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.