Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know

Here are the secrets your dentist may not want you to know -- but you need to know to get the best care possible: Secret #1: Your dentist may not be as educated as you think. Read more

Health Tip: If You Fear Going to the Dentist

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are key to having healthy teeth and gums. But the sights, sounds and potential pain of the dentist's office are enough to keep many people away. Read more

Antibiotics, Periodontal Disease, and Cardiovascular Disease

We all know the mouth is a significant contributor to heart attacks and it turns out it is even worse for causing strokes, but what to do about it? Read more

Eating Well On the Road

Don't let the road to a summer vacation put you on a crash course with an unhealthy, fast-food diet. Read more

Fear of Dental Fillings?

I'm afraid of going to the dentist. I know it is irrational, but I can't bring myself to go. How can I deal with this fear so that my teeth don't suffer? Read more

Gum Disease, Heart Disease Share Genetic Link

(HealthDay News) -- A genetic link between gum disease (periodontitis) and heart disease has been discovered by German scientists. Read more

Metallic Taste in Your Mouth?

I've heard that a metal taste in the mouth means something about health, but I can't remember what it was. Can you help? Read more

Health Tip: Do You Have an Impacted Tooth?

(HealthDay News) -- Teeth below the gums are supposed to continue growing and break through. But sometimes, teeth -- most often wisdom teeth -- don't emerge and become impacted.

Head and neck pain may signal an impacted tooth, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Here's a more complete list of common symptoms:

• Persistent bd breath.
• Problems trying to open the mouth.
• Sore or tender gums, or pain in the jaw.
• Headache.
• Swollen or red gums near the impacted tooth.
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
• Persistent bad taste in the mouth.

Health Tip: Diabetes and Gum Disease

(HealthDay News) -- Diabetes can make it more difficult to fight off gum disease, and in some cases, can make gum disease worse.

The American Diabetes Association says you should see if your dentist if you have any of these warning signs of gum disease.

• Gums that bleed when you floss or brush.
• Soreness, swelling or redness of the gums, or persistent bad breath.
• Gums that have receded from the teeth.
• Pus forming between the teeth and gums.
• Teeth that seem loose or like you are able to move them.
• Any change in your bite, or the way that dentures fit.
  
  

Biological Product Shows Promise Against Gum Disease

(HealthDay News) -- Resolvins, a new family of biologically active products of omega-3 fatty acids, may be able to remedy the inflammation of periodontal disease and restore gums to health, say Boston University researchers.

Two types of resolvins are made from the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which keep blood triglycerides under control and may inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis. EPA and DHA help reduce inflammation and are often used to help people with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn disease, according to background information in a new release from the International & American Association for Dental Research.

Resolvins of the E series (RvE1) are derived from EPA, and resolvins of the D series (RvD1) are derived from DHA. Previous research showed that RvE1 provided protection against soft tissue and bone loss associated with gum disease and actually restored lost soft tissue and bone to healthy levels.

In this new study, the researchers caused gum disease in rabbits by applying P. gingivitis, the bacteria that causes gum disease in humans. Treatment with RvD1 was beneficial.

The study was to be presented Saturday at the research association's meeting in Miami.

The finding supports the researchers' hypothesis that DHA-derived resolvins, as well as those derived from EPA, have the potential to resolve inflammation and restore periodontal health, the association said in its news release.

More information
The American Academy of Periodontology has more about gum disease.

An Online Guide to Cope With Recession-Related Stress

(HealthDay News) -- People struggling with emotional turmoil during these uncertain economic times can find help online through a new U.S. government-sponsored guide.

"Getting Through Tough Economic Times" offers resources and referrals to help people cope with the recession's repercussions. The guide includes information on spotting signs of mental distress and contains links to agencies and organizations that can offer assistance.

Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the guide spells out the risks that unemployment and other forms of economic trouble -- such as foreclosure or severe financial loss -- can pose to your health. The guide, based on a review of scientific research for the last two decades, also explains that economic problems may affect people differently.

It also offers coping skills, such as exercising to manage stress better, strengthening connections with family and friends, or learning new job skills.

"The guide is a quick and easy tool that people can use to better manage their emotional well-being. By helping people remain resilient, we can help promote the overall recovery of our nation," Dr. Eric Broderick, acting SAMHSA administrator, said in a news release issued by the agency.

Incidents of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and compulsive behaviors -- including over-eating and excessive gambling and spending -- tend to rise during a poor economy, according to research cited by the guide.

SAMHSA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, compiled the guide with help from several other government agencies and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

More information
To read the guide, visit SAMHSA.

Dental cavitations??

The information I have gleaned from this discussion group has been absolutely invaluable to me, my family (especially in dealing with my autistic neice), friends and clients and I feel privileged to have access to it. I am hoping you can help with something I have been seeing with my about 70% of my clients over the past 3 months... Read more

Scientists Find Gene for Tooth Enamel

(HealthDay News) -- A gene that plays a role in immune function and the development of skin and the nervous system also controls the production of tooth enamel, Oregon State University researchers have found.

Their discovery about the gene Ctip2 (a transcription factor) could lead to new methods of repairing damaged enamel and preventing cavities, restoring teeth or even producing replacement teeth.

"It's not unusual for a gene to have multiple functions, but before this, we didn't know what regulated the production of tooth enamel," Chrissa Kioussi, an assistant professor in the college of pharmacy at Oregon State, said in a university news release. "This is the first transcription factor ever found to control the formation and maturation of ameloblasts, which are the cells that secrete enamel."

Kioussi and her colleagues studied baby mice in which the Ctip2 gene had been "knocked out" and its protein was missing. The mice had rudimentary teeth ready to erupt, but the teeth lacked the proper enamel coating and would never have been functional.

The findings appear in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Using this new information about Ctip2, it might be possible to use tooth stem cells to stimulate the growth of new teeth, Kioussi said. She noted that some researchers have successfully grown the inner portions of teeth in laboratory animal experiments, but the teeth had no hard coatings because the scientists didn't know which gene controlled enamel growth.

"A lot of work would still be needed to bring this to human applications, but it should work," Kioussi said. "It could be really cool -- a whole new approach to dental health."

Many people have problems with eroded tooth enamel, and most cavities start as a hole in tooth enamel that allows decay to begin.

More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about oral health.

Health Tip: Prevent Bleeding Gums

(HealthDay News) -- Bleeding gums can occur because teeth haven't been properly brushed and flossed, or as a side effect of conditions including leukemia, scurvy or vitamin K deficiency.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help keep gums healthy:

• Don't smoke or use other forms of tobacco.
• Take vitamin supplements, as recommended by your doctor.
• Don't take aspirin, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• If medication is causing your gums to bleed, ask your doctor about possible alternatives.
• Massage your gums gently with an oral irrigation tool. Set the device on low.
• Make sure dentures fit properly, and talk to your dentist if they cause bleeding or soreness.
• If your gums do bleed, wet a gauze pad with ice water and hold it to the affected area.
  
  
  

Health Tip: Take Care of Your Teeth

(HealthDay News) -- If you've been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you're not alone. Some 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the gum disease, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Our mouths are full of bacteria, which along with mucus and food particles form a sticky, colorless "plaque" on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque.




Plaque that is not removed can harden and form bacteria-laden "tartar." The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums, which is known as gingivitis.

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, characterized by the gums pulling away from the teeth and forming infected pockets. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.

If periodontitis isn't treated, the bones, gums and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. At that point, the teeth may have to be removed.

Mercury and Brain Research

Determination of blood mercury concentrations in Alzheimer's patients. Read more

Health Tip: Dental Visits for Older Patients

(HealthDay News) -- For seniors, regular dental visits are as important as ever.

The Cleveland Clinic lists these questions that older patients and their dentists should discuss:

• Are you visiting the dentist often enough?
• Have you noticed any recent changes in your mouth?
• Do you have any teeth that are loose, sensitive or bothering you in any way?
• Do you have problems tasting, swallowing or chewing food?
• Do you have any pain, bleeding or sores in your mouth?
• Do you have any swelling or bumps near the teeth?

Two Root Canals on One Tooth

"I had a root canal treatment several years ago in my only lower molar on the left side. I then had a gum infection, and the dentist found another canal that had gotten infected. How does a dentist do another root canal in a tooth that already had one?"... Read more

Extra Skin on the Tongue

"This morning my granddaughter had what appeared to be a layer of skin about the size of a quarter come off the center part of her tongue. Should she see a physician or dentist?"... Read more

Veneers

Veneers - Veneers also alter the tooth's color, shape, and surface. They can be used to cover stained or chipped teeth, camouflage gaps and spaces, and make crooked teeth appear straighter w...... Read more