Regular dentist visits may prevent gum disease, memory problems

Making an effort to see a dentist on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease. If an individual develops this illness, they are more susceptible to suffering from other major health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease.

A recent study conducted at New York University has determined that inflammation of the gums can affect the brain, which may cause degeneration of cerebral cells and increase the risk of cognitive complications.

People can avoid suffering from gum disease by practicing at-home dental care, including brushing their teeth, rinsing with fluoride and flossing on a daily basis. Making an appointment with one's dentist can also help detect minor problems, such as cavities or chipped teeth, which can both lead to an increased risk of gum inflammation.

Angela Kamer, co-author of the study, stated that "the research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation."

People who lack dental insurance, and want to prevent gum disease and other dental problems can benefit from discount dental plans. By taking advantage of these opportunities, patients can see a dentist on a regular basis and learn about proper dental care.


Source:DentalPlans

Daily exercise may lead to improved dental health

A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology has found that increasing one's physical activity level may lead to healthier teeth and gums.

During the trial, researchers from the University of Florida measured the body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and maximal oxygen consumption in a group of volunteers. The team used these factors to determine each person's weight control and exercising capabilities and then then assessed participant's oral health.

The researchers discovered that individuals who maintained healthy weight and exercised on a regular basis were less likely to develop gum disease.

Samuel Low, associate dean at the school's College of Dentistry, stated that "weight management and physical fitness both contribute to overall health, and now we believe staying in shape may help lower your risk of developing gum disease." He added that "since gum disease is related to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, there is even more reason to take care of yourself through diet and exercise."

In addition to increasing one's activity level, people who want to protect themselves against gum disease and have little or no dental insurance benefits can benefit from discount dental plans. These affordable programs allow patients to see a dentist on a regular basis, and receive treatments that will prevent this dental problem as well as other oral hygiene issues.

Source: DentalPlans

Strong Link Found Between Gum Disease And Alzheimer's

You hated going to the dentist, like most of us. If that feeling was so strong that you skipped your regular cleanings and ended up with a receding gum line and bleeding gums, you've got periodontal disease. And that may not be all....

In the first long-term study of the association of gum disease with increased risk of Alzheimer's, New York University (NYU) dental researchers found that gum inflammation can lead to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer's disease in otherwise (brain) healthy persons. Additionally, the presence of gum disease in persons already experiencing cognitive decline can worsen that decline.

These conclusions were drawn by NYU's Dr. Angela Kamer, Assistant Professor of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, and her team, after examining 20 years of data from the Glostrog Aging Study which gathered medical, psychological, oral health, and social data on Danish men and women. The Digit Symbol Substitution Test, known as DSST, was used to measure cognitive abilities at ages 50 and 70.

In 2008, Dr. Kamer found that Alzheimer's patients had significantly higher amount of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with periodontal disease in their plasma than subjects who did not have cognitive impairments.

The research group's next study will involve a larger, more ethnically diverse group of subjects. But don't wait to get the results of that. Isn't now the time you should make that dental appointment?

Source: InventorSpot

5 questions about working as a dental hygienist

Alyson Chick Antonicelli

TITLE: Registered dental hygienist

YEARS IN FIELD: 20 plus

Q: Can you briefly describe what a dental hygienist does?

A: A dental hygienist is a licensed professional who specializes in preventive oral health. The most common procedures performed are routine cleanings (known as prophylaxis), scaling and root planing for patients with periodontal disease, taking of radiographs, applying dental sealants, administration of fluoride and providing instructions for proper oral hygiene and care.

Q: What do you like best about the work?

A: I love seeing my patients return for their six-month checkups. You build some great relationships when you’ve been at the same practice for a while and you take a sincere interest in their lives, not just their teeth.

Q: What is one of the most challenging aspects of the job?

A: On occasion, I will have a patient with a condition that just does not respond favorably, no matter what procedure I’ve tried or instructions I’ve given them. Usually there ends up being an underlying systemic condition that neither I nor the patient was aware of. Once we resolve that, it’s easier to plan the course of treatment and proceed.

Q: What type of education or training is necessary?

A: All dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they practice after completing a minimum of two years of training. They must also pass a written board as well as a clinical board exam. Licensed hygienists in Pennsylvania may administer local anesthetic (Novacaine) after completing 30 hours of training and receiving a special license from the State Board of Dentistry.

Q: What do you think is the most important thing for someone considering the field to know?

A: Not only must you have a real interest in biology, anatomy and physiology, but you must also be a good people person. You will be treating hundreds of people a year, many with dental phobias. It’s up to us to take care of them in a calm, professional manner. I want my patients to return for their checkups and be happy with the smile that they have.

Source: PennLive

'Chew On' To Better Dental Health?

Children simply love to chew gum but most of the times their parents forbid them from doing so. However teenagers simply enjoy doing it.

"I chew gum to keep away stress particularly when I need to concentrate and complete a task within a short period of time. I get edgy if I don't chew the gum and it keeps me focused on what I need to do," said Raja (not his real name).

"Chewing gum is considered to be a facial exercise", said another gum-chewing fan Salmah Kasno.

Some people do not like 'chewing gums' (also known as bubble gums) because of their high sugar content.

Chewing gums are flavoured to attract the young, however some people consider these fun-to-chew gums too artificial to put into their mouths.

"I just don't like to chew gums. Since small, it has not been my favourite", Dahlia Aziz-Monsen's statement was somewhat plain, straight and clear.

Shazleena Zainuddin, in her mid 20s, admits enjoying chewing gum occasionally but reminds that the gum chewing has yet to catch on her as a habit nor craving.

"I don't crave for it," Shazleena said adding that there are substitutes for bubble gums particularly that used by smokers who wish to kick their smoking habit.

DENTAL HEALTH

Xylitol is a newly added ingredient to chewing gums manufactured and marketed by the Lotte Group International, based in Shinjuku-ku, Japan.

Lotte Xylitol Dental Health Chewing Gum happens to be the first dental health chewing gum with more than 50 per cent xylitol content, proven to effectively prevent tooth decay and cavities.

This healthy chewing gum is said to be making a breakthrough on contrary to the age-old myth that chewing gum is bad for teeth.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener extracted from the barks of the white birch trees in Finland, first discovered by Finnish Professor Kauko Makinen.

Henry Yap, the general manager of Lotte Malaysia said:

"Xylitol is a safe and natural sweetener that also produces a cooling and refreshing sensation in the mouth. Chewing the Lotte Xylitol four to five times a day can help to prevent tooth decay. We are confident Malaysians will support the product given its proven benefits."

A GUM OF CHOICE

This product may be new to Malaysians but it was actually produced by Lotte Japan more than 10 years ago.

"This xylitol chewing gum was launched in 1997, in Japan. It is good for users of all ages. We have them flavoured as well, in lime mint, blueberry and mint. And they have already been accredited with the official Halal certification," chief finance Officer of Lotte Malaysia, Fujiki Tatsuya shared on.

Tatsuya stressed that the acceptance of Xylitol chewing gum was already 90 per cent in Japan and the Lotte produced Xylitol chewing gum holds 65 percent of the total market share in the country.

"This clearly means that sugar gums are only 10 percent popular in Japan and that is good for the total dental wellbeing of the society.

"Our factories are in Indonesia and Thailand and our distribution of this healthy product spreads to a large chunk of South East Asia, which will soon see Singapore and Brunei on our latest expansion list.

"These exports and sales will be handled by Lotte Malaysia", he told Bernama.

A bottle of sugar-free Lotte Xylitol dental support chewing gum weighs 66 grams and costs not less than RM7. Consumers are advised to chew not more than 5 times of 2 gums at each time, for at least 5 minutes, for the best results in dental care.

MALAYSIAN TEENAGERS AND XYLITOL

"My friend chews the Xylitol gum since five to six years ago. I have just caught on, however they are more pricy. Why not, if it prevents cavities and promotes good dental health," a 16-year-old Zhe Hei Lang responded when asked about chewing gum recently.

Malaysian teenagers seem to be very proactive nowadays where their dental health is concerned.

"Most of us want to have healthy teeth, don't really enjoy that forced visit to the dentist when pain comes a-calling you know," she added.

Dentist Dr. K.S. Sieh has this to say:

"The chewing of gums especially the movement it involves helps to strengthen the bones and ligaments supporting the teeth. It makes the gum healthy too.

"And because it doesn't use the cane sugar we are used to, replacing it with a natural sweetener xylitol instead, the formation of cavities gets less. However, excessive consumption of the chewing gum is still discouraged," the dentist explained.

Source: Bernama

How decayed teeth can be 'resurrected' with amazing new dental gel

Could dental fillings go the way of the buggy whip? Researchers in France think so. They point to lab experiments that have regrown rotted teeth in only a month.

Hormone triggers cellular regeneration

The key to this incredible dental breakthrough is a substance known as MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone). The hormone is naturally produced in the pituitary—a gland about the size of a pea located midway between the eyes.

For many years MSH has been known to play a role in skin color—the higher the amount in the body the darker the overall pigment. Recently, however, important evidence has surfaced that the hormone could also pay an important role in the ongoing efforts to facilitate bone regeneration.

The relationship of MSH to bone tissue got a team of French researchers thinking about teeth. Because the composition of teeth is very similar to bone, a group of scientists at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research in Paris tested MSH's efficacy in stimulating the regeneration of decayed teeth. Their study focused on prompting cells within still living, but decay damaged teeth using a gel specially formulated with MSH. They sought to determine if the hormone could stimulate new tooth growth.

A better way to treat tooth decay

The French team's remarkable findings are outlined in a recent article published by the American Chemical Society's journal "ACS Nano." According to the article, the research confirmed that tooth cells can be regrown and the method is a better solution than drilling and filling cavities.

The process of tooth decay begins with the interaction of a bacteria (streptococcus mutans) that dwells in the mouth and feeds off sugar. As the bacteria grow, they have a penchant for adhering themselves to the surface of the tooth, the enamel. The bacteria's digestive processes set off a series of corrosive chemical reactions—demineralization—that converts sugar into an acid that literally eats holes into teeth.

The current treatment of cavities employs a barrage of needles, Novacaine, drills and dubious amalgams of metals, plastics and glues that often creates short-term trauma in many and may cause harmful effects in the body over the long-term.

The new gel is pain-free, stops the decay and regrows the damaged tooth.

In addition to generating healthy new tooth cells, the MSH gel also promotes what's known as "adhesion." According to dental health experts, adhesion is the process that causes cells to lock together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Adhesion strengthens tooth pulp and hardens the enamel. Both of these benefits not only help create a new tooth, but also work together as a shield to discourage future attacks by the streptococcus mutans bacteria.

This is important because it produces strong tooth pulp and enamel which could make the decayed tooth as good as new.

Dental experts familiar with the innovative approach think the newly grown tooth cells would be stronger and last longer than traditional fillings.

Recently the media has reported on separate laboratory research by the same team. The MSH gel was used to treat mice suffering from dental cavities. According to the team's data, the cavities disappeared in just four weeks.

It's predicted a form of the new dental gel will be available to dentists for the treatment of patients within three to five years.

Source: Helium

Dentists’ Future Not Clear: Will It Be Good or Bad?

Dentists aren’t sure whether to be optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the dental profession. In this survey, 37% of dentists said they are optimistic about the future of dentistry, another 37% are uncertain, and the remaining 25% are pessimistic.

When it comes to dentists’ future, some of the things that worry doctors include government control, corporate takeover, insurance intrusion, Obama’s health plan, and mid-level dental providers.

“I worry that the government will get its hands on dentistry just like it’s doing to medicine and we will all wind-up working for Uncle Sam,” said one dentist.

Here are some comments we got when we asked dentists, “What do you expect for the future of dentistry? What worries you? What are you enthusiastic about?”

* “From an economic standpoint, people that have been delaying treatment will have to do their treatment as they won’t be able to delay forever.” (Tennessee dentist)
* “Higher overhead due to increased bureaucracy from government. Lower income due to the endless Great Recession. The ‘golden days’ may be over.” (Illinois dentist)
* “My worries include the greed of dentists to make the most money and not treat the profession with respect.” (General dentist)
* “I think the future will hold no impression materials – mostly all cad/cam.” (New Jersey dentist)
* “I am concerned that the standard of care in the US for dentistry may be lowered due to the influx of mid level providers. We must not lower our excellent quality of care in this country because of the misconception that there are not enough Dentists to provide care. The problem is distribution of Dentists and lack of funding for Dental Care increasing the number of poorly trained mid level providers will not solve this problem.” (Alabama dentist)
* “Worried about corporate takeover of delivery.” (California orthodontist)
* “I’m worried about the oversaturation of dentists in many urban and suburban areas. Also the lack of expertise and knowledge about dentures and dental implant supported dentures by many of today’s young dentists.” (Ohio prosthodontist)
* “I am concerned about the effect that ‘Obamacare’ will have on our private practices because having an administration that is so anti-small business does not bode well for private practices.” (Alabama dentist)

Source: Dental Practice Blog

HERPES VIRUS BREAKTHROUGH IN MOUTH CANCER TREATMENT

Doctors have used a genetically engineered herpes virus to help treat patients suffering from mouth, neck and head cancer.

In a trial run by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, 17 patients were given injections of the virus, as well as being treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The cold sore virus, known as Onco VEX, was modified to multiply inside cancer cells but not in healthy ones. It would then burst and kill tumour cells, as well as releasing a human protein that would help stimulate patients’ immune systems.

The virus was injected into cancer affected lymph nodes of the patients, in up to four doses.

Tumour shrinkage could be seen on scans for 14 patients, and over three quarters of the participants showed no trace of residual cancer in their lymph nodes during subsequent surgery to remove them. More than two years later, over three quarters of the patients involved in the study had not succumbed to the disease.

Dr Kevin Harrington, Principle Investigator for the ICR and The Royal Marsden said: “Around 35 to 55 per cent of patients given the standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment typically relapse within two years, so these results compare very favourably.

He added: “This was a small study so the results should be interpreted with caution; however the very high rates of tumour response have led to the decision to take this drug into a large scale Phase III trial.”

The treatment’s side–effects were mild to moderate, and most (except fever and fatigue) were thought to be caused by the chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: “This study is very positive news. Mouth cancer is a devastating disease, and an increasing number of people are being affected. While any treatment that can be found to fight the disease is a great step forward, it is also vital that awareness of the illness, the early symptoms and the risk factors is made common knowledge. Early diagnosis improves survival rates from five in ten to nine in ten people. That highlights how important it is that the public know the facts.”

Mouth cancer claims one life every five hours in the UK and more than 5,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Tobacco use is the main cause for mouth cancer, with those who drink and smoke to excess being 30 times more likely to develop the disease.

The human papilloma virus has also been identified as a threat. Transmitted via oral sex, and also a known cause of cervical cancer, experts suggest HPV may rival tobacco as a key risk factor within the next 10 years.

An unhealthy diet can also have an impact, with a third of mouth cancer cases being linked to poor eating habits. Growing evidence suggests an increased intake of fruit, vegetables, fish and eggs can help to lower the risks.

Early warning signs of the disease include a non–healing mouth ulcer, red or white patches and any unusual changes in the mouth. If you are suffering any of these symptoms or have any concerns the Foundation advises you visit your dentist or doctor.

If you need any advice on Mouth Cancer or any other dental issue contact the Dental Helpline for independent and confidential advice. Run by fully qualified oral health educators, the Helpline can inform on topics from mouth cancer to cosmetic treatments to dental hygiene. The service is available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 0845 063 1188 or visit the website www.dentalhealth.org.

Source: British Dental Health Foundation

Tongue piercing: For that gap-toothed look

Tongue piercing was a ritual tradition of the Maya and the Aztecs, ancient and -- apparently -- gap-toothed peoples. Now the dental cause and effect has been established: Those who choose to pierce their tongues run the risk of developing a gap between their teeth, says a report from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.

The case study, led by Sawsan Tabbaa, an assistant professor of orthodontics at the UB School of Dental Medicine, involved a 26-year-old female patient who had developed a large space between her upper front teeth. She'd had a barbell-shaped tongue stud inserted seven years earlier.

The patient reported "playing" on a daily basis with her stud — a term commonly used by people with tongue piercings to describe the habit of pushing the metal stud up against and between their upper front teeth. Over time, the patient’s front teeth separated, creating a gap large enough to permit her stud to push through.

Tabbaa explained in a phone interview that when you exposed teeth to a low, constant force — even nail biting and pencil chewing, let alone pushing a hard piece of metal up against the teeth — they will respond.

“Your teeth will move away from the pressure,” she said. Constant nail-biting could result in tilted or inwardly posed teeth, and pushing with a tongue stud moves the teeth outward and to the side.

Tabbaa explained that many people do not realize that a dental gap is a likely outcome of their piercing. Because it is something that happens slowly — with daily "playing," it takes from six months to two years for a space to be created, Tabbaa said — they might be unaware of the consequences.

The study was published in the July issue of the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.

Spaces between the teeth aren’t the only potential consequences of getting your tongue pierced. Tabbaa said that chipped teeth (from the metal hitting the tooth) and gum recession are more common. A previous UB Dental School survey of Buffalo high school students found problems such as tongue tenderness and swelling, fungal infections, cracked and fractured teeth, bleeding gums and tooth loss. “When people get their tongue pierced, they never think about what can happen,” Tabbaa said.

Wow. It's enough to leave you tongue-tied.

Source: LA Times

Tooth erosion in kids a growing problem say concerned dental experts

In a new study by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), including more than 700 children aged six to 15, at least 68 per cent showed some sign of tooth erosion. The ADA says that the pattern of tooth erosion is similar to that seen in wine drinkers. But due to the surge in fruit juice bar and sports drinks products, which are popular among young people, children have been affected.

ADA president Neil Hewson says there is a simple way to avoid these problems. He advised that fruit juice and carbonated drinks need to be drunk more quickly or sipped using a straw so the acid won't touch the teeth. Sipping water after drinking soda would also clear the mouth of acid he said.

Former Queensland Dental Association president Martin Webb said that these drinks may be called “decay in a bottle”, with their high acidity and sugar content that override the mouth’s natural defences.

Another study conducted by the ADA in partnership with consumer group Choice found that energy drinks such as Red Bull and V had higher acid levels than most other fizzy drinks. In Victoria it was found 80% of 12- to 17-year-olds regularly drank sugary soft drinks, with 10% consuming three cans a day. Mr. Webb explained, “Energy drinks are high in sugar content and quite high in acid, the ingredients of erosion.” He also said that athletes could rehydrate better with water than with these drinks. Lactic acid build-up from sport is present in the mouth and when sugar is added through the energy drinks, the effect is to demineralise the teeth. Unless plenty of water is taken and salivation is stimulated, a layer is stripped from the teeth. It does not come back. “We also see the degree of erosion that’s caused when people drink large quantities of orange juice and black cola drinks. It strips a thin layer off the teeth,” Mr Webb said.

These findings come on the Dental Health Week starting Monday where tooth erosion was the focus of discussion. This condition involves gradual wearing away or dissolving of the outer enamel layer of the teeth. It results in teeth appearing shorter and having visibly worn surfaces. It can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and cause difficulty in eating. Other factors related to this condition include dry mouth, gastric reflux, and brushing teeth too soon after particular foods or drinks.

Source: Medical News

Avoiding treatments for missing teeth may lead to severe dental, health complications

People who are missing teeth and have avoided visiting their dentist for treatment may be putting themselves at an increased risk of suffering several dental problems. In fact, oral hygiene experts recommend that these individuals get their teeth replaced in order to avoid more severe complications.

Some of the dental problems patients who are missing teeth can suffer includes root damage, irregular tooth movement and deterioration of their jawbone and gum tissue. Also, dentists report that these gaps can collect food, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and bone decay.

Depending on the severity of the oral damage, people who are in need of dental care services may receive dental implants, dentures or dental bridges.

People who need to have missing teeth replaced, but have little or no dental insurance can benefit from signing up for a discount dental plan. By taking advantage of these affordable programs, patients can receive the proper treatments for missing teeth without worrying about expensive bills.

Source: DentalPlans

Dental expert says children should chew gum

Children can now chew their way to healthy teeth and gums. A breakthrough in the properties of sugar-free gum containing xylitol has allowed experts to break the age-old myth that chewing gum is bad for your teeth. Today, kids can enjoy the added dental benefits of chewing on this sweet treat.

According to Professor Kauko K. Mäkinen, research pioneer and renowned expert of xylitol, small children can start using xylitol daily in the form of soluble, small-sized pastilles or mints. As soon as the child understands the meaning of chewing, he can be given chewing gum under supervision. Caries, the decay and crumbling of a tooth, must be prevented from early on.

Developing proper oral habits at an early age is every child’s first line of defense against plaque, cavities, and bad breath. Parents should ensure that their children develop and maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine as soon as they grow teeth, continuing into adulthood.

In conjunction with proper tooth brushing and regular visits to the dentist, chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol can provide added dental protection for kids and adults alike. Xylitol, a natural sweetener derived from birch trees and the fibers of many fruits and vegetables, is proven to demonstrate a dramatic reduction in tooth decay.

Lotte Xylitol Dental Health Gum, which uses xylitol as its active ingredient, combats and prevents common oral problems children face from frequent contact with sugars from milk, formula, juices, and even breast milk. As these liquids break down into simple sugars and are allowed to sit in the mouth, bacteria start feeding on the sugars, causing tooth decay.

Lotte Xylitol has been in existence for 10 years now in Asian markets like Japan, China, and Korea, where it has gained significant inroads in the gum market. In the Philippines, Lotte Xylitol is the first and only dental health gum to use more than 50-percent xylitol content.

Lotte Xylitol is manufactured by Lotte, the leading confectionery company in Japan, and distributed by Lotte Confectionery Pilipinas Corp. It is available in three variants: blueberry mint, fresh mint, and lime mint in blister packs or bottles.

Source: philStar

Pilot safety protocol could help reduce dental surgery errors

Dentists and pilots - both are professions that have no room for the smallest error, so a new research questioned: Why can't the same safety standards that apply to pilots be used for dentists too?

Russell Taichman, U-M dentistry professor Michigan and two pilot-dentists believe that implementing this theory would drastically reduce human errors.

Crew Resource Management empowers team members to actively participate to enhance safety using forward thinking strategies, said Taichman.

"Using checklists makes for a safer, more standardized routine of dental surgery in my practice," said David Sarment, a pilot and a dentist.

CRM checklists in the dentist's office are an inevitable change, said co-author Harold Pinsky, also a dentist and full time pilot.

"If I'm doing a restoration and my assistant sees saliva leaking, in the old days the assistant would think to themselves, 'The doctor is king, he or she must know what's going on.'"

But if all team members have a CRM checklist, the assistant is empowered to tell the doctor if there is a problem.

"Instead of the doctor saying, 'Don't ever embarrass me in front of a patient again,' they'll say, 'Thanks for telling me.'"

For the next step, the co-authors hope to design a small clinical trial in the dental school to test CRM, Taichman said.

The study will appear in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Source: Sify

Study links tongue piercings to dental problems

A new study carried out by the University of Buffalo in New York has suggested that tongue piercing can be a major cause of unnecessary orthodontic issues.

The report claims that those with tongue piercings tend to push the metal stud against their teeth and thus cause gaps and other issues to appear. The primary investigator of the study, which is published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, explained that ‘force, over time, moves teeth’ and that the results, that are caused by people playing with their studs, occur in a ‘very high percent of the cases.

The studies lead investigator, Sawsan Tabbaa, who is a professor of orthodontics at the UB School of Dental Medicine noted that tooth damage was common in both previous and current case studies. The current study, featuring a twenty six year old female patient, showed that a space between the upper front teeth had appeared during a period of seven years as the metal bar was pushed against and between teeth. It was revealed that the only solution was for a fixed brace to be worn for a lengthy period of time.

Tabbaa continued to highlight the risks of tongue piercings, which include chipped teeth and infection, and suggested that if health and spiral costs were to be avoided, then so should tongue piercings.

From: Cosmetic Dentistry Guide

Energy drinks fuel dental epidemic

Soft drinks and energy drinks are fuelling a silent epidemic of tooth erosion among Australian teenagers, dentists say.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) said recent research conducted in Australian schools found 68 per cent of students had at least one tooth showing signs of erosion.

Association South Australian president Sharon Liberali said the problem with most soft drinks and energy drinks was their high acid levels.

She said a recent study conducted by the association, in partnership with consumer group Choice, found that energy drinks such as Red Bull and V had higher acid levels than most other fizzy drinks.

"Acid can directly damage the enamel surface of teeth, a process known as dental erosion, which has become a silent epidemic because we all tend to focus on tooth decay, rather than the damaging impacts of erosion, Dr Liberali said in a statement on Tuesday to launch dental health week.

"Unlike tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria, tooth erosion occurs by chemical attack without bacterial involvement.

"This means even people with perfect brushing and flossing can be at risk of tooth erosion."

The ADA said energy drinks were the fastest growing category in the convenience beverage market with sales increasing nearly 20 per cent this year.

A government study in Victoria also found that about 80 per cent of students aged 12 to 17 regularly consumed sugary soft drinks.

Ten per cent drank three cans of high-sugar soft drink every day.

"Energy drinks are of particular concern because of their increasing popularity and availability to teenagers," Dr Liberali said.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald