Have you ever wondered what is in toothpaste? You may not recognize the names listed on the side of the tube, but ingredients like seaweed and detergent can be found in many toothpastes. According to the ADA, common thickening agents include seaweed colloids, mineral colloids and natural gums. And to create the foaming action most products rely on detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate -- also found in many shampoos and body washes -- that are deemed 100 percent safe and effective by the ADA.
It doesn't matter what brand of toothpaste you use or whether you buy toothpaste to freshen your breath, whiten your teeth or for tartar control. The most important ingredient is fluoride. And though it is tempting to purchase the generic brand to save money, you may be getting an ineffective and a potentially harmful product. You should always look for the ADA seal when choosing a toothpaste. Only the products with the seal have met the standards of safety and effectiveness as set forth by the American Dental Association. To date there are over 50 different brands of toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval.
Choose the toothpaste that you like best. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day along with regular dental visits is the only way to help prevent cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Xylitol - What Is It?
It seems that many products today contain the additive xylitol. But what is it? Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener that is found in birch tree bark, beets, corncobs, raspberries, mushrooms and other natural sources. Its sweetness is equal to that of sugar, but it has about 40 percent fewer calories, making it a popular sugar-free substitute. Xylitol not only cuts calories, it also cuts cavities.
How does it work to prevent cavities?
Xylitol helps prevent Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacterium associated with dental caries, from attaching to teeth and tissues in the mouth. Xylitol cannot be metabolized by bacteria and as a result, the process that creates harmful, enamel-eating acids is drastically reduced. Regular use of xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque - that gunky build-up that forms on your teeth which is the first stage of cavity development, tartar formation, and tooth staining - and promote better oral health.
How often must a person use xylitol for it to be effective?
Studies have shown that Xylitol gum or mints used three to five times daily (for a total intake of 5 grams) is considered optimal. Because frequency and duration of exposure is important, gum should be chewed for approximately five mintues and mints should be allowed to dissolve. Since brushing during the day isn't always an option, I recommend using xylitol containing products immediately after meals and snacks to help reduce palque, inhibit adhesion of bacteria to the teeth, and reduce contact time of sugar on teeth.
Has it been evaluated for safety?
Human consumption of xylitol has been confirmed for safety by a number of agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization's Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, and the European Union's Scientific Committee on Food. Please be aware if you are a pet owner that xylitol is poisonous to dogs.
What products contain xylitol and how do I find them?
Recently xylitol use in many products has become mainstream. Today, xylitol can be found in chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes, candies, and some pharmaceuticals. On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol. Check your local grocery store for items with xylitol and start chewing your way to better oral health.
How does it work to prevent cavities?
Xylitol helps prevent Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacterium associated with dental caries, from attaching to teeth and tissues in the mouth. Xylitol cannot be metabolized by bacteria and as a result, the process that creates harmful, enamel-eating acids is drastically reduced. Regular use of xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque - that gunky build-up that forms on your teeth which is the first stage of cavity development, tartar formation, and tooth staining - and promote better oral health.
How often must a person use xylitol for it to be effective?
Studies have shown that Xylitol gum or mints used three to five times daily (for a total intake of 5 grams) is considered optimal. Because frequency and duration of exposure is important, gum should be chewed for approximately five mintues and mints should be allowed to dissolve. Since brushing during the day isn't always an option, I recommend using xylitol containing products immediately after meals and snacks to help reduce palque, inhibit adhesion of bacteria to the teeth, and reduce contact time of sugar on teeth.
Has it been evaluated for safety?
Human consumption of xylitol has been confirmed for safety by a number of agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization's Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, and the European Union's Scientific Committee on Food. Please be aware if you are a pet owner that xylitol is poisonous to dogs.
What products contain xylitol and how do I find them?
Recently xylitol use in many products has become mainstream. Today, xylitol can be found in chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes, candies, and some pharmaceuticals. On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol. Check your local grocery store for items with xylitol and start chewing your way to better oral health.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sleep Apnea
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects approximately 18 million Americans. It refers to episodes in which a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. With each episode, the sleeper's brain briefly wakes up in order to resume breathing, resulting in extremely fragmented and poor-quality sleep. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work closely with your physician to implement and manage a prescribed therapy.
What are the different types of sleep apnea?
There are two major types of sleep apnea, both of which can severely disrupt the regular sleep cycle. Obstructive apnea: As you sleep, the muslces in the walls of your throat relax to the point where the airway collapses and prevents air from flowing into your nose and mouth, but efforts to breathe continue. This is the most common type. Central Apnea: Breathing interruptions during sleep are caused by problems with the brain mechanisms that control breathing.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
People with sleep apnea usually do not remember waking up during the night. Indications of the problem may include:
Unlike mild snoring, individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing completely for 10 seconds or more, typically between 10 and 60 times in a single night. If your partner hears loud snoring punctuated by silences and then a snort or choking sound as you resume breathing, this pattern could signal sleep apnea.
Why is sleep apnea a concern?
Studies have shown that people with this potentially life-threatning disorder are so fatigued during the day that, when driving, their performance is similar to that of a drunk driver. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to impaired daytime functioning, high blood pressure, heart attack and even stroke.
How can we help?
If we suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, we will refer you to a physician, often a sleep medicine specialist. Diagnosis and treatment is based on your medical history, physical examination, and the results of a polysomnography -- an overnight sleep study, which measures heart rate and how many times breathing is interrupted during sleep. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work closely with your physician to implement and manage your therapy.
What are the treatment options?
If you have mild obstructive sleep apnea, initial treatment may include avoiding sleeping on your back, losing wedight, or cessation of smoking. Dental appliances have been helpful to our patients with mild sleep apnea. If you have severe sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems are commonly prescribed therapy. CPAP delievers air through a small mask that covers the nose, and the constant pressure keeps the airway open, which prevents both snoring and episdoes of apnea. For patients who have trouble tolerating CPAP, other treatments, including surgery, can eliminate sleep apnea symptoms.
Call (801) 465-3233 toschedule an appointment for more information on how we can help you get a better sleep.
Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects approximately 18 million Americans. It refers to episodes in which a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. With each episode, the sleeper's brain briefly wakes up in order to resume breathing, resulting in extremely fragmented and poor-quality sleep. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work closely with your physician to implement and manage a prescribed therapy.
What are the different types of sleep apnea?
There are two major types of sleep apnea, both of which can severely disrupt the regular sleep cycle. Obstructive apnea: As you sleep, the muslces in the walls of your throat relax to the point where the airway collapses and prevents air from flowing into your nose and mouth, but efforts to breathe continue. This is the most common type. Central Apnea: Breathing interruptions during sleep are caused by problems with the brain mechanisms that control breathing.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
People with sleep apnea usually do not remember waking up during the night. Indications of the problem may include:
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability and impaired mental or emotional functioning
- Excessive snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep
- Insomnia
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
Unlike mild snoring, individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing completely for 10 seconds or more, typically between 10 and 60 times in a single night. If your partner hears loud snoring punctuated by silences and then a snort or choking sound as you resume breathing, this pattern could signal sleep apnea.
Why is sleep apnea a concern?
Studies have shown that people with this potentially life-threatning disorder are so fatigued during the day that, when driving, their performance is similar to that of a drunk driver. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to impaired daytime functioning, high blood pressure, heart attack and even stroke.
How can we help?
If we suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, we will refer you to a physician, often a sleep medicine specialist. Diagnosis and treatment is based on your medical history, physical examination, and the results of a polysomnography -- an overnight sleep study, which measures heart rate and how many times breathing is interrupted during sleep. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work closely with your physician to implement and manage your therapy.
What are the treatment options?
If you have mild obstructive sleep apnea, initial treatment may include avoiding sleeping on your back, losing wedight, or cessation of smoking. Dental appliances have been helpful to our patients with mild sleep apnea. If you have severe sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems are commonly prescribed therapy. CPAP delievers air through a small mask that covers the nose, and the constant pressure keeps the airway open, which prevents both snoring and episdoes of apnea. For patients who have trouble tolerating CPAP, other treatments, including surgery, can eliminate sleep apnea symptoms.
Call (801) 465-3233 toschedule an appointment for more information on how we can help you get a better sleep.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Research Supports Link Between Gum Inflammation and Alzheimer's Disease
In a recent article published by the NYU College of Dentistry researchers found that periodontal (gum) disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease in healthy individuals as well as in those who already are cognitively impaired.
The research team was led by Dr. Angela Kamer, Assistant Professor of Periodontolgoy & Implant Dentistry. The article states, "the research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation."
Dr. Kamer's latest findings are based on an analysis of data on periodontal inflammation and cognitive function in 152 subjects. Dr. Kamer examined data spanning a 20-year period ending in 1984, when the subjects were all 70 years of age. The findings were presented by Dr. Kamer at the 2010 annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research July 16, in Barcelona, Spain.
Dr. Kamer used the Digit Symbol Tests, or DST, a part of the standard measurement of adult IQ to measure cognitive function at ages 50 and 70. He states that subjects with periodontal inflammation were nine times more likely to test in the lower range of DST scores compared to subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation.
This recent evidence suggests that regular check-ups with your dentist and professional cleanings could lead to decreasing the risks and symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease in individuals over the age of 50.
Dr. Kamer plans to conduct a follow-up study involving a larger, more ethnically diverse group of subjects, to further examine the connection between periodontal disease and low cognition.
The research team was led by Dr. Angela Kamer, Assistant Professor of Periodontolgoy & Implant Dentistry. The article states, "the research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation."
Dr. Kamer's latest findings are based on an analysis of data on periodontal inflammation and cognitive function in 152 subjects. Dr. Kamer examined data spanning a 20-year period ending in 1984, when the subjects were all 70 years of age. The findings were presented by Dr. Kamer at the 2010 annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research July 16, in Barcelona, Spain.
Dr. Kamer used the Digit Symbol Tests, or DST, a part of the standard measurement of adult IQ to measure cognitive function at ages 50 and 70. He states that subjects with periodontal inflammation were nine times more likely to test in the lower range of DST scores compared to subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation.
This recent evidence suggests that regular check-ups with your dentist and professional cleanings could lead to decreasing the risks and symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease in individuals over the age of 50.
Dr. Kamer plans to conduct a follow-up study involving a larger, more ethnically diverse group of subjects, to further examine the connection between periodontal disease and low cognition.
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