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.”