FitSugar

Chocolate That's Good For Your Teeth? Sweet!

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Chocolate is one of those foods I always save room for. Not only is it the perfect way to end a meal, but it also has health benefits such as the ability to lower blood pressure and soothe coughs. One problem with chocolate, aside from it being high in calories, is that one of its main ingredients is sugar, so it's not good for your teeth. This problem is being eradicated by two European companies, Barry Callebaut and Smet, who have created the first-ever chocolate that won't cause cavities. That's right. It doesn't cause tooth decay because it's made with a different type of sugar called isomaltulose, which doesn't cause an increase in acidity in the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. This dentist-friendly chocolate has even been approved by Tooth Friendly International, a nonprofit organization which works to improve oral health.

To see what other surprising foods naturally benefit your chompers read more.

More sweet news for your teeth - it turns out that cheese fights cavities. The texture of cheese increases the secretion of saliva, which helps keep cavities at bay. Also, nutrients found in cheese, like calcium, phosphorous, and protein, actually neutralize plaque. Another food that may benefit your teeth is wine. I know what you're thinking, that red wine can cause staining. But in preliminary studies, drinking red or white wine may fight the bacteria that causes cavities. This is great news for your teeth, but these three foods still contain calories, so you should remember to enjoy them in moderation.

Cheese Fights Cavities?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Like my claymation pals Wallace and Gromit, I love cheese. With its high concentration of saturated fat, cheese doesn't have a healthy reputation. I just learned a new reason to love cheese - it helps fight cavities.

From its texture to its mineral contents, cheese helps keep your teeth healthy. The texture of cheese actually increases the secretion of saliva, which helps keep cavities at bay. Nutrients found in cheese, like calcium, phosphorous, and protein, actually neutralize plaque. Eating a chunk of cheese after a sugary treat will neutralize the negative effects that sugar has on your teeth. Plus, cheese might also help remineralize tooth enamel, which means stronger teeth. Talk about a winning situation for your mouth, from taste to health.

As a cheese lover, I find this news heartening. What about you?

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Are You Getting Enough Fluoride?

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:30:00 -0800

I went to the dentist the other day for a cleaning, and she asked me if I use mouthwash that contains fluoride. I shook my head and said, "My toothpaste has fluoride in it, isn't that enough?" She didn't think so and clinical studies show that by using both a fluoride mouthwash and a fluoride toothpaste, it can provide extra protection against tooth decay more than if you use fluoride toothpaste on its own. Fluoride can prevent cavities in two ways. It strengthens the protective layer of enamel on your teeth, so it can better resist cavities. It can also reverse low levels of tooth decay and remineralize soft spots on your teeth, which can prevent new cavities from cropping up.

What about fluoride being added to public water? To find out read more

Even though fluoride can be found naturally in many water sources, many cities add fluoride to tap water. Some believe the extra fluoride can be detrimental to your health, and can cause staining, bone cancer, or mental illness. Others believe that it's doing your mouth good, and that there's no evidence that fluoride can lead to serious health problems. Drinking fluoride is a lot different than rinsing with it though, so is my dentist right? Should I be rinsing with fluoride?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the best way to reduce tooth decay is to get fluoride both topically (as in toothpastes and mouth rinses), and systemically (when you drink it). So they're all for fluoride in water, and they say that it can reduce tooth decay in both children and adults by 20 to 40 percent.

So do you need a fluoride rinse? It depends on your dental history (whether or not you're prone to getting cavities), if your town adds fluoride to its water supply, and the recommendation of your dentist. So call your local health department to find out how much fluoride can be found in your public water, and talk to your dentist to see if they think you need to pick up a bottle of fluoride rinse.

Soda Rots Your Teeth

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you know that your favorite fizzy sugary elixir is not doing a thing for your waistline, but did you also know it's rotting your teeth? You might think it is the sugar, but you would be wrong. Sodas rank high in acidity, and when it comes to your mouth, that acidity can speed up the development of cavities.

Here's the deal. Teeth become susceptible to cavities when the acid level of your saliva falls below a certain point. If the acid level stays below this point for an extended period of time (like if you are drinking soda all day), the outer layers of your teeth begin to lose minerals and a cavity can form.

The phosphoric acid in soda (which is no good for your bones as well), which is what keeps it nice and bubbly, dissolves the calcium out of your teeth's enamel, leaving them soft and unprotected. Sugar-free sodas aren't the answer, since they still contain the same amount of damaging phosphoric acid.

Fit's Tips: When it comes to your teeth, the worst thing you can do is to sip soda throughout the day. If you're not ready to give soda up completely, try and drink it at one sitting with a meal, and when you're done, immediately rinse with water.

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Wine May Be Good For Your Teeth

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

One of the reasons I love red wine is it is full of polyphenols, an antioxidant that fights cancer and heart disease. Well, Italian scientists might have discovered a new reason to love both red and white wine, - it may fight bacteria that cause cavities, even with the alcohol removed.

Now before we all start toasting for our teeth, the tests were only performed in test tubes and not on real teeth. The researchers marinated cavity-causing streptococcal bacteria in the wines that had been stripped of their alcoholic content. Both types of wine countered those cavity-causing bacteria as well as other streptococcal bacteria that cause some cases of throat infection.

Preliminary research indicates that red wine may be slightly more effective at fighting the bacteria than white wine. Scientists were also able to isolate the bacterial fighting acids, and the isolated acids were more effective against the bacteria than the wines themselves.

If you are interested in reading more about this study, you can find it online at the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Raisins Good For Cavities? That Can't Be...

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 02:23:45 -0800

I know this sounds crazy but "nature's candy" may be good news for your teeth. Researchers have found that certain compounds contained in raisins appear to fight the bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities and gum disease.

Lab tests showed that phytochemicals in raisins suppressed the growth of several species of oral bacteria associated with tooth decay.

Studies also showed that these chemicals prevented cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to the surface of teeth. If plaque can't stick to your teeth - then it can't cause cavities.

It's not known yet how many raisins a person needs to eat in order for their teeth to benefit, but at least we know that just because a food is sticky, doesn't mean it's bad for your teeth.

Cavity preventive (For the teeth or gums)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:01 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Helps develop healthy teeth and prevents cavities.

Brand Name(s)

Ethedent, SF 5000 Plus, Prevident, Prevident 5000 Booster, Prevident 5000 Plus, SF 1.1% Gel, Denta 5000 Plus, Phos-Flur, Gel-Kam, StanGard Perio Rinse, Perio Med, Aquafresh Whitening, Neutracare, Dentagel, Neutragard Advanced

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluoride. Do not use on a child under 6 years old unless your doctor tells you to.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Gel/Jelly, Paste, Cream, Lozenge

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Do not swallow this medicine. It is for topical use on your teeth only.
Different forms of this medicine are used in different ways. Make sure you follow your health caregivers instructions. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use this medicine.
To use the gel: Brush your teeth with toothpaste and rinse as usual. Apply a thin layer of gel to your teeth with a toothbrush or mouth tray once a day for at least 1 minute. Spit out the gel. For best results, apply at bedtime and do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes.
To use the cream: Use this medicine instead of your regular toothpaste once a day. Apply a thin layer of cream to your toothbrush and brush for 2 minutes. Spit out the cream. For best results, apply at bedtime and do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes.
Some liquid brands of this medicine must be diluted with water before using. Follow the directions on the package.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature in the original container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Too much fluoride can cause white patches or stains on your teeth. If this happens, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.
If this medicine is being used by a child, an adult should watch the child and make sure they do not swallow the medicine. If they swallow too much of the medicine, it can cause fluoride toxicity. Ask your health caregiver if you have questions or concerns about this.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Burning in your mouth, sore tongue.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Vomiting blood.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Drooling or more saliva than usual.
Stomach cramps.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Source Doc: 45_5329

How Does Novocaine Work?

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

When I have a cavity filled all I can say is praise to the Novocaine. When my dad was little, his dentist didn't use local anesthetics, and my poor dad had to sit in the chair knowing he was in for a whole lot of pain. My jaw hurts just thinking about it.

I just learned that prior to the invention of Novocaine, cocaine was used as a local anesthetic. Cocaine constricts blood cells, which reduces bleeding, but as we all know it's also highly addictive.

In the early 1900's scientists created a synthetic version of cocaine, but without the nasty side effects, and christened it Procaine. We know it by its trade name Novocaine, and I have no idea why my dad's dentist didn't use it since it was definitely available to the masses when he was a boy. Since its development, stronger local anesthetics have come along like Lidocaine, Septacaine, and Mepivocaine (most dentists still call the shot "Novocaine" though, so ask what they specifically use if you're interested).

These injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, so the area feels numb for up to 3-4 hours.

All I can say is that even though the shot stinks and can really pinch your gum (and make your mouth really sore for days after), it's still way better than how much it would hurt with NO shot at all.

Fit's Tip: Ask your dentist to apply a topical anesthesia to your gums to numb the area before the Novocaine shot. It makes getting a cavity filled just a little bit easier to bare.

Source

Good News: Pain-Free Dentistry Coming Soon

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I really dislike going to the dentist and even though my dentist is a lovely person, I just dread seeing him. I am not sure which is worse: the sound of the drill or the Novocaine.

Regardless of the answer, I heard some good news recently: Pain-free dentistry is just around the corner! This new form of dentistry comes in the form of a "non thermal plasma brush." Now that sounds like a gadget straight out of science fiction.

The plasma brush uses a low-temperature chemical reaction to disinfect a tooth and to prepare cavities for a filling. If all goes according to the folks researching the plasma brush, the destructive, loud and hot dental drill would be gone and in its place would be the silent action of the plasma brush. Researchers also believe that the chemical bond created with the plasma brush will alter the tooth's surface, creating a stronger bond with the filling.

Unfortunately, there is no news on when this treatment form will arrive at our local dental offices, but patents have been filed. So all we can do is hope. And brush regularly. Oh and floss too!

Source

Dental cavities

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:54:06 -0700

Illustrations

Tooth anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Cavities are holes, or structural damage, in the teeth.

Alternative Names

Caries; Tooth decay; Cavities - tooth

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.

Bacteria are normally present in the mouth. The bacteria convert all foods -- especially sugar and starch -- into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. It is most prominent on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth mineralizes into tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.

Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.

The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth.

Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.

Symptoms

Toothache -- particularly after sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
Visible pits or holes in the teeth

Signs and tests

Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye.

Treatment

Treatment can help prevent tooth damage from leading to cavities.

Treatment may involve:

Fillings
Crowns
Root canals

Dentists fill teeth by removing the decayed tooth material with a drill and replacing it with a material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and may be preferred for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold to be stronger, and these materials are often used on back teeth. There is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well.

Crowns or "caps" are used if tooth decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure, which may cause weakened teeth. Large fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired. A crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold, porcelain or porcelain attached to metal.

A root canal is recommended if the nerve in a tooth dies from decay or injury. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled and a crown may be placed over the tooth if needed.

Expectations (prognosis)

Treatment often saves the tooth. Early treatment is less painful and less expensive than treatment of extensive decay.

You may need numbing medicine (novacaine), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or other prescription medications to relieve pain during or after drilling or dental work.

Nitrous oxide with novacaine may be preferred if you are afraid of dental treatments.

Complications

Discomfort or pain
Fractured tooth
Inability to bite down on tooth
Tooth abscess
Tooth sensitivity

Calling your health care provider

Call your dentist if you have a toothache.

Make an appointment with your dentist for a routine cleaning and examination if you have not had one in the last 6 months to 1 year.

Prevention

Oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities. This consists of regular professional cleaning (every 6 months), brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least daily. X-rays may be taken yearly to detect possible cavity development in high risk areas of the mouth.

Chewy, sticky foods (such as dried fruit or candy) are best if eaten as part of a meal rather than as a snack. If possible, brush the teeth or rinse the mouth with water after eating these foods. Minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints.

Dental sealants can prevent cavities. Sealants are thin plastic-like coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This coating prevents the accumulation of plaque in the deep grooves on these vulnerable surfaces. Sealants are usually applied on the teeth of children, shortly after the molars erupt. Older people may also benefit from the use of tooth sealants.

Fluoride is often recommended to protect against dental caries. It has been demonstrated that people who ingest fluoride in their drinking water or by fluoride supplements have fewer dental caries. Fluoride ingested when the teeth are developing is incorporated into the structure of the enamel and protects it against the action of acids.

Topical fluoride is also recommended to protect the surface of the teeth. This may include a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Many dentists include application of topical fluoride solutions (applied to a localized area of the teeth) as part of routine visits.

Review Date: 5/28/2008

Reviewed By: Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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