Eight Common Mistakes People Make Brushing Teeth

Reader’s Digest states that it’s easier than one might think “to make tooth brushing mistakes,” identifying eight common mistakes people may make while brushing. The article states, for example, that a common mistake is not brushing teeth long enough, noting that “the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, but many people fall woefully short—and don’t even realize it.” According to the article, common mistakes also include brushing too hard, using an incorrect angle while brushing, using a toothbrush with bristles that are too firm, using a toothbrush head that is too large, using the same toothbrush for too long, not flossing regularly, and not brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. “Dental disease is totally preventable,” says ADA spokesperson Dr. Sally Cram, “and a lot of it can be avoided by stepping up your home brushing program and having check-ups.”

   

Many Seniors Experience Xerostomia

Long-Term Living Magazine (3/24) discusses oral health problems that some seniors face, including decreased saliva production. According to the article, seniors are naturally at risk for xerostomia, with “nearly 30 percent of people age 65 and older” experiencing dry mouth. “There are 400 commonly used drugs that can cause xerostomia as a side effect, including antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants and anti-angina,” the article states.

        The ADA provides additional information on xerostomia online.

Chewing Sugar-Free Gum May Contribute To Oral Health

In an article titled, “The $1 Habit That Can Save You Big Bucks Down The Road,” Prevention Magazine (3/31, Brabaw) stated that chewing sugar-free gum is “a simple (and incredibly cheap!) trick” to help promote oral health and reduce dental costs. “Anything we can do to reduce the amount of acid and bacteria in your mouth will help prevent tooth decay,” said Dr. Matthew Messina, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “And that means less dental work over time.” According to the article, chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps remove food and neutralizes acids that wear away at enamel. Dr. Messina recommends chewing sugar-free gum after eating for at least 20 minutes, adding that gum does not replace brushing and flossing. “There’s no better way to take care of your teeth than the usual brushing, flossing, and occasional check in with your dentist,” said Dr. Messina.

People May Not Realize Medicare Does Not Cover Most Routine Dental Care

Fox Business (3/28) carries a Motley Fool article exploring three items many people approaching retirement may not know about Medicare, including that “some services and products are surprisingly not covered.” According to the article, “One surprising fact about Medicare is that it doesn’t cover a lot of services that millions of elderly patients typically need,” such as dental visits. “Medicare won’t pay for trips to the dentist for basic services such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or dentures,” the article states, although for “an extreme dental emergency” that requires a hospital visit, Medicare will cover “certain dental services” as part of the Part A benefit.

        MouthHealthy.org provides information for adults over 60, including tips on paying for dental care after retirement.

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

Newsday (NY) (3/23, Whitehouse) reports that some parents are banking children’s baby teeth, although “scientists are still in the process of determining how they could be used to cure diseases, says Peter Verlander, co-founder and chief scientific officer for the Massachusetts-based Store-A-Tooth.” Verlander says that researchers are currently studying how the mesenchymal stem cells in dental pulp could be used to treat type 1 diabetes, stroke, heart attack, spinal cord injury, corneal damage, and neurological diseases, among others. Dr. Paul Crespi, chief of pediatric dental medicine at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, says that he thinks tooth banking has “potential.”

Coverage Continues: Study Finds Patients With Diabetes Lose Twice As Many Teeth As Those Without The Disease

The Albany (NY) Daily Star (3/28) reports in continuing coverage that a study from Duke University researchers found “people with diabetes lose about twice as many teeth as people without.” In addition, the study found that “black people with diabetes in the US have a higher risk of tooth loss compared with white and Mexican Americans with the same condition.” Although the study did not examine the potential causes of the health disparity, “it’s possible that gaps in” dental care “played a role,” the article adds. Bei Wu, a nursing professor at Duke University and a co-author of the study, said, “For African Americans, the lack of access to care is profound.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on diabetes and teeth.

Consulting With Dentist Prior To Any Tooth Whitening Regimen Advised

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (3/20) stated that although “tea, red wine, and blueberries” may provide health benefits, they may also contribute to teeth changing color. The article noted that several options for whitening teeth are available, adding that even for mild stains, “it’s a good idea to check with your dentist before beginning any whitening process.” Dentists “can help you distinguish between intrinsic (internal) and surface stains,” the article stated, noting that intrinsic stains can “only be corrected by a dentist.” The article also provided several tips to prevent staining and discoloration, recommending regular dental visits, brushing and flossing daily, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting beverages that contributing to staining, such as coffee, tea, and soda.

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on what causes teeth to change color and also on teeth whitening. In addition, several whitening toothpastes and a whitening product have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Many Seniors Lack Dental Coverage

The Provo (UT) Daily Herald (3/16, Cook) states that “according to the Center for Disease Control, a little over half (60 percent) of today’s senior adults visited a dentist in 2013 despite the fact that one in four of seniors aged 65 and older have gum disease.” The article notes seniors face several unique challenges when it comes to accessing dental care, such as lacking dental coverage and transportation. Stating that “regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene habits remain important for seniors,” the article provides several suggestions for helping seniors overcome these and other challenges.

Researchers Identify Tiny Bubbles Around Head Of Ultrasonic Scalers

EurekAlert (3/2) hosts a University of Birmingham release announcing researchers have studied “ultrasonic scalers, used by dental professionals to remove built up plaque,” finding a “formation of tiny bubbles around the head is key to the cleaning process.” The researchers used high speed cameras to observe “the bubble formation, or cavitation, of water around the head of the scaler,” and believe the findings could help lead to new instrument designs that maximize cavitation. The findings are published in PLOS ONE, and are “the first to prove that cavitation takes place around the free end of ultrasonic scalers.”

DIY Dentistry Could Cause Major Damage

USA Today (3/23, Florian) reports in continuing coverage that a senior at the New Jersey Institute of Technology used “his 3D printing skills” to create “his own Invisalign-like braces.” The article reports that “orthodontists, however, caution against homemade braces.” According to the article, an orthodontist in North Carolina said DIY dentistry comes with risks, adding that the student could have caused major damage to his teeth.

Adults Encouraged To Ask Dentists About Fluoride Treatments

Lifehacker (3/16, Skwarecki) states that in addition to children, adults may benefit from fluoride treatment, noting the American Dental Association states fluoride treatments can help patients who have a “moderate-to-high risk” of developing tooth decay. According to the article, some risk factors for caries development include having active caries, a sugary diet, and taking medications that reduce saliva production. The article recommends speaking with a dentist to determine if a fluoride treatment would be beneficial.

        Additional information on fluoride is available at ADA.org/Fluoride.

19th Century Dentists Documented Exploding Teeth Cases

BBC News (UK) (3/2, Morris) reports that several cases of exploding teeth were documented by 19th Century dentists, including Pennsylvania dentist WH Atkinson, who “documented an outbreak of exploding teeth” in the journal The Dental Cosmos. In a 1965 publication, the British Dental Journal also detailed “tales of detonating dentine throughout history.” The article adds that “although there were five or six reported cases in the 19th Century, there has been no documented case of exploding teeth since the 1920s.” Despite several hypotheses for why these cases occurred, no evidence exists supporting the explanations. The article concludes, “So either an unknown process was causing the explosions or the patients were exaggerating symptoms which were far more mundane.”

Misuse Of Home Tooth Whitening Products May Cause Dental Issues

The Sierra Vista (AZ) Herald (3/8, Neff) reports that millions of Americans are purchasing do-it-yourself whitening products, “which topped $1.4 billion in sales last year,” adding that toothpastes and chemical application are among “the most popular over-the-counter whitening products.” The article states that “the misuse of whitening products can result in painful, even long term dental issues,” however, adding that an Arizona dentist “stresses that anyone considering whitening treatments should first see a dentist to evaluate if whitening will aggravate existing dental conditions, if the process will be painful, and if the teeth are suitable for whitening.” The article notes this advice follows the ADA recommendation that patients consult with a dentist before using a bleaching product, particularly for patients with “fillings, crowns, and extremely dark stains.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides tips on achieving a whiter smile. In addition, several whitening toothpastes and a whitening product have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.