The old wives' tale 'for every child the mother loses a tooth' has some validity, a New York University dental professor has found
The old wives tale "for every child the mother loses a tooth" has some validity, a New York University dental professor has found.
Women who have more children are more likely to have missing teeth, according to a nationwide study of 2,635 women by Dr. Stefanie Russell, an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology & Health Promotion, which was published today on the Web site of the American Journal of Public Health.
Dr. Russell’s conclusions are based on information on white and black non-Hispanic women ages 18-64 who reported at least one pregnancy in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative study of the U.S. population.
“This is the first time we’ve seen a connection between pregnancy and tooth loss affecting women at all socioeconomic levels in a large, heterogeneous sample of the U.S. population,” Dr. Russell remarked.
Profound biological and behavioral changes related to pregnancy and child birth are likely to be a factor in tooth loss, according to Dr. Russell. For example:
Pregnancy can make women prone to gingivitis (gum inflammation). Repeated pregnancies are likely to result in more frequent outbreaks of gingivitis that may lead to tooth loss in women with periodontitis.
A woman may postpone seeking dental treatment because of financial concerns related to having children.
Caring for more children may lead a mother to cut back on the time she devotes to her own oral health.
“Although further research is needed on the specific reasons for the link between pregnancy and tooth loss, it is clear that women with multiple children need to be especially vigilant about their oral health,” Dr. Russell says.
“We, as a society, need to be more aware of the challenges that women with children may face in getting access to dental care. That means offering these women the resources and support they need – which can be as simple as making sure a working mother gets time off from work to see the dentist.”
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Dental implants preferred option for aging bridges
Replace those bridges to nowhere
Aging dental bridges are a maintenance headache and a recipe for oral-health disaster. They are difficult to floss, often decay, and require replacement with longer bridges. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), these bridges to nowhere should be replaced with permanent dental implants.
"Many of us have had the same bridges in our mouths for twenty years or more. They were put in at a time when bridgework was considered to be the norm for replacing missing or compromised teeth," said Olivia Palmer, DMD of Charleston, SC, an associate fellow of AAID and diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology.
"An old bridge is basically worthless for preserving good dental health. In essence, it's a bridge to nowhere," Palmer said. "So why keep a bridge to nowhere? For most patients, implants are a much better treatment alternative because they preserve the bone of the jaw, can be flossed easily, do not decay, and function just like natural teeth. Also, to get implants you don't have to sacrifice healthy teeth, which is required with bridgework," she added.
According to AAID President Jaime Lozada, DDS, director, graduate program, implant dentistry, Loma Linda University, in the last decade prosthodontic treatment planning has changed dramatically because of the acceptance of dental implants as a viable long-term option for replacing missing teeth. "Why consider higher risk procedures when dental implants are more predictable and a better alternative," he said.
Palmer explained that bridges generally fail after 5-10 years as patients have trouble flossing them. "Because these bridges link missing tooth spaces to adjacent teeth, many patients find it very difficult to floss the bridge. Therefore, root surfaces below and around bridgework often decay, if not kept meticulously clean by flossing. It is impossible to repair this marginal decay, so the entire bridge must be replaced," she explained.
Palmer added that, as a result, teeth supporting the old bridge often are lost, requiring insertion of longer bridges that further compromise dentition.
Today highly precise computer guided dental implant surgery has made the procedure faster, highly predicable, long-lasting and 97 percent successful, which is far superior to outcomes with bridges. Palmer, therefore, advises anyone with one or more missing teeth who might consider having a first bridge inserted or replacing an old one to weigh the benefits of implants before getting treatment.
"Many Baby Boomers are coping with dental problems associated with advancing age, and for most that means replacing aging bridgework," said Palmer. "With an estimated two of three Americans having at least one missing tooth, implants are becoming the preferred tooth-replacement option. Implant surgery is one of the safest, most precise and predictable procedures in dentistry," she said.
Aging dental bridges are a maintenance headache and a recipe for oral-health disaster. They are difficult to floss, often decay, and require replacement with longer bridges. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), these bridges to nowhere should be replaced with permanent dental implants.
"Many of us have had the same bridges in our mouths for twenty years or more. They were put in at a time when bridgework was considered to be the norm for replacing missing or compromised teeth," said Olivia Palmer, DMD of Charleston, SC, an associate fellow of AAID and diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology.
"An old bridge is basically worthless for preserving good dental health. In essence, it's a bridge to nowhere," Palmer said. "So why keep a bridge to nowhere? For most patients, implants are a much better treatment alternative because they preserve the bone of the jaw, can be flossed easily, do not decay, and function just like natural teeth. Also, to get implants you don't have to sacrifice healthy teeth, which is required with bridgework," she added.
According to AAID President Jaime Lozada, DDS, director, graduate program, implant dentistry, Loma Linda University, in the last decade prosthodontic treatment planning has changed dramatically because of the acceptance of dental implants as a viable long-term option for replacing missing teeth. "Why consider higher risk procedures when dental implants are more predictable and a better alternative," he said.
Palmer explained that bridges generally fail after 5-10 years as patients have trouble flossing them. "Because these bridges link missing tooth spaces to adjacent teeth, many patients find it very difficult to floss the bridge. Therefore, root surfaces below and around bridgework often decay, if not kept meticulously clean by flossing. It is impossible to repair this marginal decay, so the entire bridge must be replaced," she explained.
Palmer added that, as a result, teeth supporting the old bridge often are lost, requiring insertion of longer bridges that further compromise dentition.
Today highly precise computer guided dental implant surgery has made the procedure faster, highly predicable, long-lasting and 97 percent successful, which is far superior to outcomes with bridges. Palmer, therefore, advises anyone with one or more missing teeth who might consider having a first bridge inserted or replacing an old one to weigh the benefits of implants before getting treatment.
"Many Baby Boomers are coping with dental problems associated with advancing age, and for most that means replacing aging bridgework," said Palmer. "With an estimated two of three Americans having at least one missing tooth, implants are becoming the preferred tooth-replacement option. Implant surgery is one of the safest, most precise and predictable procedures in dentistry," she said.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Licorice extract is new treatment for canker sores
What common oral condition appears as shallow ulcers of different sizes, affects one in five Americans, can be caused by food allergies and hormonal changes, and also can cause severe mouth pain? Commonly referred to as “canker sores,” recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) now can be treated by an extract in licorice root herbal extract, according to a study published in the March/April 2008 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.
The authors examined the effects of an over-the-counter medicated adhesive patch (with extract from the licorice root) for treatment of RAU versus no treatment. After seven days of treatment, ulcer size in the group who received the adhesive patch with licorice extract was significantly lower, while ulcer size in the no-treatment group had increased 13 percent.
Licorice root extract was used as a prescribed treatment for gastric ulcers until the 1970s, according to the study. In its original form, licorice root extract has a very strong taste. However, when combined with a self-adhering, time-release, dissolving oral patch, the taste is mild and pleasant.
Among the causes of canker sores, a genetic predisposition might be the biggest cause, says Michael Martin, DMD, PhD, lead author of the study. “When both parents have a history of canker sores, the likelihood of their children developing them can be as high as 90 percent,” he says.
The most serious side effect of canker sores is sharp pain in the mouth, which can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and affect their eating, drinking or speech. Dr. Martin revealed that “in addition to speeding healing of the canker sores, the adhesive patch helped to reduce pain after just three days of treatment.”
Those who experience canker sores on a regular basis can visit their dentist for treatment techniques. “Dentists can give patients the proper medication and treatment options to seal the lesions, which will prevent further infection,” says Eric Shapira, DDS, MAGD, AGD spokesperson and expert on alternative medicine. “Also, increasing vitamins and other herbs, such as Vitamin C and zinc, can help treat canker sores because they help to regenerate tissue cells,” Dr. Shapira adds.
Common causes of canker sores:
Local trauma and stress
Diet and food allergies
Hormonal changes
Use of certain medications
Common treatments of canker sores:
Antimicrobial mouthwashes
Local painkillers
Over-the-counter remedies (oral adhesive patches, liquids and gels)
The authors examined the effects of an over-the-counter medicated adhesive patch (with extract from the licorice root) for treatment of RAU versus no treatment. After seven days of treatment, ulcer size in the group who received the adhesive patch with licorice extract was significantly lower, while ulcer size in the no-treatment group had increased 13 percent.
Licorice root extract was used as a prescribed treatment for gastric ulcers until the 1970s, according to the study. In its original form, licorice root extract has a very strong taste. However, when combined with a self-adhering, time-release, dissolving oral patch, the taste is mild and pleasant.
Among the causes of canker sores, a genetic predisposition might be the biggest cause, says Michael Martin, DMD, PhD, lead author of the study. “When both parents have a history of canker sores, the likelihood of their children developing them can be as high as 90 percent,” he says.
The most serious side effect of canker sores is sharp pain in the mouth, which can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and affect their eating, drinking or speech. Dr. Martin revealed that “in addition to speeding healing of the canker sores, the adhesive patch helped to reduce pain after just three days of treatment.”
Those who experience canker sores on a regular basis can visit their dentist for treatment techniques. “Dentists can give patients the proper medication and treatment options to seal the lesions, which will prevent further infection,” says Eric Shapira, DDS, MAGD, AGD spokesperson and expert on alternative medicine. “Also, increasing vitamins and other herbs, such as Vitamin C and zinc, can help treat canker sores because they help to regenerate tissue cells,” Dr. Shapira adds.
Common causes of canker sores:
Local trauma and stress
Diet and food allergies
Hormonal changes
Use of certain medications
Common treatments of canker sores:
Antimicrobial mouthwashes
Local painkillers
Over-the-counter remedies (oral adhesive patches, liquids and gels)
Premature tooth loss affects oral health for years
The prospect of exchanging a tooth for that coveted reward from the tooth fairy often has kids wiggling teeth with vigor, but what happens when a primary or permanent tooth is lost prematurely due to trauma? According to a study published in the March/April 2008 issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal, parents and caretakers more often than not do not know what to do with a traumatically affected tooth and do not take proper steps to respond to the injury, which can affect their child’s oral health permanently.
Two kinds of traumatic tooth loss can occur during childhood: The child can lose a primary (baby) tooth prematurely, or they can lose a permanent tooth. “With primary or “baby” teeth [the mistake parents or caretakers make] is that they often don’t believe that the loss of a primary tooth is especially important since a permanent tooth is supposed to come in and replace it anyway,” says AGD spokesperson, Tom A. Howley, Jr., DDS, MAGD. It is important to keep baby teeth because they maintain the spacing for permanent teeth. Keeping baby teeth in place will also increase the likelihood that permanent teeth come in straight.
According to the study’s lead author, Lucianne Cople Maia, DDS, MSD, PhD, another mistake parents and caretakers make is that they believe it can always be replanted. In some cases, the tooth can be splinted back in; however, treatment still should be sought for a prematurely lost primary tooth. The area where a tooth has been lost “should be checked for bone fractures or other damage,” among other concerns, explains Dr. Howley.
When it comes to the loss of a permanent tooth, parents and caretakers often delay in seeking treatment and/or fail to store the tooth properly en route to the hospital. AGD spokesperson Mark Donald, DMD, FAGD, explains that “the chance for success is directly related to the amount of trauma and the length of time the tooth is outside of the oral cavity. The tooth should be placed in a moist solution like milk while en route to the dentist.” Dr. Maia adds that “the ideal time between tooth loss and replantation is a period no longer than 30 minutes.”
Young children tend to lose permanent teeth prematurely the most, according to the study, due to the fact their tooth roots and gums are still developing. Parents need to be aware “that as a child becomes active, the chances of trauma to teeth will increase,” says Dr. Donald. “If and when trauma to the oral cavity occurs, the parent should get their child to the dentist as quickly as possible. “As the child begins playing sports, make sure the child wears a protective mouth guard as a safeguard to traumatic blows to the teeth,” he advises.
Parents can prepare for potential dental trauma by creating an emergency care kit that includes the dentist’s phone numbers (home and office), saline solution, a handkerchief, gauze, a small container with a lid, and ibuprofen. It is not advised to include aspirin, since it can cause excessive bleeding in an emergency.
Proper response to a traumatically affected tooth:
Remain calm and assess the injury.
Control the bleeding.
Determine if the injury involves more that just tooth loss and needs medical attention.
Call and arrange for professional care by the child’s dentist.
If the loss tooth is a permanent tooth, first make sure it is clean by rinsing it off with milk and replant it immediately. Hold it in place en route to receiving professional care. If it is impossible to replant the tooth, ask the dentist what medium to store the tooth in. The possibilities range from water, milk or the child’s saliva. Let the dentist give directions on which solution to use.
Two kinds of traumatic tooth loss can occur during childhood: The child can lose a primary (baby) tooth prematurely, or they can lose a permanent tooth. “With primary or “baby” teeth [the mistake parents or caretakers make] is that they often don’t believe that the loss of a primary tooth is especially important since a permanent tooth is supposed to come in and replace it anyway,” says AGD spokesperson, Tom A. Howley, Jr., DDS, MAGD. It is important to keep baby teeth because they maintain the spacing for permanent teeth. Keeping baby teeth in place will also increase the likelihood that permanent teeth come in straight.
According to the study’s lead author, Lucianne Cople Maia, DDS, MSD, PhD, another mistake parents and caretakers make is that they believe it can always be replanted. In some cases, the tooth can be splinted back in; however, treatment still should be sought for a prematurely lost primary tooth. The area where a tooth has been lost “should be checked for bone fractures or other damage,” among other concerns, explains Dr. Howley.
When it comes to the loss of a permanent tooth, parents and caretakers often delay in seeking treatment and/or fail to store the tooth properly en route to the hospital. AGD spokesperson Mark Donald, DMD, FAGD, explains that “the chance for success is directly related to the amount of trauma and the length of time the tooth is outside of the oral cavity. The tooth should be placed in a moist solution like milk while en route to the dentist.” Dr. Maia adds that “the ideal time between tooth loss and replantation is a period no longer than 30 minutes.”
Young children tend to lose permanent teeth prematurely the most, according to the study, due to the fact their tooth roots and gums are still developing. Parents need to be aware “that as a child becomes active, the chances of trauma to teeth will increase,” says Dr. Donald. “If and when trauma to the oral cavity occurs, the parent should get their child to the dentist as quickly as possible. “As the child begins playing sports, make sure the child wears a protective mouth guard as a safeguard to traumatic blows to the teeth,” he advises.
Parents can prepare for potential dental trauma by creating an emergency care kit that includes the dentist’s phone numbers (home and office), saline solution, a handkerchief, gauze, a small container with a lid, and ibuprofen. It is not advised to include aspirin, since it can cause excessive bleeding in an emergency.
Proper response to a traumatically affected tooth:
Remain calm and assess the injury.
Control the bleeding.
Determine if the injury involves more that just tooth loss and needs medical attention.
Call and arrange for professional care by the child’s dentist.
If the loss tooth is a permanent tooth, first make sure it is clean by rinsing it off with milk and replant it immediately. Hold it in place en route to receiving professional care. If it is impossible to replant the tooth, ask the dentist what medium to store the tooth in. The possibilities range from water, milk or the child’s saliva. Let the dentist give directions on which solution to use.
Temporary dentures improve patients' health
As people begin to realize how their appearance may influence their social life, many are turning to alternative methods to perfect their smile. Temporary dentures are not only economically feasible to wear while waiting for a permanent denture, but they can also aid in a person’s overall health and restore a fading smile, according to a study from the January/February 2008 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer reviewed journal.
“A smile serves as an individual’s most powerful tool,” says AGD spokesperson Laura Murcko, DMD. “A great smile can make great, lasting impression, boost a person’s self-esteem and confidence as well as improve their overall health.”
However, each year in the United States, over 20 million teeth are extracted, leaving scores of people with imperfect and sometimes devastating smiles. A recent online survey of more than 1,100 AGD members revealed that more than 86 percent of dentists reported that their patients deemed social embarrassment as a problem associated with tooth loss.
“Unsightly gaps in the mouth do not have to be part of a person’s permanent appearance,” says Dr. Murcko. While many dentures that help to restore a damaged smile, interim removable partial dentures, also known as temporary dentures provide an immediate and short-term pleasing result.
“They also allow the patient to eat regular food and serve as a space maintainer in younger patients who’ve lost teeth as a result of trauma,” according to the lead study author, Canan Bural, DDS.
When people suffer from tooth decay or periodontal disease, losing just one tooth can be a sign that more teeth will be lost. This means that placing a permanent denture in the mouth is difficult. “When continued tooth loss is expected in a patient, dentists are limited in terms of the type of dentures they can offer to the patient,” explains Dr. Bural. In instances such as these, temporary dentures can greatly benefit the patient.
Survey Says…
Common problems associated with natural tooth loss:
Reduction in ability to chew—91.91%
Social embarrassment—86.35%
Avoid eating certain foods—73.83%
Feel nervous or self-conscious—68.7%
Emotional pain—66.26%
“A smile serves as an individual’s most powerful tool,” says AGD spokesperson Laura Murcko, DMD. “A great smile can make great, lasting impression, boost a person’s self-esteem and confidence as well as improve their overall health.”
However, each year in the United States, over 20 million teeth are extracted, leaving scores of people with imperfect and sometimes devastating smiles. A recent online survey of more than 1,100 AGD members revealed that more than 86 percent of dentists reported that their patients deemed social embarrassment as a problem associated with tooth loss.
“Unsightly gaps in the mouth do not have to be part of a person’s permanent appearance,” says Dr. Murcko. While many dentures that help to restore a damaged smile, interim removable partial dentures, also known as temporary dentures provide an immediate and short-term pleasing result.
“They also allow the patient to eat regular food and serve as a space maintainer in younger patients who’ve lost teeth as a result of trauma,” according to the lead study author, Canan Bural, DDS.
When people suffer from tooth decay or periodontal disease, losing just one tooth can be a sign that more teeth will be lost. This means that placing a permanent denture in the mouth is difficult. “When continued tooth loss is expected in a patient, dentists are limited in terms of the type of dentures they can offer to the patient,” explains Dr. Bural. In instances such as these, temporary dentures can greatly benefit the patient.
Survey Says…
Common problems associated with natural tooth loss:
Reduction in ability to chew—91.91%
Social embarrassment—86.35%
Avoid eating certain foods—73.83%
Feel nervous or self-conscious—68.7%
Emotional pain—66.26%
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Osteoporosis: physician, dentist collaboration
Treating osteoporosis calls for physician, dentist collaboration: ADA Journal
Oral health maintenance important for patients with osteoporosis
Physicians and dentists should collaborate to improve early detection and treatment of patients who have or may develop osteoporosis, say researchers in the cover story of the May issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.
The authors of the article, “Osteoporosis and Its Implications for Dental Patients,” reviewed the medical and dental literature to examine osteoporosis’ effect on public health in the United States. They also assessed the implications of providing dental care to people who have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis.
According to the authors, the literature indicated that osteoporosis and related fractures are more common than coronary disease, stroke and breast cancer. Fractures resulting from osteoporosis can affect a patient’s quality of life, as well as result in functional impairment and increased health care cost and mortality.
Their literature search also revealed that medical management of osteoporosis includes diet control, weight-bearing exercise, discontinuation of tobacco and alcohol intake, and use of medications—including selective estrogen receptor modulators, calcitonin, anabolic agents and bisphosphonates—that have been associated with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
The authors determined that oral health maintenance is important in patients with osteoporosis, and that changes to bisphosphonate therapy or other medical treatment should be made only after consultation with the patient’s physician.
“Dentists need to understand osteoporosis, its treatments and its complications to provide adequate care,” write the authors.
All health care professionals involved in the care of all dental patients, particularly patients who are taking oral bisphosphonates, should discuss patient care decisions with the patient’s physician, conclude the authors.
Oral health maintenance important for patients with osteoporosis
Physicians and dentists should collaborate to improve early detection and treatment of patients who have or may develop osteoporosis, say researchers in the cover story of the May issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.
The authors of the article, “Osteoporosis and Its Implications for Dental Patients,” reviewed the medical and dental literature to examine osteoporosis’ effect on public health in the United States. They also assessed the implications of providing dental care to people who have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis.
According to the authors, the literature indicated that osteoporosis and related fractures are more common than coronary disease, stroke and breast cancer. Fractures resulting from osteoporosis can affect a patient’s quality of life, as well as result in functional impairment and increased health care cost and mortality.
Their literature search also revealed that medical management of osteoporosis includes diet control, weight-bearing exercise, discontinuation of tobacco and alcohol intake, and use of medications—including selective estrogen receptor modulators, calcitonin, anabolic agents and bisphosphonates—that have been associated with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
The authors determined that oral health maintenance is important in patients with osteoporosis, and that changes to bisphosphonate therapy or other medical treatment should be made only after consultation with the patient’s physician.
“Dentists need to understand osteoporosis, its treatments and its complications to provide adequate care,” write the authors.
All health care professionals involved in the care of all dental patients, particularly patients who are taking oral bisphosphonates, should discuss patient care decisions with the patient’s physician, conclude the authors.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tooth loss strongly linked to risk of cancer
Tooth loss strongly linked to risk of esophageal, head and neck, and lung cancer
Studying thousands of patients, Japanese researchers have found a strong link between tooth loss and increased risk of three cancers – esophageal, head and neck, and lung. They suggest that preservation of teeth may decrease risk of developing these diseases.
In the May issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, scientists from Aichi Cancer Center in Nagoya and Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine speculate that bacterial infection and inflammation resulting from poor oral care that leads to tooth loss could also be driving development of these cancers. Periodontal disease is known to increase risk for stroke and heart disease.
“Tooth loss is a common consequence of chronic bacterial infection and may, therefore, serve as a surrogate for chronic infection and inflammation, which in turn may be important to the pathogenesis of cancer,” said the study’s lead author, Akio Hiraki, Ph.D., a researcher at the Aichi Cancer Center.
Researchers measured rates of 14 different cancers and rates of tooth loss in 5,240 cancer patients in Japan, and compared those rates among 10,480 matched cancer-free participants. The researchers specifically found that people with tooth loss were 136 percent more likely to develop esophageal cancer, had a 68 percent increased risk of developing head and neck cancer and a 54 percent greater chance of developing lung cancer. The researchers also found that the rate of cancer increased proportionally to the number of teeth a patient had lost.
These increased risks were seen after researchers took into account a patient’s history of smoking and alcohol use.
Smaller studies have linked tooth loss to different cancers, but this is the largest study to date, and the first conducted within an Asian population, the researchers say. This is also the first study to show a link to lung cancer, they add.
The researchers noted that age and gender affected the associations between tooth loss and cancer risk. For head and neck and esophageal cancers, there were clear associations between tooth loss and cancer risk in women and patients younger than 70 years old, but a less clear link in men and older patients.
The researchers say that while widespread inflammation could explain the link between tooth loss and cancer risk, they also note that tooth loss in the cancer patients may simply reflect unhealthy behaviors that contribute to cancer risk. Furthermore, people who have lost teeth may not be able to eat a healthy diet, and diet is also a factor in cancer development.
Whatever the mechanism, the researchers stress that oral care is critical to good health.
“The oral cavity is a gateway between the external environment and the gastrointestinal tract and acts in both food ingestion and digestion,” the researchers wrote. “Oral hygiene potentially affects gastrointestinal flora and nutritional status and may thus have implications for the development of chronic disease.”
Studying thousands of patients, Japanese researchers have found a strong link between tooth loss and increased risk of three cancers – esophageal, head and neck, and lung. They suggest that preservation of teeth may decrease risk of developing these diseases.
In the May issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, scientists from Aichi Cancer Center in Nagoya and Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine speculate that bacterial infection and inflammation resulting from poor oral care that leads to tooth loss could also be driving development of these cancers. Periodontal disease is known to increase risk for stroke and heart disease.
“Tooth loss is a common consequence of chronic bacterial infection and may, therefore, serve as a surrogate for chronic infection and inflammation, which in turn may be important to the pathogenesis of cancer,” said the study’s lead author, Akio Hiraki, Ph.D., a researcher at the Aichi Cancer Center.
Researchers measured rates of 14 different cancers and rates of tooth loss in 5,240 cancer patients in Japan, and compared those rates among 10,480 matched cancer-free participants. The researchers specifically found that people with tooth loss were 136 percent more likely to develop esophageal cancer, had a 68 percent increased risk of developing head and neck cancer and a 54 percent greater chance of developing lung cancer. The researchers also found that the rate of cancer increased proportionally to the number of teeth a patient had lost.
These increased risks were seen after researchers took into account a patient’s history of smoking and alcohol use.
Smaller studies have linked tooth loss to different cancers, but this is the largest study to date, and the first conducted within an Asian population, the researchers say. This is also the first study to show a link to lung cancer, they add.
The researchers noted that age and gender affected the associations between tooth loss and cancer risk. For head and neck and esophageal cancers, there were clear associations between tooth loss and cancer risk in women and patients younger than 70 years old, but a less clear link in men and older patients.
The researchers say that while widespread inflammation could explain the link between tooth loss and cancer risk, they also note that tooth loss in the cancer patients may simply reflect unhealthy behaviors that contribute to cancer risk. Furthermore, people who have lost teeth may not be able to eat a healthy diet, and diet is also a factor in cancer development.
Whatever the mechanism, the researchers stress that oral care is critical to good health.
“The oral cavity is a gateway between the external environment and the gastrointestinal tract and acts in both food ingestion and digestion,” the researchers wrote. “Oral hygiene potentially affects gastrointestinal flora and nutritional status and may thus have implications for the development of chronic disease.”
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Good Oral Health During Pregnancy
American Dental Association Stresses Good Oral Health During Pregnancy; Studies Suggest Gum Disease Might Be Associated With Pregnancy Outcomes
With Mother's Day around the corner, the American Dental Association (ADA) wants to remind mothers-to-be that maintaining good oral health is an important part of overall health, especially during pregnancy.
Research suggests there may be an association between maternal gum disease and pre-term birth and low birth weight babies. In addition, a recent study says that pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
"Good oral health habits are an important part of a healthy lifestyle," says Sally Cram, D.D.S., ADA consumer advisor and periodontist in Washington, D.C. "If you are planning a pregnancy, schedule a dental checkup for a cleaning. If you are pregnant, continue your regular dental visits. Be sure to inform your dentist if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant."
In addition to regular dental visits, the ADA recommends eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining daily oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth at least once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner. The ADA recommends that consumers look for oral healthcare products that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA Seal of Acceptance is designed to help consumers make informed decisions about the safety and effectiveness of dental products.
"Pregnancy often causes food cravings, and constant snacking on sugary food and beverages can lead to a buildup of dental plaque," explains Ada Cooper, D.D.S., ADA consumer advisor and a general dentist in New York. "In addition, the rising hormone levels that accompany pregnancy can irritate gums already battling plaque buildup. Some dentists might recommend more frequent cleanings during the second or early third trimester to control gingivitis."
Good oral health habits are not only valuable during pregnancy, but after pregnancy as well because cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from mother to child through contact such as sharing utensils or kissing.
For more information about pregnancy and oral health, please visit: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/pregnancy_faq.asp and http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/oralsystemic.asp#pregnancy .
With Mother's Day around the corner, the American Dental Association (ADA) wants to remind mothers-to-be that maintaining good oral health is an important part of overall health, especially during pregnancy.
Research suggests there may be an association between maternal gum disease and pre-term birth and low birth weight babies. In addition, a recent study says that pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
"Good oral health habits are an important part of a healthy lifestyle," says Sally Cram, D.D.S., ADA consumer advisor and periodontist in Washington, D.C. "If you are planning a pregnancy, schedule a dental checkup for a cleaning. If you are pregnant, continue your regular dental visits. Be sure to inform your dentist if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant."
In addition to regular dental visits, the ADA recommends eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining daily oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth at least once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner. The ADA recommends that consumers look for oral healthcare products that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA Seal of Acceptance is designed to help consumers make informed decisions about the safety and effectiveness of dental products.
"Pregnancy often causes food cravings, and constant snacking on sugary food and beverages can lead to a buildup of dental plaque," explains Ada Cooper, D.D.S., ADA consumer advisor and a general dentist in New York. "In addition, the rising hormone levels that accompany pregnancy can irritate gums already battling plaque buildup. Some dentists might recommend more frequent cleanings during the second or early third trimester to control gingivitis."
Good oral health habits are not only valuable during pregnancy, but after pregnancy as well because cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from mother to child through contact such as sharing utensils or kissing.
For more information about pregnancy and oral health, please visit: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/pregnancy_faq.asp and http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/oralsystemic.asp#pregnancy .
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