Ear Pains May Be A Symptom Of Tooth, Throat Or Mouth Problems

In about half the cases of referred ear pain, the problem is with the teeth or mouth, and might be better diagnosed by a dentist. An abscessed or fractured tooth, periodontal disease or impacted wisdom tooth may cause ear pain. You may need a complete dental evaluation, including all the necessary X-rays. Another mouth problem that can cause pain in a normal ear is temporomandibular joint dysfunction, where the lower jaw is not properly seated in its joint with the rest of the skull.

Ear pain has other possible causes, including sinus, tonsil, salivary gland, and throat infections. Neuralgias of the nerves to the face and head or a condition called temporal arteritis may also show up as ear pain.

Although rare, other causes that might be considered are tumors of the chest, neck and head.

Article taken from: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-02-16/entertainment/9101150407_1_ear-pain-temporomandibular-tooth

Dentures: What to Expect

Success with your dentures, whether new or a replacement, depends on a few simple tips. First of all, and most importantly, rely on your dentist or prosthodontist. Your oral care professional can offer the best advice to help you live your life with dentures. In addition to this professional advice, here are a few things you may expect to experience while adjusting to dentures.

Gaining Confidence During the Adjustment Period

You're probably concerned about how your dentures will look and feel. Some awkwardness is normal at first and usually diminishes quickly. Before you know it, you'll feel more confident about wearing your dentures.

How They Look and Feel

New wearers often report a “full-mouth” feeling, as though the dentures are too big and pushing the lips forward. This feeling will diminish as you adjust to wearing dentures. They may feel like they don’t fit properly at first. They may “gag” you or cause you to bite your cheek or tongue. If you wear an upper denture, it may take some time for your tongue to get used to the feeling of being pressed against the denture and not your palate. Don’t worry. These problems will decrease over time. Your dentist or prosthodontist may recommend the use of a denture adhesive to help you feel more confident.

New Sensations

Because a denture is a “foreign object” in the mouth, you may produce more saliva for awhile. This, too, will decrease and eventually go away. Something as simple as sucking on a mint or hard candy will encourage you to swallow more frequently, clearing excess saliva. Some soreness is also expected, usually within a few hours of putting your dentures in your mouth. If it continues, see a dental professional; never try to make adjustments to your dentures yourself.

Speaking

When you speak, much of the sound of your voice reaches your ears through vibrations in the bones of the jaw and skull. Wearing dentures changes the sound, and makes it seem louder. This change will be much less noticeable to others than to you. If your dentures click when you speak, try speaking more slowly. The muscles in your lips, cheeks and tongue are learning to keep the denture in place. Time and practice will overcome this difficulty.

Eating

At first, you may feel that food has lost its flavor. This is because the messages your brain is receiving about your dentures can, for a short time, overpower those from your taste buds. You may also have trouble sensing how hot food and drinks are at first, so taste carefully. In time, your brain will pay less attention to your dentures and more to flavor in temperature. Here are some additional eating tips:

• Cut food into small pieces.
• Divide up food in your mouth so that you’re chewing one half on the back left side of your mouth and the other half on the back right. This will even out the pressure on your dentures.
• Start with soft foods, such as eggs, fish, chopped meat, cooked vegetables and puddings.

For more about dentures visit www.dentureliving.com
Article taken from: http://www.oralb.com/topics/dentures-how-it-works.aspx

Laser Use in Dentistry

Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems. Yet, despite FDA approval, no laser system has received the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. That seal assures dentists that the product or device meets ADA standards of safety and efficacy, among other things. The ADA, however, states that it is cautiously optimistic about the role of laser technology in the field of dentistry. These lasers are different from the cold lasers used in phototherapy for the relief of headaches, pain, and inflammation.
Still, some dentists are using lasers to treat:

• Tooth decay. Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling. Lasers are also used to "cure" or harden a filling.
• Gum disease. Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures.
• Biopsy or lesion removal. Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain of canker sores.
• Teeth whitening. Lasers are used to speed up in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is ''activated" by laser energy, which speeds up of the whitening process.

How Do Lasers Work in Dentistry?

All lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. When used for surgical and dental procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument or a vaporizer of tissue that it comes in contact with. When used for "curing" a filling, the laser helps to strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth. When used in teeth-whitening procedures, the laser acts as a heat source and enhances the effect of tooth-bleaching agents.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Laser in Dentistry?

Pros
Compared to the traditional dental drill, lasers:

• May cause less pain in some instances, so reduces the need for anesthesia
• May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill
• Minimize bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments
• May preserve more healthy tooth during cavity removal

Cons
The disadvantages of lasers are that:

• Lasers can't be used on teeth with fillings already in place.
• Lasers can't be used in many commonly performed dental procedures. For example, lasers can't be used to fill cavities located between teeth, around old fillings, and large cavities that need to be prepared for a crown. In addition, lasers cannot be used to remove defective crowns or silver fillings, or prepare teeth for bridges.
• Traditional drills may still be needed to shape the filling, adjust the bite, and polish the filling even when a laser is used.
• Lasers do not eliminate the need for anesthesia.
• Laser treatment tends to be more expensive -- the cost of the laser is much higher than a dental drill. Lasers can cost between $39,000 and $45,000, compared to about $600 for a standard drill.

Article taken from: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/laser-use-dentistry

Dental Health and Your Child's Teeth

The following chart shows when your child's primary teeth (also called baby teeth or deciduous teeth) should erupt and shed. Eruption times vary from child to child.
As seen from the chart, the first teeth begin to break through the gums at about 6 months of age. Usually, the first two teeth to erupt are the two bottom central incisors (the two bottom front teeth). Next, the top four front teeth emerge. After that, other teeth slowly begin to fill in, usually in pairs -- one each side of the upper or lower jaw -- until all 20 teeth (10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw) have come in by the time the child is 2 ½ to 3 years old. The complete set of primary teeth is in the mouth from the age of 2 ½ to 3 years of age to 6 to 7 years of age.

Primary Teeth Development Chart
Upper Teeth	When tooth emerges	When tooth falls out
Central incisor	8 to 12 months	6 to 7 years
Lateral incisor	9 to 13 months	7 to 8 years
Canine (cuspid)	16 to 22 months	10 to 12 years
First molar	13 to 19 months	9 to 11 years
Second molar	25 to 33 months	10 to 12 years
Lower Teeth
Second molar	23 to 31 months	10 to 12 years
First molar	14 to 18 months	9 to 11 years
Canine (cuspid)	17 to 23 months	9 to 12 years
Lateral incisor	10 to 16 months	7 to 8 years
Central incisor	6 to 10 months	6 to 7 years

                                                                                                                            
Other primary tooth eruption facts:

• A general rule of thumb is that for every 6 months of life, approximately 4 teeth will erupt.
• Girls generally precede boys in tooth eruption.
• Lower teeth usually erupt before upper teeth.
• Teeth in both jaws usually erupt in pairs -- one on the right and one on the left.
• Primary teeth are smaller in size and whiter in color than the permanent teeth that will follow.
• By the time a child is 2 to 3 years of age, all primary teeth should have erupted.

Shortly after age 4, the jaw and facial bones of the child begin to grow, creating spaces between the primary teeth. This is a perfectly natural growth process that provides the necessary space for the larger permanent teeth to emerge. Between the ages of 6 and 12, a mixture of both primary teeth and permanent teeth reside in the mouth.

Why Is it Important to Care for Baby Teeth?

While it's true that baby teeth are only in the mouth a short period of time, they play a vital role. Baby teeth:

• Reserve space for their permanent counterparts
• Give the face its normal appearance.
• Aid in the development of clear speech.
• Help attain good nutrition (missing or decayed teeth make it difficult to chew, causing children to reject foods)
• Help give a healthy start to the permanent teeth (decay and infection in baby teeth can cause damage to the permanent teeth developing beneath them)

To understand the problems that decaying baby teeth can cause in permanent teeth, see Oral Health Problems in Children.
Article taken from: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-your-childs-teeth

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria in plaque. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid produced by these bacteria attack the teeth and gums. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can begin.

 

The condition also is associated with breast-fed infants who have prolonged feeding habits or with children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in honey, sugar or syrup. The sweet fluids left in the mouth while the infant is sleeping increase the chances of cavities.

 

Why should I be worried about baby bottle tooth decay?

 

Giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or nighttime is harmful because during sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to linger on the child's teeth for an extended period of time. If left untreated, decay can result, which can cause pain and infection. Severely decayed teeth may need to be extracted. If teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth and damaged adult teeth. Healthy baby teeth will usually result in healthy permanent teeth.

 

How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?

 

Never allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquids. Clean and massage the baby's gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues. This should be done after every feeding.

 

Plaque removal activities should begin upon eruption of the first baby tooth. When brushing a child's teeth, use a soft toothbrush and water. If you are considering using toothpaste before your child's second birthday, ask your dentist first. Parents should first bring their child to the dentist when the child is between 6 and 12 months old.

 

Will changes in my child's diet help prevent baby bottle tooth decay?

 

A series of small changes over a period of time is usually easier and eventually leads to better oral health.

 

To incorporate these changes:

 

• Gradually dilute the bottle contents with water over a period of two to three weeks.
• Once that period is over, if you give a child a bottle, fill it with water or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by a dentist. The only safe liquid to put in a bottle to prevent baby bottle tooth decay is water.
• Decrease consumption of sugar, especially between meals.
• Children should be weaned from the bottle as soon as they can drink from a cup, usually by their first birthday, but the bottle should not be taken away too soon, since the sucking motion aids in the development of facial muscles, as well as the tongue.

Article taken from: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=296&aid=1185

Dental Fillings, Crowns & Root Canals

Above video created by: ColgateOralCare

Dentist West Palm Beach FL
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is typically painless in its early stages and often goes unnoticed by the patient until it spreads, leading to chronic pain and sometimes loss of function before it is diagnosed. In its later stages, oral cancer can lead to surgery and facial and oral disfigurement. Surgery can include removal of a portion of the tongue and jaw.

Signs of Oral Cancer

 

• A sore that persists longer than two weeks
• A swelling, growth or sore spot in or around the mouth or neck
• White or red patches in the mouth or on the lips
• Repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent hoarseness

The next time you visit your dentist, ask about your oral cancer screening � most people receive one during their regular dental checkup but do not realize it.

 

The dentist checks about 10 places inside and around the mouth, looking for lumps or irregular tissue changes.

 

Every year, 35,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, which accounts for roughly 7,500 deaths each year. "If detected early, oral cancer can be cured," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Fred Magaziner, DDS, "That is why many dentists make this a part of their routine dental examination for their patients."

 

"Often, patients don't realize the exam is being conducted because it is a quick, comfortable addition to the patient's regular dental checkup," notes Dr. Magaziner.

Article taken from: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=T&iid=335&aid=1359

Acid attack!

Many people consume carbonated beverages, fruit juice and highly acidic foods every day but probably don't realize that they may be harming their teeth. The acid in the foods we eat and drink can cause tooth enamel to wear away and teeth can become sensitive and discolored. In many cases, it's not what you eat and drink that is as important as how you consume these foods.

What is tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion, or tooth wear, is the loss of tooth structure caused by the weakening of dental enamel. Dental enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth's structure and shape. When the enamel weakens, it exposes the underlying dentin (the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth), causing the teeth to appear yellow.

What causes tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion may occur when the enamel on your teeth is weakened by the acid found in many foods and drinks. Usually the calcium contained in saliva will help remineralize (or strengthen) your teeth after you consume small amounts of acid; however, the presence of a lot of acid in your mouth does not allow for remineralization. Acid can come from many sources, including the following:

• Carbonated drinks. All soft drinks (even diet varieties) contain a lot of acid and can dissolve enamel on your teeth very quickly.
• Fruit juice and wine. Juice and wine have similar effects on your teeth because they contain acid.
• Fruit, pickles, yogurt and honey. These foods are acidic; don't let them linger in your mouth. Swallow them as soon as you've chewed them enough.
• Bulimia and acid reflux. Bulimia and acid reflux also can cause tooth damage from stomach acids coming into contact with teeth. Medical and dental help should be sought for anyone who suffers from either of these conditions.

What are some signs of tooth erosion?

Acid wear may lead to serious dental problems. It is important to notice the signs of tooth erosion in its early stages (sensitivity, discoloration and rounded teeth) before more severe damage occurs (cracks, severe sensitivity and other problems).

• Sensitivity. Since protective enamel is wearing away, you may feel a twinge of pain when you consume hot, cold or sweet food and drink. As more enamel is worn away, teeth become increasingly sensitive.
• Discoloration. Teeth can become slightly yellow because the thinning enamel layer exposes the underlying dentin.
• Rounded teeth. Your teeth may have a rounded or 'sand-blasted' look.
• Transparency. Your front teeth may appear slightly translucent near the biting edges.
• Advanced discoloration. Teeth may become more yellow as more dentin is exposed because of the loss of protective tooth enamel.
• Cracks. Small cracks and roughness may appear at the edges of teeth.
• Cupping. Small dents may appear on the chewing surface of the teeth. Fillings also might appear to be rising up out of the tooth.

What can I do to prevent tooth erosion?

Because there are different reasons why you may experience tooth erosion (swishing carbonated drinks, drinking a lot of juice or wine, eating disorders), talk to your dentist about your habits so that a plan for preventive action can be determined. Be smart about how you consume acidic foods and you can continue enjoying the things you like. Here are some general ways to protect your teeth:

• Reduce or eliminate drinking carbonated drinks. Instead, drink water, milk or tea — but skip the sugar and honey!
• If you must consume acidic drinks, drink them quickly and use a straw so that the liquid is pushed to the back of the mouth. Don't swish them around or hold them in your mouth for long periods.
• Don't let acidic foods linger in your mouth; swallow them as soon as you've chewed them enough so that they are ready to digest.
• Instead of snacking on acidic foods throughout the day, eat these foods just during meal times in order to minimize the amount of time the acid is on the teeth.
• After consuming high-acid food or drinks, rinse with water to neutralize the acids.
• Chew sugar-free gum to produce more saliva, as this helps your teeth remineralize.
• Brush with a soft toothbrush and be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.
• Your dentist may also recommend daily use of a toothpaste to reduce sensitivity (over-the-counter or prescription strength) or other products to counter the effects of erosion.

Article taken from: http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/acid_wear.html

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity

Above video created by: ColgateOralCare


Dentist West Palm Beach FL
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

The Jaw Is Also A Casualty When Bacterium Causes Gum Disease

The newly discovered bacterium that causes gum disease delivers a one-two punch by also triggering normally protective proteins in the mouth to actually destroy more bone, a University of Michigan study found.

Scientists and oral health care providers have known for decades that bacteria are responsible for periodontitis, or gum disease. Until now, however, they hadn't identified the bacterium.

"Identifying the mechanism that is responsible for periodontitis is a major discovery," said Yizu Jiao, a postdoctoral fellow at the U-M Health System, and lead author of the study appearing in the recent issue of the journal Cell Host and Microbe.

Jiao and Noahiro Inohara, research associate professor at the U-M Health System, worked with William Giannobile, professor of dentistry, and Julie Marchesan, formerly of Giannobile's lab.

The study yielded yet another significant finding: the bacterium that causes gum disease, called NI1060, also triggers a normally protective protein in the oral cavity, called Nod1, to turn traitorous and actually trigger bone-destroying cells. Under normal circumstances, Nod1 fights harmful bacterium in the body.

"Nod1 is a part of our protective mechanisms against bacterial infection. It helps us to fight infection by recruiting neutrophils, blood cells that act as bacterial killers," Inohara said. "It also removes harmful bacteria during infection. However, in the case of periodontitis, accumulation of NI1060 stimulates Nod1 to trigger neutrophils and osteoclasts, which are cells that destroy bone in the oral cavity."

Giannobile, who also chairs the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the U-M School of Dentistry, said understanding what causes gum disease at the molecular level could help develop personalized therapy for dental patients.

"The findings from this study underscore the connection between beneficial and harmful bacteria that normally reside in the oral cavity, how a harmful bacterium causes the disease, and how an at-risk patient might respond to such bacteria," Giannobile said.
Article taken from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/261864.php

Genetics-Based Risk Assessment Brings Personalized Preventive Care To Dentistry

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU) have announced the online publication of the research study "Patient Stratification for Preventive Dental Care" in Journal of Dental Research. The study provides new insights into the prevention of periodontitis (gum disease) and the opportunity for significant advancement in the delivery of personalized, preventive dental care. Periodontitis affects 47 percent of the adult population.

The study explored the influence of three key risk factors for periodontal disease - smoking, diabetes and genetics - on tooth loss given varied frequencies of preventive dental visits that included cleanings. By examining claims data from 5,117 patients without periodontitis throughout a 16 year period and conducting genetic testing, researchers determined that patients with genetic variations of the IL-1 genotype, or one or more other risk factors examined, were at significantly increased risk for tooth loss and therefore require more preventive dental care. The IL-1 genetic variation was the single most prevalent risk factor - nearly one in three Americans carry this genetic variation. This study demonstrates the important opportunity to provide more effective preventive oral care through the use of risk-based patient assessment that includes genetic testing.

Research was conducted under the direction of Dr. William Giannobile, Najjar endowed Professor of Dentistry and Biomedical Engineering, and Chair of the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan.

Periodontitisis a bacterially induced chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the bone and gum tissues that support the teeth. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of the body. It causes bleeding and swelling of the gums, loose teeth, bad breath and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Severe periodontitis has been associated with increased risk for multiple other diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. One in four Americans over age of 65 have lost all their teeth.

"Dentistry has long been a leader in the delivery of preventive healthcare to patients. The findings of this study provide dental clinicians with the opportunity to offer personalized, preventive care that is based on new insights into the importance of genetic risk factors," said Dr. Kenneth Kornman, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics, which developed the genetics test used in the study.

"Personalized medicine is an important frontier in healthcare driven by the clinical application of genetic and molecular information. Genetic-based risk assessment has long promised to improve prevention and treatment of chronic diseases," said Sir Gordon Duff, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Medicine the University of Sheffield and co-author of the paper. "The findings of this study represent perhaps the first broad scale application of genetics to help prevent a disease that is very prevalent, costly and preventable."

Periodontitis initiation and progression is driven by two factors: bacterial plaque that initiates the disease and the body's inflammatory response to bacteria which, when overly aggressive, causes breakdown of the bone and tissue that support the teeth. This inflammatory response varies greatly within the population and is significantly impacted by individual genetic make-up. Genetic testing can identify patients who have an increased inflammatory response to oral bacteria which significantly increases risk of periodontitis and tooth loss. Smoking and diabetes also contribute significantly to the risk of periodontal disease.

"Ultimately, patients should be evaluated by their dentist regularly and receive needed preventive care before any symptoms of periodontal disease appear. This disease can result in disfiguring bone loss around teeth and has been implicated as a risk factor for multiple systemic conditions that benefit from early stage prevention," said periodontist Donald S. Clem, III, D.D.S., Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology, Past President American Academy of Periodontology. "Historically, we have lacked the prognostic tools to effectively identify patients at greatest risk for periodontitis. This study underscores the need to adopt a genetic, risk-based approach and gives patients a compelling new reason to visit the dentist for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. As we see with other chronic diseases, identifying and understanding genetic predisposition to disease is a critical component of long term prevention."
Article taken from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/261847.php

What Is Laser Dentistry?

What is a laser and how does it work?

A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The light produced by the laser can remove or shape tissue.

 

Are lasers used in dentistry?

Yes, lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990. Lasers can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures and are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments.

 

How are lasers used in dentistry?

Dental lasers can be used to:

• reduce the discomfort of canker and cold sores.
•  expose partially erupted wisdom teeth.
• remove muscle attachments that limit proper movement.
• manage gum tissue during impressions for crowns or other procedures.
• remove overgrown tissues caused by certain medications.
• perform biopsy procedures.
• remove inflamed gum tissues and aid in the treatment of gum disease.
• remove or reshape gum and bone tissues during crown lengthening procedures.
• help treat infections in root canals.
• speed up tooth whitening procedures.

What are the benefits of using dental lasers?

There are several advantages. Dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia in some procedures,  allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Laser procedures can be more precise. Also, lasers can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies; reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities; and control bleeding during surgery.

 

Are dental lasers safe?

If the dental laser is used according to accepted practices by a trained practitioner, then it is at least as safe as other dental instruments. However, just as you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the sun, when your dentist performs a laser procedure, you will be asked to wear special eyeglasses to protect your eyes from the laser.

 

How can I be sure my dentist is properly trained to use a laser?

Ask your dentist questions about the extent of his or her laser education and training. Make sure that your dentist has participated in educational courses and received training by the manufacturer. Many dental schools, dental associations, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) offer dental laser education. The ALD is the profession's independent source for current dental laser education and credentialing.

 

How will I know if treatment with a dental laser is an option for me?

Ask your dentist. Although the laser is a very useful dental instrument, it is not appropriate for every dental procedure.

Article taken from: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=L&iid=780&aid=3803

 

Reviewed: January 2012

Cheese And Dairy Products May Prevent Cavities

Consuming dairy products is vital to maintaining good overall health, and it's especially important to bone health. But there has been little research about how dairy products affect oral health in particular. However, according to a new study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.

The study sampled 68 subjects ranging in age from 12 to 15, and the authors looked at the dental plaque pH in the subjects' mouths before and after they consumed cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt. A pH level lower than 5.5 puts a person at risk for tooth erosion, which is a process that wears away the enamel (or protective outside layer) of teeth. "The higher the pH level is above 5.5, the lower the chance of developing cavities," explains Vipul Yadav, MDS, lead author of the study.

The subjects were assigned into groups randomly. Researchers instructed the first group to eat cheddar cheese, the second group to drink milk, and the third group to eat sugar-free yogurt. Each group consumed their product for three minutes and then swished with water. Researchers measured the pH level of each subject's mouth at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after consumption.

The groups who consumed milk and sugar-free yogurt experienced no changes in the pH levels in their mouths. Subjects who ate cheese, however, showed a rapid increase in pH levels at each time interval, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.

The study indicated that the rising pH levels from eating cheese may have occurred due to increased saliva production (the mouth's natural way to maintain a baseline acidity level), which could be caused by the action of chewing. Additionally, various compounds found in cheese may adhere to tooth enamel and help further protect teeth from acid.

"It looks like dairy does the mouth good," says AGD spokesperson Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, FAGD. "Not only are dairy products a healthy alternative to carb- or sugar-filled snacks, they also may be considered as a preventive measure against cavities."
Article taken from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/261550.php

How to Freshen Bad Breath

Above video created by: ColgateOralCare

Dentist West Palm Beach FL
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Do I Need a Night Guard?

If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or tooth pain, you may want to ask a qualified dental professional if you are suffering from a condition called bruxism. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects about 10 to 15 percent of adults, according to the American Dental Association.
There are several ways to alleviate the effects of bruxism. One of the most common, which your dentist may recommend, is a night guard. This is an appliance typically worn while sleeping through the night, which is available without a prescription at most pharmacies. To use the appliance, you simply boil it, let it cool for a few seconds and then gently bite into it to shape it to your own teeth.
Night guards are also available through your dentist. Guards of this type tend to be of a higher quality and superior fit, as they are made in a special laboratory from an impression of your mouth carefully taken by a dental professional. This is generally a more expensive device than one purchased over-the-counter, but can be more comfortable to wear.
Regardless of where a night guard is purchased, its main function is to prevent the surfaces of your teeth from grinding together, causing you to chip and crack your teeth and strain your jaw muscles.
Other Treatments for Teeth Grinding
If a night guard is uncomfortable, there are other possible treatments listed below that you can ask your dentist about.

• Teeth straightening: Teeth that are out of alignment--what dentists call malocclusion--can contribute to teeth grinding. This can be remedied by corrective measures such as braces.
• Stress prevention: One of the main causes of bruxism is anxiety, so your dentist might advise you to utilize one or more at-home methods of relaxation, like meditation, or in some cases professional counseling, to get you to relax and stop clenching your jaw.
• Change of diet or medication: Your dentist might recommend avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine, to reduce teeth grinding. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, might also contribute to the issue, so make sure you tell your dentist about any medications you are taking so he can suggest an alternative if one is warranted.

The most important thing to know about bruxism is that it can be treated with the help of a dentist. Learn more about teeth grinding in the Colgate Oral Care resources.
Article taken from: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ColgateNewandNow/Family/2013/March/article/SW-281474979062948.cvsp

Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleeping disorder that happens when your regular breathing is interrupted during sleep. Snoring is common among patients with sleep apnea but not all snorers have sleep apnea.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea. The more common form, it is the result of blocked airflow during sleep, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses while you sleep. Health factors, such as obesity may contribute.
• Central sleep apnea. Results from a problem with how the brain signals the breathing muscles. The airway is not blocked, instead the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. This type of sleep apnea can occur with conditions such as heart failure, brain tumors, brain infections, and stroke.

Sleep apnea can affect any one at any age, although men are more likely to develop the disorder. The risk is also greater for those:

• over 40
• overweight
• with large tonsils, large tongue or small jaw
• with a family history of sleep apnea
• with a nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies or sinus problems.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a number of health problems including:

• high blood pressure
• stroke
• heart failure, irregular heartbeat and heart attack
• diabetes
• depression
• worsening of ADHD.

Sleep apnea can be treated. There are several options:

• Adjusting sleeping habits. This may mean simply not sleeping on your back
• Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). This is a device which improves breathing while you sleep. The device supplies air through the nasal passages and the air pressure keeps the airway open while sleeping.
• Oral appliances. Certain oral devices can shift and support the jaw to prevent the airway from collapsing. Research shows that oral appliances can successfully prevent sleep apnea in some mild to moderate cases.
• Surgery. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, upper airway surgery may be recommended when other treatment options are unsuccessful in eliminating the symptoms of sleep apnea. Depending on the location and nature of the airway obstruction, the procedure may be minimally invasive or more complex. It may be necessary to remove the tonsils or other parts of the soft palate or throat.

If you think you have sleep apnea, make sure to speak with your physician or dentist for more information and possible evaluation.
Article taken from: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/Sleep-apnea-and-snoring.aspx

Billions Worldwide Suffer From Major Tooth Decay

Billions of people across the globe are suffering from major untreated dental problems, according to a new report led by Professor Wagner Marcenes of Queen Mary, University of London, published in the Journal of Dental Research.

Professor Marcenes of the Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary led an international research team investigating oral health as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 study.

The report shows that oral conditions affect as many as 3.9bn people worldwide - over half the total population. Untreated tooth decay or cavities in permanent teeth - also known as dental caries - was the most common of all 291 major diseases and injuries assessed by the GBD 2010 study, affecting 35 per cent of the world population.

"There are close to 4bn people in the world who suffer from untreated oral health conditions that cause toothache and prevent them from eating and possibly sleeping properly, which is a disability," comments Professor Marcenes. "This total does not even include small cavities or mild gum diseases, so we are facing serious problems in the population's oral health."

The GBD 2010 estimated that the disability associated with severe tooth loss was between those reported for moderate heart failure and moderate consequences of stroke.

Oral conditions accounted for an average health loss of 224 years per 100,000 people (years lived with disability or YLDs) - more than 25 out of 28 categories of cancer assessed in the GBD 2010 study.

The study found that the global burden of oral conditions is shifting from severe tooth loss towards severe periodontitis and untreated caries. It found that the global burden of oral diseases increased 20 per cent between 1990 and 2010, while a reduction of 0.5 per cent was observed for all conditions together. This increase was mainly due to population growth and ageing.

Professor Marcenes interprets this observed shift: "Tooth loss is often the final result when preventive or conservative treatments for tooth decay or gum disease fail or are unavailable. It is likely that current dental services are coping better to prevent tooth loss than in the past but major efforts are needed to prevent the occurrence and development of gum diseases and tooth decay. Ironically the longer a person keeps their teeth the greater the pressure on services to treat them."

The largest increases in the burden of oral conditions were in Eastern (52 per cent), Central (51 per cent) and Sub-Saharan Africa, and Oceania (48 per cent).

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study commenced in the spring of 2007 and was a major effort involving nearly 500 scientists carrying out a complete systematic assessment of global data on all diseases and injuries.

Professor Marcenes comments: "Our findings are set to shake up the setting of health priorities around the world, providing an unparalleled amount of up-to-date, comparable data on the diseases, risk factors, disabilities, and injuries facing populations.

"The findings of the GBD 2010 study highlighted that an urgent organized social response to oral health problems is needed. This must deal with a wide array of health care and public health priorities for action."
Article taken from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/261273.php