Brushing Tongue An Important Part Of Proper Oral Hygiene

Fox News carries an article first published on WomensHealthMag.com that discusses the importance of not only brushing teeth and flossing, but also brushing the tongue. The article states that when people do not brush their tongues, a “coating of bacteria, food particles, and dead skin cells called a biofilm” can form on it, which contributes to bad breath. People are encouraged to use the correct approach when brushing their tongues by starting at the back and gently brushing toward the front.

        MouthHealthy.org provides information on tongue scrapers and bad breath.

Receiving Preventive Care Among Tips To Stay Healthy And Live Longer

        In an article and broadcast on its website, shares tips on how to stay healthy and live longer, while avoiding hip fractures. The tips include standing on one leg at a time while brushing teeth for two minutes to help with balance, along with incorporating jumping into exercise routines, receiving enough calcium and vitamin D3 each day, and managing stress. TODAY also emphasizes the importance of preventive care, including dental visits, to maintain health and avoid higher health costs in the future.

        MouthHealthy.org provides oral health information by life stages, including for adults between 40 and 60 and adults over 60.

Flossing Encouraged To Promote Overall Health

The Los Angeles Times includes flossing in a list of several steps to help people “live a healthier life.” The article notes that despite a story last year questioning the benefits of flossing due to a lack of research, the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage people to continue the practice. The signs of non-flossing are apparent to dentists, says Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam, clinical assistant professor at USC’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Flossing cleans between teeth, removing the plaque and debris that brushing cannot reach. The article encourages people to speak to their dentist for the correct flossing technique.

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.

In its November newsletter, the National Institutes Of Health (11/1) states that although news stories have questioned the benefits of dental flossing due to lacking research, dentists have “seen the teeth and gums of people who floss regularly and those who haven’t,” and “the differences can be striking.” The article notes that “red or swollen gums that bleed easily” can indicate “flossing and better dental habits are needed.” A dental health expert at NIH says, “Cleaning all sides of your teeth, including between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach, is a good thing.” While strong evidence showing the benefits of flossing “may be somewhat lacking,” the article observes that “there’s little evidence for any harm or side effects from flossing, and it’s low cost.” The article encourages people to talk to their dentist to address any questions or concerns about their teeth or gums and to learn the proper flossing technique.

ADA Spokesperson Discusses How To Prevent Cavities

A consumer-directed video on the Business Insider website features American Dental Association spokesperson Dr. Ada Cooper discussing dental caries. “The biggest myth about cavities is that if it doesn’t hurt you don’t need to fix it,” Dr. Cooper said. “That is completely wrong.” She states that when a cavity has begun to cause pain, it usually requires “more extensive treatment” at that point. Explaining what causes dental decay and why some people may have more cavities than others, Dr. Cooper says “brushing and flossing, of course, are the best way to minimize the number of cavities that you get.” In addition, dentists have many tools available, such as fluoride rinses and treatments, to make teeth more resistant to dental decay. “The best thing to do,” Dr. Cooper says, is to have regular dental visits to ensure detection and treatment of cavities while they’re still small.

Researchers Finding “Possible Relationships” Between Gum Disease And Several Health Problems

The Washington Post reported that researchers are finding “possible relationships between gum or periodontal disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke and at-risk pregnancies.” Although “experts are far from understanding what these links might mean,” the links “have been so consistent that some insurers offer extra preventive periodontal care at little or no cost to people with those conditions.” The article pointed out that according to the CDC, “nearly half of all Americans age 30 and older have some form of gum disease; in people 65 and older, 70 percent have some degree of periodontal disease.” The article noted, “Signs of gum disease include bleeding, red or swollen gums; areas where the gum seems separated from the teeth; bad breath; and loose teeth, which can cause changes in your bite, according to the American Dental Association.”

Gum Disease Can Worsen Pain For Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

Dental Asia reports on the ways in which poor dental hygiene and gum disease can contribute to and worsen rheumatoid arthritis. By testing gum disease strains on arthritic mice, researchers found that Porphyromonas bacteria made the mice’s joint pain worse. Dental Asia recommends that people with rheumatoid arthritis who wish to prevent gum disease use a moving toothbrush, rinse their mouth with mouthwash, quit smoking, and eat a healthy and clean diet.

Oral Health Issues May Indicate Other Health Conditions

Good Housekeeping identified several oral health issues that may signal other health conditions. For example, chronic halitosis may be a sign of gum disease, says ADA spokesperson Dr. Sally Cram, who recommends brushing and flossing daily to help reverse early gum disease. If gums become swollen and bleed even with proper oral hygiene, the article states, this may be a sign of diabetes, warranting a trip to a dentist or physician. In another example, having prolonged tongue pain is a common early sign of oral cancer, says Dr. Cram. If the pain persists for longer than two weeks, or if any “sores, lumps or lesions” do not disappear, visiting a dentist or physician is advised.

Researchers Find Associations Between Gum Disease And Several Health Problems

The Washington Post reported that researchers are finding potential links “between gum or periodontal disease” and several different types of health problems. Although “experts are far from understanding what these links might mean,” the “links between gum disease and diabetes, at-risk pregnancy, heart disease and stroke have been so consistent that some insurers offer extra preventive periodontal care at little or no cost to people with those conditions.” The article pointed out that according to the CDC “nearly half of all Americans age 30 and older have some form of gum disease; in people 65 and older, 70 percent have some degree of periodontal disease.” The article noted, “Signs of gum disease include bleeding, red or swollen gums; areas where the gum seems separated from the teeth; bad breath; and loose teeth, which can cause changes in your bite, according to the American Dental Association.”

Scientists Unveil Self-Repairing Bioactive Glass Fillings

The Daily Mail reported in continuing coverage that scientists at the Queen Mary University of London have developed a new compound for tooth fillings, known as bioactive glass, that “not only blocks cavities but repairs bacterial damage.” According to the article, “The filling is made from bioactive glass composites that release fluoride as well as calcium and phosphate needed to form tooth mineral.” Professor Robert Hill, who helped develop the technology, said the new compound “fills in the gaps with tooth mineral thus preventing the oral bacteria which cause tooth decay from establishing themselves.” Professor Hill adds, “Research suggests this will potentially prolong the life of fillings and slow secondary tooth decay because the depth of bacterial penetration with bioactive glass fillings was significantly smaller than for inert fillings.”

Study Finds Association Between Poor Oral Health And Heart Disease

Men’s Health reported that a new study from Finland suggests poor oral health may affect heart health. Researchers examined “the teeth and the arteries of more than 500 people,” finding that those needing a root canal were “nearly 3 times more likely to have acute coronary syndrome” than “patients with healthy teeth.” Study author Dr. John Liljestrand suggests the bacteria from the tooth infection may spread to other parts of the body, including the heart. Dr. Liljestrand recommends brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental visits to help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

        In an article in the Omaha (NE) World-Herald (9/24), Dr. Robert Schwab, a physician specializing in internal medicine at Boys Town National Research Hospital, also stated that research suggests poor oral hygiene may impact overall health, including heart health. With this in mind, Dr. Schwab provides tips to promote heart and oral health.

Flossing Still Beneficial For Oral Health

The McGill (CAN) Tribune discusses flossing in light of the AP story that questioned the benefits of the practice. The article notes the ADA has stated “flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” Moreover, “most other dental associations recommend that their patients remove plaque with the aid of a physical support,” the article adds. “There is much we do in medicine and dentistry that is not evidence-based, but that doesn’t mean it does not work,” said Dr. Øyvind Asmyhr, head of the Norwegian Dental Association. Also commenting on the AP story, McGill Dentistry Professor Omid Kiarash said, “The notion that no flossing is somehow better than flossing simply because the strength of the studies are not high quality is ridiculous.”

        The ADA has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners, and a Science in the News article titled “The Medical Benefit of Daily Flossing Called Into Question” discusses evidence about the impact of flossing on oral health.

Study: Tooth Loss Associated With Reduced Physical, Mental Health Among Older Adults

Science Daily carried a release stating “older adults who have significant tooth loss are less functional when compared with people who lose fewer teeth,” according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. For the study, researchers “examined information from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) project,” which asked participants questions about the number of teeth they had, their physical and mental health, and their ability to perform common activities. The researchers suggested “it is essential that older adults receive the support they need to maintain good oral health self-care practices, and that they receive adequate dental care.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides oral health information for patients over 60.

Despite FDA Ban From Soaps, Triclosan Considered Effective Ingredient In Toothpaste

The New York Times (9/7, Louis, Subscription Publication) reports that the ingredient triclosan, which the FDA banned from antibacterial soaps recently, can still be legally used in some toothpastes. According to FDA spokesperson Andrea Fischer, the ingredient is “demonstrated to be effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis.” Fischer adds, “Based on scientific evidence, the balance of benefit and risk is favorable for these products.” The article noted that a 2013 Cochrane review “concluded that toothpastes with triclosan and fluoride outperformed those with only fluoride.”

        The ADA reported previously that a study in the May 2016 issue of mSphere was “designed to examine whether use of consumer products” containing triclosan could “alter gut microbiome composition, endocrine function, and markers for obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.” The ADA says the study is “strongly suggestive” of triclosan’s “safety for use by humans.”

Brush, Floss Twice A Day To Promote Good Oral Hygiene

Spark People Health & Fitness writer Leanne Beattie discusses ways to address bad breath. Beattie recommends one of the best ways to combat bad breath is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth and the tongue and flossing at least twice a day. Additionally, she recommends people drink lots of water, eat crunchy fruits and vegetables, stop drinking coffee, chew sugarless gum, eat yogurt, consume an adequate amount of vitamins, avoid tobacco products, and watch out for OTC medicines that can cause bad breath.

ADA Spokesperson Provides Tips To Alleviate Halitosis

In a consumer-directed video on the Business Insider website, American Dental Association spokesperson Dr. Ada Cooper discusses halitosis, which can be caused by several factors, including poor oral hygiene and dry mouth. To help prevent halitosis, Dr. Cooper advises people to remember to brush their teeth at night to remove food from the mouth. In addition, brushing the tongue and drinking plenty of water can help remove odor-causing bacteria, says Dr. Cooper. If these methods do not help, Dr. Cooper encourages people to visit their dentist to determine if something else may be causing halitosis.

Oral Health Issues May Indicate “More Serious Health Problems.”

Simplemost stated oral health issues may be a sign of “more serious health problems.” For example, white spots on the tongue may be a sign of oral thrush (candidiasis), while red and bleeding gums may be a sign of gum disease. In another example, the article stated that dry mouth, also called xerostomia, may be a side effect of certain medications, but it “could also be a symptom of something more serious,” such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder. The article advised seeing a dentist if experiencing oral health issues.

        The Oral Health Topics on ADA.org and MouthHealthy.org provide additional information on xerostomia for dental professionals and for patients. MouthHealthy.org also provides information for patients on candidiasis, diabetes and oral health, and gum disease.

Study: Poor Oral Health Associated With OPSCC Regardless Of HPV Status

Oncology Nurse Advisor reports that a study published in the journal Cancer suggests poor oral health is associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) “regardless of HPV status.” According to the article, although poor oral health has been “linked to an increased risk for developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including OPSCC,” the “impact of HPV status on the association between poor oral health and OPSCC cancer risk remains unclear.” Using data from the large population-based Carolina Head and Neck Cancer case-control study, researchers found “routine dental examinations were associated with a 48% reduced risk of HPV-negative OPSCC...and a 45% reduced risk of HPV-positive OPSCC.” Researchers also found “tooth mobility, which is an indicator for periodontal disease, increased the risk of HPV-negative OPSCC by 70%...and HPV-positive disease by 45%.”

        MouthHealthy.org and the Oral Health Topics on ADA.org provide information on oral and oropharyngeal cancer for patients and for dental professionals. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs provides a statement on human papillomavirus and squamous cell cancers of the oropharynx. MouthHealthy.org also provides information for patients on HPV and oral cancer.

Drs. Oz and Roizen: Flossing Still Beneficial

The Dubuque (IA) Telegraph Herald carries an article written by Michael Roizen, MD, and Mehmet Oz, MD, discussing recent AP reporting questioning the benefits of dental flossing. Drs. Oz and Roizen state, “What the AP findings actually showed was that there haven’t been enough reliable clinical trials to state definitively that flossing prevents cavities or periodontal disease.” The two note that the American Dental Association stated in response to the study, “The bottom line for dentists and patients is that a lack of strong evidence doesn’t equate to a lack of effectiveness.”

        The ADA has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners, and a Science in the News article titled “The Medical Benefit of Daily Flossing Called Into Question” discusses evidence about the impact of flossing on oral health.