Professional Teeth Whitening Superior To Over-The-Counter Options

In a column in the Master Herald, Faramarz Hedayati considers the “increased demand for teeth whitening.” Hedayati adds, “Professional teeth whitening treatment is far more effective and safer compared to do-it-yourself teeth whitening products that can already be purchased over-the-counter.” Such treatments can contain ingredients harmful to teeth, have limited effectiveness and consistency, and weaken tooth enamel. Additionally, over-the-counter teeth bleaching products are not regulated by the Federal Drug Administration.

Swiss Oral Health Company Curaprox Introduces Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

Drug Store News reports Swiss oral health company Curaprox has introduced a new product called the Black Is White Collection that features “a natural and gentle toothpaste powered by activated charcoal.” The activated charcoal reportedly “removes stains without abrading the enamel or using chemical bleaching agents” by absorbing stain particles and eliminating them. Additionally, the activated charcoal “balances the PH of the mouth while protecting against the growth of pathogens and cavities.” The piece suggests the growing trend of companies incorporating activated charcoal into their products “seems like it’s here to stay.”

Caring For Oral Health Considered Among “Natural Ways” To Look Younger

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution includes taking care of oral health in a list of “10 natural ways to defy your age.” The article states “the health of your mouth can also affect the health of your body,” adding that “nothing can make you look older than yellow, stained or missing teeth.” Given this, the article recommends brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly.

Increasing Number Of Adults Turning To Braces

US News & World Report reports that adults are increasingly “getting braces to straighten their teeth, fix their bites and improve their smiles.” The article reports that “adults made up a record high of nearly 1.5 million orthodontics patients in the U.S. and Canada,” according to a 2014 survey from the American Association of Orthodontists. According to the article, “This rising popularity” is due in part to “orthodontic options that make braces inconspicuous.”

Patients Advised To Consult With A Dentist Prior To Any Tooth Whitening Regimen

The New York Observer discusses how to achieve and maintain white teeth. The article emphasizes preventive dental care and drinking plenty of water to maintain white teeth, noting that coffee, red wine, and tobacco products may stain teeth. The article states that “Not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening,” and also mentions that professional whitening is not effective on crowns and fillings. If a dentist does determine a person is a candidate for teeth whitening, the article encourages the patient to discuss what shade may be achieved from treatment.

        The University Herald reported that DIY teeth whitening methods “might have negative impacts.” Lemon juice in some DIY treatments, for example, may erode enamel “due to its acidic property.” The article adds that dental experts advise consulting with a dentist when considering teeth whitening.

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information for patients on teeth whitening. ADA.org provides a Statement on the Safety and Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening Products. In addition, several whitening toothpastes and a whitening product have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Dentists Can Play “Major Role” In Oral Cancer Detection

Noting the link between the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) and oral and oropharyngeal cancers, the Cape Cod (MA) News reports that “a thorough oral exam during your dental visit and dialogue about the subject can save lives.” Dr. Alessandro Villa, an associate surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said, “HPV-associated cancers are a concern for all providers, and dental health care may play a major role in diagnosing oral cancer.” The article adds that “approximately 48,250 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year and that translates into 132 new cases of oral cancer every day.” Several symptoms may indicate oropharyngeal cancers, such as a persistent sore throat, trouble swallowing, ear pain, vocal changes, coughing up blood, and sudden weight loss.

Smart Toothbrush Wins Intel’s Maker-Themed Reality Show

In an article in Entrepreneur Magazine, entrepreneur and author Carol Roth states that Team Grush, creator of the Grush Brush, won “the $1 million dollar prize” on America’s Greatest Makers, Mark Burnett and Intel’s technology reality competition show. Roth, who served as one of the judges for the show, said the toothbrush aims to address the problem of dental decay by encouraging “kids to want to brush their teeth” and by providing “data to their parents and dentist so they know the kids’ brushing habits and deficiencies.”

        Engadget reports that Grush’s smart toothbrush is the “brainchild” of a pediatric dentist, futurist, and inventor. The toothbrush and its mobile game aim to ensure children properly brush their teeth, using built-in sensors to determine how children are holding the toothbrush and what areas of their mouth that they may be missing.

        The Chicago Tribune reports that “the $59 toothbrush is among several connected toothbrushes about to hit the market, including the $400 Bluetooth-enabled Prophix developed by a Wilmette dentist and the $200 Oral-B Genius from Proctor & Gamble.”

New Toothbrush Shows Inside Of Mouth While Brushing

CNBC reported on its website that a new toothbrush debuted on Thursday that lets users “watch a live video feed of the inside of their mouth as they brush their teeth.” The WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled brush, called Prophix, is used with an iPhone app, letting “users stream the feed to a mobile device and track their oral health with photo albums to share with their dentist.”

Certified Therapy Dogs Easing Dental Anxiety

The Chicago Tribune (5/10) stated that a certified therapy dog is helping patients at the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Clinic. Although patients at the clinic may experience stress and anxiety, the canine “has been trained to sense these negative emotions and to offer a gentle nudge of her head against a patient’s hand or simply her quiet and calm presence.” According to the article, “The response of patients has been overwhelmingly positive.”

        WFMJ-TV Youngstown, OH (5/10, Keller) reported on its website that a dental office in Hermitage, Pennsylvania also uses a “hypoallergenic, certified therapy dog” to provide comfort to patients with dental anxiety.

Certain Oral Bacteria May Be Linked To Higher Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer, Study Suggests

The Washington Post (4/20, McGinley) reports that research suggests certain oral bacteria may be linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Investigators “analyzed oral-wash samples collected over several years as part of two large cancer prevention and screening studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.”

        CBS News (4/20, Marcus) reports on its website that the researchers “found that two oral bacteria were elevated in the pancreatic cancer patients: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.” Individuals “who carried Porphyromonas gingivalis had an overall 59 percent greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer, and those who carried Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were at least 50 percent more likely overall to develop the disease.” The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

        Medical Daily (4/19, Scutti) similarly reported that the NYU Langone Medical Center study finds “the presence of specific bacteria in the mouth may indicate an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.” After examining “the bacterial contents in mouthwash samples from more than 700 Americans,” the NYU research team found that those “whose mouths contained the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis had a 59 percent greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer,” while those with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans had “at least a 50 percent likelihood of developing the disease.”

        Infection Control Today (4/19) reported that senior investigator and epidemiologist Jiyoung Ahn, PhD, said, “Our study offers the first direct evidence that specific changes in the microbial mix in the mouth — the oral microbiome — represent a likely risk factor for pancreatic cancer along with older age, male gender, smoking, African-American race, and a family history of the disease.”

        The Daily Mail (4/19) reported that Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the UK Oral Health Foundation, said, “Further investigation into this association needs to be carried out but if confirmed there’s no reason why a saliva test to detect for pancreatic cancer could not be taken by your dentist.”

Researchers Find Neanderthals May Have Used Toothpicks

LiveScience reported that scientists have “found traces of wood trapped in fossilized plaque stuck to Neanderthal teeth,” indicating Neanderthals may have used “prehistoric toothpicks” to remove bits of food out of their teeth, according to a new study, published in the April issue of the journal Antiquity. A group of scientists led by Anita Radini, an archaeologist at the University of York in the United Kingdom, “examined teeth found at El Sidrón cave in Spain,” finding “bits of nonedible, and noncharred, conifer wood tissue in the plaque.”

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.

Feline Stem Cell Trial Holds Hope For Treating People With Oral Disease

Reuters (3/17, Gruber) reports that researchers at the University of California, Davis are using stem cell therapy to treat cats with feline chronic gingivostomatitis or FCGS, a debilitating, inflammatory mouth disease. The researchers hoped to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration with stem cell therapy, and so far the feline patients are responding favorably to the treatment. According to the article, UC Davis is planning to conduct human trials using stem cell therapy for treatment of inflammatory mouth disease in the future.

Xerostomia Can Contribute To A Variety Of Oral Health ProblemsXerostomia Can Contribute To A Variety Of Oral Health Problems

In an article in the Pharmacy Times (2/10), clinical pharmacy writer Yvette C. Terrie discussed xerostomia, stating that “if left untreated, xerostomia can cause discomfort and contribute to halitosis, dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems, such as candidiasis infection due to disturbance of the oral microflora resulting from decreased salivary flow.” Medications and medical conditions are among the variety of causes of xerostomia, Terrie noted, adding that “the goals of treating xerostomia include identifying the possible cause, relieving discomfort, and preventing complications such as dental caries and periodontal infections.”

Study: Children With High Risk Of Cavities Not Receiving Needed Preventive Dental Care

PRNewswire (12/29) hosts a Delta Dental Plans Association release announcing that its “study of more than 97 million dental claims...found two-thirds of children who are at higher risk of developing cavities aren’t getting recommended preventive dental care.” The study determined 27 percent of children are at higher risk of developing cavities based on their history of recent fillings. Of those children, the study found that “65% did not receive two fluoride treatments per year,” “68% of 6- to 9-year-olds didn’t receive sealants on their first permanent molars,” and “85% of those ages 10 to 14 didn’t receive sealants on their second permanent molars.” According to the release, the ADA “recommends children at higher risk of tooth decay receive two fluoride treatments a year as well as sealants on their first and second permanent molars.” The ADA provides fluoridation FAQs online.

American College Of Prosthodontists Releases Guidelines For Patients With Dental Restorations

Globe Newswire (12/29) hosts a release from the American College of Prosthodontists, which announced it has published new clinical practice guidelines suggesting “patients with dental restorations supported by natural teeth such as crowns, bridges and veneers, or supported by implants can keep their teeth healthy using a lifelong recall and maintenance approach.” Carl F. Driscoll, DMD, FACP, the President of the American College of Prosthodontists, said, “The take home message from the systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines is that implant supported restorations require ongoing at-home maintenance and regular recalls for an enduring result.”

Dental Care Advised Before, During, And After Cancer Treatment

The About (12/29) website states that “mouth complications...can and do occur in more than one-third of those being treated for breast cancer,” adding that untreated dental problems may impact treatment. Given this, the article recommends seeing “your dentist as soon as you know you will be having chemotherapy,” adding, “Consider your dentist a part of your care team as you will be seeing him or her during treatment, as needed, and after treatment is completed.”

Children With High Risk Of Cavities Not Receiving Needed Preventive Dental Care

PRNewswire (12/29) hosts a Delta Dental Plans Association release announcing that its “study of more than 97 million dental claims...found two-thirds of children who are at higher risk of developing cavities aren’t getting recommended preventive dental care.” The study determined 27 percent of children are at higher risk of developing cavities based on their history of recent fillings. Of those children, the study found that “65% did not receive two fluoride treatments per year,” “68% of 6- to 9-year-olds didn’t receive sealants on their first permanent molars,” and “85% of those ages 10 to 14 didn’t receive sealants on their second permanent molars.” According to the release, the ADA “recommends children at higher risk of tooth decay receive two fluoride treatments a year as well as sealants on their first and second permanent molars.” The ADA provides fluoridation FAQs online. Additional information on fluoride is available on MouthHealthy.org.

Increasing Number Of Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatments

Healthline (12/23) discusses the growing number of adults seeking orthodontic treatments, stating that “the number of adults undergoing orthodontia has risen by 40 percent in the past decade, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.” The article states that nearly 25 percent of people who began orthodontic treatment in 2014 were adults, attributing the increasing number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment to “a combination of relatively lower prices and newer, less clunky products.”

What Goes Into Designing your Cosmetic Treatment Plan

When you have a tooth that’s stained, decayed, chipped, or cracked, restoring it to its natural, healthy appearance requires skill and precision. Cosmetic dental treatments should look as natural and seamless as possible, which means that all of the following needs to be taken into consideration:

Soft Tissue Height – Part of making sure that your restoration – veneers and dental crowns – matches the appearance of the rest of your teeth, is taking soft tissue into consideration. A restoration shouldn’t be placed too far into the gum tissue, throw-off the aesthetic balance, or cause gum irritation and inflammation.

Picking the Right Restoration – It’s not uncommon for some dental offices to recommend the restoration that requires the most work and therefore the higher price tag; however you don’t necessarily always need the most extensive treatment. It’s important to save as much of your natural tooth structure as possible and select the restoration that is best for your oral health and treatment goals. Even small changes, like teeth whitening, can provide a significant boost for the appearance of your smile.

Comfort and Durability – Your cosmetic treatment shouldn’t irritate soft tissue and should remain a beautiful addition to your smile for as long as possible. Selecting the appropriate materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, tooth-colored composite, and zirconia help you achieve bio-friendly treatment that stands the test of time, and looks as natural as possible.

Matching Color and Luminosity – A treated tooth shouldn’t stand out in your smile by looking obviously fake, or being a completely different color than surrounding teeth. Considering the shade, hue, and luminosity of your natural teeth are important factors in a cosmetic dental restoration. With this information, your new tooth can be created to be a perfect complement for your natural smile aesthetic.

Planning Your Treatment at Peninsula Dental-Facial Esthetics

Dr. Kinsel puts a great deal of care into helping you meet your cosmetic dental goals and has specialty training in prosthodontics, dentures, crowns and fixed bridges. With an on-site, full-service dental laboratory, we’re able to ensure that your restorations are created with all of the above criteria in-mind. We also have an on-staff Master Ceramist who is especially skilled at creating life-like reproductions of your natural teeth for use in cosmetic dental prosthetics.

If you have questions about getting cosmetic care, please feel free to call our Foster City cosmetic dental office for more information.