| Cardiologists Encouraged to Examine the Mouth With Periodontists Questioning Heart Health Posted: 14 Jun 2009 02:31 PM PDT After learning about the genetic link between coronary heart disease and gum disease, I speculated that dentists could be sending patient referrals to cardiologists in the future; connecting diagnosed gum disease to other risk factors for patients with a history of heart disease. It now seems like a trip to the cardiologist will likely include an oral examination and your dentist or periodontist may be questioning the health of your heart slightly more in depth; thanks to newly released clinical recommendations for both medical and dental professionals. A consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease was recently published in the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology, both leading publications in their respected fields |
| How Clean is the Toothbrush that Cleans Your Tooth? Posted: 14 Jun 2009 11:35 AM PDT Until recently, little attention has been directed towards the role the toothbrush may play in human health, even though a report of toothbrush as a significant factor in the infection appeared in 1920. It is common knowledge that the human mouth harbours a wide variety of microorganisms, some of which, at any given time, can be assumed to be potential pathogens. This was not known when toothbrushes were originally designed, yet the common toothbrush has been used in basically the same form for about 200 years. In today's world of organ transplantation and alteration of the immune system, it is important to consider the toothbrush as a source of potential pathogens. Given the fact that very often people will traumatize themselves with their toothbrush, this trauma may become a potential portal of entry for organisms. In this article, we have attempted to demonstrate the importance of toothbrush disinfection, given tips on home toothbrush care and hope to motivate the dentists to... |
| Complications of orthodontic treatment: Are soft drinks a risk factor? Posted: 14 Jun 2009 11:33 AM PDT Hilings H.Y. Yip, BDS, FRACDS, Ricky W.K. Wong, BDS, MOrth, PhD, MOrthRCS (Edin), Urban Hägg, DDS, Cert Comp Orth, Odont Dr Soft drink consumption has steadily increased in recent decades in both western and developing countries. The trend is most apparent among children and adolescents. This rise in soft drink consumption has raised concerns among health care professionals, including dental practitioners. Accordingly, the effects of soft drinks on dental health have been investigated. Several studies have shown that dental problems, such as caries, enamel erosion, and corrosion of dental materials, may be associated with soft drink consumption. Because orthodontic appliances restrict toothbrush access, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment need special oral care and advice. This article reviews the risks and implications of soft drink consumption for orthodontic patients. World J Orthod 2009;10:33–40. |
| Rating America's Cities - Where the Teeth Bite Posted: 14 Jun 2009 11:31 AM PDT Men's Health Magazine published a list of best and worst cities in a few dental-related categories. Which city has the best flossers? Which city pulls teeth the least? Where does your city fall on the list? ++++++ Check it Out. |
| American Dental Association Praises New Tobacco Bill Posted: 14 Jun 2009 11:29 AM PDT ADA President John Findley, D.D.S., has praised legislation that would allow the FDA to regulate tobacco. On Friday, the U.S. Congress sent the bill to President Barack Obama, who has promised to sign it, after overwhelming votes in both houses. "The American Dental Association heartily commends Congress for passing the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act," Dr. Findley said. "Dentists are the first line of defense in the war against oral cancer and many other tobacco-related diseases. The American Dental Association has long-standing policy that nicotine is a drug, and that cigarettes and other tobacco products are nicotine delivery devices and, therefore, should be regulated by the FDA." The law will mandate larger, more prevalent warning labels, more tightly restrict tobacco advertising, and eliminate some venues where tobacco is sold, according to the Associated Press (AP). |
| AMA Weighs Whether Docs Should Hang Up Their White Coats - Bacteria Transmission? Posted: 14 Jun 2009 11:26 AM PDT The American Medical Association may be getting ready to make a fashion statement. One of the policy questions that AMA delegates will consider at their annual conference next week is whether doctors should forgo their iconic white coats for something a little more casual — and a little less dangerous for patients. The measure would urge hospitals to adopt dress codes of "bare below the elbows," to avoid carrying bacteria between patients via coat sleeves. According to the CDC, nearly 100,000 U.S. patients died in 2002 from infections contracted in hospitals. There has been no conclusive evidence linking infected cuffs to any of these deaths — studies have been done showing that bacteria like MRSA and C. difficile exist on sleeves, but there's no proof that those germs actually get passed around that way. But backers of the change in dress code argue that as long as there's the slightest potential of transmission, everything possible should be done to avoid it. |
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