The Canary Dental System uses a safe, low-power handheld laser to detect very small areas of tooth decay.

Created by University of Toronto Professor Andreas Mandelis and dentist Dr. Stephen Abrams, with support from Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), this laser is non-invasive and incredibly accurate. It can detect tooth decay a fraction of a millimetre in depth and up to five millimeters below a tooth’s surface.

This gives dentists a chance to halt or reverse the early stages of decay with re-mineralization techniques which are far less invasive, expensive and painful than needles and fillings.

Quantum was formed painlessly when Dr. Mandelis found himself in Dr. Abrams’ dentist chair, discussing conventional dental methods. Dr. Abrams was frustrated with the reactive approach dentists took when dealing with cavities, especially with younger patients.

“It was so annoying to treat cavities rather than prevent them,” said Dr. Abrams. “My thoughts evolved from ‘Why do I need to wait until it’s become a large filling that can be detected and fixed,’ to ‘What if we found it early enough so that we can re-mineralize it?’”

Currently undergoing clinical testing, the Canary Dental System should be market-ready by this fall, and that should give dentists and patients something to smile about.

- News Canada

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The 21st century teen values a healthy smile. New options in braces like Invisalign Teen make straightening teeth easy while being virtually invisible.

New 21st century orthodontic solutions

(ARA) – For the 21st century teen, a great smile isn’t just for school photos, it’s an everyday accessory that’s seen on their Facebook and MySpace pages, during IM sessions, on cell phones and more. It’s no wonder today’s tweens and teens want to put their best smile forward. So as a parent, how can you help?

First, understand that technology has made a big difference in teeth straightening for teens. Metal braces are gradually being replaced by more advanced, subtle options that are an ideal fit for kids’ active, social lifestyles — good news for teenagers who are already self-conscious about their appearance.

“Braces are dramatically different today compared to 10 years ago because today’s teens are far more socially aware, technologically savvy, face a greater degree of stress as they work to achieve educational goals and are involved in a variety of active sports and performing arts,” says Calif.-based orthodontist, Dr. David Boschken. “There’s no room for them to be sidelined with broken braces, or to even be distracted by the discomfort sometimes associated with fixed braces of any kind.”

Boschken explains that removable braces, like Invisalign Teen, are fast becoming a popular choice. The system uses a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit. Because the aligners can be removed, kids can eat, brush and floss as they would normally. Teens can smile with confidence while straightening their teeth since this treatment, unlike traditional metal braces, is virtually invisible.

Over one million people have made Invisalign their treatment of choice for achieving a beautiful smile. The new teen system adds special features that give parents peace of mind, like a blue dot wear indicator that is designed to fade from blue to clear, so parents can gauge whether their teen is wearing their aligners as much as they should be. Although the cost is about the same as traditional braces, the time savings can be invaluable for busy parents and teens with fewer office visits, no emergency trips for broken wires and shorter appointments.

Boschken offers some additional oral care tips to help active teenagers achieve and maintain a healthy smile:

1. Practice good oral hygiene now to reap long-term health benefits.
Help educate your teen about the risks of poor oral hygiene and gum disease, which has been linked to a range of serious general health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and low energy levels (not to mention bad breath). Make sure your teen brushes at least twice a day. Flossing is also important — especially in cases where teeth are crowded — to remove the plaque between teeth that is not removed with regular brushing. Finish with a fluoride mouthwash to help kill germs and keep tooth enamel strong.

2. Care for your braces.
No matter what type of braces your teen has, make sure they clean their teeth regularly to achieve the best possible results. Remind them to brush often and floss once daily between brackets for those with metal braces, or simply remove the clear aligners to brush and floss.

3. Visit the dentist regularly.
Even for today’s busy teens, it’s important to schedule regular dental appointments and teeth cleanings. Like adults, children and teens should visit their dentist every six months for a check-up. If your teen is experiencing any problems, more frequent visits may be necessary.

4. Visit an orthodontic specialist early.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Most patients begin orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 16, but some problems may be easier to correct if treated early.

“Between school, sports, social media and friends, teenagers today want a great smile so they can make a lasting impression,” concludes Boschken. “From new choices in braces, to advanced oral-care products, today’s teenagers have more lifestyle-friendly options than ever before.”

To find an Invisalign Teen-trained orthodontist in your area, go to www.invisalignteen.com/healthysmile.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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White teeth, bright smile- these are things that help make us attractive, make us sexy. We pay nearly anything to get it, from expensive dental procedures to the latest in herbal health care. There are two schools of thought out there, when it comes to teeth whitening: naturally and chemically. The natural way of teeth whitening is…well…natural. No bleaches, no possible side-effects and no pain. The chemical method of whitening teeth can be less expensive, less time-consuming and more pleasant for you and your mouth. Here are a few options for both:

Naturally Natural White Teeth

A lot of the natural remedies can be cost-effective, like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. There’s also bamboo powder, if you can find it. Or lemons and strawberries, though with strawberries the seasonal element could make it difficult. Silica is one of the best whiteners, and it doesn’t rub your enamel raw- which some bleaches do. Sodium chloride or calcium carbonate are also used by some, but again, the availability can make it difficult. Some other downsides to whitening your teeth naturally are that lemons and strawberries are acidic- eroding tooth enamel- and the flavor isn’t as pleasant as fresh, minty toothpaste. It also takes a long time, so you need patience.

Blinding Bright White Teeth, Man-Made

For an ‘artificially’ white smile, it’s a time-effective solution to getting white teeth. The prices range from inexpensive (whitening toothpaste) to fairly expensive (porcelain veneers), which can be off-putting for budgeters. The whitening toothpastes are like one-stop shopping though: they include sodium chloride, calcium carbonate or silica in combinations, without the hassle of chasing down each one. The whitening process of getting your teeth bleached at the dentist has instant results, with long-term whitening effects and very little effort on your part. And bleaching at home combines cost-effectiveness with white teeth over a much shorter time than naturally whitening your teeth.

It’s nice having both options available to us for whitening our teeth. When choosing, there’s pretty much just one question you should ask yourself: which do I have more of, time or money?

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There are many links between periodontal disease (perio) and ones general health. More and more information from researchers all over the world comes in daily. Just recently, new studies by the University of Michigan Endometriosis Center reported the possibility that there is an association. Both are immune response impairments. In the study, women with endometriosis had a 57% higher likelihood of having perio issues than those without endometriosis. Over 4000 women were used in the study.

Endometriosis is an issue found in women of childbearing age. It is the thickening of the outside of the uterus, often causing pain, abnormal bleeding and sometimes infertility. There is no known conclusive cause for endometriosis. There are a number of treatments; each depending on age and desire to become pregnant. The treatments may involve medications such as pain relievers, hormone treatment, oral contraceptives and others. Surgery is another option for severe cases or in those treating infertility.

Periodontal disease is a chronic infectious inflammation found in the mouth. The word comes from “peri” meaning around and “dontal” meaning tooth. Eighty percent of all adults have had some degree of the disease. Perio infection (affecting soft tissue) and tooth decay (affecting hard tissue) are the most prevalent diseases on the planet earth, however, because it’s in the mouth, out-of-sight, it is often put out-of-mind. Symptoms include swollen gums, loose teeth, painful chewing, bleeding gums. However, some people have no outward symptoms. A dentist can determine if periodontal disease or gingivitis exists and to what extent.

The reason for the possible link is not clear. The researchers at University of Michigan concluded, “Although it is conceivable that the multifactorial development of endometriosis may be augmented by an immune response to an infectious agent, the potential underlying link between endometriosis and periodontal disease may be a generalized, global immune dysregulation.” References: (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18394619)

Even though the study was not conclusive (most studies are not), it is just another indication that perio disease affects the whole body, not just the mouth. It is critical that women visit a dentist for regular six month check-ups and cleanings. If perio disease is present, it is also imperative that treatment be started. And most important, impeccable home oral care is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy. The evidence points to reducing the risk of stroke by taking care of your mouth.

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More and more evidence points to the relationship between strokes and periodontal (perio) disease. Studies in the Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Luigi Sacco, Milan, Italy have reported that the thickness of the carotid arteries was reduced after treatment for mild to moderate gum disease.
 
Strokes are caused by blockage in a blood vessel (most common) or bleeding of a vessel. The studies that were conducted showing a link between strokes and periodontal issues were those strokes caused by blockages. These occur when there is a thickening of the carotid and other arteries. Deposits of calcium and cholesterol – that are in blood vessels and arteries – break off and block the blood from reaching the brain. (The deposits are often referred to as plaque deposits. This is not to be confused with periodontal plaque.)
 
The bacteria found in periodontal disease are the perpetrator. The protein in the bacteria is similar to that found in periodontal disease. While the bacteria are in the mouth, the body sets up a defense mechanism to attack the disease. The chemical given off by the body first attacks the periodontal disease then attacks the proteins in the blood vessels. This in turn builds up the deposits in the arteries. When the fatty substances break off the lining of the blood vessels they can travel to the brain and block the blood, causing the stroke.
 
There are about 800,000 strokes in the US each year, with over 140,000 deaths. It is the third leading cause of death. Strokes strike both men and women and can occur at any age.
 
Perio disease is a chronic infection of the soft tissue around the teeth. The gum tissue is destroyed and pockets are formed around the tooth. Symptoms include loose teeth, deep pockets, bad breath that won’t go away, painful or bleeding gums and red or swollen gums. There are no symptoms in the early stages of periodontitis. Professional dental visits are necessary to insure the disease is caught early. Periodontitis is caused by the plaque (in this case dental plaque) build up from not keeping the area around the teeth and in between teeth clean.
There are risk factors for stroke that one cannot control. These include age, gender, and family history. There are risk factors, however, that can be controlled. One factor is periodontal disease. This can be managed successfully by individuals. Although oral surgical procedures may be necessary for severe cases, most treatment requires good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association (http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp) recommends brushing teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and professional cleanings twice a year.
 
The National Center for Biotechnology Information who published the study showing the link between strokes and periodontal disease, reported that the thickening of the carotid arteries “are positively influenced by periodontal treatment.” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19074511?dopt=Abstract)
 
This information reinforces the belief that many in the dental profession have known for years, that there is a significant link between oral health and overall health.

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Chances are high that you will have periodontal disease or gum disease in your lifetime. Over 80% of adults do. With those odds, it may seem inevitable that you will have it, but why not be in the 20% that don’t? You can, all it takes is diligent, thorough and proper oral care.  

First – THE DESCRIPTION: periodontal disease is the chronic infection of the soft tissue around the teeth caused by plaque producing bacteria. The gums hold the teeth in place. As the gums become infected, they loosen their hold on the teeth and pockets are formed. These pockets collect debris and cause more infection and bone loss to the tooth. Imagine the tooth as a fence post in the ground, cemented in place. The post starts out sturdy and strong with no movement. The cement is doing its job. Now imagine that chemicals (from acid rain or blowing debris or winter salt trucks) start to erode the cement. Soon the post becomes wobbly and the wood under the ground starts to rot. The cement in this example is the gum tissue and the post is the tooth. Unfortunately, gum disease is worse than one rotting fence post. It is infectious and contagious. It can spread from tooth to tooth in the mouth and from one person’s mouth to another through saliva.  

Second – THE SYMPTOMS: This is not so easy. Often gum disease has no symptoms so it is left untreated until it becomes so bad irreparable bone loss occurs. Outward signs of periodontitis are:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums especially after tooth brushing
• Tender or sore gums
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums

 Third – THE DIAGNOSIS: During regular six month cleanings, a dentist can diagnose periodontal disease in its very early stages. Xrays determine if any bone loss has occurred. Periodontal probing determines the depth of the pockets or space that the gums have loosened around the tooth. High levels of plaque or tartar build up that have spread to below the gum line is another indication.  

Fourth – THE TREATMENT: If you have perio issues, there are several steps that a dentist may recommend depending on the severity of the case. The most important action is meticulous at home daily oral care. Teeth must be brushed twice or more times each day for at least two minutes and flossed at least once per day. Other treatments include prescription oral rinses, three month perio cleanings, scaling and root planing (SRP) and surgery.  

Last but not least – PREVENTION: The most important preventative measure to avoid the insidious gum disease is to take excellent care of your teeth. Proper cleaning at least twice a day is imperative. The goal is to keep the bacteria that cause the plaque at very low levels.   Not everyone gets gum disease, make sure you are among those that don’t.

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Respiratory infections can be caught at any time of the year. The standard advice for the prevention of these sicknesses is to wash your hands and keep your immune system healthy by eating properly and exercising regularly. Washing your hands is one way of keeping the hundreds of different bacteria and viruses from getting into your system. Individuals with lower immune systems are more susceptible to infections, since your immune system helps to defend the body, if and when a virus slips in.

In addition to the standard advice, a less publicized approach to healthy living and avoiding a respiratory infection is to keep your teeth clean. Here’s why:

1.   There are 400-500 species of bacteria that live in your mouth. Viruses can use bacteria as “factories” to grow and multiply. If a virus makes its way into your mouth (usually from touching your hands to your mouth or biting your nails), the fewer bacteria in your mouth, the less likely the virus will grow.

2.  Periodontal disease is caused by plaque producing bacteria. The body in defense of the periodontal disease releases cytokines. These cytokines trigger your blood-making organs to constantly fight or defend themselves, thus weakening the body’s immune system to fight other infections.

3.  Periodontal disease is a potential contributing factor for respiratory diseases, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

The bacteria that cause periodontal disease and are taxing your immune system are breeding right now in the perfect environment of your mouth. They love the cozy, moist, dark, warm and acidic ecosystem, which is constantly being fed by carbohydrates. The areas between the teeth are particularly good breeding grounds because the damaging bacteria thrive in the absence of oxygen. The bacteria grow rapidly – actually doubling their count every hour. There are more bacteria in your mouth than people on the planet Earth. The excrement or bi-product of the bacteria is what forms the sticky film that is a constant challenge to remove and what is called plaque.

Symptoms of periodontal infection are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. Some of the symptoms include: bad breath that will not go away, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or sensitive teeth. A dentist can diagnose the disease in the early stages, prior to individuals realizing they have it. Because 85% of the population have some degree of periodontal disease, it is extremely important to get regular dental check ups. Professional cleanings at a dental office are recommended every six months. Periodontal disease is the most widespread disease on earth.

Visiting a dentist is only one half of the prevention equation. Daily home care is as important. Periodontal disease is prevented by thoroughly cleaning your teeth, requiring the removal of the resilient bacteria. A toothbrush does a good job in removing the bacteria from the high spots, but unfortunately, not in between teeth. In addition, most conscientious individuals who try to do a “better” job at cleaning their teeth, end up with toothbrush abrasion. This ridge between the tooth and gum line expose the root. The area then is sensitive to hot, cold, sweets and acids, and requires composites that must be repeatedly replaced.

Flossing is important both in the prevention and the control of periodontal disease according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Because it is a laborious task to floss, most people don’t. The ADA reported that only about 5% of the population actually flosses. In addition, only 18 – 35% of the plaque between teeth is removed when one does floss, according to The Journal of Clinical Periodontology. Flossing can also move the contagious periodontal disease from an infected site to an uninfected site. Although oral irrigators are meant to replace flossing, they can’t cut through plaque’s sticky biofilm since they only use water.

Once afflicted, patients with periodontal disease control it by a disciplined and meticulous oral cleaning regimen, both at the dental office and at home. Professional treatment may require below the gum line scraping, three-month check ups instead of the traditional six-month, and a prescription oral rinse.

Oral health is critical to total health. There is evidence that point to a link between periodontal disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), among which is emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Sixteen million Americans suffer from COPD and it is the 6^th leading cause of mortality in the US. Studies published in the Journal of Periodontology found that patients with periodontal disease have a 1.5x greater risk of COPD.

The American Academy of Periodontology reported that, “Bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lung to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease.” The bacteria that are multiplying in the mouth are not only being used as factories for the viruses but are also being breathed into the susceptible lungs.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests that there are over 1 billion respiratory infections each year in the US. Avoid illness – wash your hands, keep them out of your mouth, eat healthy, exercise AND clean your teeth.

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(ARA) – With the economy taking a nose dive, Americans are cutting back on spending — from food and travel to even medical treatments. Both health care and dental care are taking a back seat to more urgent needs.

According to a recent survey by Cigna, a leading provider of health benefits, 41 percent of Americans are taking worse care of their health because of the economy. In fact, nearly half of Americans report that someone in their household has skipped necessary health care in the past year due to the cost, according to a recent Kaiser Foundation Poll. A recent study published in “Health Services Research” found that an increase in unemployment may be associated with fewer preventive care visits.

Even though times are tough, it is still important to take care of your body, particularly your oral health. With 92 percent of adults ages 20 to 64 experiencing dental caries — which can lead to cavities — in their permanent teeth at some point in their lives, proper oral care routines and preventive dental care visits are more essential than ever for achieving a cleaner, healthier mouth.

New York-based dentist Dr. Gregg Lituchy advises “include a fluoride rinse in your daily oral care routine to help protect your teeth against cavities. I recommend my patients use an anti-cavity fluoride rinse that delivers multiple benefits, such as Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash from the makers of Listerine Antiseptic, a product that has been trusted for more than 100 years and has more than 50 clinical studies supporting its safety and efficacy.”

Dr. Lituchy offers four easy tips to help reduce the risk of oral care problems and maintain a beautiful smile — without hurting your wallet:

* Multitask. Rinse your mouth with an anti-cavity mouthwash while you’re washing your face.

* Avoid sticky situations. Foods that stick to your teeth create an environment for bacteria to thrive, so the best strategy is to brush your teeth after meals and snacks.

* Don’t skip your dental check-ups. Visiting your dental professional at least twice a year is the best way to maintain good oral health and detect problems early on that could cause you more economic pain in the future.

* Technique matters. Learn the proper way to brush and floss. Ask your dental professional or visit the American Dental Association Web site, www.ada.org, which offers educational tutorial videos.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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“Over 100 million Americans do not have dental insurance. Thousands seek help at free dental care clinics that are often overwhelmed with the high demand for their services. Seth Doane reports.”

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“I tell my clients that they are not going to see drastic changes in their weight and appearance over night. So it is important to stay motivated by adopting smaller, easy habits that give them the reward of feeling more healthy and beautiful along the way,” says Lyons who just released her new book, “Your Body, Your Life.”

Here she offers some unique tips to help you shape up inside and out:

* Take notes – Purchase a small notebook that fits in your purse or briefcase, and get in the habit of keeping a “compliment journal.” Record compliments you receive and browse through it once a day for motivation to stick to your healthy, beautiful habits.

* Brush up – Just like your body, your smile should be not only beautiful on the outside but healthy on the inside too. Try new Crest Healthy Radiance, a system of daily fluoride toothpaste and weekly deep clean strips that strengthen enamel below the surface and deep clean to whiten. It whitens four times better than the leading whitening toothpaste for results that will motivate you to keep going.

* Weigh in – After you start your fitness program, step on the scale one time each week to monitor your progress. You will be able to track your progress and remind yourself that you are getting there.

* Choose one – If getting healthy seems too overwhelming, pick one small bad habit and focus on eliminating it for one week. Then pick another for the next week. Do this for 12 weeks and before you know it you will have twelve new healthy habits.

* Celebrate – Take time to reward yourself for your healthy habits each week. When you reach a major goal, take a day off and go to the beach or treat yourself to an evening out.

Adopting these simple routines will keep you feeling healthy on the inside and beautiful on the outside from start to finish of your fitness program.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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