NYTimes “Well” Blog Considers Whether To Floss Or Brush First.

The New York Times (5/29, Saint Louis) “Well” blog considered the question of whether to floss before or after brushing the teeth. Although “flossing first isn’t necessarily better for oral health than the other way around” ADA spokesman and professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA Dr. Edmond R. Hewlett “recommends flossing first” because that way you “get the unpleasant task out of the way to avoid the temptation to not do it,” as the Times put it. The Times went on to point out that flossing is less important for cavity reduction than it is as a method of maintaining proper gum health. Said Dr. Hewlett, “Gingivitis is the first step in losing your teeth,” adding, “The nice thing about catching inflammation when gums are bleeding is you can reverse it then, if that’s all that’s going on,” with proper flossing and brushing.

        Drawing on the New York Times coverage, the Today Show Online (6/1) reported that “one spokesman for the American Dental Association told the Times...that it’s preferable to floss first” because “people will be less likely to skip flossing than if they wait until after brushing.” Additionally, the Today Show reported that as long as patients floss “at least once every day, you’re going to minimize the nasty bacteria clinging to your teeth, says Matthew J. Messina an American Dental Association spokesperson and private practice dentist in Cleveland.”

Mouth Changes An Often Ignored Sign Of Cancer.

The Chronicle (GHA) (6/5) listed 15 cancer symptoms men ignore; one of the signs is “white or red patches inside your mouth or on your lips.”

ADA, AAPD Recommend Parents Take Children To Dentist No Later Than First Birthday.

The Pocono (PA) Record (6/5, Leap) reported on ADA and AAPD recommendations on children’s oral healthcare, including that parents should bring children to see a dentist at the emergence of their first teeth or by their first birthday. Additionally, the article reports that the ADA “recommends young children see a pediatric dentist rather than a general or regular dentist, where the majority of patients are adults.” The article goes on to report that parents should help their children avoid dental disease by implementing a proper oral health routine, including regular dental visits. Finally, the Pocono Record reports that there is no standardized time for the first set of dental X-rays, instead, “the doctor will determine any abnormality in the face, jaw or teeth, as well as the need for the x-ray.”

Critical Summary: Assessing Local Antimicrobials for Chronic Periodontitis

Critical Summary: Assessing Local Antimicrobials for Chronic Periodontitis

A new critical summary by Dr. Robert Durand shows that adjunct local antimicrobials provide statistically significant benefits over subgingival debridement alone in patients with chronic periodontitis.

This is a critical summary of Matesanz-Pérez P, et al. A systematic review on the effects of local antimicrobials as adjuncts to subgingival debridement, compared with subgingival debridement alone, in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol. 2013;40(3):227-241.

To learn more, visit ADA Center for Evidence Based Dentistry.

Article Considers Optimal Frequency Of Dental X-Rays.

The Huffington Post (CAN) (5/28) reports on how frequently patients need to have dental X-rays. Though X-rays are an important tool for dentists in determining difficult-to-see dental decay, the Huffington Post points out that dentists should generally use the ALARA – as low as reasonably achievable – principal in prescribing X-rays. The Huffington Post also reports that “a document produced for the American Dental Association suggests that an adult with good oral health and low risk of dental problems should have x-rays taken at intervals of every 24 to 36 months.”

Dentists Recommend Replacing Toothbrush Every Three Months At Least.

YourTango (4/15, Drouillard) explores tattoos and body piercings ritualistic and symbolic meaning to those who choose to modify their body in such a way. The article notes that the American Dental Association “opposes tongue, lip or cheek piercing,” and reports that the Mayo Clinic found that 17 percent of college students with piercings “suffered a medical complication such as infection or tearing” as a result of their piercing.

ADA Does Not Recommend Oil Pulling.

In its “Health with Dr. Paula” segment, WTVM-TV Columbus, GA (4/15) reports that despite claims that “oil pulling” offers oral health benefits, “the American Dental Association cautions that because of a lack of evidence, they do not recommend oil pulling as a replacement for standard oral health care such as flossing and teeth brushing.”