Why Gums Suffer With Age
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY
Main Category: Dentistry Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses; Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 18 Apr 2012 - 0:00 PDT
New research from Queen Mary, University of London in collaboration with research groups in the USA sheds light on why gum disease can become more common with old age. The study, published in Nature Immunology, reveals that the deterioration in gum health which often occurs with increasing age is associated with a drop in the level of a chemical called Del-1. The researchers say that understanding more about Del-1 and its effects on the body's immune system could help in the treatment or prevention of serious gum disease. Periodontitis is a disease of the gums which causes bleeding and bone loss which can, over time, lead to loss of teeth. It affects about 20 per cent of the UK population and is caused by an over-active immune response to bacteria that grow in the mouth. As people age they are more likely to suffer from inflammatory diseases, including gum disease. The new research investigated gum disease in young and old mice and found that an increase in gum disease in the older animals was accompanied by a drop in the level of Del-1. This protein is known to restrain the immune system by stopping white blood cells from sticking to and attacking mouth tissue. Mice that had no Del-1 developed severe gum disease and elevated bone loss and researchers found unusually high levels of white blood cells in the gum tissue. When they treated the gums of the mice with Del-1, the number of white blood cells dropped, and gum disease and bone loss were reduced. The researchers say their findings could be the basis for a new treatment or prevention of gum disease. Mike Curtis is Professor of Microbiology at Queen Mary, University of London, Director of the Blizard Institute and the lead on the microbiological studies in the research. He said: "Periodontitis is an extremely common problem and we know that the disease tends to be more common as we get older. "This research sheds some light on why ageing makes us more susceptible and understanding this mechanism is the first step to an effective treatment."

Dentists Play Key Role in Detecting Oral CancerHealthDay – Sat, Apr 7, 2012
 (HealthDay News) -- 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 States, more than 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed, and more than 8,000 people die of the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The five-year survival rate for oral cancer is about 50 percent. "If it is not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can be deadly," Rhee said. "Treatment for advanced stage oral cancer may lead to chronic pain, loss of function, permanent facial and oral disfigurement following surgery. The earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcome." Possible warning signs of oral cancer may include: bleeding sores; sores that do not heal; lumps or thick, hard spots; soreness or feeling that something is caught in the throat; difficulty chewing or swallowing; ear pain; difficulty moving the jaw or tongue; hoarseness; numbness of the tongue, and changes in the way teeth fit together. More information The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about oral cancer.

Healthy teeth as easy as 'kicking the can
Senior Airman Amanda Newbern
 1st Special Operations Dental Squadron It’s a new year, and that means many of us will make resolutions to drop some of our bad habits and be healthier. But how often do you think of cutting back on soda? Acids and sugar by-products in soda can actually cause damage to your teeth and other negative effects on your oral health. First, they can cause staining and discoloration. By repeatedly drinking dark, yellow or orange soda, your teeth will begin to take on the less-than-attractive color of the soda. Second, it can also cause the enamel to become weak and may lead to sensitivity and discomfort over time. Third, soda can also lead to cavities. In some extreme cases, it can cause your teeth to become damaged beyond repair and even potential tooth loss. However, there are some easy at-home ways to keep good oral health. Substitute soda for drinks that contain less sugar and acids like water, milk or 100 percent real fruit juice. After finishing a soda, take a sip of water and swish it around your mouth. This decreases the exposure time of the soda’s acids on the tooth enamel. Use toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain fluoride, but please make sure to get professionally-applied fluoride treatments. You can take these steps to avoid these unintended consequences, but the key to enjoying soft drinks and preserving your oral health is moderation. So the next time you go to grab a soda, make it a resolution to have healthier teeth and remember that a beautiful smile is worth a thousand wordsRead more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/teeth-47492-easy-healthy.html#ixzz1oSogGHDg

Dental Pulp Stem Cells Transformed By 'Bad Breath' Chemical Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Dentistry; Liver Disease / HepatitisArticle Date: 27 Feb 2012 - 1:00 PST email to a friend printer friendly opinions rate article Current Article Ratings: Patient / Public: 5 (4 votes) Healthcare Prof: 2.67 (3 votes)
Japanese scientists have found that the odorous compound responsible for halitosis - otherwise known as bad breath - is ideal for harvesting stem cells taken from human dental pulp. In a study published today, Monday 27 February, in IOP Publishing's Journal of Breath Research, researchers showed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) increased the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into hepatic (liver) cells, furthering their reputation as a reliable source for future liver-cell therapy. This is the first time that liver cells have been produced from human dental pulp and, even more impressively, have been produced in high numbers of high purity. "High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells. Moreover, these facts suggest that patients undergoing transplantation with the hepatic cells may have almost no possibility of developing teratomas or cancers, as can be the case when using bone marrow stem cells," said lead author of the study Dr. Ken Yaegaki. The remarkable transforming ability of stem cells has led to significant focus from research groups around the world and given rise to expectations of cures for numerable diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. In this study, Dr. Ken Yaegaki and his group, from Nippon Dental University, Japan, used stem cells from dental pulp - the central part of the tooth made up of connective tissue and cells - which were obtained from the teeth of dental patients who were undergoing routine tooth extractions. Once the cells were sufficiently prepared, they were separated into two batches (a test and a control) and the test cells incubated in a H2S chamber. They were harvested and analysed after 3, 6 and 9 days to see if the cells had successfully transformed into liver cells. To test if the cells successfully differentiated under the influence of H2S, the researchers carried out a series of tests looking at features that were characteristic of liver cells. In addition to physical observations under the microscope, the researchers investigated the cell's ability to store glycogen and then recorded the amount of urea contained in the cell. "Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation. Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe" continued Dr. Yaegaki. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs and is produced throughout the body in the tissues. Although its exact function is unknown, researchers have been led to believe that it plays a key role in many physiological processes and disease states.

Oral surgery protocol to control bleeding for heart patients shows positive results

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: Cardiac patients who take anticoagulant medications and need a tooth extraction face an increased risk of bleeding that must be addressed by the treating clinician. Therefore, experts say, a protocol for heart patients is needed that will avoid significant bleeding after dental extractions without suspending anticoagulant therapy.

A study reported in the Journal of Oral Implantology evaluated the use of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin biomaterial. This material is commonly used in dentistry to improve healing and tissue regeneration. It was tested as a safe filling and hemostatic material after dental extractions in 50 heart patients undergoing oral anticoagulant therapy.
These heart patients had mechanical valve substitutions, and then were placed on anticoagulant oral therapy with warfarin. It is not recommended that the anticoagulant be suspended and replaced with heparin before a minor surgery, although this substitution may control the risk of postoperative bleeding.
One method of controlling bleeding without suspending the anticoagulant is the use of platelet-rich plasma gel placed in postextraction tooth sockets. Although this protocol has been successful, there are barriers to its daily use. The platelet concentrates are expensive and take a long time to prepare.
Platelet-rich fibrin offers an alternative biomaterial that is simple and inexpensive to prepare. Blood is collected in tubes without anticoagulant and centrifuged. It divides into three layers, creating a strong platelet-rich fibrin clot in the middle layer. Platelet-rich fibrin has proved useful in daily dental practice as filling material for regeneration in order to place implants.
In this study, 50 heart patients following an anticoagulant therapy were treated with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin clots placed into postextraction sockets. Complications of bleeding were reported in only two of these patients, and 10 had mild bleeding. All complications were resolved within a few hours after the oral surgery.
Additionally, the study reported no painful events, quick healing of soft tissue, and complete wound closure within one week after oral surgery. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin offers an excellent option for use in heart patients on an anticoagulant regimen.
The Journal of Oral Implantology is the official publication of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and of the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. It is dedicated to providing valuable information to general dentists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, scientists, clinicians, laboratory owners and technicians, manufacturers, and educators. The JOI distinguishes itself as the first and oldest journal in the world devoted exclusively to implant dentistry.

USDA Updates Dietary Guidelines

Washington—Consumers should forgo sugary drinks and make water their beverage of choice, according to the new dietary guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The guidelines and a new icon for healthy eating—a colorful plate that gives consumers an easy visual example of how to dish up proper portions for breakfast, lunch and dinner—were unveiled June 2 by First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Consumers and health care professionals can visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov to view the MyPlate icon and dietary guidelines. There are also links to tools such as getting a personalized eating plan, healthy eating tips, weight loss information, menu planning, diet analysis and more. MyPlate print materials, including a consumer brochure, sample menus, recipes, a “getting started” guide and many more resources are also available.

The new MyPlate icon emphasizes ideal portions sizes for fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups. Nutrition, health and consumer advocates are applauding the MyPlate icon as a tool to help improve the health and well-being of Americans nationwide.

“MyPlate is a visual model that communicates to consumers the proportions of foods that, if consumed, provide adequate nutrient intakes for ideal growth and health,” said Teresa Marshall, Ph.D., R.D., L.D, a consultant to the ADA Council on Access Prevention and Interprofessional Relations.

“Obviously, attention to selection of foods within groups is necessary to achieve individualized energy and fat intakes for prevention of obesity and systemic disease,” Dr. Marshall said. “For example, one of the messages accompanying MyPlate recommends drinking water instead of sugary drinks. The MyPlate visual emphasizes the importance of fruits and vegetables in our diets—a message we need to hear!”

The new website and consumer brochure encourage consumers to:

·         build a healthy plate—fill half the plate with fruits and vegetables, switch to skim or 1 percent milk, make at least half of grains eaten whole grain choices and vary protein choices like seafood or beans.

·         cut back on foods high in solid fats, added sugars and salts—choose water instead of sugary drinks, eat fruit for dessert or choose 100 percent fruit juice over fruit-flavored drinks; steer away from added sodium in foods and add spices or herbs to season food; eat fewer foods like cakes, cookies, ice cream, pizza, cheese, sausage and hot dogs; choose lean meats and poultry and fat-free or low-fat dairy products; and prepare foods in oils instead of solid fats.

·         eat the right amount of calories—consumers can get their personal daily calorie limit at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov and should avoid oversized portions or eating when already full; cook at home more often to take control of what they are eating; choose lower calorie menu options when eating out; track what they eat; and drink alcoholic beverages in moderation (one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men).

·         be physically active—everyone should add physical activities they enjoy at least 10 minutes at a time whenever possible for health benefits.

For more information on diet and oral health, visit ADA.org and go to public resources/oral health topics.

CEREC TECHNOLOGY
http://www.brucejohnson.com/OurPractice.aspx

We are excited to announce our latest technological acquisition for our office called CEREC. It is a state of the art CAD software that utilizes a digital 3D camera to take optical impressions of teeth that are to receive fillings, onlays or crowns. The digital image replaces the physical impression required in traditional procedures. The exact design specifications are sent to our on site milling machine to create your restoration. Depending on the type of porcelain and other factors we can often times complete your restoration the same day!

Please feel free to email with any questions.  brucej@brucejohnson.com