ADA Releases Resources On Genetics And Oral Health

In a release on PRNewswire, the American Dental Association discusses its new resources related to genetics and oral health that are available for dental professionals and the public. According to the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs’ Genetic Testing Workgroup, “While genetic testing holds potential for clinical application in the future, clinical measurements remain the best approach to assessment of caries and periodontal disease at this time.” The release states that “the ADA’s resource on genetics and genetic testing explains basic genetic principles, genetic testing and using genetic information in decision-making in dentistry.”

NYTimes Examines Health Benefits Of Chewing Gum

The New York Times analyzes the health claims that William Wrigley Jr., founder of the Wrigley Company, made in the 1930s about the company’s chewing gum. In a letter mailed at the time, Wrigley wrote that chewing gum “is good for children’s teeth, which need more exercise than they get with modern soft food.” According to Dr. Jade Miller, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, there is no evidence supporting this or other claims of oral health benefits from chewing the gum sold in the 1930s, which all contained sugar. However, the article notes that since then, “dental experts have come to the conclusion that chewing sugar-free gum after meals increases the flow of saliva, which can help clear sugars and bacteria from the mouth, neutralize plaque acids and strengthen teeth, all of which can help to prevent cavities.” In addition, Dr. Miller said the increased salivary flow may be particularly beneficial for people with dry mouth. “That can be caused by a lot of medications or medical problems, and increased salivary flow can really be helpful for reducing the risk of cavities,” he said.

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.

Study Finds Periodontitis May Be An Early Warning Sign Of Diabetes

The New York Times reports that a new study suggests periodontitis may be an early warning sign of type 2 diabetes, and given this, screening for type 2 diabetes at dental offices may be beneficial. In the study involving 313 patients at a dental clinic in Amsterdam, researchers found that “nearly half of the patients with any degree of periodontitis had blood sugar tests indicating they had pre-diabetes, a condition that can progress to full-blown diabetes.” A simple finger stick analysis “can help with early diabetes screening,” said Dr. Wijnand J. Teeuw, first author of the study, which is published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.

        MedPage Today reports the study suggests that “screening periodontitis patients in the dentist’s office with a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test may help identify undiagnosed cases of diabetes and prediabetes.”

        In addition, HealthDay reports ADA spokesperson Dr. Sally Cram said many people with uncontrolled diabetes see improvement when their gum disease is under control, noting the benefits of preventive dental care. “Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once, and see your dentist periodically,” said Dr. Cram.

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.

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.

Melbourne Scientists Publish Research On Therapeutic Dental Vaccine

A release on EurekAlert (12/4) states a team of dental scientists at the Oral Health CRC at the University of Melbourne has developed a vaccine that “could eliminate or at least reduce the need for surgery and antibiotics for severe gum disease.” The vaccine “targets enzymes produced by the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, to trigger an immune response,” which then “produces antibodies that neutralise the pathogen’s destructive toxins.” According to the release, the vaccine has been validated by research published in the journal NPJ Vaccines, and clinical trials could begin in 2018.

November Is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Twenty-nine million people in the United States have diabetes, and another 1.7 million cases are diagnosed each year. With 1 in 5 cases of total tooth loss linked to diabetes, it’s especially important for people with diabetes to take good care of their oral and overall health. However, you may be treating patients who aren’t even aware they have it, as 8.1 million people are currently living with the disease but undiagnosed. Use National Diabetes Awareness Month as an opportunity to educate your patients on the link between diabetes and dental health with these helpful resources: What diabetes does to your smile Five diabetes-related mouth symptoms (and how to manage them) "For the Patient" information from the Journal of the American Dental Association

Most Dental Patients Do Not Require Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior To Procedures

The Washington Post discussed antibiotic prophylaxis, stating that revised guidelines recommend fewer people receive antibiotics before a dental procedure. The article notes that a 2014 American Dental Association panel “reviewed studies comparing the dental histories of people who had contracted infections of artificial joints with those of similar people with replaced joints who remained infection-free,” finding “no statistical connection between dental visits and subsequent joint infections, regardless of whether patients had taken antibiotics.” In 2015, the ADA published new clinical practice guidelines concerning prophylactic antibiotics for patients with prosthetic joints.

        The ADA News reported previously that a continuing education course at ADA 2016 – America’s Dental Meeting will focus on prophylactic antibiotic use. According to the article, “The session, Prophylactic Antibiotic Use and a ‘Different’ Kind of Joint (5352), will be led by Dr. Tom Sollecito, the lead author of a 2015 report from the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs that offers guidelines about the use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures in patients with prosthetic joints.”

        The guidelines, “The Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics Prior to Dental Procedures in Patients with Prosthetic Joints,” are available for download at JADA.ADA.org. MouthHealthy.org and the Oral Health Topics on ADA.org also provide information on prophylactic antibiotic use for patients and for dental professionals.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

Study: Teen “Night Owls” More Likely To Have Tooth Decay

The Daily Mail reported that a new study finds teenagers who are “night owls” are “up to four times as likely to require fillings as those who prefer an early night.” The researchers suggested this may stem from the teenagers neglecting “to brush their teeth before falling asleep.” In addition, the study found teenagers who go to bed late are “more likely to wake up later and skip breakfast,” resulting in “increased snacking throughout the day.” Given this, the Oral Health Foundation is “encouraging parents to ensure their children understand the importance of brushing their teeth before bed, and the impact of tooth decay.” Dr. Nigel Carter, the foundation’s chief executive, said the combined effect of not brushing teeth regularly before bed and skipping breakfast is “a real recipe for disaster” for oral health and increases the “risk of developing tooth decay.” Dr. Carter said, “Problems in the mouth can affect the way our children communicate, their relationships and their wider general health, so it is vital they prioritize their oral health.”

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.