Rising Use Of Charcoal In Personal Care Products Leads To Warnings From Health Officials

On its website and in a broadcast, KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, MO reported on the growing popularity of activated charcoal in personal care products, including some that say the black powder can whiten teeth. KFVS noted that “activated charcoal has been used in emergency rooms for years to absorb poison in the stomach or in case of overdoses,” and medical professionals and health experts are cautioning against using activated charcoal for other purposes. For dental health, KFVS reported a dentist recommends brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.

Six Dental Health Tips For Valentines Day

The American Dental Association provides six oral health tips for Valentine’s Day. “If you’re planning on cozying up to someone this year, make sure your mouth is in good health,” says ADA Spokesperson Dr. Alice Boghosian. “Taking care of your teeth and gums will help you stay healthy for Valentine’s Day – and every other day of the year.” The ADA states that “cavities can be contagious,” recommending people “brush twice a day for two minutes” and clean between teeth daily “for cleaner kisses and a cavity-free smile.” Proper “dental hygiene is especially important” for halitosis, the ADA states, adding that “over-the-counter antimicrobial (germ-killing) mouthwashes or chewing sugarless gum” can also help with bad breath. The ADA also encourages people to “share a life, not a toothbrush,” speak to their dentist if they are interested in whitening their teeth, avoid smoking, and visit the dentist regularly.

Some Parents Banking Baby Teeth In Hopes Dental Stem Cells May Be Used For Future Treatments

Fox News reports that some parents are banking children’s baby teeth, hoping that some day the dental stem cells may be used to treat type 1 diabetes, neurological disorders, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, and more. “I believe those are the kinds of applications that will be the first uses of these cells,” said Dr. Peter Verlander, chief scientific officer for Store-A-Tooth. Noting that scientists have used stem cells from umbilical cord blood and bone marrow to treat diseases, metabolic and immune disorders, and blood cancers for years, the article states “there is the potential for dental stem cells to be used in the same way,” although “researchers are only beginning to delve into the possibilities.” Dr. Jade Miller, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, says “dental stem cells are not science fiction.” Dr. Miller adds, “I think at some point in time, we’re going to see dental stem cells used by dentists…on a daily practice.”

FDA Now Offers Consumer Page On Opioids

The ADA News (1/20) reported that the Food and Drug Administration has anew consumer page listing questions for patients to ask their physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals before taking opioid painkillers. The new page also offers tips on opioid prescription storage and disposal. The article notes, “The ADA encourages dentists to talk to their patients about the dangers of using opioid painkillers for nonmedical purposes.” The ADA also “offers free continuing education courses to members and nonmembers alike that cover the latest techniques for recognizing when a patient may be seeking opioids for nonmedical purposes, and how to briefly counsel and refer those patients for appropriate substance abuse treatment.”

Methamphetamine Use Can Lead To Dental Damage

KTRK-TV Houston (1/5) discussed how methamphetamine use can harm health, sharing “photos of repeat meth offenders” to illustrate the physical side-effects of methamphetamine use. The article notes that methamphetamine use negatively affects dental health, often leading to tooth loss. The article states that “according to the American Dental Association, meth mouth is probably caused by a combination of the drug’s effects, both physical and psychological,” which can result in xerostomia and extended periods of poor oral hygiene.

        The ADA provides additional information on “Meth Mouth” atMouthHealthy.org. A study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association also examined dental disease in methamphetamine users.

Delta Dental Survey: Dentists Top List Of Health Practitioners Americans Want To See More Of

In a release on PRNewswire (1/4), the Delta Dental Plans Association states that “dentists lead the pack of health practitioners adults want to see more,” according to its 2016 Adult Oral Health Survey. The survey finds that “41 percent of American adults reported they do not get to the dentist as often as they’d like,” followed by dermatologists at 28 percent. According to the survey, adults who brush their teeth less than twice a day report wanting to see the dentist more than those who brush their teeth more often. “Seeing the dentist regularly is an important part of maintaining good oral health,” said Bill Kohn, DDS, Delta Dental Plans Association’s vice president of dental science and policy. “We’re at least glad to see that even those who aren’t getting to the dentist as often as they’d like, recognize the importance of making more time to do so.”

        WAND-TV Champaign, IL (1/4) reports that in Illinois, the survey finds 43 percent of adults report they do not visit the dentist as often as they’d like.

A Mom’s Guide to Fluoride

Treating cavities is important, but preventing cavities is best. That’s where fluoride comes in. Millions of children in the United States and around the world have been spared thanks to fluoride in tap water, toothpaste and routine dental checkups starting no later than a child’s first birthday.

Your patients who are parents may have a lot of questions about fluoride. We’ve got answers for them in a guide written for parents by a parent: dentist and Harvard researcher Dr. Brittany Seymour.

Share this fluoride guide with your patients today, and start the conversation that could lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles for their children.