NIH: Differences Between Those Who Floss And Those Who Don’t Can Be “Striking.”

In its November newsletter, the National Institutes Of Health (11/1) states that although news stories have questioned the benefits of dental flossing due to lacking research, dentists have “seen the teeth and gums of people who floss regularly and those who haven’t,” and “the differences can be striking.” The article notes that “red or swollen gums that bleed easily” can indicate “flossing and better dental habits are needed.” A dental health expert at NIH says, “Cleaning all sides of your teeth, including between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach, is a good thing.” While strong evidence showing the benefits of flossing “may be somewhat lacking,” the article observes that “there’s little evidence for any harm or side effects from flossing, and it’s low cost.” The article encourages people to talk to their dentist to address any questions or concerns about their teeth or gums and to learn the proper flossing technique. The ADA has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners, and a Science in the News article titled “The Medical Benefit of Daily Flossing Called Into Question” discussed evidence about the impact of flossing on oral health.

        MouthHealthy.org also provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique.

Study Suggests E-Cigarettes May Be Just As Damaging To Teeth And Gums.

CBS News (11/18, Preidt) reported on its website in continuing coverage that “electronic cigarettes could be as harmful to gums and teeth as regular cigarettes are,” a new study published in Oncotarget suggests. “We showed that when the vapors from an e-cigarette are burned, it causes cells to release inflammatory proteins,” said study leader Irfan Rahman. These, in turn, “aggravate stress within cells, resulting in damage that could lead to various oral diseases.”

FDA Recommends Parents Not Treat Their Kids’ Teething Pain With Homeopathic Teething Tablets, Gels.

The ADA News (10/3) reports the FDA issued a recommendation to consumers to stop providing homeopathic teething tablets and gels to their infants and children due to the risk of “seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating or agitation.” The FDA noted that such treatments “are distributed by CVS, Hyland’s and possibly others, and are sold in retail stores and online.”

Dental Caries Detection.

In a release on EurekAlert (10/5), SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, states that new research published in the Journal of Biomedical Optics describes a new method to detect dental caries with “inexpensive long-wavelength infrared imaging.” The study’s authors say the “low-cost” thermophotonic lock-in imaging (TPLI) tool would allow dentists to detect dental caries “earlier than x-rays or visual analysis.” According to the release, “The TPLI tool uses a long-wavelength infrared camera to detect the small amount of thermal infrared radiation emitted from dental caries after stimulation by a light source.”

        The Oral Health Topics on ADA.org offers a resource page on caries risk assessment and management to include discussion of caries detection and newer detection technologies. MouthHealthy.org also provides information for patients on caries.

ADA Responds To News Story Challenging Benefits Of Dental Flossing.

The ADA News (8/2, Manchir) reports that the American Dental Association has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners after the AP questioned the oral health benefits of flossing. “To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist,” the ADA said in the statement, adding that interdental cleaners, including floss, “are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” Business Insider (8/2, Brodwin) states that the AP report “comes in sharp contrast to recommendations from basically every major dental hygiene organization, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.” The article adds that experts say flossing helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, which can contribute to receding gums and gum disease.

        The New York Times (8/2, Louis, Subscription Publication) reports that there is “evidence that flossing does reduce bloody gums and gum inflammation known as gingivitis.” For example, “a review of six trials found that when professionals flossed the teeth of children on school days for almost two years, they saw a 40 percent reduction in the risk of cavities.”

        New York Magazine (8/2) adds, “This very intense investigation doesn’t mean flossing isn’t beneficial,” noting that a dentist for the National Institutes of Health encourages people to continue to floss, stating that “it’s low risk, low cost.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique, and also provides information on plaque.

ADA Responds To News Story Challenging Benefits Of Dental Flossing.

The ADA News (8/2, Manchir) reports that the American Dental Association has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners after the AP questioned the oral health benefits of flossing. “To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist,” the ADA said in the statement, adding that interdental cleaners, including floss, “are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” Business Insider (8/2, Brodwin) states that the AP report “comes in sharp contrast to recommendations from basically every major dental hygiene organization, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.” The article adds that experts say flossing helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, which can contribute to receding gums and gum disease.

        The New York Times (8/2, Louis, Subscription Publication) reports that there is “evidence that flossing does reduce bloody gums and gum inflammation known as gingivitis.” For example, “a review of six trials found that when professionals flossed the teeth of children on school days for almost two years, they saw a 40 percent reduction in the risk of cavities.”

        New York Magazine (8/2) adds, “This very intense investigation doesn’t mean flossing isn’t beneficial,” noting that a dentist for the National Institutes of Health encourages people to continue to floss, stating that “it’s low risk, low cost.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique, and also provides information on plaque.

ADA Responds To News Story Challenging Benefits Of Dental Flossing.

The ADA News (8/2, Manchir) reports that the American Dental Association has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners after the AP questioned the oral health benefits of flossing. “To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist,” the ADA said in the statement, adding that interdental cleaners, including floss, “are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” Business Insider (8/2, Brodwin) states that the AP report “comes in sharp contrast to recommendations from basically every major dental hygiene organization, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.” The article adds that experts say flossing helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, which can contribute to receding gums and gum disease.

        The New York Times (8/2, Louis, Subscription Publication) reports that there is “evidence that flossing does reduce bloody gums and gum inflammation known as gingivitis.” For example, “a review of six trials found that when professionals flossed the teeth of children on school days for almost two years, they saw a 40 percent reduction in the risk of cavities.”

        New York Magazine (8/2) adds, “This very intense investigation doesn’t mean flossing isn’t beneficial,” noting that a dentist for the National Institutes of Health encourages people to continue to floss, stating that “it’s low risk, low cost.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique, and also provides information on plaque.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling Not Supported By Scientific Evidence.

UPI (6/14, Feller) states that “coconut oil keeps coming back as a non-pharmaceutical remedy for just about everything,” adding that “there is disagreement, however,” on the reported benefits of the oil. Although some studies suggest “possible benefits” from adding coconut oil to the diet, “concepts like oil pulling and oil detoxes are based less on evidence than on traditional practices and beliefs.” The article states that “oil pulling is a traditional folk remedy” that involves swishing coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil in the mouth, and the purported benefits do not have “much scientific support.” In addition, “studies have shown oil pulling to be far less effective at cleaning the mouth than mouthwash.” The American Dental Association observes oil pulling also has “the risk for adverse health effects.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on oil pulling, noting that “based on the lack of scientific evidence, the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice.”

Selecting A Toothpaste With The ADA Seal Of Acceptance Recommended.

Money Talks News (5/9, Martin) provides tips for selecting a generic or store brand toothpaste, stating “the first thing to look for when evaluating the quality of a generic toothpaste” is the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The article states that the ADA Seal provides you with “assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs,” according to the ADA website. In addition, the article recommends selecting a fluoride toothpaste.

JADA Editorial Discusses Electronic Cigarettes.

In an editorial appearing in the September 2015 issue of The Journal Of The American Dental Association, Drs. Scott L. Tomar, Christopher H. Fox, and Gregory N. Connolly discuss electronic cigarettes, stating there is insufficient research at this time examining the health effects of e-cigarette use.

        In a throwback to the 1960s-era Mad Men days of unfettered and pervasive cigarette advertising on television and radio and the social norms of smoke-filled restaurants and workplaces, a new epidemic of tobacco product promotion and usage are filling the nation’s airwaves and public spaces. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have experienced a meteoric rise in sales since first entering the US market in 2007. Science and policy have been struggling to catch up.

        E-cigs are electrical devices that vaporize propylene or polyethylene glycol–based liquid solution into an aerosol mist containing various concentrations of nicotine. Shortly after these products entered the marketplace, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sought to regulate e-cigs as drug delivery devices because they are designed to deliver a pharmacologically active substance. Read the rest of the editorial in the September JADA.

Jaw Clenching, Teeth Grinding May Trigger Tension Headaches.

Consumer Reports (4/28) reports on the treatment and prevention of tension headaches, a type of headache “up to 80 percent of people suffer from” on occasion. The article recommends first trying home remedies to relieve the headache pain, such as drinking extra water, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, and resting. If these methods are unsuccessful, the article recommends consulting with a physician and dentist to determine if there’s an underlying cause. “Jaw clenching and teeth grinding in your sleep, for example, can trigger a tension headache,” states Consumer Reports, adding, “If you suspect your bite is to blame, see your dentist.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on teeth grinding and jaw pain.

JADA Study Finds Association Between Sugary Drinks, Erosive Tooth Wear.

PRNewswire (1/25) hosts a release from the American Dental Association stating “new research from The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) shows that sugary drinks are associated with erosive tooth wear among teenagers in Mexico.” After providing a food questionnaire to teenagers living in Mexico, the study authors examined the teenagers for “erosive tooth wear,” finding “the overall prevalence of erosive tooth wear was 31.7 percent, with sweet carbonated drinks – soda – causing the most erosion.” JADA editor Michael Glick, D.M.D., said, “The oral health of children is always top of mind, and we’ve seen recently that sugar is a leading problem when it comes to their overall health and dental health.” Glick adds, “This study shows an association between high intake of sweet drinks and poor oral health. This issue needs to be taken seriously.” MouthHealthy.orgprovides additional information on how nutrition affects children’s teeth.

Excessive Home Tooth Whitening Can Cause Permanent Damage

The Vancouver (CAN) Sun (1/7, Ellis) reports that “the craze for whiter teeth is leading some people to overuse home bleaching kits and cause permanent tooth damage, says a University of British Columbia dentistry professor.” Adriana Manso, a clinical assistant professor in the faculty of dentistry, says that, under supervision, a dentist can control the bleaching process, but “if you do it yourself you can overdo it.” Manso “says there have been documented reports of serious and permanent damage to tooth enamel from over-the-counter home bleaching kits as hydrogen peroxide starts to break down proteins in the teeth after initial discoloration has been removed.” Other research has found “that enamel structure changes with exposure to bleach – whether it’s hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.” Interestingly, the article adds that this craze “has literally pushed whiteness off the charts,” as “shade guides that dentists use to gauge the color of a patient’s teeth now have added entries brighter than the previous lightest shade.” These new additions, the article points out, are “all bleached colors.” The ADA provides more information on teeth whitening at MouthHealthy.org and provides considerations for patients and dentists.

Surgeon General Endorses Community Water Fluoridation

WASHINGTON, D.C. Posted on December 28, 2015

 – The American Dental Association (ADA) applauds U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., and his endorsement today of community water fluoridation. “Fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay extends throughout one’s life,” he said, “resulting in fewer – and less severe – cavities.” This year marks the 70th anniversary of community water fluoridation. Since its introduction in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945, optimally fluoridated water has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. “Studies show that community water fluoridation prevents at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste,” said ADA President Dr. Carol Gomez Summerhays. “On behalf of the ADA, we wish to thank Dr. Murthy for reaffirming that community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. The ADA is proud to continue its efforts at the state and federal levels to support this safe and proven way to help fight dental disease.”

Binging On Sugar Can Lead To Tooth Decay

Fox News (1/1, Marturana) said that binging on sugar negatively impacts the entire body “in both the short term and especially the long term.” The article described how the body responds to an abundance of sugar, stating, for example, that “eating a lot of sugar leads to tooth decay.” A dentist in Chicago explained, “We have bacteria in our mouths that feed on the sugars that we eat; when this takes place it creates acids that can destroy tooth enamel. Once the tooth enamel is weakened, you’re more susceptible to tooth decay.” The ADA provides additional information on nutrition and dental health on MouthHealthy.org.

Brushing Teeth Before Bed Advised.

Lindsay Holmes, the healthy living editor for the Huffington Post (1/5), includes brushing teeth in her list of “10 things healthy people do before bed.” Holmes states that “the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day,” adding that “if you don’t, plaque and bacteria can build up pretty fast, making your breath foul and putting your mouth health in jeopardy.”