If you needed another reason to brush and floss, maybe this will help.
Researchers at New York University have found that gum disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
This NYU study provides fresh evidence that gum inflammation is associated with inflammation in the brain.
The research team, led by Dr. Angela Kamer, assistant professor of periodontology & implant dentistry, studied 20 years of data from Denmark that support the hypothesis of a link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s.
Those with gum disease at age 70 were nine times more likely to test in the lower range of brain function tests compared to those with little or no periodontal inflammation.
Other health factors that tend to lower test scores, such as obesity, cigarette smoking, and tooth loss unrelated to gum inflammation, were factored in, but the strong association held true.
Kamer is working on a follow-up study, which will include a more ethnically diverse pool of people.
But why wait follow-up–go brush your teeth!
It was a great group of dentists that attended my lecture Sat. Aug. 7, 2010 at the Stonewall Resort in West Va. Good questions and a thirst for knowledge. Thanks to the Monongahela Valley Dental Society for the invitation. Digital impressions are here to stay in dentistry. The accuracy is impressive, no gagging and overall easier for the patient. It is always better to stay ahead of the technology curve, than trying to catch up when it is too late. I have now been using this technology for over a year and I would never return to the old messy impressions of the past.
Ξ July 11th, 2010 | → Comments Off | ∇ Uncategorized |
Just released study in Journal of American Dental Association: Treating serious periodontal disease in people with Type 2 diabetes my lower their glucose levels. Study suggests that the effective treatment of periodontal disease could have positive effect on people with Type 2 diabetes because good glucose control reduces risk of serious complications linked to the condition, such as eye problems and heart disease.
Ξ July 8th, 2010 | → Comments Off | ∇ Uncategorized |
See my article in Dentistry Today on the conservative use of direct resin bonding and the use of Botox at
http://bit.ly/a30Jgm .
Ξ May 2nd, 2010 | → Comments Off | ∇ Uncategorized |
Baseball Dentistry: Affordable Dental Advice
SPRING’S ARRIVAL means baseball diamonds will soon fill with boys and girls of all ages competing in America’s favorite summer sport. Accidents do happen, so here are tips to help preserve everyone’s teeth until the final out of the World Series.
First to report are catchers and umpires, especially in softball. Big, bulky cast-iron facemasks are uncomfortable, heavy, and hot. Most organized leagues require them. Occasional pick-up slow pitch softball games at lawn parties or family reunions may find an innocent volunteer behind home plate.
Foul tips glance off the bat in all directions. Unmasked victims may quickly get a free horsehide sandwich, and possibly some stitches – similar to those on the ball. When no facemask is available, let someone else volunteer.
People who play baseball, softball, kickball, soccer or almost any sport regularly should consider an inexpensive, “store-bought” dental mouth guard to help prevent chipped, cracked or broken teeth. Mouth guards can also lessen risk of concussion. Without a mouth guard, a blow to the chin transmits force from lower teeth to upper teeth to the brain. Mouth guards work like shock absorbers, softening the strength of force.
The most common complaint about wearing mouth guards is trouble speaking.
So? Players should always concentrate on competing and winning the game; it’s not a poetry recital.
To practice speaking better, read a newspaper out loud while wearing a mouth guard, or count from one to hundred. Repeat troublesome words over and over until they come out clearly. Practice alone until confident.
The thick, rubber appliances might even help get you out of a jam. Imagine if you accidentally muttered something unsportsmanlike, overheard by an umpire. When confronted, remove the mouth guard and carefully explain, “No, Sir. All I said was, ‘Good luck to you,’” or some other similar sounding phrase.
Whenever players are wearing dental orthodontic braces, the risk of injury to lips & cheeks is much greater when not wearing a mouth guard. After braces come off, protect this investment by continuing to wear mouth guards. If clear speaking is essential, such as a football quarterback calling signals, see a dentist for a custom made appliance.
Another way to prevent baseball injuries is absolutely free — just pay close attention to the game at hand. Foul balls that veer into the spectator gallery never seem to hit those fans ducking for cover and dancing all around. “Headhunter” balls usually find a person who’s reading a magazine or distracted or talking to someone. Watch the game. “Keep you eye on the ball” is good advice for everyone, not just the batter.
Reprinted with permission of Dr. Robert Stevenson
Ξ May 2nd, 2010 | → Comments Off | ∇ Uncategorized |
Just returned from AACD meeting. Learned more great conservative dental techniques. Minimally invasive dentistry is the way to go. Botox has additional uses in dentistry and facial esthetics than the usual list that most people know about. The best learning is from friends discussing dental issues outside of the formal lecture.
Ξ March 14th, 2010 | → Comments Off | ∇ Uncategorized |
Researchers have recently discovered 4 biomarkers for pancreatic cancer in human saliva. This may help in the future for early detection of this disease where the 5 years suvival rate is 5%.
Ξ March 3rd, 2010 | → Comments Off | ∇ Uncategorized |
Please be aware of an FDA alert related to Super Poligrip denture adhesive. GlaxoSmithKline has ceased manufacture of this and some other adhesives because of excess levels of zinc, resulting in some neurologic and other medical problems. There are some great alternatives to using denture adhesive such as dental implants to help maintain the stability of dentures and partial dentures.
Ξ January 28th, 2010 | → Comments Off | ∇ Uncategorized |
Did you know that athletes lose an estimated 5 million teeth every year from sports injuries? Most of these can be prevented with a custom made dental mouthguard. The newest type of mouthguards are performance enhancing mouth wear, based on the relationship of the phyhsiology of the jaw position. Pro athletes in all sports are starting to use these new forms of dental injury prevention.
Ξ January 27th, 2010 | → Comments Off | ∇ Uncategorized |
Last night I presented to the Ohio Valley Dental Study Club in downtown Cincinnati the latest on the new 3M Lava COS digital scanner. Discussion was very interactive and Joe Crowley our 3M dental rep gave up an update on new upcoming uses for the scanner. This will eventually replace gooey impressions for dental implants, Invisalign, tooth whitening trays and crowns and porcelain veneers. Stay turned for more updates on this great dental technology.
