A recent study in the ​British Dental Journal​ ​has shown the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum and the potential dental cost savings. The study examined the amount of money that theoretically could be saved if the United Kingdom 12 year old population chewed more sugar-free gum. If this population chewed sugar-free gum twice per day, the potential cost savings over the course of a year were estimated at between 1 and 3 million British pounds. If the population chewed sugar-free gum 3 times per day the savings would be 8 million British pounds each year. The bottom line is that chewing sugar-free gum promotes salivary flow and anti-cavity protection.

​http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v220/n3/full/sj.bdj.2016.94.html

Like many NHL players, Brent Burns is missing a few teeth. He has lost three playing hockey and a fourth he says is barely hanging on. "Many casual fans might assume all players are missing a few teeth — not true — but there is far more interest in keeping the originals than there was in the 1980s, a time Kings coach Darryl Sutter recalls seeing players writing their numbers on coffee cups, putting their teeth in the cups and setting them on a shelf before games.
"The joke was switching teeth around," Sutter said with a sly grin."

​The only way the NHL is able to prevent more tooth loss is to mandate players to use a full cage face mask. But in the NHL that isn't going to happen any time soon.

​"Dental care is one of the progressive moves made by the NHL, according to Predators general manager David Poile. When Poile was an administrative assistant for the Atlanta Flames in the early '70s, he said, he doesn't recall the team even having a dentist.
"An oral surgeon who can also do plastic surgery is ideal," added Pronger. "I had a nice set of teeth. Now, I've got new ones. And, I broke my jaw and you probably can't tell I had 50 stitches here and 27 there."

​A few tips in case a tooth gets knocked out- don't wash it in water. Put the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva, or keep it safe under your tongue. Get to your dentist ASAP! If your dentist can see you within 30 min there is a good chance the tooth can be replanted.

​Source: http://www.usnews.com/news/offbeat/articles/2016-02-10/grin-and-bear-it-nhl-players-say-losing-teeth-part-of-game

5 Super Snacks for the Big GameBy Dr. Sheryl Hunter Griffith, DDS and Dr. Elizabeth Chen, DDS, MS
Kids Healthy Teeth
Are you ready for the Big Game? A championship get-together demands super snacks but not at the expense of your teeth. That’s why we’ve put together a few tasty game day snacking ideas with healthy ingredients.  Of course, these are snacks, and none of them are perfect. Regardless of what you eat, don’t forget to brush!
Spicy Jalapeño Dip

What’s in it:

• 1 16 oz. tub low-fat sour cream
• 1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch (or other brand) Fiesta Dip
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and cubed

How it’s done:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend thoroughly.
2. Serve the dip with raw vegetables such as carrots and celery.
What makes it tooth friendly:
This dip with a kick will make your veggies disappear. Raw veggies require lots of chewing which stimulates and promotes healthy gums. Carrots contain beta-carotene that your body uses to create vitamin A which works to build strong teeth. The sour cream in this dip gives your teeth a boost of Calcium which also helps to keep your teeth strong.


Hummus with Cucumber

What’s in it:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, one drained, one with liquid
• 4 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 tablespoon parsley

How it’s done:
1. Place all ingredients in a blender in the order listed except for the cucumber.
2. Blend for approximately 1 to 1 and a half minutes, pulsing as necessary.
3. Slice up the cucumber into thick pieces for dipping.
4. Place hummus in serving bowl and drizzle additional olive oil on top with some parsley for garnish.

What makes it tooth friendly:
Protein rich chickpeas don’t contain any saturated fat or cholesterol, making hummus a good choice for your overall health. Chickpeas are also rich in folic acid, which keeps your mouth healthy by promoting cell growth throughout your body. As to the cucumbers, not only are they a healthy alternative to chips, but they are rich in vitamins B and C and have even been shown to help freshen breath and naturally whiten teeth!


The Party Standard: The Meat & Cheese Tray

What’s in it:
This party tray is a cheese buffet with Gouda, White Cheddar, Havarti and Chipotle Jack. Shaped like a football field on a kale turf, it includes red grapes, whole wheat crackers and summer sausage.

What makes it tooth friendly:
The cheese on the sidelines plays quarterback in this party tray. Cheese is a tooth powerhouse with tons of tooth strengthening calcium and a protein called casein which is amazingly effective in protecting the surface of your teeth. One note about the crackers, however.  We chose whole wheat crackers for their beneficial fiber, but all crackers can stick to teeth and promote bacteria growth. Again, just be sure to brush after the game!


Baked Cheese Roll

What’s in it:

• Goat Cheese Log
• Grape or Olive Oil
• 1 small carton of Grape Tomatoes (sliced)
• Basil Pesto
• Balsamic Glaze
• French Bread or Crackers

How it’s done:
1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. In a jelly roll pan or small casserole dish, add approximately 1/4 inch of grape or olive oil.
3. Place goat cheese in the pan and cover with pesto, then grape tomatoes.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes, remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
5. Serve with French bread or your favorite healthy crackers.
What makes it tooth friendly:
If cheese made from cow’s milk is a powerhouse, goat cheese is a touchdown. It contains more protein and calcium than cow’s milk cheese and yet has less fat and calories per serving. The higher calcium of goat cheese means even more protection for your teeth.


Healthy 7-Layer Dip

What’s in it:

• 3 Cups black beans
• 6 Oz. Greek yogurt (plain)
• 1 Cup shredded cheese
• 1 small can sliced black olives

Guacamole:

• 2 avocados
• 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
• 1 chopped chive
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1/2 seeded and diced Jalapeño

Pico De Gallo:

• 2 small diced tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• 1/2 seeded and diced Jalapeño
• 1 chopped chive

How it’s done:
1. Mix together all ingredients for the pico de gallo.|
2. In a separate bowl, mix the ingredients for the guacamole layer.
3. The ingredients can be added in the following order (starting at the bottom): beans, yogurt, cheese, olives, guacamole, pico de gallo.

What makes it tooth friendly:
This dish has it all and it’s a great update of what is usually a calorie dense snack.  While tomato and citrus juices can be tough on your teeth because of their high acidity, the cheese and Greek yogurt help to balance that out.  Plus, this dish is high in vitamins E, A and C, which are all essential for a healthy mouth.  Choosing celery or another vegetable over chips would make this an even better choice for your teeth.

Remember, regardless of what you choose to snack on during the Super Bowl, be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each time!


About the Authors Dr. Sheryl Hunter Griffith (Practice: Kids Healthy Teeth in Katy, Texas)
Dr. Sheryl Hunter Griffith is a native of the Houston area. She attended the University of Houston at Clear Lake City, then, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; obtaining a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1982. She practiced General Dentistry; then, returned to UTHSCSA, graduating in 1987 with a Post-Doctoral Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Griffith is involved in numerous dental organizations which promote research, education, prevention and restoration of dental diseases. Among these are the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Houston Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Greater Houston Dental Society. Dr. Griffith is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and has been an Active Member since 1986.

Dr. Elizabeth Chen (Practice: Kids Healthy Teeth in Katy, Texas)
Dr. Elizabeth Chen was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She attended high school at St. Agnes Academy and went on to play collegiate soccer in Austin, TX, at St. Edward’s University. Following in her parents’ footsteps, Elizabeth returned to Houston and received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas School of Dentistry where she graduated salutatorian in 2013. Immediately after receiving her Doctorate, Dr. Chen started her residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston graduating with a Post-Doctoral Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Masters of Science in Dentistry in 2015. ​

A crown is a commonly used dental term that patients may not actually understand the meaning of. A crown, also known as a "cap", is technically a prosthesis for a natural tooth. Crowns are generally indicated when a tooth is weak and needs protection. After endodontic therapy (root canal) is performed, a crown is usually needed to protect the now weakened tooth.

Crowns are also necessary to "restore" an implant to function. After the implant is integrated into the bone, the crown is the prosthesis that looks and acts like a natural tooth. In addition, when fabricating a bridge to replace one or several missing teeth, crowns are used on the natural teeth to support the fake teeth. 

Crowns can be made in-office using Cerec or by an outside professional laboratory technician. The design and craftsmanship that goes into producing a beautiful crown is dental art. Developing the skills of a dental technician to learn how to work with wax, metals, porcelains, and shades to produce a natural looking tooth that fits perfectly takes years to master. 

Periodontal disease has been found to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. According to a new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association of Cancer research, postmenopausal women with periodontal disease, were more likely to develop breast cancer than women without periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a dental disease characterized by red and bleeding gums and loss of the connective tissue and bone that support teeth. When periodontal disease progresses it results in tooth loss.  

The study monitored 73,737 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. None of the patients previously had breast cancer. Periodontal disease was reported in 26% of the women. After a 6.7 year follow up, the risk of breast cancer was 14% higher in women who had periodontal disease. Among women who had quit smoking in the past 20 years and had periodontal disease, there was a 36% higher risk of breast cancer.

There are several suspected links between periodontal disease and breast cancer. As with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, there is a level of systemic inflammation from periodontal disease that can cause effects all over the body. Another possibility is that bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and affect the breast tissue. More research is needed to determine the exact links, but this study further raises awareness to the importance of preventing and treating periodontal disease. 


http://www.aacr.org/Newsroom/Pages/News-Release-Detail.aspx?ItemID=823#.VoxFJY-cGFB

Bruxism is the grinding of teeth and/or clenching of the jaw. Bruxism is considered a parafunctional habit because it is not a normal healthy function. Prevalence of bruxism has been estimated to be up to 30% of the population. Some of the consequences of bruxism include excessive wear of teeth, sensitivity of teeth, damage to dental work, jaw pain, and headaches. Bruxism can occur during the day or while sleeping. Here is an interesting article relating bruxism to the stresses of living in New York City. 

http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/12/grinding-your-teeth.html#

​

When patients tell us they have dental phobia, or fear of the dentist, there is often a dental event in their past that was traumatic. Perhaps as a child they had a scary needle encounter or a dentist who wasn't very kind. Some patients have such powerful memories that they can't even book an appointment without fear. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people have fear of the dentist. The good news is that there are ways to manage dental fear and anxiety. The first step is for patients to clearly communicate to the dental staff what it is they are afraid of. Is it the needle? The sound of the dental drill? The more detail the dental team has, the more effectively a plan of action can be made. We try to give patients as much control as possible. Whether that means raising their hand to signal a break is needed or holding onto a suction. Other techniques include:

• Distractions like music or video
• Sedation- IV sedation, laughing gas, oral sedation
• Establishing control through hand signals
• Deep breathing

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sunnybrook-health-sciences-centre/fear-of-the-dentist_b_8709004.html

The Los Angeles Times published an article recently about breaking common daily bad habits. One of the 4 tips was how to prevent harm caused by nail biting. Nail biting is one of the most common nervous habits and can be very difficult to quit. An old remedy is to paint a bitter coating on the nails. A weekly manicure can be a deterrent to nail biting for some people. In addition to nail biting, other teeth related habits include biting cheeks, pencils, or clenching and grinding. Anxiety can usually explain why people have any of these habits. Grinding and clenching sometimes increase when patients take SSRI medications, which are typically given for depression and ADHD.

​Grinding, clenching, and biting can have long-term effects on the teeth including excessive wear, fractures, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. As an alternative to chewing on objects, try chewing sugarless gum. For grinding, a dental appliance made by your dentist can be made that is worn at night to protect your teeth and TMJ.

​http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-habits-20151114-story.html

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth. It is present in more than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most people catch the virus in childhood and then get recurrent exacerbations. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is most often associated with genital infections.

"We really need to accelerate the development of vaccines against herpes simplex virus, and if a vaccine designed to prevent HSV-2 infection also prevented HSV-1, it would have far-reaching benefits," said Sami Gottlieb, a WHO medical officer.

In North American adults, the seroprevalence of HSV-1 is about 80%, while the seroprevalence for HSV-2 is about 20%. ​​The primary infection of HSV-1 is usually in childhood and the oral findings can affect anywhere in the mouth or lips. The onset is sudden and there can be a fever and painful ulcers. The symptoms usually resolve within 14 days, but it is contagious in the meantime.

In recurrent herpes infections in the mouth, patients can often sense that an outbreak is about to occur. Sometimes they feel a buzz, tingle, or electric sensation. The recurrent outbreaks usually occur on the lips.

What are the treatments? Antiviral therapy helps symptoms if it is prescribed early. If patients present several days into the illness, antivirals will not help much with the symptoms but will help stop the spread of the virus. ​​

The Wall Street Journal (10/19, Woo, Subscription Publication) reports that New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell is among the increasing number of adults seeking orthodontic treatments. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than 1.2 million adults received orthodontic treatment in 2012, up 39 percent from 1996, and compared to 4.65 million patients age 17 and younger who received treatment during the same year. The Journal points out that according to an American Dental Association survey of dental fees from 2013, adult braces generally cost from $4,800 to $7,135.
​

One thing that may go overlooked during the crazy first year of parenthood is the first dental visit. Getting off on the right foot with excellent dental care will help ensure a lifetime of oral health. So when should the first dentist appointment be for your baby? The answer is between 6 months and 1 year, or when the teeth first start to erupt. Believe it or not, a baby's primary teeth (baby teeth) are already present in the jaws at birth. The first teeth to erupt are the central incisors in the lower jaw at around 6 to 10 months. Next, the front four teeth of the upper jaw erupt, followed by the lateral incisors in the lower jaw. Of course, it is natural for there to be some variability.

It is very important to establish a dental home for your child. Your dentist will provide instruction on oral hygiene and will acquire an assessment on the risks for childhood cavities. It's also very important to identify problems with tooth eruption and jaw growth early on.

Dry mouth is a common complaint among seniors. Dry mouth is especially common for those on several medications. Having a dry mouth not only makes chewing and speaking more difficult, but it increases the risk for tooth decay. The American Dental Association (ADA) has several recommendations:

1. Use a mouthwash, spray, or over-the-counter oral moisturizer
2. Chew sugar-free gum
   
3. Talk to you doctor about adjusting your medications
   
4. Sip water throughout the day
   
5. Restrict foods and beverages that can irritate a dry mouth, such as fruit juices high in acid
   

Your dentist may recommend a fluoride supplement to protect against tooth decay. Prescription medication to increase salivary flow is also a possibility. ​

Source: US News

Where did our tooth enamel originate from? Scientists now believe tooth enamel, the hard white structure that makes up the outer surface of teeth, comes from the scales of ancient fish that lived more than 400 million years ago.

Enamel is the hardest substance in the body. Dentin is the tooth structure underneath the enamel that is similar in composition to bone. Interestingly, enamel was coated on the scales of two primitive bony fish from the Silurian Period. The enamel was probably used as a protective tissue. These primitive fish did not have enamel on their teeth so it was not until later on this trait was expressed.

Coffee is certainly a controversial beverage. There seems to be evidence that coffee can lower risk of stroke, improve diabetes, and lower stress. A study by the Journal of Conservative Dentistry showed that people who drink coffee have a lower prevalence of cavities than those who do not. However, these coffee drinkers drank the coffee black. When sugar and other additives are added to the coffee, the prevalence of cavities goes up.

What makes coffee a cavity fighter? Perhaps it is the antibacterial properties against the bacteria that cause cavities. Little is known at this point, but as long as the coffee is without milk and sugar it may actually fight decay!

http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/0310/9-healthy-reasons-to-drink-coffee.aspx

Doctors in Miami, FL have used a tooth to restore sight to a blind woman. The procedure is officially called modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (MOOKP), and it's the first time this procedure has ever been accomplished in the U.S. Dr. Yoh Sawatari extracted one of the patient's teeth and prepared an implant of her own dental tissue for her eye. By using her natural tissue there is less chance of an immune reaction. Doctors used part of the cheek to recreate the tissue around the pupil. The tooth had a hole drilled through it to support a prosthetic lens.

OOKP is more common in Europe than it is in America. Nevertheless this is a fascinating story!



http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Technology/woman-regains-vision-tooth-implanted-eye/story?id=8595589

Dental implants are currently the best option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants integrate (fuse) with bone due to the titanium structure. Unlike complete dentures or a removable partial denture, dental implants allow for prosthetic teeth that are extremely stable even when chewing sticky and hard foods. 

When can patients get dental implants? In some situations, such as after the extraction of a tooth near the front of the mouth, an implant can be placed immediately after extraction. In other situations, such as in a molar or when there is an infection in the bone, the bone must heal for weeks to months prior to implant placement. 

Dental implants can be used to replace 1 tooth or to replace all teeth. Some patients may prefer one dental implant for each crown. In other situations, 2-4 implants per arch can be used to support an entire denture or bridge. An implant over-denture is a conventional denture that has been modified to attach firmly into 2-4 implants. Another fantastic option for patients is a hybrid denture, which is a beautiful looking prosthesis which is fixed to 4 implants. This treatment option is also known as "All-on-four."

Patients who already have dentures can have unbelievable success and comfort after implants that attach to the denture. Patients with a mission tooth in an aesthetic area can greatly benefit from a single implant. For more information, schedule a consult appointment with Dr. Pearl to review all of your treatment options. 

From Yahoo! News- First off, why do teeth stain? The color of teeth darkens with age, from food and drinks such as coffee and tea, and from cavities. In-office and take-home teeth whitening are designed to work against stain caused by age and diet. The 2 types of whiteners are surface whiteners and bleaches. Surface whiteners include whitening toothpaste or gum. These products use abrasives on the teeth to remove stain.

Bleaches are the preferred method for whitening and should be administered under a dentist's care. Bleaching products can be offered in one dose at the dentist office or several doses at home. Many over the counter products work very well, but they are lower doses of bleach than offered in the dental office.

You should definitely talk to your dentist if you are interested in whitening because whitening may not be recommended due to tooth sensitivity, cavities, or your dentist may simply recommend a whitening product you did not know about. Remember to limit your intake of drinks that stain teeth after whitening to prolong your beautiful results.

University of Florida College of Dentistry researchers are creating a sports mouth guard that could revolutionize sports. Sensors in the mouth guard can measure heart rate, saliva, and body temperature. The mouth guard also has gyroscopes to measure collisions. Data can be read on the athlete's smart phone. The researchers hope to have a version to show at next year's Consumer Electronics Show.


http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/29835505/researchers-creating-a-smart-mouth-guard

A recent CBS online article highlighted 8 tips for a healthy transition back to school. One of the tips was to get a dental check-up. "According to the CDC, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions among children and results in a staggering number of missed school days. Good oral hygiene is an important part a child's overall health." For most children we recommend 2 check-ups per year at our office. August is a great time to make an appointment for a check-up before the busy school year starts up again. In addition, keep in mind we make custom mouthguards for athletic use.

http://www.local8now.com/news/headlines/Back-to-school-health-tips-for-parents-and-kids-321593141.html

About 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Let's review the more serious disease, periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a disease of the gums and bone around teeth. When plaque accumulates along the gum line, the gums get inflamed and red. This is called gingivitis. If the plaque does not get removed, the condition can progress to periodontitis.

Plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) harbor bacteria that result in inflammation and destruction of the bone and tissues that attach to teeth. If the disease progresses enough the teeth will have no support and become mobile or fall out.

Periodontal disease is associated with higher inflammation levels all over the body. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are especially related to periodontitis.

We use scaling and root planing (deep clean), lasers, medications, and surgery to treat periodontitis. Most importantly, patients must maintain excellent home care and visit us for your periodic cleanings.


This information was provided in part by the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Gary Pearl is an Academy of General Dentistry Master.



Italian scientists have discovered that ancient humans were performing dentistry 14,000 years ago, 5,000 years earlier than originally thought. It is believed the early dentists used sharpened flint to remove cavities. Quite surprisingly, it was known even thousands of years ago the importance of treating an infected tooth!

From The Telegraph

If you ever meet a dentist who says all wisdom teeth must be extracted, proceed cautiously! Let's review situations in which third molars (wisdom teeth) should be extracted. 

First, some background information. The average age for completion of eruption of wisdom teeth is 20 years, but eruption can continue to age 25 years in some patients. When the wisdom teeth in the lower jaw are forming they are laying horizontally and as the jaw grows the teeth naturally become upright. Failure of the tooth to rotate upward is the most common cause of impaction. The next most common cause is if the front to back space in the jaw is inadequate for the size of the tooth. Some males who are growing into their early 20's may have teeth that upright at age 25. Early removal of wisdom teeth reduces postoperative complications and allows for the best healing. Young patients recover faster and with less pain. So, what are some situations in which wisdom teeth should be removed?

• Prevention of periodontal disease in the tooth next to the impacted wisdom tooth (second molar); the earlier the extraction the better the bone healing
• Prevention of cavities in the second molar and wisdom tooth when a wisdom tooth is impacted or partially impacted
• Prevention of pericoronitis, an infection of the soft tissue around the crown of a partially impacted tooth
• Prevention of root resorption on the adjacent tooth from the pressure of the wisdom tooth
• Preparing for a dental prosthesis such as a denture
• Prevention of cysts and tumors; cysts and tumors can grow to enormous sizes requiring the removal of a significant portion of the jaw
• Facilitation of orthodontic treatment

Wisdom teeth that are causing pain or difficulty cleaning surely need a thorough examination. While there are good reasons for the removal of some wisdom teeth, remember, many patients can keep all 32 of their teeth. Talk to your dentist about the condition and development of your wisdom teeth. The best x-ray to view the status of all 4 wisdom teeth is the panorex. 

Bad breath (halitosis) is experienced by up to 20% of the population. While bad breath can be caused by a systemic condition, this post will focus on intraoral causes. The tongue, especially the back of the tongue, is the most common location for mouth related halitosis. Bacteria on the tongue produce compounds with a foul odor. A periodontal infection or abscess can also be a cause for bad breath. Some tips to prevent bad breath include, brushing and flossing after every meal, brushing the tongue, rinsing with mouth wash, drinking water to keep the mouth moist, chewing sugarless gum, and maintaining a proper diet to naturally debride the tongue. 

A new survey from Delta Dental shows that about 43% of pregnant women in the US aren't visiting the dentist. Pregnant women should visit the dentist for routine examinations, cleanings, and for any pain or changes in the mouth. Hormone changes during pregnancy can result in swollen or painful gums that can bleed. Special attention should be paid to brushing and flossing to help prevent inflammation of the gums. A dental infection should be treated ASAP and not delayed until after childbirth because the infection can be harmful to the baby. Infection treatment will be beneficial to mom and the baby even if X-rays are needed. However, routine X-rays should be delayed until after pregnancy. 

http://www.bloomberg.com/research/markets/news/article.asp?docKey=600-201506161043PR_NEWS_USPRX____DC34992-1