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No Proof That Gum Disease Causes Heart Disease, Experts Say
Posted 18 Apr 2012 by Drugs.com
WEDNESDAY, April 18 – A new scientific statement issued by the American Heart Association says no convincing evidence exists linking untreated gum disease to heart disease or stroke. Nor is there strong evidence that treating gum disease can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke, the report says. For more than 100 years, it was said that gum, or periodontal, disease could lead to cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death in the United States, but an extensive analysis found no proof of that connection. "It's a statement that current science does not support a direct association or a causative association," said Dr. Peter Lockhart, a professor, dentist and co-chair of oral medicine at the Carolinas Medical Center, in Charlotte, N.C. The report has been in the works for more than three years, Lockhart said. "It was a matter of finding out, what is the state of the science?" ... Read more
Related support groups: Heart Disease, Oral and Dental Conditions, Periodontitis
Dentists Play Key Role in Detecting Oral Cancer
Posted 8 Apr 2012 by Drugs.com
SATURDAY, April 7 – Not only do regular dental exams help keep your teeth and gums healthy, they can help detect oral cancer, the Academy of General Dentistry says. As part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April, the group recommends that people get a dental exam from a general dentist every six months. "The next time you visit your dentist, ask about an oral cancer screening," academy spokesperson Dr. Seung-Hee Rhee advised in an academy news release. "Your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks, and oral cavity and thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth, specifically looking for any sores or discolored tissues. Although you may have already been receiving this screening from your dentist, it's a good idea to confirm that this screening is a part, and will remain a part, of your regular exam," Rhee said. Each year in the United ... Read more
Related support groups: Cancer, Oral and Dental Conditions
Bacteria From Mouth Can Lead to Heart Inflammation: Study
Posted 26 Mar 2012 by Drugs.com
MONDAY, March 26 – A type of bacteria from the mouth can cause blood clots and lead to serious heart problems if it enters the bloodstream, a new study indicates. The bacteria, called Streptococcus gordonii, contributes to plaque that forms on the surface of teeth. If the bacteria enters the bloodstream through bleeding gums, it can cause problems by masquerading as human proteins, the researchers found. The study authors, from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, discovered that S. gordonii can produce a molecule on its surface that enables it to mimic the human protein fibrinogen, which is a blood-clotting factor. This activates platelets (cells that are found in blood and involved in clotting) and causes them to clump inside blood vessels. The resulting blood clots encase the bacteria, protecting the invader from the immune ... Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions, Endocarditis
Health Tip: Am I at Risk for Gum Disease?
Posted 20 Mar 2012 by Drugs.com
-- Periodontal disease, sometimes called gum disease, attacks and damages tissue called the sulcus that sits just below the gum line. The American Dental Association mentions these factors that increase your risk for periodontal disease: Smoking or chewing tobacco products. Having a systemic disease, such as diabetes. Taking certain medications, including anti-epilepsy drugs, steroids and anti-cancer drugs. Having crooked teeth or a bridge that doesn't fit correctly. Being pregnant or taking birth control pills. Having fillings that have become defective. Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions, Periodontitis
Acid Reflux From Chronic Heartburn May Damage Teeth
Posted 8 Mar 2012 by Drugs.com
THURSDAY, March 8 – If you have chronic heartburn, it's not only your esophagus that you should be worried about. New research reveals how the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can severely damage your teeth thanks to an influx of acid into the mouth. The study, which followed patients over six months, found that almost half of those with the condition suffered much worse tooth wear and erosion than healthy people. The disease can ultimately lead to thin, sharp and pitted teeth. "We hope we can raise awareness that gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition quite common in any population, is able to cause tooth damage. Dental professionals are mostly aware of tooth erosion, but the public may not be," said study lead author Dr. Daranee Tantbirojn, an associate professor in the department of restorative dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science ... Read more
Related support groups: GERD, Oral and Dental Conditions
Health Tip: Stop Your Child's Thumb-Sucking Habit
Posted 17 Jan 2012 by Drugs.com
-- Thumb sucking may be a soothing pursuit for young children, but the instinctive practice could eventually damage the teeth, experts say. The American Dental Association suggests ways to help your child stop thumb sucking: Rather than scolding your child for sucking the thumb, offer praise when the child isn't doing it. Find ways to offer comfort and ease anxiety, which may help stem thumb sucking. Have your dentist explain to the child why thumb sucking may be harmful. Bandage the thumb or apply an unpleasant-tasting medication (recommended by your pediatrician) to remind your child to stop the habit. Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions
Dentists Could Fill Gap in Health Care, Study Says
Posted 15 Dec 2011 by Drugs.com
THURSDAY, Dec. 15 – Nearly 20 million Americans who see a dentist at least once a year don't see a doctor or other general health care provider, which suggests that dentists could screen these people for systemic health disorders, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, a new study says. New York University investigators analyzed data from more than 31,200 adults who took part in the 2008 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. Based on those findings, the researchers determined that 26 percent of U.S. children did not see a general health care provider (physician, physician assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner), but more than one-third (7 million) of those children did visit a dentist at least once in 2008. One-quarter of U.S. adults did not visit a general health care provider, but nearly a fourth (13 million) of those adults visited a dentist at least once in 2008. ... Read more
Related support groups: High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Type 2, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Oral and Dental Conditions
Losing Weight May Help Fight Gum Disease
Posted 16 Nov 2011 by Drugs.com
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 16 – Losing weight appears to help fight gum disease, a new study indicates. It included 31 obese people who underwent treatment for gum disease. Half of the patients (average body-mass index, or BMI, of 39) had gastric bypass weight loss surgery and also had fat cells removed from their abdomen. The other patients (average BMI of 35) did not have gastric bypass surgery or fat removed from their abdomen. All the participants underwent nonsurgical periodontal (gum) treatments of scaling/root planing and received instructions for oral hygiene at home. Both groups showed overall improvement in gum health but those in the surgery group showed greater improvement on measures for periodontal attachment, bleeding, probing depths and plaque levels, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers said in a university news release. The study was published in ... Read more
Related support groups: Obesity, Oral and Dental Conditions, Periodontitis
Regular Teeth Cleanings Could Cut Heart Attack Risk: Study
Posted 13 Nov 2011 by Drugs.com
SUNDAY, Nov. 13 – People who visit the dentist regularly to have their teeth cleaned may lower their risk for heart attack or stroke, new research suggests. The finding is to be presented Sunday at the American Heart Association's annual meeting, in Orlando, Fla. In following more than 100,000 people with no history of heart problems or stroke for an average of seven years, researchers from Taiwan found those who had their teeth scraped and cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist at least twice a year for two years had a 24 percent lower risk for heart attack and a 13 percent lower risk for stroke compared to those who never went to the dentist or only went once in two years. "Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year," said Dr. Emily (Zu-Yin) Chen, a cardiology fellow at the Veterans General Hospital in ... Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Health Tip: Clean Dentures Well
Posted 25 Oct 2011 by Drugs.com
-- Dentures, just as with natural teeth, require care and regular cleaning to help maintain a healthy mouth. The American Dental Association suggests how to care for dentures: Remember that dentures are fragile; hold them over something soft such as a folded towel while cleaning them. Thoroughly brush dentures daily using a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food particles and plaque. Clean dentures with a gentle hand soap or mild dish detergent, but never with bleach or an abrasive powdered cleaner. Store dentures in water or a dental cleansing solution in a safe place, out of reach of kids and pets. Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions
Health Tip: Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
Posted 20 Oct 2011 by Drugs.com
-- Your diet can play a major role in the health of your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association offers these dietary guidelines to help keep your mouth healthy: Avoid sodas and fruit drinks sweetened with sugar. Limit consumption of candies, cookies, pastries and other desserts with added sugar. Eat nutritious snacks that are lower in sugar. Brush at least twice daily and floss daily. Drink water often. Keep a food journal and review it for high-sugar foods. Compare your diet to the food pyramid recommendations. Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions
Native American Children Have More Tooth Decay
Posted 30 May 2011 by Drugs.com
MONDAY, May 30 – Native American children in the United States and Canada have three times the rate of untreated cavities compared to other kids, according to a new policy statement from a pediatricians group that recommends doctors pay more attention to the oral health of those patients. A survey of 2,633 children aged 2 to 5 born to indigenous populations in the United States, Alaska and Canada found that 68 percent had untreated cavities. In some Canadian indigenous communities, more than 90 percent of children have tooth decay (dental caries). "The influence of early childhood caries on overall childhood health and well being goes well beyond the mouth, and many of our indigenous children have not benefited fully from the many advances to improve oral health in North American children," Dr. James Irvine, co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement, said in a ... Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions
Metal Tongue Piercings Linked to Raised Infection Risks
Posted 20 Jan 2011 by Drugs.com
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 19 – If you're considering tongue piercing as a form of self-expression, know that new research suggests that whether the stud used is metal or plastic makes a difference when it comes to chances of infection. Stainless steel studs may collect more bacteria than plastic studs, potentially increasing the risk of infection and other complications, a team of European researchers reports. "Consumers should avoid stainless steel and titanium studs in favor of [plastic], not only because of bacteria and a potentially higher risk of local infection of the piercing channel, but also because of the risk of tooth chipping and gum recession," study author Dr. Ines Kapferer, of Innsbruck Medical University in Austria, said in a statement. Tooth chipping and receding gums, as well as gum disease, are some of the long-term complications associated with tongue piercing, prior research ... Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions
Health Tip: Smokeless Tobacco Can Harm Your Oral Health
Posted 5 Jan 2011 by Drugs.com
-- Chewing tobacco, even though it doesn't involve smoking, can still threaten your oral health, the American Dental Association warns. The ADA says at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals are found in smokeless tobacco products. The group says these products pose increased risk of: Cancer of the mouth, lip, tongue and pancreas. Gum disease and irritation of the tissues inside the mouth. Tooth decay from the sugar that's usually added to these products. Erosion of tooth enamel from grit and sand found in these products. Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions
Tooth Loss May Be Linked to Memory Loss
Posted 4 Jan 2011 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, Jan. 4 – Elderly people who lose their teeth may be at increased risk for dementia, researchers have found. The new study included more than 4,000 Japanese participants, 65 and older, who underwent a dental examination and a psychiatric assessment. Compared with participants who still had many of their natural teeth, those with fewer or no teeth were much more likely to have experienced some memory loss or have early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The findings were published online Dec. 31 in Behavioral and Brain Functions. Participants with symptoms of memory loss tended to report that they had visited the dentist rarely, if at all. Dr. Nozomi Okamoto, the study's principal investigator, said that this may be one explanation for the study's findings but suggested that there may be other links between tooth loss and memory problems. "Infections in the gums that can lead to tooth ... Read more
Related support groups: Oral and Dental Conditions
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Related Condition Support Groups
Dental Abscess, Xerostomia, Prevention of Dental Caries, Aphthous Ulcer, Periodontitis, Burning Mouth Syndrome, Stomatitis, Excessive Salivation
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