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Cranberry Counters Tooth Decay
Root Caries: An Epidemic of Age
What is a Dental Implant?
Is diet soda and Iced tea better for you?
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Cranberry Counters Tooth Decay
(taken from www.naturalproductsinsider.com)
January 16, 2006
ROCHESTER, N.Y.--Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center completed research showing cranberries can prevent plaque-forming bacteria from sticking to teeth while also inhibiting bacterial enzymes crucial to the process of tooth decay. The study findings, accepted for publication in, are accompanied by a warning that many commercial cranberry products often contain excess sugar, which is the root of tooth decay.
To investigate the effect of cranberries on plaque formation, the scientists put a layer of cranberry juice on a synthetic material that acts like tooth enamel, which is comprised of hydroxyapatite. They then applied Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria behind the plaque that eats sugar, leaving behind acids that cause dental decay and cavities. After seven months, the results revealed cranberries were 80-percent effective in protecting teeth from this process of decay.
Researcher Hyuan Koo, DDS, said more studies are needed to isolate the active compounds before clinical trials with patients can be considered. Also, cranberries contain a fair amount of acids that can soften enamel, leaving it susceptible to plaque. While the saliva eventually counters the acidic effects, too much acid in a short period of time can result in enamel erosion. The ultimate goal, Koo reported, is to extract cranberry's protective compounds and add them to dental products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash.
Drawing a parallel between cranberry's well known benefit to bladder infections, he noted, "Scientists believe that one of the main ways that cranberries prevent urinary tract infections is by inhibiting the adherence of pathogens on the surface of the bladder. Perhaps the same is true in the mouth, where bacteria use adhesion molecules to hold onto teeth."
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Root Caries: An Epidemic of Age
January 16, 2006
People are living longer and keeping their natural teeth more than ever before. The advances in tooth retention, the desire to look one's best, and higher expectations about oral health have raised dental awareness among older adults.
Root caries lesions can be caused by new or primary root caries, caries around existing dental fillings or recurrent caries, and abrasion or erosion of the root surfaces. Root caries progress quickly due to the relatively soft nature of the root surface, as well as the risk factors associated with the incidence of root caries.
Root caries can be a challenge for the dentist to treat depending on the size and the type of root caries lesion, the extent and rate of caries activity for the person, the physical and mental condition of the individual, and where the root caries are located in the mouth. Many root lesions have limited accessibility and visibility, are often more complicated by pre-existing extensive dental work, and are difficult to isolate from oral fluids during the restoration process. Also, many people who have widespread root lesions have limited tolerance for dental treatment because of medical conditions, illness, and mental health problems.
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What is a Dental Implant?
January 15, 2006
A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone. As the body heals for approximately two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration. After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges or dentures. Dental implants are the most natural replacement for a missing tooth.
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Is diet soda and Iced tea better for you?
September 7, 2004
In a recent study, researchers measured the total acidic effect that popular soft drinks had on tooth structure. Conventional wisdom supposed that diet sodas had no refined sugar (fructose or sucrose) and should not harm your teeth. The results of this study showed that enamel dissolution was greatest with Mountain Dew, both regular and diet, and canned iced tea. Coffee (black), brewed tea, water and root beer had little effect on teeth. Coke, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper, both regular and diet, dissolved less than half as much enamel as Mountain Dew or Iced Tea. In addition to sugar content, acidic levels play an even greater role in tooth destruction.
Drinking your favorite soda with a meal and not sipping it for a long period of time still provides greater safety for your teeth. As always, moderation is best, try to limit or eliminate these beverages and rinse with water to dilute their effect.
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