Athletes Possibly at Higher Risk for Dental Decay

I ran across this interesting information below. A study in New Zealand found that habits of elite athletes during training put them at high risk for dental decay.This study reinforces the importance of a decay risk assessment being done on even the healthiest patients.

Int J Sports Med. 2011 May 17. [Epub ahead of print]
Elite Athletes and Oral Health.
Bryant S, McLaughlin K, Morgaine K, Drummond B.
Source
University of Otago, Oral Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Abstract
Elite athletes follow demanding training regimes to achieve optimal performance. Training incorporates strategies which coincide with risk factors for dental caries and erosion. The important role of a disease-free oral cavity for peak performance is often overlooked and oral health may be compromised. This initial exploratory study aimed to identify risk factors for dental caries and erosion in elite triathletes. Questionnaires regarding training, diet and oral health were distributed to a sample of elite triathletes in New Zealand. A further sample of 10 athletes was randomly selected from the Dunedin triathlon club to participate in a clinical oral examination. Sports drinks were consumed by 83.9% of the triathletes while training; for 48.4% consumption of both sports drinks and water was described as 'little sips often, from a bottle'. Eating during training sessions was reported by 93.5% of participants; of those 62.1% ate only during cycling training. Only 3.2% perceived training as high risk to oral health. All clinical examination cases were assessed as high risk for developing caries. The diet of elite triathletes is consistent with a high risk profile for caries and erosion. Future research should be aimed at oral health promotion programs for the athletes, coaches and oral-health providers.
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart • New York.

Oral Cancer Facts

Oral cancer facts from the Oral Cancer Foundation


"Close to 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 36,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years. This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma)."

It's National Children's Dental Health Month. Follow the link to the MetLife website's kid's page...
http://c9.go2dental.com/ml_content/kids-dental-health.php?cat=60&catname=Kids-Dental-Health-Corner

Xylitol Helps Fight Tooth Decay

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that has been shown to help fight tooth decay. Many non sugar sweeteners like sorbitol will not contribute to tooth decay, but xylitol is unique in that it actually helps fight tooth decay. A cavity in a tooth is an infection by very specific types of acid producing bacteria. These bacteria need sugars for energy to produce the acids that leech the calcium from your teeth forming a cavity. The presence of xylitol actually inhibits these nasty bacteria when they try to digest it thereby reducing their presence in your mouth. Xylitol is found in many mints, candies, and gums. A certain dosage is needed each day to get this effect(5 or more grams). A great website I ran across on xylitol and how to use can be found here.... Xylitol.org.

Amorphous Calcium Phosphate

ACP or Amorphous Calcium Phosphate is a substance which can actually heal damaged enamel. When teeth decay they lose calcium when bacteria produce acid. This is a crucial part of the infection that is tooth decay process. The softer, decalcified tooth substance is a perfect home for these nasty bacteria. Eventually the weakened enamle collapses and becomes the whole in a tooth we think of as a cavity.
Fortunately, early dacay is reversible. By increasing fluoride and bioavailable calcium and reducing carbohydrate intake frequency teeth will absorb more calcium and heal themselves. ACP is such a breakthrough because it contains a form of calcium that can actually be absorbed by enamel.
ACP is available in over the counter and dentist dispensed products, even chewing gums. Look for and use this product..when paired wit fluoride i can make your teeth stronger and even improve their appearance.

Good article on Implants

I ran across this NY Times article on dental implants and it is mostly "spot on". Give it a read.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/health/17brod.html?_r=3

Smile Reminder..exciting new addition to the practice

We are now participating in the Smile Reminder service. This innovative program integrates with our office software and sends automated email and text confirmations for your dental appointments. Participation is optional and one can opt out whenever they want. Patients who participate will be able to confirm appointments with a simple click of the mouse. Part of the service is also the SmileDash system which allows patients to check their account and even pay their bills online. The service also will allow us to send out office newsletters via email and we will be sending out special offers on services as well.