There May be a Link Between IBD and Oral Bacteria

 As you may know, oral health can affect more than just the inside of a mouth. Poor oral hygiene can cause other serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes but could it also be causing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Nobuhiko Kamada, Ph.D., assistant professor of internal medicine in the division of gastroenterology at U-M Medical School has been collecting and researching the different types of bacterias found in a person's gut. During his research, Dr. Kamada has found that the overgrown bacteria found within the gut of a person who suffers from IBD is also linked to bacteria that is normally found inside the mouth. 

Dr. Kamada contacted the dental school and asked them "do oral diseases affect the severity of gastrointestinal diseases?"

After further research, a study was published in Celi, which shows that oral bacteria found in the gut can worsen inflammation. 

If you would like to read more about the study click here!

Could You Make Your Own Braces? Would you?

I've read about different and more crude attempts at home orthodontia and lets just say, it's a frightening concept...(what some people will come up with and then bravely attempt).

However, in an article published recently, the story of a New Jersey college student and his idea to make his own clear plastic braces is making a stir in the dental industry.  He did, in fact, create a model of his own teeth using a computer and a 3-D printer and then manufactured 12 sets of clear plastic straightening trays for a fraction of the cost of Name Brand braces. When I say fraction....I mean his total cost was about $60. The kicker?  It worked!

I, for one, am NOT that technologically inclined, however, many people are. Now, I suppose in this case the end result could've been disastrous. And this spin off of the modern "Invisalign type" orthodontia will not work for everyone, but just look at the picture in this article and see for yourself!  He did an amazing job.  It made for a great success story and one that may encourage others to try similar tactics, although it should be stated that no one ( unless you are a trained professional) should try this at home!

Click here for the full article.  It's a captivating topic.

My Teeth Could Use Some Brightening- What Actually Works?

We all know that coffee, tea, wine, dark snacks, and condiments will stain our teeth. This does not mean you have to swear them off though!

The dietitian says:
 Just rinse your mouth with water right after eating, or chew some sugar-free gum. Consider adding foods and drinks that work towards whiter teeth into your diet, such as cheese, fruit, and veggies.

-Lisa Young, PH.D

The dentist says:
Use at-home teeth whitening kits such as Crest 3D whiting strips for lighter stains. For darker stains or instant results, you will need professional whitening.

-Marc Lowenberg, D.D.S.

The makeup artist says:.
Cool-toned lip colors create an optical illusion. Fair skin should wear pinks, medium/olive-toned skin should wear reds, while darker skin tones should stick to plums. Another trick is to dust some bronzer. Tanned skin makes teeth stand out!

-Matthew VanLeeuwen, Celebrity makeup artist

 Information was found in the Redbook magazine. October 2013

Original post from September 10, 2013

Can Teeth Regenerate Enamel the way Damaged Bones Do?

Dental enamel, unlike bones, does not regenerate or "heal" once it is damaged. Dental enamel is formed during the original growth of the tooth underneath the gums. While there are many factors that can contribute to the loss of dental enamel, such as poor dental hygiene or certain hereditary conditions, there is good news. Researchers are actively seeking treatments and therapies that could change everything. Of course, proper hygiene and regular visits to your dentist are the best way to combat any kind of dental dilemma, but for dental enamel in particular, there are now certain treatments that can help slow the process of enamel degeneration that can be applied during your regular dental visits as part of your preventative maintenance regimen. They (scientists) are developing toothpastes and rinses all the time and with the current advancement, who knows, there may be something on the horizon that can help regenerate lost enamel.  But typically, the saying goes: "Once it's gone it's gone." 

There is also a plethora of information circulating on the internet that implies there are certain natural remedies that can heal cavities and regenerate tooth enamel. None of that has been scientifically proven as yet. 

Keep Smiling!  

Dental Check-Ups!

How often do you see your dentist for a routine dental check-up? We all assume that we need to go every six months, but did you know that your dental health will determine when you will be asked to come back for another check-up?

Here are some frequent questions about checkups!

Why do we need dental checkups?

Dental check-ups are very important to our dental health, the dentist will do an examination of your mouth and detect any occurring problems you might have. Leaving any problems untreated will cause major problems in the future.

What does a dental checkup include?

During the visit, your dentist will:

1. Examine your mouth (teeth and gums).
2. Ask questions about your dental health, and see if you are having any problems.
3. Give you advice for a healthy mouth.
4. Tell you when they want you back.

What about dental treatments?

Once you have had your check-up, you may receive a treatment plan. A treatment plan is an outline of what procedures you need to have done. Remember this is not set in stone, this is to show you what should be done to prevent any further problems that could occur.

No Need To Say No to Cheese!

Have you ever read the book "Who Moved My Cheese"? (If you haven't it is a great book, I definitely recommend.) Well, for those of you who want to protect from cavities, that phrase could become common in your household.

A study that was published in the June 2013 issue of Journal of General Dentistry reveals that cheese increases the dental plaque pH level of the mouth above 5.5 which, in essence, reduced the chances of that person getting a cavity. This does not apply to all dairy products. Milk and sugar free yogurt were also used in the study. Those results showed no change in the dental plaque pH level, which doesn't hurt your mouth or put you at risk, but it doesn't help it either. 

So, why cheese? Let me explain. The study suggests that it has to do with saliva. Saliva creates and maintains the acidity level in your mouth. The increased chewing motion of eating the cheese creates more saliva. Combine that with the vitamins, nutrients and other compounds in cheese that can stick to the tooth enamel and the result you get is better protection against cavities.

Of course, we all know that the BEST way to protect from cavities and other dental related problems is to maintain good oral health practices and visit your dentist on a regular basis.

But, go ahead, enjoy your cheese!

Sources: Journal of General Dentistry, May/June 2013 Issue

              Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130605130118.htm

Don't Wait For A Toothache!

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