Tooth Chatter

Clear And Present Danger

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 23:23:00 +0000

“A Problem Even More Dangerous Than Texting While Driving” It’s hard to open a newspaper these days without finding a story about texting while driving — and that’s not surprising, considering how dangerous it can be. What is surprising is that another major driving hazard, called obstructive sleep apnea, doesn’t get the same kind of attention. Nighttime Snoring, Daytime Exhaustion People with obstructive sleep apnea literally stop breathing for as long as 30 seconds at a time while they sleep. Then, when their bodies realize they are starved of oxygen, they wake up gasping. And this doesn’t happen once or twice. It can happen as often as 400 times a night. Surprisingly, most people don’t actually wake up each time it happens. In fact, if there’s no one around to hear them snoring and gasping, they may have no idea they have a problem. But they don’t sleep normally — and as a result they end up exhausted the next day. Danger on the Road... That puts them at serious risk of falling asleep while driving, particularly when they’re on monotonous roads like the interstates. In fact, the American Thoracic Society estimates that up to 20% of crashes on these roads are caused by sleepiness.1 And it’s a bigger problem than you might think. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea — but as many as 80% of them are unaware they have this dangerous condition. ... And Off As serious as the problem of driving while exhausted is, it’s only one of the dangers facing people with untreated sleep apnea. • The fact that sleep apnea causes sudden drops in blood oxygen increases the risk of high blood pressure. (The more severe the sleep apnea, the greater the risk.) • Stroke risk increases as well and, if you have underlying heart disease, sleep apnea can even lead to sudden death. • Obstructive sleep apnea can also cause congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and other vascular problems. • In addition, it can increase complications of surgery and some medications, and lead to memory problems, headaches, mood swings and depression. What’s more, while it has long been recognized that being overweight or obese increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea, sleep experts have recently become aware that this is actually a two way street. Current thinking is that too little restful sleep may be as much of a contributor to obesity as too much food and too little exercise. Relief — at Least for Some In sleep apnea, throat muscles that keep your airway open when you’re awake relax too much when you sleep, causing your airway to become partially or fully blocked. It’s this blocking that causes the loud snoring and gasping other people may have told you about, as well as the dangerous drop in blood oxygen levels. Treatment is aimed at keeping your airway open, most commonly by using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. These machines have a mask that fits over your nose and mouth and forces air into your throat to help keep it open. When CPAP therapy works, it can make a life-changing difference. But, unfortunately, for many people, it can have some uncomfortable side effects, including claustrophobia, dry mouth, runny nose, even stomach bloating. With the result that many people simply can’t tolerate their machines. A More Comfortable Alternative Fortunately, my staff and I can offer you an effective alternative that’s both easier to use and more comfortable. Called a mandibular advancement device, this FDA-approved appliance gently repositions your lower jaw to help keep your throat open so you can breathe comfortably. Similar in shape to a retainer, they work without tubes, masks or noise, so most people find them easy to tolerate. And they love how much better they feel after finally getting a good night’s sleep. Bottom line: if the people you live with are complaining about your snoring — or you find yourself exhausted day after day — it’s time to visit your doctor and find out if sleep apnea could be the problem. Then, if it is, give us a call and let us help you start breathing better, feeling better and enjoying life again.

What Is Teeth Grinding(Bruxism)?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:55:00 +0000

Bruxism is due to clenching of the teeth other than in chewing and is associated with forceful lateral or protrusive jaw movements. This results in grinding or rubbing the teeth together. The word bruxism comes from the Greek brychein meaning to grind or gnash the opposing rows of upper and lower molar teeth. People can clench and grind without being aware of it during both the day and night, although sleep-related bruxism is often the bigger problem because it is harder to control. It is sometimes done to such an excess that it damages the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, particularly the molar teeth, and may contribute to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders. Eventually, bruxism shortens and blunts the teeth being ground and may lead to myofascial muscle pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and headaches. In severe, chronic cases, it can lead to arthritis of the temporomandibular joints. The jaw clenching that often accompanies bruxism can also be an unconscious neuromuscular daytime activity, which should be treated as well, usually through physical therapy including recognition and stress response reduction. Some estimates suggest that 15 to 33% of children grind their teeth. This usually happens after they develop their first teeth and again after they develop their permanent teeth. The habit usually stops when their adult teeth are fully formed. What are the symptoms of Bruxism? A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign. Clenching the teeth puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. Grinding can wear down the teeth. Grinding can also be noisy enough at night to bother sleeping partners. Other key symptoms include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, headache, sensitivity in the teeth and insomnia. Earache due in part because the structures of the temporomandibular joint are very close to the ear canal, and because one can feel pain in a different location than its source is also common. This is called referred pain. What are the causes of Bruxism The cause of bruxism is not completely agreed upon, but daily stress may be the trigger in many people. It has been estimated that nearly 70% of bruxism occurs as a result of stress or anxiety that is affecting people subconsciously during sleep. Some people actually clench their teeth and never feel symptoms. Each person is different. Whether or not bruxism causes pain and other problems may be a complicated mix of factors including posture, ability to relax, diet and sleeping habits. Bruxism can also be related to an abnormal bite. This is when there is a problem with your top and bottom teeth coming together which is called an occlusal discrepancy. Having teeth that are missing or crooked can also prompt you to grind your teeth. Bruxism can occur as a side effect of taking certain medications. These include some psychotropic drugs as antidepressants and antipsychotics. Diagnosing Bruxism Bruxism can sometimes be difficult to diagnose by visual evidence alone, as it is not the only cause of tooth wear. Over-vigorous brushing, abrasives in toothpaste, acidic soft drinks and abrasive foods can also be contributing factors, although each causes characteristic wear patterns that a trained professional can identify. The most reliable way to diagnose bruxism is through EMG (electromyographic) measurements. These measurements pick up electrical signals from the chewing muscles (masseter and temporalis). What are the treatment options for Bruxism? The cause of the condition is something you should consider before deciding how to treat bruxism. Stress is one of the main causes of bruxism. In this case, the problem is not the condition itself; the problem is the stress, and it should be treated as such. To treat bruxism caused by stress, one should start a case-specific stress management program and then re-assess the situation. This could involve something as simple as getting enough sleep at night or making sure one is getting regular exercise. If the condition is brought on by something other than stress, like a misalignment of the jaw or teeth, one should consider a dental solution to treat bruxism. A dentist can fit a mouth guard to wear at night. One should avoid using generic sports mouth guards as they tend to come out of place and cause more discomfort than they solve. Most users will find that mouth guards improve their situations, but they are not without drawbacks. Over time, a mouth guard can become worn down and lose its effectiveness. Further, when sufferers have tried to stop using the mouth guard, they have generally found that the pain and symptoms return, making it more of a patch up remedy than a permanent solution. There are many different types of splints. Some fit over the top teeth, some on the bottom. They may be designed to keep your jaw in a more relaxed position or provide some other function. If one type doesn't work, another may. When bruxism is caused by a misaligned jaw or by crooked and uneven teeth, a dentist or orthodontist may be able to realign the jaw or fit a person for braces to treat the condition. Avoiding foods and drinks that contain high concentrations of caffeine or alcohol is rocommended as these can enhance grinding. Also, one should avoid any unnecessary chewing. Stay away from things like chewing gum as it embeds clenching and grinding into your muscle memory. To treat bruxism, try to relax jaw muscles with a warm washcloth or a heating pad at least once a day to ease their tension. Preventing Bruxism Basically, stress reduction and anxiety management may reduce bruxism in people prone to the condition.

Brewster MA Dentist Has Another Happy Dental Implant Patient

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 20:30:00 +0000

Summer Time Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:06:00 +0000

Bursting the Bubble The popularity of soft drinks during the summer increases year after year, due in part to their sweet taste, and in part to the aggressive advertising campaigns run by soda companies. The amount of soda consumed by the average American every year is staggering – over 50 gallons per person. Soft drinks are a danger to oral health due to the high amounts of sugar and acids. Because of their liquid nature, gulping down soft drinks is equivalent to bathing teeth in a solution of acids and sugar. Over time, even the relatively mild acids in soft drinks can eat away and weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and damage. Another indirect effect of soda consumption is the reduced consumption of other, healthier drinks. The reduced consumption of milk has led to a deficiency in the intake of important vitamins and minerals. Calcium, in particular, is important to the maintenance of strong teeth and bones. Without a sufficient supply of calcium, the body cannot properly maintain the integrity of teeth – combined with the damaging effects of the sugar and acid in popular soft drinks, and it is easy to see why dentists are concerned. Lowering or eliminating soft drink consumption entirely is not a very likely solution. Sodas are so prevalent in the American diet that elimination is simply unrealistic. Therefore, if you are concerned about the effect of soft drinks on your oral health, consider the following steps. First, take a good look at your brushing and flossing habits. These are vital if you are to counteract the negative effects of soft drinks. Second, try to reduce your soft drink consumption as much as possible, and replace it with beneficial liquids such as milk or fluoridated water. Third, if you must drink sodas, use a straw when possible, to minimize contact with your teeth. A timely visit to the dentist is always a key factor in maintaining good oral and dental health.

Dental Hygiene Is Not Just For Cavities

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:57:00 +0000

Most of us are aware that poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath - but not brushing your teeth could also have consequences for more serious illnesses. In this spotlight feature, to coincide with National Dental Hygiene Month, we peer beneath the plaque to investigate what other - perhaps unexpected - health conditions are affected by poor dental health. Alzheimer's disease In 2010, researchers from New York University (NYU) concluded that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer's disease, after reviewing 20 years of data on the association. However, the number of participants in the NYU study was fairly small. The researchers analyzed data from 152 subjects enrolled in the Glostrop Aging Study - a study looking at psychological, medical and oral health in Danish men and women. The study spanned a 20-year period and ended in 1984, when the subjects were all over the age of 70. Comparing cognitive function at ages 50 and 70, the NYU team found that gum disease at the age of 70 was strongly associated with low scores for cognitive function. Study participants were nine times more likely to have a score in the lower range of the cognitive test - the "digit symbol test" (DST) - if they had inflammation of the gums. Although this study took into account potentially confounding factors like obesity, cigarette smoking and tooth loss unrelated to gum inflammation, there was still a strong association between low DST score and gum inflammation. In 2013, UK-based researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) built on the findings of this study, by comparing brain samples from 10 living patients with Alzheimer's with 10 brain samples from people who did not have the disease. Analysis showed that a bacterium - Porphyromonas gingivalis - was present in the Alzheimer's brain samples but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have Alzheimer's. What was interesting was that P. gingivalis is usually associated with chronic gum disease. The team followed up this research in 2014 with a new mouse study, the results of which were published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Medical News Today spoke to co-author Dr. Sim K. Singhrao regarding the findings. Dr. Singhrao says that there is sufficient scientific evidence to show that two of the three gum disease-causing bacteria are capable of motion (or "motile") and have been consistently found in brain tissue. "These motile bacteria can leave the mouth and enter the brain via two main routes," he explains. "They can use their movement capability to directly enter the brain. One of the paths taken is to crawl up the nerves that connect the brain and the roots of teeth. The other path is indirect entry into the brain via the blood circulation system." In a patient who has bleeding gums, says Dr. Singharo, the gum disease-causing bacteria will enter the blood stream every time they clean their mouth and even when they eat food. He continues: "P. gingivalis is particularly interesting as it has found ways to hitch a lift from red blood cells when in the blood stream and instead of getting 'off the red blood cell bus' in the spleen, they choose to get off in the brain at an area where there are no immune checkpoints. From there, they spread to the brain at their will. In addition, in older individuals, the blood vessels tend to enlarge and become leaky." "The published work confirmed P. gingivalis placed in the mouths of mice finds its way to the brain once gum disease becomes established first," Dr. Singhrao concludes. "Furthermore, our hypothesis is strengthened by the recent results demonstrating that the chemicals released by the brain's immune system in response to P. gingivalis reaching the brain 'inadvertently' damage functional neurons in the area of the brain related to memory." Pancreatic cancer A research team from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, MA, were the first to report strong evidence on a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer, back in 2007. The type of gum inflammation associated with pancreatic cancer in the study was periodontitis, which affects the tissue that support the teeth and can cause loss of bone around the base of the teeth. The other main kind of gum disease - gingivitis; where the tissue around the teeth becomes inflamed - was not linked to increased cancer risk. However, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis if persistent. Gingivitis happens when bacteria in the plaque around the base of the teeth build up due to bad dental hygiene. Examining data on gum disease from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which involved a cohort of more than 51,000 men and began collecting data in 1986, the Harvard researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64% increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with men who had never had gum disease. The greatest risk for pancreatic cancer among this group was in men with recent tooth loss. However, the study was unable to find links between other types of oral health problems - such as tooth decay - and pancreatic cancer. The researchers suggest that there may be a link between high levels of carcinogenic compounds found in the mouths of people with gum disease and pancreatic cancer risk. They argue that these compounds - called nitrosamines - may react to the digestive chemicals in the gut in a way that creates an environment favorable to the development of pancreatic cancer. However, a follow-up study from the team in 2012 was unable to prove whether the periodontitis bacteria are a cause or result of pancreatic cancer - the study could only prove that the two were linked. "This is not an established risk factor," admitted author Dominique Michaud. "But I feel more confident that something is going on. It's something we need to understand better." Heart disease Perhaps more well established is the association between dental hygiene and heart disease. "The mouth is probably the dirtiest place in the human body," said Dr. Steve Kerrigan. In 2008, MNT reported on research from joint teams at the University of Bristol in the UK and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, who found that people with bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene could be increasing their risk of heart disease. The researchers found that heart disease risk increased because - in people who have bleeding gums - bacteria from the mouth is able to enter the bloodstream and stick to platelets, which can then form blood clots, interrupting the flow of blood to the heart and triggering a heart attack. "The mouth is probably the dirtiest place in the human body," said Dr. Steve Kerrigan from the Royal College of Surgeons, explaining that there are up to 700 different types of bacteria co-existing in our mouths. Prof. Howard Jenkinson, from the University of Bristol, added: "Cardiovascular disease is currently the biggest killer in the western world. Oral bacteria such as Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are common infecting agents, and we now recognise that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases." The Bristol University researchers investigated how the bacteria interact with platelets by mimicking the pressure inside the blood vessels and the heart. Prof. Jenkinson's team found that the bacteria use the platelets as a defense mechanism. By clumping the platelets together, the bacteria are able to completely surround themselves. This platelet armor shields the bacteria from attack by immune cells and makes them less detectable to antibiotics. Although some of the associations we have looked at in this spotlight feature are still under investigation, good dental hygiene remains important for lowering risk of a variety of conditions. The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) recommend that we should brush for 2 minutes, twice daily. The ADHA guidelines also stress the importance of flossing daily and rinsing with mouthwash.

Type 2 Diabetes And Your Gum's Health

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:19:00 +0000

Going to the dentist isn't fun for anyone, but for those with periodontal disease related to type 2 diabetes, a new research discovery may have them smiling. In a report appearing in the August 2014 issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, one of the most important blood cells involved in the human immune response, B cells, are shown to promote inflammation and bone loss in type 2 diabetes-associated periodontal disease. These findings support the idea that treatments that manipulate the responses of B cells may treat or prevent this complication. "Our study identified common inflammatory mechanisms shared by type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease. It paves the way for the development of novel therapeutics which aim to simultaneously treat both type 2 diabetes and its complications," said Min Zhu, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the department of microbiology at Boston University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. To make this discovery, scientists used an experimental model (mouse model) of periodontal disease and applied it to two groups. The first group had a genetic alteration that knocked out all B cells. The second group had normal B cell levels. When fed a low-fat diet, without development of obesity and type 2 diabetes, both groups demonstrated a similar extent of oral bone loss and inflammation. However, when they were fed a high-fat diet, became obese and developed type 2 diabetes, oral bone loss and inflammation occurred in the normal group with B cells, but did not develop in the group with the altered gene to knock out the B cells. This suggests that the B cell-response might be a viable target for pharmacological intervention in both type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease, as well as potentially in other type 2 diabetes complications. "This is an exciting study that helps us better understand why some complications related to type 2 diabetes occur," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. "For those who are dealing with periodontal disease related to type 2 diabetes, this is especially exciting. B cell targeting drugs are available for B cell cancers and these new findings could open the door for applying new B cell-based treatment strategies for periodontal diseases and perhaps other inflammatory conditions."

Sports Drinks And Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:51:00 +0000

Dental researchers at the University of Adelaide are warning parents of the dangers of soft drinks, fruit juice, sports drinks and other drinks high in acidity, which form part of a "triple-threat" of permanent damage to young people's teeth. For the first time, researchers have been able to demonstrate that lifelong damage is caused by acidity to the teeth within the first 30 seconds of acid attack. The researchers say drinks high in acidity combined with night-time tooth grinding and reflux can cause major, irreversible damage to young people's teeth. "Dental erosion is an issue of growing concern in developed countries, and it is often only detected clinically after extensive tooth wear has occurred," says Dr Sarbin Ranjitkar, corresponding author of a paper on tooth enamel erosion published in the Journal of Dentistry. Dr Ranjitkar is a member of the University's Craniofacial Biology Research Group, which is part of the Centre for Orofacial Research and Learning. The research was conducted by School of Dentistry Honors student Chelsea Mann. "Such erosion can lead to a lifetime of compromised dental health that may require complex and extensive rehabilitation - but it is also preventable with minimal intervention," Dr Ranjitkar says. Dr Ranjitkar says the number of cases of tooth erosion from the consumption of acidic beverages is on the rise in children and young adults. "Often, children and adolescents grind their teeth at night, and they can have undiagnosed regurgitation or reflux, which brings with it acidity from the stomach. Combined with drinks high in acidity, this creates a triple threat to young people's teeth which can cause long-term damage," he says. Dr Ranjitkar says parents should minimize consumption of any kind of soft drinks, sports drink, fruit juice or acidic foods to their children. "Our research has shown that permanent damage to the tooth enamel will occur within the first 30 seconds of high acidity coming into contact with the teeth. This is an important finding and it suggests that such drinks are best avoided. "If high acidity drinks are consumed, it is not simply a matter of having a child clean their teeth an hour or 30 minutes later and hoping they'll be okay - the damage is already done," he says. Dr Ranjitkar suggests children consume fresh fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. "Although fresh fruit is naturally acidic, it is a healthier option to fruit juice, which can have additional food acids in it. "The important thing to appreciate is that there is a balance between acids and host protection in a healthy mouth. Once that balance is shifted in favor of the acids, regardless of the type of acid, teeth become damaged," he says.

Adult Stem Cells Could Treat Tooth Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 21:54:00 +0000

Pioneering techniques aiming to grow new teeth from a patient's own stem cells will be on display at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition which opens to the public on 1 July 2014. Bioengineered stem cell teeth could challenge the use of artificial dental implants. Worldwide we spend more on dentistry than we do on many medical treatments. Everyone in the developed world will receive dental treatment at some point and it doesn't come cheap - current implants to replace broken or decayed teeth cost around £2000. Screwed directly into the jaw, they fail to reproduce the normal connection between teeth and bone and might work loose in less than 30 years. Scientists are developing an innovative procedure that would use cells from adult patients to grow full functioning teeth in situ. The treatment could be working in mice in 5 years according to exhibit leader Professor Paul Sharpe, Dickinson Professor of Craniofacial Biology at King's College London Dental Institute. Teeth can be grown from embryonic cells but Professor Sharpe says a treatment using only adult cells and growth-stimulating chemical factors that are already regulated for use in treatment, has a much better chance of ever making it to market. 'It's very easy to grow teeth from embryonic cells in a lab environment but if it's going to cost £50,000 per implant it will never make it into clinical use,' says Professor Sharpe. Embryonic cells are surrounded by ethical controversy and could not be collected in the numbers necessary for approved large scale treatment in patients. Adult cells are a more accessible option and, if the patient's own cells are used, they could also negate the need for a lifetime of immunosuppressant drugs to avoid rejection. 'We're focused on an end point for patients and to replace current implants, a stem cell therapy needs to be price competitive. Patients are not going to pay for a treatment that costs 10 times as much as an implant. Realistically they would probably pay for a treatment that costs twice or three times as much because a bioengineered tooth would last forever. But to reach that point we need to go back to basics using only growth factors which are already regulated, and we need to use accessible cells from adults - that's where the challenge lies'. To grow a new tooth requires two types of cell, epithelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells. One of these types of cells must send instructions to the other cell population to begin creating the different cell types and tissues needed in teeth. Professor Sharpe's team have already shown that epithelial cells collected from adult patients' gum tissues during routine dental surgery can respond to instructions from embryonic mesenchymal cells to growth of teeth. The team is now searching for a source of mesenchymal cells from adults that will trigger the same responses. One source might be stem cells in adult bone marrow or teeth themselves, but these cells lose their ability to produce other types of tissue after 24 hours in culture. Professor Sharpe is working with Dr Abigail Tucker to figure out how to reawaken the properties of the cells to grow diverse tissue and unlock their ability to grow new teeth. Dr Tucker studies the replacement of teeth in the animal kingdom. Sharks and snakes grow teeth on a conveyer belt, constantly replacing those that are broken or fall out. New teeth grow in the dental lamina - a tissue packed with stem cells which die off in humans as soon as adult teeth come through. Dr Tucker studies the signals from cells in the stem cell rich dental lamina, to see how they trigger the formation of new teeth in these animals. Her work on signalling might help Professor Sharpe replicate the signals and perhaps revive the potency of adult cells to grow new teeth. 'We've shown in the lab that you can use epithelial adult cells with tooth-inducing mesenchymal cells from embryos and we've shown that embryonic epithelial cells with mesenchymal adult cells can grow new teeth. Now we need to combine adult epithelial and adult mesenchymal cells. It's one of the last pieces of the puzzle'.

Tooth Stem Cells Aid Strokes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 May 2014 03:21:00 +0000

The team, from the University of Adelaide in Australia, publish their results in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy. Led by Dr. Kylie Ellis, of the university's Adelaide Research & Innovation (ARI), the researchers say interest in using dental pulp stem cells for post-stroke neurological recovery has been growing, following successful pre-clinical studies. "The reality is," says Dr. Ellis, "treatment options to the thousands of stroke patients every year are limited." She explains that the main available drug treatment has to be dispensed within hours of a stroke, but most people do not have access to the treatment within that window, as they sometimes do not seek help immediately after a stroke occurs. In the lab, the research team was able to show that stem cells taken from teeth can flourish and "form complex networks of brain-like cells." Though the cells did not grow into full neurons, the team believes with time and the right conditions, it will happen. Dr. Ellis adds: "Stem cells from teeth have great potential to grow into new brain or nerve cells, and this could potentially assist with treatments of brain disorders, such as stroke." Discovery could yield 'tailor-made brain therapy' Along with her colleagues, Dr. Ellis has been working on a model in the lab for treatment in humans. She notes that, in this research, she and her team discovered that teeth-derived stem cells developed into cells closely resembling neurons. She says they do this by creating an environment for the cells as close to the normal brain environment as they possibly can. She adds that "instead of becoming cells for teeth, they become brain cells." Dr. Ellis and her team say they would like to have the capability to use a patient's own stem cells for "tailor-made brain therapy that doesn't have the host rejection issues commonly associated with cell-based therapies." Additionally, the bonus in using this tailor-made therapy is that it could mean a treatment option is available "months or even years after the stroke has occurred," Dr. Ellis adds. And beyond stroke therapy, they say their work with dental pulp stem cells creates the potential for exploring other common brain disorders in the lab, possibly yielding other new treatments. "What we developed wasn't identical to normal neurons," says Dr. Ellis, "but the new cells shared very similar properties to neurons. They also formed complex networks and communicated through simple electrical activity, like you might see between cells in the developing brain." In other stem cell research news, Medical News Today recently reported on a breakthrough study, in which researchers created the first disease-specific embryonic stem cell line with two sets of chromosomes. They said their findings could yield patient-specific therapies for type 1 diabetes. Meanwhile, researchers from another study created the first stem cell model for bipolar disorder, which they say could lead to new treatments

Tooth Loss Linked to Depression and Anxiety

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 13:31:00 +0000

At the 43rd Annual Meeting & Exhibition of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR), held in conjunction with the 38th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research, R. Constance Wiener, from West Virginia University, Morgantown, presented a research study titled "Association of Tooth Loss and Depression and Anxiety." Tooth loss from caries and periodontal disease is an outcome from complex, chronic conditions. Several biopsychosocial factors are involved, including accessing care. Individuals reporting dental anxiety may avoid dental care; and individuals with depression may be negligent in self-care. In this study, researchers examined a potential association of tooth loss with depression and anxiety. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey is a complex, telephone survey of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments. In this study, the researchers used the BRFSS 2010 data (451,075 respondents). Analysis involved frequency, Chi square analysis, and complex survey logistic regression. Participants eligibility included being 19 years or older, and having complete data on depression, anxiety and tooth loss. There were 76,292 eligible participants; and 13.4% of participants reported anxiety, 16.7% reported depression, and 5.7% reported total tooth loss. The sample was evenly distributed between males and females; there were 68.7% non-Hispanic whites, 12.7% non-Hispanic blacks, 12.5% Hispanics, and 6.8% other. In Chi-square analysis by tooth loss: depression, anxiety, and a combined category of depression or anxiety were significantly different in tooth loss verses participants without the conditions. At the conclusion of this national study, the researchers found that depression and anxiety are associated with tooth loss. Funding for this study was provided by the National Institutes of Health National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the, U54GM104942.

Smoking And Taste Alteration

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 14:08:00 +0000

In a recent study it was noted that tobacco's chemicals are already known to cause a loss of taste in smokers, as well as structural changes to the fungiform papillae of the tongue - where taste buds are found. What has been unknown is to what extent smokers' taste range is affected, whether it returns to normal upon quitting smoking and if so, how long that takes. Taste buds are largely responsible for conveying sweet, sour, bitter, salty and metallic sensations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the responsibilities of the taste system include:  Triggering digestive systems that change secretions of saliva, stomach acid and pancreatic juices  Enhancing feelings of pleasure and satiety when eating  Determining quality of foods and determining "good" tasting foods from "bad" ones, which could have potential toxins. To further investigate the changes in taste buds caused by smoking, Jacob and colleagues tested the ability of 451 study participants to recognize and rate intensity of the four basic tastes - sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Tobacco product accumulation could impede taste bud regeneration Smokers may not be able to fully taste the bitterness of coffee, researchers say. Dividing the participants into three groups (smokers, non-smokers and former smokers), the team conducted the voluntary tests during three separate and consecutive "World No-Tobacco Days." A person's ability to recognize salty, sweet or sour tastes was not influenced by smoking status, the researchers say. However, smoking status did affect their ability to taste the bitterness in caffeine. While bitter receptors in the tongue are normally able to detect this sensation in even low concentrations, nearly 20% of smokers were not able to correctly identify the taste. Of the former smokers, 26.5% were not able to identify the taste, while only 13.4% of the non-smokers were unable to correctly identify the bitter samples. Speaking about their findings, Jacob says: "We consider that the perception of bitter taste should be examined more closely, both as a tool for smoking cessation or for preventing smoking initiation. More generally, it should be worthwhile to consider the role of chemosensory perceptions in smoking behavior." The team believes the accumulation of some tobacco products in the body could impede taste buds regenerating, which could still affect a person's ability to recognize certain tastes after they have quit smoking. In the world of taste bud studies, recent research has reported on a digital taste simulator that can produce the four main elements of taste. Researchers say it could one day be used to improve or regenerate sense of taste in cancer patients whose taste buds have been impaired by chemotherapy.

Premie's And Their Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 19:15:00 +0000

Our knowledge about premature children, and their physical and mental development as they grow up, is constantly growing. In recent years several studies of children's dental health have been published by researchers at the Faculty of Odontology in Malmö. Liselotte Paulsson-Björnsson, a specialist in orthodontics, has studied 80 children born before week 33 of pregnancy. "We have examined how their teeth are developing and, among other things, we've looked at their bites. We've also checked their need for orthodontic adjustments and found that it is greater than in the control group, children born at full term," she says. The children participating in the various studies were born in the mid 1990s and were examined when they developed their first permanent teeth at the age of eight to ten. The first permanent teeth are the front teeth in the upper and lower jaw and the so-called six-year molars, the first big molars. The results show that the teeth of premature children were up to ten percent smaller compared with the control group. The earlier the children were born the smaller their teeth were. "When we examined the children we also saw that their teeth were farther apart," says Liselotte Paulsson-Björnsson, who stresses that having small teeth as such is not a serious problem, but it can be aesthetically problematic to have large gaps between your teeth. "But these problems can be addressed. We can move teeth if the gaps between them are too large, and there is also good material to extend teeth if they're too small." Disturbances in the teeth's mineralization phase can also lead to spots on the front teeth, but this is also a problem that can be dealt with using cosmetic dental treatments. Liselotte Paulsson-Björnsson is now planning new studies to follow these children into their teens. Among other things, she will be studying whether all permanent teeth are affected in terms of size, or only the ones that are formed in connection with birth. She also wants to study the children's quality of life in relation to their dental status. "But as care of premature children is under constant development, it's not possible to automatically transfer my findings to children being born prematurely now," she says

New Gel Causes The Body To Form Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 21:30:00 +0000

A bit of pressure from a new shrinking, sponge-like gel is all it takes to turn transplanted unspecialized cells into cells that lay down minerals and begin to form teeth. The bioinspired gel material could one day help repair or replace damaged organs, such as teeth and bone, and possibly other organs as well, scientists from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and Boston Children's Hospital report recently in Advanced Materials. "Tissue engineers have long raised the idea of using synthetic materials to mimic the inductive power of the embryo," said Don Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., Founding Director of the Wyss Institute, Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at Harvard Medical School, Professor of Bioengineering at SEAS, and senior author of the study. "We're excited about this work because it shows that it really is possible." Embryonic tissues have the power to drive cells and tissues to specialize and form organs. To do that, they employ biomolecules called growth factors to stimulate growth; gene-activating chemicals that cause the cells to specialize, and mechanical forces that modulate cell responses to these other factors. But so far tissue engineers who want to build organs in the laboratory have employed only two of the three strategies - growth factors and gene-activating chemicals. Perhaps as a result, they have not yet succeeded in producing complex three-dimensional tissues. A few years ago, Ingber and Tadanori Mammoto, M.D., Ph.D., Instructor in Surgery at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, investigated a process called mesenchymal condensation that embryos use to begin forming a variety of organs, including teeth, cartilage, bone, muscle, tendon, and kidney. In mesenchymal condensation, two adjacent tissue layers - loosely packed connective-tissue cells called mesenchyme and sheet-like tissue called an epithelium that covers it - exchange biochemical signals. This exchange causes the mesenchymal cells to squeeze themselves tightly into a small knot directly below where the new organ will form. By examining tissues isolated from the jaws of embryonic mice, Mammoto and Ingber showed that when the compressed mesenchymal cells turn on genes that stimulate them to generate whole teeth composed of mineralized tissues, including dentin and enamel. Inspired by this embryonic induction mechanism, Ingber and Basma Hashmi, a Ph.D. candidate at SEAS who is the lead author of the current paper, set out to develop a way to engineer artificial teeth by creating a tissue-friendly material that accomplishes the same goal. Specifically, they wanted a porous sponge-like gel that could be impregnated with mesenchymal cells, then, when implanted into the body, induced to shrink in 3D to physically compact the cells inside it. To develop such a material, Ingber and Hashmi teamed up with researchers led by Joanna Aizenberg, Ph.D., a Wyss Institute Core Faculty member who leads the Institute's Adaptive Materials Technologies platform. Aizenberg is the Amy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science at SEAS and Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University. They chemically modified a special gel-forming polymer called PNIPAAm that scientists have used to deliver drugs to the body's tissues. PNIPAAm gels have an unusual property: they contract abruptly when they warm. But they do this at a lukewarm temperature, whereas the researchers wanted them to shrink specifically at 37°C - body temperature - so that they'd squeeze their contents as soon as they were injected into the body. Hashmi worked with Lauren Zarzar, Ph.D., a former SEAS graduate student who's now a postdoctoral associate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for more than a year, modifying PNIPAAm and testing the resulting materials. Ultimately, they developed a polymer that forms a tissue-friendly gel with two key properties: cells stick to it, and it compresses abruptly when warmed to body temperature. As an initial test, Hashmi implanted mesenchymal cells in the gel and warmed it in the lab. Sure enough, when the temperature reached 37°C, the gel shrank within 15 minutes, causing the cells inside the gel to round up, shrink, and pack tightly together. "The reason that's cool is that the cells are alive," Hashmi said. "Usually when this happens, cells are dead or dying." Not only were they alive - they activated three genes that drive tooth formation. To see if the shrinking gel also worked its magic in the body, Hashmi worked with Mammoto to load mesenchymal cells into the gel, then implant the gel beneath the mouse kidney capsule - a tissue that is well supplied with blood and often used for transplantation experiments. The implanted cells not only expressed tooth-development genes - they laid down calcium and minerals, just as mesenchymal cells do in the body as they begin to form teeth. "They were in full-throttle tooth-development mode," Hashmi said. In the embryo, mesenchymal cells can't build teeth alone - they need to be combined with cells that form the epithelium. In the future, the scientists plan to test whether the shrinking gel can stimulate both tissues to generate an entire functional tooth.

"Big Tooth" Is Watching You !

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:31:00 +0000

Researchers at the National University of Taiwan have developed a “smart” tooth device that monitors an individual ‘s oral habits by recording movement of the jaw and generating data that is fed to a computer via the tooth’s sensor , then paired with an oral action . The device can be used as a detachable fake tooth or inserted in a crown , allowing doctors to track chewing , drinking , eating , coughing and even smoking – and (hopefully) allow them help treating a wide range of problems . In testing the device , the researchers asked 8 volunteers to perform 30 – second tasks such as chewing gum , reading aloud , drinking a bottle of water and coughing . The device was able to determine what action each volunteer performed with 94% accuracy . Because the mouth is “an opening into human health” , the researchers contend the device has the potential to enhance existing healthcare monitoring applications such as dietary tracking.

New Study About Heart Surgery And Infected Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:08:00 +0000

Abscessed or infected teeth are often removed before heart surgery, as this decreases the risk of infection during surgery and decreases the risk of an inflammation of the inner layer of the heart - called endocarditis - following surgery. But although it is standard practice to remove bad teeth prior to heart surgery, there is only limited evidence that supports this practice. The new study set out to evaluate what harms may be associated with dental extraction before cardiovascular surgery. "Guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association label dental extraction as a minor procedure, with the risk of death or non-fatal heart attack estimated to be less than 1%," says study author and anesthesiologist Dr. Mark M. Smith, from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. "Our results, however, documented a higher rate of major adverse outcomes, suggesting physicians should evaluate individualized risk of anesthesia and surgery in this patient population," he adds. Heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death Dr. Smith and his colleagues found that 8% of patients who had teeth removed prior to heart surgery experienced adverse outcomes. These included heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death. Overall, 3% of patients died after dental extraction and before the heart surgery could take place. But this study did have some limitations. Co-author and cardiac surgeon Dr. Joseph A. Dearani says: "With the information from our study we cannot make a definitive recommendation for or against dental extraction prior to cardiac surgery. We recommend an individualized analysis of the expected benefit of dental extraction prior to surgery weighed against the risk of morbidity and mortality as observed in our study." Established thinking on dental surgery and cardiac surgery is changing The results of the Mayo Clinic study contribute to an ongoing departure in current thinking on the relationship between dental surgery and cardiac surgery. "'Accepted wisdom' leads surgeons to request dental reviews prior to cardiac surgery in many thousands of patients annually around the world," says Dr. Michael Jonathan Unsworth-White, from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, UK. "Dr. Smith's group asks us to question this philosophy. It is a significant departure from current thinking." Writing in a linked comment, Dr. Unsworth-White draws parallels with another recent change of consensus. In patients undergoing dental work who have existing heart problems, it has previously been standard practice to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics. Again, this was because there is a known link between dental bacteremia and endocarditis. But more recent studies have suggested that the potential side effects of these antibiotics may outweigh the benefits. Dr. Unsworth-White explains: "The American Heart Association and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the UK have withdrawn support for this practice of prophylactic antibiotics because the danger from overuse of antibiotics outweighs any other potential risks. Regular tooth brushing, flossing, and even chewing gum are now recognized to dislodge as much, if not more, bacteremia than most dental procedures."

Gum Disease Bacteria Cause Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 22:39:00 +0000

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University have discovered how byproducts in the form of small fatty acids from two bacteria prevalent in gum disease incite the growth of deadly Kaposi's sarcoma-related (KS) lesions and tumors in the mouth. The discovery could lead to early saliva testing for the bacteria, which, if found, could be treated and monitored for signs of cancer and before it develops into a malignancy, researchers say. "These new findings provide one of the first looks at how the periodontal bacteria create a unique microenvironment in the oral cavity that contributes to the replication the Kaposi's sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) and development of KS," said Fengchun Ye, the study's lead investigator from Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine's Department of Biological Sciences. The discovery is described in The Journal of Virology article, "Short Chain Fatty Acids from Periodontal Pathogens Suppress HDACs, EZH2, and SUV39H1 to Promote Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Replication." The research focuses on how the bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), which are associated with gum disease, contribute to cancer formation. Ye said high levels of these bacteria are found in the saliva of people with periodontal disease, and at lower levels in those with good oral health - further evidence of the link between oral and overall physical health. KS impacts a significant number of people with HIV, whose immune systems lack the ability to fight off the herpesvirus and other infections, he said. "These individual are susceptible to the cancer," Ye said. KS first appears as lesions on the surface of the mouth that, if not removed, can grow into malignant tumors. Survival rates are higher when detected and treated early in the lesion state than when a malignancy develops. Also at risk are people with compromised immune systems: people on medications to suppress rejection of transplants, cancer patients on chemotherapies and the elderly population whose immune systems naturally weaken with age. The researchers wanted to learn why most people never develop this form of cancer and what it is that protects them. The researchers recruited 21 patients, dividing them into two groups. All participants were given standard gum-disease tests. The first group of 11 participants had an average age of 50 and had severe chronic gum disease. The second group of 10 participants, whose average age was about 26, had healthy gums, practiced good oral health and showed no signs of bleeding or tooth loss from periodontal disease. The researchers also studied a saliva sample from each. Part of the saliva sample was separated into its components using a spinning centrifuge. The remaining saliva was used for DNA testing to track and identify bacteria present, and at what levels. The researchers were interested in Pg's and Fn's byproducts of lipopolysaccharide, fimbriae, proteinases and at least five different short-chain fatty acids (SCFA): butyric acid, isobutryic acid, isovaleric acid, propionic acid and acetic acid. After initially testing the byproducts, the researchers suspected that the fatty acids were involved in replicating KSHV. The researchers cleansed the fatty acids and then introduced them to cells with quiescent KSHV virus in a petri dish for monitoring the virus' reaction. After introducing SCFA, the virus began to replicate. But the researchers saw that, while the fatty acids allowed the virus to multiple, the process also set in motion a cascade of actions that also inhibited molecules in the body's immune system from stopping the growth of KSHV. "The most important thing to come out of this study is that we believe periodontal disease is a risk factor for Kaposi sarcoma tumor in HIV patients," Ye said. With that knowledge, Ye said those with HIV must be informed about the importance of good oral health and the possible consequences of overlooking that area .

New Candy Reduces Cavities

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:49:00 +0000

Our mouths are a delicate balance of good and bad bacteria. When we clean our teeth, the aim is to knock out cavity-causing bacteria, while allowing beneficial oral bacteria to thrive. Now, researchers have developed a sugar-free candy, which contains dead bacteria that bind to bad bacteria, potentially reducing cavities. The importance of good oral health has been emphasized by doctors for years. Poor oral health has been linked to many conditions, from Alzheimer's disease to pancreatic cancer, not to mention cardiovascular disease. To promote better oral health, a team from the Berlin-based firm Organobalance GmbH, Germany, created a new candy, which they claim reduced levels of 'bad' bacteria in study subjects' mouths. Their research was published in Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins. They note that after we eat, bacteria on the surface of the teeth release acid, which can dissolve the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. The most common strain of this "bad" bacteria is called Mutans streptococci. However, the researchers say that in previous studies with rats, another bacteria called Lactobacillus paracasei has been shown to reduce levels of the cavity-causing bacteria, decreasing the number of cavities in the rodents. The team, led by Christine Lang, believe that by binding with M. streptococci, the L. paracasei bacteria prevent this bad bacteria from reattaching to the teeth, causing it to get washed away by saliva. Dentists normally suggest staying away from sweets, but a newly created sugar-free bacteria-containing candy reduced levels of bad oral bacteria. In a pilot trial involving 60 subjects, Lang and her team tested whether their sugar-free candy, which contained heat-killed samples of L. paracasei DSMZ16671, reduced levels of bad oral bacteria. One-third of the subjects ate candies with 1 mg of L. paracasei, while another third ate candies with twice this amount (2 mg). The final third served as a control group and ate candies that were similar in taste but that contained no bacteria. In total, all subjects ate five candies during the 1.5-day study. They were not allowed to perform any oral hygiene activities during this time, and they were also not allowed to consume coffee, tea, wine or probiotic foods. Results showed that nearly 75% of the participants who ate candies with the good bacteria had "significantly lower" levels of Mutans streptococci in their saliva than before, compared with the control group. Additionally, the subjects who ate candy with 2 mg of L. paracasei had a reduction in bad bacteria levels after eating only one piece of candy. The researchers write: "We think it remarkable that this effect was observed after exposure to only five pieces of candy containing 1 or 2 mg of dead L. paracasei DSMZ16671 consumed in 1.5 days." They say that by using dead bacteria, they avoided problems that live bacteria might have caused. They also note that the L. paracasei does not bind with beneficial oral bacteria, which is why this is a better cavity prevention method than other probiotics. "Additionally," they add, "sugar-free candies stimulate saliva flow, a benefit to oral health."

Whats In Your Food ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:03:00 +0000

In our modern and fast-paced lives, it may be difficult to keep a healthy balance of nutrients in our food. Sugar is one of these nutrients, and the cells in our body would die without it. Consuming too much sugar, however, raises the risk of several problems, including poor dental health, obesity and type 2 diabetes. To keep control of sugar levels, it helps to know just how much sugar there is in the food we eat. Here, we have listed the sugar content of numerous everyday foods, both processed and natural ones. What is sugar? Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that belongs to a class of chemically-related sweet-flavored substances. It comes in many different forms. The three main types of sugar are sucrose, lactose, and fructose. Even though our cells need sugar (glucose) to survive, consuming too much of it can cause numerous different health problems. Added sugar contains no beneficial nutrients and in excess only contributes to tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity. The American Heart Association (AHA) have said that added sugars "contribute zero nutrients" and are just empty calories "that can lead to extra pounds, or even obesity, thereby reducing heart health." Being aware of the existing and added sugar contents of the foods and drinks we consume is vital for our health - even more so today because so many products have sugar added to them. The AHA currently recommends that men consume no more than 150 calories from added sugar per day, and women 100 calories. Nutritionists strongly recommend against consuming more than 13 teaspoons a day. Sugar content in common foods and drinks To help you keep track of how much sugar you're consuming we've listed some common everyday foods and drinks, together with their sugar content. Some of these may surprise you: How much sugar do chocolates and candy contain? Milk chocolate bar (44g) - 5.75 teaspoons of sugar Snickers bar (57g) - 7 teaspoons of sugar Milky Way bar (58g) - 8.5 teaspoons of sugar Marshmallows (100g) - 14.5 teaspoons of sugar Caramel piece (10g) - 1.7 teaspoons of sugar Butterfinger bar (60g) - 6.9 teaspoons of sugar Dove chocolate bar (37g) - 5 teaspoons of sugar Starburst packet (45 grams) - 5.5 teaspoons of sugar Twix bar - 2.75 teaspoons of sugar M&Ms packet (45 grams) - 5.75 teaspoons of sugar Boiled sweets bag (100 grams) - 11.5 teaspoons of sugar How much sugar do soft drinks contain? Coca cola (one can) - 7 teaspoons of sugar Red Bull (one can) - 7.5 teaspoons of sugar Lemonade (one glass) - 5.5 teaspoons of sugar Orange squash (one glass) - 2.5 teaspoons of sugar Hot chocolate (one mug) - 4.5 teaspoons of sugar Fruit smoothie (one glass) - 3.5 teaspoons of sugar A study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, identified a link between drinking more than one soft drink a day and increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. How much sugar do breakfast cereals contain? Alpen - 5 teaspoons of sugar Cheerios - 1.1 teaspoons of sugar Corn Flakes - 2.4 teaspoons of sugar Cocoa Krispies - 9.6 teaspoons of sugar Froot Loops - 10.6 teaspoons of sugar Raisin Bran - 7.8 teaspoons of sugar Frosted Flakes - 8.9 teaspoons of sugar Honey Smacks - 14 teaspoons of sugar Rice Krispies - 2.5 teaspoons of sugar Special K - 3 teaspoons of sugar Wheaties - 3.8 teaspoons of sugar Trix - 8 teaspoons of sugar Lucky Charms - 9 teaspoons of sugar Rice Chex - 2 teaspoons of sugar Wheat Chex - 2.6 teaspoons of sugar Corn Chex - 2.8 teaspoons of sugar Honey Nut Cheerios - 8.25 teaspoons of sugar Reese's Puffs - 8.9 teaspoons of sugar Golden Grahams - 8.8 teaspoons of sugar Cocoa Puffs - 9.3 teaspoons of sugar Cookie Crisp - 8.7 teaspoons of sugar Shredded Wheat - 0.1 teaspoons of sugar Cocoa Pebbles - 8.6 teaspoons of sugar Banana Nut Crunch - 4.7 teaspoons of sugar In June 2012, researchers from Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity revealed that even though cereals aimed at kids had become more nutritious, cereal companies (such as Kellogg, General Mills, and Post) had increased their advertising spending considerably. Cereal advertising aimed at children increased by 34% between 2008 and 2011. Marlene Schwartz, deputy director of the Rudd Center, said: "While cereal companies have made small improvements to the nutrition of their child-targeted cereals, these cereals are still far worse than the products they market to adults. They have 56% more sugar, half as much fiber, and 50% more sodium. The companies know how to make a range of good-tasting cereals that aren't loaded with sugar and salt. Why can't they help parents out and market these directly to children instead?" How much sugar does fruit contain? Fruits contain fructose, a type of sugar. Fresh fruit have no "added sugar", but as you can see below, their levels of sugar range from 1 teaspoon per 100 grams in cranberries to 4 teaspoons in grapes. Mangos - 3.2 teaspoons of sugar Bananas - 3 teaspoons of sugar Apples - 2.6 teaspoons of sugar Pineapples - 2.5 teaspoons of sugar Grapes - 4 teaspoons of sugar Lemons - 0.6 teaspoons of sugar Kiwi fruit - 2.3 teaspoons of sugar Apricots - 2.3 teaspoons of sugar Strawberries - 1.3 teaspoons of sugar Raspberries - 1 teaspoon of sugar Blueberries - 1.7 teaspoons of sugar Cranberries - 1 teaspoons of sugar Tomatoes - 0.7 teaspoons of sugar How much sugar do cakes and desserts contain? Banoffee pie (1 medium portion) - 4.25 teaspoons of sugar Carrot cake (1 medium slice) - 3 teaspoons of sugar Custard (1 medium portion) - 3.25 teaspoons of sugar Chocolate mousse (1 medium portion) - 3 teaspoons of sugar Cornetto (1 cone) - 3 teaspoons of sugar Donut (1 jam doughnut) - 3.5 teaspoons of sugar Fruit pie (1 medium portion) - 3.5 teaspoons of sugar Fruit cake (1 medium slice) - 5 teaspoons of sugar Muffin (one chocolate chip muffin) - 4.75 teaspoons of sugar Ice cream (1 scoop) - 3 teaspoons of sugar Rice pudding (1 portion) - 3.75 teaspoons of sugar Sponge cake (1 medium slice) - 5.5 teaspoons of sugar Swiss roll (1 roll) - 2.5 teaspoons of sugar Why Should I monitor my sugar intake? The American Heart Association has urged people to cut their added sugar intake because of evidence that it can cause the following health conditions: Obesity - Scientists at the Medical Research Council found that eating more sugar is associated with obesity. High blood pressure - A high-fructose diet raises blood pressure in men, according to research reported at the American Heart Association's 63rd High Blood Pressure Research Conference. Heart disease - Researchers at the Emory University School of Medicine and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that people who consume higher amounts of added sugar are more likely to have heart disease risk factors. Type 2 diabetes - Research conducted at the University of California-San Francisco indicates that sugar intake could be directly linked to type 2 diabetes. Added sugar consumption far too high The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that far too many Americans are consuming too many calories from added sugars. The report revealed that nearly 13% of adults' total caloric intake are coming from sources such as sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Consumers need information on "Added Sugars" Dr Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist, wrote in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) last month that dietary advice on added sugar is damaging people's health. Dr. Malhotra said "not only has this advice been manipulated by the food industry for profit but it is actually a risk factor for obesity and diet related disease." Food labels in the USA and Europe contain only information on total sugars per serving, and tell us nothing about added sugar. "It is therefore almost impossible for consumers to determine the amount of added sugars in foods and beverages." Prof. Tim Noakes, Director at the Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa, wrote in the same journal "Sugary sports drinks are promoted as essential for athletic performance, but are used predominantly by those without real athletic aspirations. Users need to understand that exercise may not protect them from the negative consequences of an excessive sugar intake." In the video below, Dr. Miriam Vos, assistant professor of pediatrics (gastroenterology) at Emory University School of Medicine explains what "added sugars" are and how they are different from the natural sugars we find in fruit or milk .

Biopatch Leads To Bone Growth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 13:57:00 +0000

Research led by the University of Iowa has tested a "bio patch" that regenerates missing or damaged bone by inserting DNA into nano-sized particles to deliver bone-making genetic instructions directly into cells. The method succeeded in regrowing enough bone to fully cover skull wounds in live rats. And, in test tubes, it also stimulated new growth in human bone marrow stromal cells. Using pieces of DNA that encode for a platelet-derived growth factor called PDGF-B, the researchers delivered genetic instructions directly into living bone cells, causing them to make the proteins that lead to more bone production. They report their work in the latest issue of the journal Biomaterials. DNA delivered directly into cells While other researchers have also reported success in encouraging new bone regrowth, they relied on repeated applications that deliver the bone-making proteins from the outside which is costly, intensive and has to be done again and again. This study is different because it tackled cells from the inside, causing them to produce proteins that led to more bone growth. Corresponding author Aliasger Salem, professor at Iowa's College of Pharmacy, explains the benefit of directly delivering the DNA to cells: "If you deliver just the protein, you have keep delivering it with continuous injections to maintain the dose. With our method, you get local, sustained expression over a prolonged period of time without having to give continued doses of protein." Nano-sized plasmids carry the genetic instructions for making bone To make their bio patch the team made a scaffold from collagen then seeded it with synthetically made, nano-sized plasmids, each carrying DNA pieces of genetic instructions for making bone. The researchers then placed DNA-seeded and unseeded scaffolds onto small 5mm x 2 mm holes in the skulls of rats. They found after four weeks that the seeded scaffolds grew 44 times more bone and soft tissue than unseeded scaffolds and 14 times more than untreated wounds. Scans also revealed that the seeded scaffolds resulted in new bone growth that nearly closed the wound. The plasmids enter bone cells already present in the body. These are located near the wound site and drift over to the scaffold. The researchers found the plasmids transport easily into cells once they are shrunk in size and given a positive electrical charge. Prof. Salem explains: "The delivery mechanism is the scaffold loaded with the plasmid. When cells migrate into the scaffold, they meet with the plasmid, they take up the plasmid and they get the encoding to start producing PDGF-B, which enhances bone regeneration." Potential applications in dentistry The researchers say their bio patch could be used in dentistry to rebuild bone in gum areas to provide foundations for dental implants. This would be of great benefit to patients who need implants but do not have enough bone in the surrounding area. Another potential use for the bio patch could be to repair birth defects where bone is missing, for instance around the head or face. The bio patch could be made in the shape and size of the defect site so when the new bone grows it is a perfect fit .

Emotions In The Dental Office

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 21:25:00 +0000

After looking at pictures of dental treatment scenes, researchers[1] discovered that female patients scared of the dentist were six times more likely to be disgusted with what they saw, compared with non-dental phobic women. In a battle of the sexes, dental phobic women struggled to hide their emotions. Although both men and woman faired equally when asked about their feelings towards the dentist, women afraid of the dentist were more repulsed than their men counterparts. Survey data from the Adult Dental Health Survey[2] showed almost half of adults were moderately to extremely afraid of the dentist. With almost 30 million people visiting the dentist, Karen Coates, Dental Advisor at the British Dental Health Foundation, uses the research to reassure anxious patients that they are not alone and that there are ways make visiting the dentist a manageable experience. Karen said: "The good news is that more and more dentists now understand their patients' fears, and with a combination of kindness and gentleness can do a great deal to make dental treatment an acceptable, normal part of life. Make sure that the practice knows you are nervous, so that they can help you. You are not alone and your fear will be much less if you share it with your dental team. "Dentists are aware many of their patients have some form of anxiety. There are dentists who specialise in treating nervous patients and will make more time for you. Book appointments at a time of day when you feel at your best and when you do not have any other commitments to worry about. Allow plenty of time so that you can get to the practice in a relaxed frame of mind. "Agree with your dentist a sign that means 'stop I need a break' before the treatment is started. Usually you can just raise your hand, and the treatment can be stopped for a few minutes until you are ready to start again. Once you know that you can control the situation you will feel more confident. Some people find that listening to music whilst they are having treatment can help. If you are still nervous there are other techniques your dentist can use to help you, such as relaxation and sedation so ask the team about these. "Patients anxious of the dentist are, in theory, likely to have poorer oral health than those who get regular check-ups. Even if you are fearful it is important to visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend giving them a chance a chance to assess your oral health. Catching any problems whilst they are still small will mean that the treatment involved is much less and lighter on your pocket too. Truly a case that prevention is better than a cure. Always remember that you are in charge of your oral health for the rest of the time and brushing, twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste, will help to remove plaque - the cause of both decay and gum disease. It is also important to clean in between teeth using interdental brushes or floss." The Foundation recommends the following for good oral health: • Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste • Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks • Visit the dentist regularly - as often as 3 , 4 or 6 month intervals

Diamonds In The Rough

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 21:21:00 +0000

UCLA researchers have discovered that diamonds on a much, much smaller scale than those used in jewelry could be used to promote bone growth and the durability of dental implants. Nanodiamonds, which are created as byproducts of conventional mining and refining operations, are approximately four to five nanometers in diameter and are shaped like tiny soccer balls. Scientists from the UCLA School of Dentistry, the UCLA Department of Bioengineering and Northwestern University, along with collaborators at the NanoCarbon Research Institute in Japan, may have found a way to use them to improve bone growth and combat osteonecrosis, a potentially debilitating disease in which bones break down due to reduced blood flow. When osteonecrosis affects the jaw, it can prevent people from eating and speaking; when it occurs near joints, it can restrict or preclude movement. Bone loss also occurs next to implants such as prosthetic joints or teeth, which leads to the implants becoming loose - or failing. Implant failures necessitate additional procedures, which can be painful and expensive, and can jeopardize the function the patient had gained with an implant. These challenges are exacerbated when the disease occurs in the mouth, where there is a limited supply of local bone that can be used to secure the prosthetic tooth, a key consideration for both functional and aesthetic reasons. The study, led by Dr. Dean Ho, professor of oral biology and medicine and co-director of the Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology at the UCLA School of Dentistry, appears online in the peer-reviewed Journal of Dental Research. During bone repair operations, which are typically costly and time-consuming, doctors insert a sponge through invasive surgery to locally administer proteins that promote bone growth, such as bone morphogenic protein. Ho's team discovered that using nanodiamonds to deliver these proteins has the potential to be more effective than the conventional approaches. The study found that nanodiamonds, which are invisible to the human eye, bind rapidly to both bone morphogenetic protein and fibroblast growth factor, demonstrating that the proteins can be simultaneously delivered using one vehicle. The unique surface of the diamonds allows the proteins to be delivered more slowly, which may allow the affected area to be treated for a longer period of time. Furthermore, the nanodiamonds can be administered non-invasively, such as by an injection or an oral rinse. "We've conducted several comprehensive studies, in both cells and animal models, looking at the safety of the nanodiamond particles," said Laura Moore, the first author of the study and an M.D.-Ph.D. student at Northwestern University under the mentorship of Dr. Ho. "Initial studies indicate that they are well tolerated, which further increases their potential in dental and bone repair applications." "Nanodiamonds are versatile platforms," said Ho, who is also professor of bioengineering and a member of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the California NanoSystems Institute. "Because they are useful for delivering such a broad range of therapies, nanodiamonds have the potential to impact several other facets of oral, maxillofacial and orthopedic surgery, as well as regenerative medicine." Ho's team previously showed that nanodiamonds in preclinical models were effective at treating multiple forms of cancer. Because osteonecrosis can be a side effect of chemotherapy, the group decided to examine whether nanodiamonds might help treat the bone loss as well. Results from the new study could open the door for this versatile material to be used to address multiple challenges in drug delivery, regenerative medicine and other fields. "This discovery serves as a foundation for the future of nanotechnology in dentistry, orthopedics and other domains in medicine," said Dr. No-Hee Park, dean of the School of Dentistry. "Dr. Ho and his team have demonstrated the enormous potential of the nanodiamonds toward improving patient care. He is a pioneer in his field."

Arthritis and Your Gums ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 21:56:00 +0000

Does gum disease indicate future joint problems? Although researchers and clinicians have long known about an association between two prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases - periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - the microbiological mechanisms have remained unclear. In an article published in PLoS Pathogens, University of Louisville School of Dentistry Oral Health and Systemic Diseases group researcher Jan Potempa, PhD, DSc, and an international team of scientists from the European Union's Gums and Joints project have uncovered how the bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis worsens RA by leading to earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of the disease, including increased bone and cartilage destruction. The scientists found that P. gingivalis produces a unique enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminanse (PAD) which then enhances collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a form of arthritis similar to RA produced in the lab. PAD changes residues of certain proteins into citrulline, and the body recognizes citullinated proteins as intruders, leading to an immune attack. In RA patients, the subsequent result is chronic inflammation responsible for bone and cartilage destruction within the joints. Potempa and his team studied another oral bacterium, Prevotella intermedia for the same affect, but learned it did not produce PAD, and did not affect CIA. "Taken together, our results suggest that bacterial PAD may constitute the mechanistic link between P. gingivalis periodontal infection and rheumatoid arthritis, but this ground-breaking conclusion will need to be verified with further research," he said. Potempa said he is hopeful these findings will shed new light on the treatment and prevention of RA. Studies indicate that compared to the general population, people with periodontal disease have an increased prevalence of RA and, periodontal disease is at least two times more prevalent in RA patients. Other research has shown that a P. gingivalis infection in the mouth will precede RA, and the bacterium is the likely culprit for onset and continuation of the autoimmune inflammatory responses that occur in the disease.

Pregnancy and Dental Health

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 18:51:00 +0000

When a woman becomes pregnant, she knows it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure both the health of herself and the health of her baby. New clinical recommendations from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the Eurpean Federation of Periodontology (EFP) urge pregnant women to maintain periodontal health as well. Research has indicated that women with periodontal disease may be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such giving birth to a pre-term or low-birth weight baby, reports the AAP and EFP. Periodontal disease is a chronic, bacteria-induced, inflammatory condition that attacks the gum tissue and in more severe cases, the bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can lead to tooth loss and has been associated with other systemic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. "Tenderness, redness, or swollen gums are a few indications of periodontonal disease," warns Dr. Nancy L. Newhouse, DDS, MS, President of the AAP and a practicing periodontist in Independence, Missouri. "Other symptoms include gums that bleed with toothbrushing or eating, gums that are pulling away from the teeth, bad breath, and loose teeth. These signs, especially during pregnancy, should not be ignored and may require treatment from a dental professional." Several research studies have suggested that women with periodontal disease may be more likely to deliver babies prematurely or with low-birth weight than mothers with healthy gums. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies with a birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds may be at risk of long-term health problems such as delayed motor skills, social growth, or learning disabilities. Similar complications are true for babies born at least three weeks earlier than its due date. Other issues associated with pre-term birth include respiratory problems, vision and hearing loss, or feeding and digestive problems. The medical and dental communities concur that maintaining periodontal health is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. The clinical recommendations released by the AAP and the EFP state that non-surgical periodontal therapy is safe for pregnant women, and can result in improved periodontal health. Published concurrently in the Journal of Periodontology and Journal of Clinical Periodontology, the report provides guidelines for both dental and medical professionals to use in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease in pregnant women. In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently released a statement encouraging pregnant women to sustain their oral health and recommended regular dental cleanings during pregnancy. "Routine brushing and flossing, and seeing a periodontist, dentist, or dental hygienist for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation during pregnancy may decrease the chance of adverse pregnancy complications," says Dr. Newhouse. "It is important for expectant mothers to monitor their periodontal health and to have a conversation with their periodontist or dentist about the most appropriate care. By maintaining your periodontal health, you are not only supporting your overall health, but also helping to ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby," says Dr. Newhouse.

Colorectal Cancer Find

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 17:13:00 +0000

Two new studies published this week suggest that a type of gut bacteria found in the mouth may trigger colorectal cancer by influencing the immune response and switching on cancer genes. The researchers believe their findings may lead to more timely and improved ways of diagnosing, preventing, and treating colorectal cancer. Our gut contains trillions of bacteria, vastly outnumbering our own cells. These microbe communities maintain our health by training our immune system and helping us digest food. But they can also trigger disease. There is evidence that an imbalance between the "good" and the "bad" gut bacteria may promote colon cancer. The two new studies, published in the August 14th online issue of the journalCell Host & Microbe, focus on a genus of bacteria called Fusobacteria, and the species F. nucleatum in particular. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer among Americans. Researchers have found Fusobacteria from the mouth are also abundant in tissues from colorectal cancer patients. Our mouths contain millions of bacteria But until this latest research, it was not clear whether these gut microbes actually trigger tumors, and if so, how they do it. In the first study, the researchers found Fusobacteria in benign tumors that can become cancerous over time. This might suggest that they contribute to the early stages of tumor formation. Then, in mice bred to have a human-like form of colorectal cancer, the team found the bacteria sped up tumor formation by summoning a type of immune cell called myeloid cells, which penetrate tumors and trigger inflammations that can lead to cancer. Senior author Wendy Garrett, of the Harvard School of Public Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the US, told the press: "Fusobacteria may provide not only a new way to group or describe colon cancers but also, more importantly, a new perspective on how to target pathways to halt tumor growth and spread."

Its All Soda To Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 12:15:00 +0000

You may be saving calories by drinking diet soda, but when it comes to enamel erosion of your teeth, it's no better than regular soda. In the last 25 years, Kim McFarland, D.D.S., associate professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, has seen an increase in the number of dental patients with erosion of the tooth enamel - the protective layer of the tooth. Once erosion occurs, it can't be reversed and affects people their whole life. "I'd see erosion once in a while 25 years ago but I see much more prevalence nowadays," Dr. McFarland said. "A lot of young people drink massive quantities of soda. It's no surprise we're seeing more sensitivity." Triggers like hot and cold drinks - and even cold air - reach the tooth's nerve and cause pain. Depending on the frequency and amount of soda consumed, the erosion process can be extreme. She said according to the National Soft Drink Association, it's estimated the average American drinks 44 gallons of soda pop a year. Phosphoric and citric acid, which are common ingredients in many popular sodas and diet sodas, alters the pH balance in the mouth and can cause tooth erosion over time. "It can be more harmful than cavities because the damage causes tooth sensitivity," Dr. McFarland said. "If a tooth is decayed a dentist can fix it by placing a filling, but if a tooth is sensitive there is really nothing a dentist can do. "Tooth sensitivity can become a lifetime problem, limiting things we like to drink and even food choices. You could crown all your teeth but that is costly and a rather extreme solution," Dr. McFarland said. "It hurts to consume cold and hot foods and beverages. Some of my patients tell me when they go outside in the winter they don't open their mouth or the cold air causes pain." In addition, a significant number of scientific studies show a relationship between the consumption of soda and enamel erosion and cavities. Dr. McFarland said it's best not to drink soda at all, but she offers tips for those who continue to drink it. • Limit consumption of soda to meal time • Don't drink soda throughout the day • Brush your teeth afterwards -- toothpaste re-mineralizes or strengthens areas where acid weakened the teeth • If tooth brushing is not possible, at least rinse out your mouth with water • Chew sugar free gum or better yet, gum containing Xylitol