
Targeted swallowing exercise may help alleviate swallowing dysfunction resulting from chemo-radiation therapy (CRT), according to a study published in the April issue of Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery.
“This study provides clear evidence that aggressive swallowing therapy is an important way to improve outcomes after CRT”, said Dr. Genden.
Eric Genden, MD
Professor of Otolaryngology Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York City
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Importance of Oral Cancer Screening & Early Detection During your Dental Exam & Cleaning
In the United States an estimated 36,450 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity are diagnosed annually. Nearly 7,880 people die of cancer of the oral cavity each year.
Risk Factors
Traditional risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco and alcohol use. High-risk sites in the oral cavity that have a higher rate of malignant transformation include the tongue and floor of the mouth. Cancer of the gingival (gum tissue) is less common.
Symptoms
Oral cancer can present with many different symptoms. Often, a non-healing ulcer (wound), whether or not it is painful, is the first presenting symptom.
Other symptoms that should raise suspicion of an oral cavity cancer include: white or red spots, bleeding mouth sores, increased mouth pain, loose teeth, poor-fitting dentures, non-healing extraction socket, ear pain, lip or tongue numbness, difficulty/painful swallowing, change in speech or a lump in the neck. It is very important to remember that any white/red lesion or ulcer in the mouth that has not healed within three weeks should be evaluated by a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
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Healthy Gums Help You to Stay in Shape
Periodontal disease can lead to Weight control and effect physical fitness.
The health complications of being overweight, such as increased risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, have long been reported. Health care professionals often urge patients to manage their weight and strive to get physical exercise each day to achieve and maintain overall health. And now, researchers have uncovered another fact about maintaining a fit lifestyle: Healthy teeth and gums.
Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease.
In a study published by the Journal of Periodontology, Japanese researchers found that subjects who had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis , maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness. Over one thousand subjects aged 20 to 77 were studied in a combined medical and dental study. Using body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat as a measure of weight control, and maxi-mal oxygen consumption (VO2max) as a measure of physical fitness, researchers compared subjects’ weight and fitness variables with the results of a periodontal examination. Those with the lowest BMI and highest levels of fitness had significantly lower rates of severe periodontitis.
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Research Shows Periodontal Disease Underestimated
In a National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, a full-mouth, comprehensive periodontal examination was conducted over 450 adults over the age of 35. The implication is that more American adults may suffer from moderate to severe periodontal disease than previously thought.
Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease.
Research published in The Journal of Dental Research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that the prevalence of periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent.
To help prevent periodontal disease, Dr. Qureshi recommends routine cleanings and examinations at least every 6 months.
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BIRTH CONTROL PILLS ASSOCIATED WITH GUM DISEASE
 More Periodontitis with Birth Control Pills
Oral contraceptive use is linked to increased gingival inflammation due to an increase in the concentration of sex hormones in the gingival tissues. Newer formulations of oral contraceptives contain lower levels of hormones, however the number of years taking the drug may influence gingival conditions.
Clinical Implications: women taking oral contraceptives and smoking are at greater risk of periodontal disease and should be advised to pay careful attention to their daily oral hygiene.
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GREEN TEA LINKED TO LESS DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY
 For centuries, green tea has been consumed in Asia with the belief it yields significant health benefits. Animal studies show that theanine, a major amino acid in green tea, has a tranquilizing effect on the brain. Other studies show anti-inflammatory and stress-reduction effects associated with green tea.
Clinical Implications: Green tea consumption might have a potentially beneficial effect on the prevention of depressive symptoms.
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GREEN TEA COMPONENTS REDUCE INCIDENCE OF THE FLU
Laboratory research shows promising outcomes for prevention of influenza with green tea catechins. Catechin binds to the virus preventing adsorption to host cells, thus preventing influenza. Theanine enhances systemic immunity. A small clinical trial showed gargling with green tea catechin extracts prevented flu infection in elderly nursing home patients.
Clinical Implications: Green tea consumption or green tea extract supplements might provide some protection from influenza.
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SMOKING IS A SERIOUS RISK FACTOR FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE
 Smoking is a serious risk factor for periodontal disease and compromises clinical healing following therapy. Smoking suppresses the body's immune response, triggers the release of cytokines which destroy healthy connective tissue and prevent these cells from organizing and healing. Despoite a great deal of research confirming the role of smoking in the progression of periodontal disease, treatment and maintenance are the same for smokers and non-smokers. There are no well-established protocols to follow when treating established protocols to follow when treating periodontal patients who continue to smoke. Researchers at the Univiersity of Alabama, School of Dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama, reviewed the literature to determine if the use of host modulation therapy in smokers would be beneficial with both scaling and root planing and during maintenance care.
Clinical Implications: Based on the research, it makes sense to offer a host modulation drug to smokers being treated for periodontal disease and smokers receiving periodontal disease.
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NO BRAIN BENEFIT FROM CHEWING GUM
 Chewing gum is considered beneficial for oral hygiene, to help cope with air sickness and as an alternative to smoking. Researchers have suggested, anecdotally, that chewing gum enhance brain function.
Researchers at the University of Vienna in Austria wondered whether chewing gum would improve spatial task performance by healthy young adults. Chewing gum did not enhance spatial task performance in there test. Those chewing gum did slightly worse than controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. The addition of sugar for the group chewing sugared gum did not provide any benefit over sugar-free gum or not chewing gum at all. Clinical Implications: Neither chewing gum nor the presence of sugar in chewing gums enhanced the performance of spatial tasks.
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ADOLESCENT SMOKING AND TOOTHBRUSHING
Smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease as well as other systemic diseases. Another risk factor is poor oral hygiene. These two risk behaviors, when started early, might become life-long habits.
Clinical Implications: Tobacco cessation advice as well as oral hygiene coaching during routine dental visits for teens is advised. Research suggests that teens are more likely to listen to dental professionals about smoking risks than their parents.
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VITAMIN B12 FOR TREATMENT OF APHTHOUS ULCERS
 Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is seen in 23 percent of the population, with half of these people suffering with a recurrence of RAS within three months. The Greek term "aphthai," credited to Hippocrates, was first used to describe oral disorders. RAS is idiopathic in nature, with local trauma and stress being the most likely precipitating factors. Many treatments have been suggested including herbs, multivitamins, adhesive pastes, local antiseptics, local and systemic antibiotics, topical NSAIDs, topical and systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Vitamin B12 has been shown to provide both immediate and long-term benefits for the treatment and control of RAS.
Clinical Implications: Sublingual vitamin B12 is a simple, easy, inexpensive treatment for patients suffering from frequent aphthous ulcers.
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RESPIRATORY BACTERIA IN ORAL BIOFILM AND SALIVA
Oral bacterial biofilm contains an estimated 700 species including oral as well as respiratory pathogens. Medically important pathogens include Enterobacter, Hemophilus and various strains of pneumoniae bacteria. Respiratory pathogens in oral biofilm can be released into the saliva and aspirated into the lungs of hospitalized patients, especially those who have a breathing tube in place.
Clinical Implications: Oral hygiene for hospitalized, intubated patients should be considered not only for oral health, but also to prevent aspiration of bacteria into the lungs.
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What our patients say....
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I avoided the dentist for years,
but sedation dentistry with Dr. Qureshi made the
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