Health

10 Fun Facts About Tooth Brushes

November 26, 2022 No Comments

1. When selecting your toothbrush, look for the ADA Seal. The ADA Seal of Acceptance is the gold standard for toothbrush quality. It’s how you’ll know an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, has evaluated your toothbrush to make sure bristles won’t fall out with normal use, the handle will stay strong and the toothbrush will help reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease.

2. The toothbrush is 5,000 years old. In various forms, that is. Ancient civilizations used a “chew stick,” a thin twig with a frayed end, to remove food from their teeth. Over time, toothbrushes evolved and were made from bone, wood or ivory handles and stiff bristles of hogs, boar or other animals. The modern nylon-bristled toothbrush we use today was invented in 1938.

3. The first mass-produced toothbrush was invented in prison. In 1770, an Englishman named William Addis was jailed for inciting a riot. He saw fellow prisoners using a rag covered in soot or salt to clean their teeth. Addis saved an animal bone from dinner and received bristles from a guard. Accounts state he bored tiny holes into the bone, inserted the bristles and sealed them with glue. After his release, he modified his prototype, started a company and manufactured his toothbrush. That company, Wisdom Toothbrushes, still exists in the United Kingdom today.

4. Manual or powered? Your teeth don’t care, if you do it right. In the manual and powered toothbrush debate, it’s a wash. You just need to brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Both types of toothbrushes can effectively and thoroughly clean your teeth. It all depends on which one you prefer. People who find it difficult to use a manual toothbrush may find a powered toothbrush more comfortable. Talk to your dentist about which kind is best for you. If you do decide to use a powered toothbrush, you must hold it with your fingers, like how you would hold a flute. Don’t hold it in the palm of your hand. Palming your power toothbrush is likely to cause excessive pressure on your teeth and gums.

5. There is no “correct” order for brushing and flossing. Brushing before flossing, flossing before brushing—it doesn’t matter to your teeth, as long as you do both. However, be very careful not to cut your gums when you floss. Over-zealous flossing can cause spaces (dark triangles) to form between your teeth as well as gum recession.

6. Toothbrushes like to be left out in the open. Cleaning your toothbrush is easy: Rinse it with tap water to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store it upright and allow it to air dry. If you store your toothbrush with other toothbrushes, make sure they are separated to prevent cross contamination. And do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment such as a closed container is more conducive to the growth of unwanted bacteria than the open air.

7. Lifespan = 3-4 Months. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do as good of a job cleaning your teeth.

 

8. When it comes to choosing a brush, go soft. Whether you use a manual or powered toothbrush, choose a soft-bristled brush. Firm or even medium-strength bristles may cause damage to your gums and enamel. When brushing your teeth, don’t scrub vigorously—only brush hard enough to clean the film off your teeth.

9. Remember: 2 minutes, 2 times a day. 4 minutes a day goes a long way for your dental health. Put the time in each day to keep your smile healthy and keep up this twice-a-day habit.

10. Sharing is caring, but not for toothbrushes. Sharing a toothbrush can mean you’re also sharing germs and bacteria. This could be a particular concern if you have a cold or flu to spread, or you have a condition that leaves your immune system compromised.

Health

Acetaminophen

November 26, 2022 No Comments
For mild to moderate pain after surgery, patients are asked to take over-the-counter (OTC) pills. There are basically two kinds of OTC pills. One is represented by pain pills such as Tylenol and is called acetaminophen. The other is represented by Advil, and is called ibuprofen.

For quite some time now many doctors have advised their patients to take both acetaminophen and ibuprofen together, in the belief that taken together brings about more relief from pain than just taking one kind.

However, it has not been strongly established that this is true. An article reviewing various studies involving a total of 1909 patients published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association has concluded that taking acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) in combination with ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) would be better for dental post-operative pain than taking only one or the other. In other words, if you take a Tylenol at the same time you taken an Advil, you would have better relief from pain from dental surgery than if you took just Tylenol or just Advil.

According to the author, Ferne Kraglund, D.D.S., these two kinds of over-the-counter pain pills “are widely available and inexpensive, with a well-established reputation for safety and efficacy (effectiveness).” This review of a number of very strident, scientific studies, called randomized clinical trials, involving these 1909 patients showed that the combination of these two kinds of drugs effectively lowers pain intensity and decreases the need for higher dosage or the addition of other supplementary drugs.

Of course, you should only use these over the counter drugs at the direction of your dentist to make sure that in your particular case it is safe and effective. Just as importantly, you need to be instructed by your dentist as to how much and under what circumstances you should take or not take these drugs.

The FDA recommends certain limits as to strength and daily dosage of these drugs. For example, each tablet of acetaminophen should contain no more than 325 milligrams and the maximum dosage should not exceed 4000 mg per day. It is critical you follow your doctor’s instruction and contact your doctor in case of unusual reactions.

Health

Abscessed Teeth Increases Risk of Heart Attacks

November 26, 2022 No Comments
In a study carried out at the University of Helsinki in cooperation with the Heart and Lung Centre of the university and published in the Journal of Dental Research a dental abscess ( infection at the root tip of a tooth ) increases the risk of coronary artery disease, even if there no pain.

The study states, “Acute coronary syndrome (heart attack) is 2.7 times more common among patients with untreated teeth in need of root canal treatment than among patients without this issue.” In short, this study suggest a substantially higher risk of heart attacks among those with untreated abscessed (dead) teeth.

Dental abscess is a reaction of the body to microbial infection of the dental pulp, the nerve and blood vessels in the canals of the root. Dental caries (cavities) is the most common cause of abscesses.

Gum infections have been found to be associated with many common chronic diseases. Low grade inflammation generated by oral infections is postulated to be an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and diabetes. This is the first study to link need for root canal to heart disease. In this study of 508 Finnish patients with a mean age of 62 years who were experiencing heart symptoms, 58 per cent were found to be suffering from one or more dental abscesses. Furthermore these dental abscesses were connected with a high level of serum antibodies related to common bacteria. Thus a dental abscess, whether painful or not, can affect other parts of the body as well.

Cardiovascular diseases cause more than 30 per cent of deaths globally. They can be prevented by a healthy diet, weight control, exercise and not smoking. With regard to the health of the heart, measures should be taken to prevent or treat oral infections, as they are very common and often asymptomatic. Root canal treatment of an infected tooth may eliminate an unnecessary risk of heart disease.

In other words, root canal treatment can save lives.

Health

Acid Reflux

November 26, 2022 No Comments
Teeth are so hard you would think they would be indestructible and that they would not be adversely affected by anything. Due to the strength of enamel and bone, they should remain the same from the day the teeth come into the mouth to the day they are no longer needed.

Unfortunately, this is far from true.

While we would like to think of teeth as being strong and unchanging, most people know that teeth can be damaged by tooth decay-causing bacteria. We know, too, that teeth can be damaged by mechanical means – attrition caused by tooth grinding and clenching and abrasion caused by improper tooth brushing. However, few people know that there is a third factor that can destroy teeth – chemical erosion.

Chemical erosion is caused by excess acid coming in contact with a tooth for extended periods of time. The acid attack can be self-inflicted (bulimia) or more commonly from a problem with acid reflux. In acid (gastric) reflux, the acidic and partly digested contents of the stomach are returned back into the throat and oral cavity. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES), connecting the esophagus with the stomach, closes once food passes into the stomach. This closure prevents the stomach contents from flowing back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when this sphincter does not work properly and allows acidic fluid to return to the esophagus and higher – the mouth.

This condition sometimes can actually be noted by a dentist long before it is acknowledged by a patient or physician. The dentist will see a characteristic smooth and circular erosion of the cusp tips of the lower first molars. The cusp tips (bumps on a tooth) lose their peak, flatten, and become concave. Soon the enamel cover is broached and the underlying dentin is exposed. Because dentin is “softer” than enamel, the erosion can progress more quickly. This acid erosion has a very different appearance from tooth loss due to a mechanical etiology. Attrition and abrasion have a very sharp, edged, and well-delineated look. Chemical erosion has a softer and more rounded presentation and is localized first to lower first molars (lower first molars are the first permanent molars to erupt into the mouth) so that the permanent teeth have the longest potential exposure. When the acid refluxes (returns) to the mouth, it pools mostly around the lower first molars. This is the site of the most erosive features.

A significant portion of the population experiences acid reflux at least once a month. About 25% of those who are affected are unaware of their problem. Infants and young children can be affected, and there may be a genetic component to this disease. Early diagnosis from erosion of the permanent lower first molars can be made as early as 7 or 8 years of age. A hiatal hernia may weaken the LES and cause reflux. Diet and lifestyle contribute to acid reflux. Chocolate, peppermint, citrus, tomatoes, fried or fatty foods, coffee (especially acidic coffee), alcoholic beverages, garlic, and onions are foods to avoid. Weight gain (also weight gain associated with pregnancy) and smoking (by relaxing the LES) may be contributing factors.

As is true with most medical and dental problems, the earlier the diagnosis is made, the easier it is to treat. Variable factors include the nature and severity of the problem, as well as frequency and type of fluid that refluxes from the stomach. Under supervision of your physician, change in diet, eating habits, and/or medication (over-the-counter or prescription) can be effective. It is recommended that you first consult your physician or a specialist (gastroenterologist) if you suspect you have gastric reflux or other gastro-intestinal ailments.

Dentally, once the enamel is broached and the dentin becomes visible, it is recommended that the affected areas be protected by covering them with an enamel replacement – a tooth-colored bonding material. This material not only protects the dentin and enamel, it may be more resistant to the acid than is naturally occurring dentin. Many times, drilling preparation is not needed. See your dentist regularly so that problems like these can be detected and treated in time.

If you would like more information about acid reflux, call Dr. Chao in Alhambra, CA at (626) 308-9104

Dr. Chao proudly serves Alhambra and all surrounding areas.

Oral

Coming Soon: Get a Sniff of Novocaine, Rather than a Shot

November 26, 2022 No Comments
Since its introduction in 1844 by dentist Dr. Horace Wells, the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to the medical world as a means for inducing conscious sedation for surgery, dentists have been in the forefront in discovering, testing and applying new techniques and materials for obtaining anesthesia for their patients.

In 1884, Carl Eihorn introduced cocaine for use as an anesthetic. This was widely used until the addictive quality of cocaine became evident. The first successful cocaine substitute, called Stovaine, was invented by Ernest Fourneau in 1904. Stovaine was delivered by needle. But it was commonly known as “novocaine,” because this was the “new” cocaine. Novocaine became popular as a local anesthetic both in dentistry and medicine. Various kinds of improvements have been made in the effectiveness and duration of local anesthetics since that time, but the only means of achieving deep local anesthesia (numbness) for extensive dental treatment was still by injection.

Now a new discovery may replace the needle for many dental procedures. Scientists are reporting evidence that a common local anesthetic, when administered to the nose as nose drops or a nasal spray, travels through the main nerve in the face and collects in high concentrations in the teeth, jaw, and structures of the mouth.

This discovery could lead to a new generation of intra-nasal drugs for noninvasive treatment for dental pain, migraine, and other conditions, the scientists suggest in the current issue of the American Chemical Society’s bi-monthly journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

William H. Frey II, Ph.D., and colleagues note that drugs administered to the nose travel along nerves and go directly to the brain. One of those nerves is the trigeminal (V) nerve, which brings feelings to the face, nose and mouth. Until now, however, scientists never checked to see whether intranasal drugs passing along that nerve might reach the teeth, gums and other areas of the face and mouth to reduce pain sensations in the face and mouth.

Neil Johnson, working in the labs of Frey and Leah R. Hanson, Ph.D., at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., found that Lidocaine or Xylocaine, sprayed into the noses of laboratory rats, quickly traveled down the trigeminal nerve and collected in their teeth, jaws, and mouths at levels 20 times higher than in the blood or brain. The approach could provide a more effective and targeted method for treating dental pain/anxiety, trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain), migraine, and other conditions, the scientists say.

Furthermore, these scientists discovered an improved future location to administer anesthetic, the maxillary sinus. The maxillary sinus is a golf ball-sized space located underneath each cheek where the drug can be sprayed. Delivery into this confined space may be the next generation approach beyond a nasal spray in providing a more rapid and focused delivery of anesthetic.

For dental phobics and those avoiding dental treatment because of high anxieties, there is no need to wait for intra-nasal anesthetics. Advances in devices and techniques used for injection have proven to be predictably successful in anesthetizing teeth without pain. Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has been successfully using a special technique for alleviating pain and fear of dentistry in treating thousands upon thousands of patients since the 1970’s. It is called “iatrosedation”.

If you would like more information about anesthetic treatment options, call Dr. Chao in Alhambra, CA at (626) 308-9104

Dr. Chao proudly serves Alhambra and all surrounding areas.

Teeth

Don’t Want Implants? Hopeless Teeth Can be Saved

November 26, 2022 No Comments
A combination of traditional techniques and latest technology can save teeth previously diagnosed as hopeless. This innovative approach can often save seemingly loose, hopeless front teeth and prevent tooth loss.

If a patient presents with teeth that have hardly any bone left due to periodontitis (gum disease), this new approach would offer the stabilization of the loose teeth with the traditional method of splinting. The latter calls for bonding (gluing) wiring on the back (lingual) side of the teeth and making them, in effect, one unit. This splinting process is like tying loose boards together to make them stronger.

Once the teeth are not loose, but stable, they can be deep cleaned without having to do surgery, as it traditionally indicated. However, with the use of endoscopy dentists and hygienists can now remove tartar sticking to the roots of the teeth under the gums without surgery. Endoscopy calls for the use of a miniaturized cameras that is inserted under the gum to broadcast magnified images of the tartar on the roots. Using special ultrasonic instruments, the tartar is removed thoroughly. Thus, the roots become infection-free.

With the teeth stabilized and source of infection removed, it has been found that gums will likely heal and be free of infection long term if the patient follows strict standard maintenance and special home care instructions. In many cases, even bone will grow back.

In some cases, the bite has changed because of drifting of the teeth. Gapes open between front teeth. Some teeth may look longer. The good news is often the teeth can be brought together in the first visit and then splinted together. The original smile can be restored in one visit, in many cases. Sometimes spot adjustment of the longer teeth may need to be done to provide a more normal bite and a normal smile line.

Most patients must return for follow-up care every three months indefinitely. And they must follow strict home care instructions in between visits. So, if you want to explore conservative alternatives to extractions, followed by implants or bridgework, contact your dentist and discuss your options thoroughly.

If you would like more information about splinting, call Dr. Chao in Alhambra, CA at (626) 308-9104

Dr. Chao proudly serves Alhambra and all surrounding areas.

Health

7 Reasons Why Sugar Is Bad For You

November 26, 2022 No Comments
Refined sugar or added sugar is said to be the most harmful ingredient in the Standard American Diet (SAD).
Its harmful effects on metabolism may be traceable to many other diseases.
Below are 7 of the reasons for you go sugar-free for 2021:

  1. Sugar, as we all know, is bad for your teeth. What you may not know is that it is also bad for your gums. Bacteria which cause gum disease and loose teeth can metabolize sugar in its pure form in the mouth, leading to increase in the growth of these germs. Therefore, sugar can cause cavities and loose teeth.

  2. Sugar and Liver Disease. Overloading your diet with sugar can cause the liver to overwork to convert sugar into glycogen. When the saturation is reached, liver is forced to covert glycogen into fat, which in term has deleterious effect on the body. In more extreme cases of heavy sugar intake, the liver itself can be damaged, leading to Fatty-Liver-Disease.

  3. Sugar and Diabetes. Excessive intake of sugar can cause insulin resistance. Insulin is necessary for glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy. Excessive glucose can cause the cells to become “insulin resistant.” Be insulin resistant can be the cause of diabetes II, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, etc.

  4. Sugar and Cancer. Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth and multiplication of cells. Insulin plays a key role in regulating cell growth. Elevated insulin levels because of abnormally high take of sugar can contribute to cancer, according to leading experts. Additionally, high blood glucose is associated with high levels of inflammation, which also contributes to higher risk of cancer.

  5. Sugar and Addiction. Sugar stimulate the production of dopamine from the “feel-good” center of the brain. Those who have susceptibility to addiction may become addicted to sugar and junk foods.

  6. Sugar and Obesity. Strong links have been found between sugar and obesity. That is no surprise. But obesity in children has been found to associated with sugar- sweetened beverages. There is a 60% chance of obesity in children who consume high amounts of these beverages.

  7. Sugar and Heart Disease. Strong links have been shown between sugar and heart disease. High intake of sugar can lead to rise in triglycerides, LDL, high blood glucose and abdominal obesity, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

So, cutting down or cutting out refined/added sugar in your diet can not only save your teeth, but can save your life. See your dentist regularly.

Make your goal for 2021 to cut down or cut out added sugar altogether.

Do it now! You won’t regret it.

Implants

Antidepressants Increase the Odds of Implant Failure

November 26, 2022 No Comments
Research has found that the use of antidepressants increased the odds of implant failure by four times. Each year of antidepressant use doubled the odds of failure.

More than one in 10 Americans over the age of 12 use antidepressants, making it the second most prescribed type of drug in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and IMS Health. And the rate is increasing.

Antidepressant use has surged 400 percent between the periods 1988-94 and 2005-08, according to the CDC. While these drugs are often used to manage mood and emotions, a side effect decreases the regulation of bone metabolism, which is crucial to the healing process.

For an implant to heal properly, new bone must form around it to secure it in place, says Sulochana Gurung, lead investigator of a study on this subject at the School of Dental Medicine at Buffalo, State University of New York. “Antidepressant medication may relieve depression symptoms and help millions of patients worldwide, however, their benefits must be weighed with the side effects.

Patients should cooperate with their physician to reach the right balance,” says Latifa Bairam, DDS, MS, an investigator on the study and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry in the UB School of Dental Medicine. “Four of the many known side effects that are reported in the literature are a big concern to us as dentists in regard to oral and bone health.”

Additional side effects of the drug include osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle; akathisia, a disorder characterized by the need to be in constant motion, including the head and jaw; bruxism, or teeth grinding; and dryness of the mouth, all of which affect the implant healing process, says Bairam.

Some antidepressants are associated with “xerostomia,” or dry mouth. Deficient flow of saliva gives the sensation of dry mouth. This condition increases the growth of bacteria and limits the buffering action of the saliva, resulting in higher risk of dental cavities and gum disease.

If you already have implants or are contemplating having an implant done, consult with your dentist as to what steps you can take to minimize the possible effect of anti-depressants on the long-term health of your implants as well as your teeth and gums.

Health

COVID-19 Patients with Severe Gum Disease are 3x More Likely to Experience Complications

November 26, 2022 No Comments
A new study of 568 COVID-19 diagnoses with severe gum disease (periodontitis) were at least three times more likely to experience complications including death, ICU admission and need for assisted ventilation, according to an article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

Additionally, COVID-19 patients with periodontitis showed increased levels of biomarkers associated with worsened disease outcomes including white blood cell levels, D-dimer, and reactive protein.

Conducted using the national electronic health records of the State of Qatar between February and July 2020, this study analyzed patient cases with severe COVID-19 complications (death, ICU admissions or assisted ventilation). The control group was comprised of COVID‐19 patients discharged without major complications. Periodontal conditions in the two groups were analyzed using dental radiographs from the same database.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and if left untreated lead to tooth loss. Research from the AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests up to half of US adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to several other serious conditions in addition to COVID-19, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

According to the AAP, systemic inflammation is not only a symptom of COVID-19 but can also be a symptom of periodontal disease. Gum disease experts (periodontologists) are alerting the medical profession and the public to maintain healthy teeth and gums to avoid developing periodontal disease amid a global pandemic like COVID-19.

In other words, those COVID-19 diagnoses with gum disease should take care of their teeth and gums and seek treatment to optimize gum health. Those without COVID-19 should maintain good gum health to avoid gum disease to minimize the risk of being more vulnerable to coming down with COVID-19 and contract severe complications if they do come down with COVID-19.

Health

Gum Disease (Periodontitis) May Predispose You to COVID-19

November 26, 2022 No Comments
Gum Disease (Periodontitis) has long been known to possess the ability to incite an inflammatory response in gum tissue just like how COVID-19 similarly incites a much more severe, often lethal, inflammatory phenomenon in the body through chemicals called “cytokines.”

In COVID-19, these cytokines bring about the severe inflammatory responses called a “cytokine storm.” One such cytokine, called IL17, is also found in gum disease as well as the blood stream of the patient with periodontitis. In other words, one of the lethal cytokines (IL17) is found in periodontitis when the patient does not have COVID-19. The question then is, does periodontitis bring about a higher risk for COVID-19?

According to an article to be published in the November 2020 issue of the “Medical Hypothesis, “This common pathway of inflammatory response points towards a possible association between Periodontitis and COVID-19 related adverse outcomes. Understanding of this association underscores the importance of keeping periodontal disease under check and the value of maintaining meticulous oral hygiene in the COVID-19 era. It also points towards the possibility of the presence of periodontal disease as predisposing towards COVID-19 related adverse outcomes,”

In other words, periodontitis may predispose you to COVID-19.

So, how prevalent is periodontitis? According to the CDC one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research estimates that 47.2 percent, or 64.7 million American adults, have mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis. In adults 65 and older, prevalence rate is 70.1 percent.

So, what is periodontitis? It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. If left untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other chronic inflammatory disease, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even obesity.

Therefore, use your mask, practice social distancing, and keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

Seeing your dentist can not only save your teeth, but also your life.

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