Fruit Drinks, Like Energy Drinks, May be Problematic

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 23 May 2012 15:23



Parents need to rethink giving their children fruit drinks.

Dentists are warning that some fruit drinks can have the acidity levels of vinegar. So some parents with good intentions may actually be putting their children's oral health at risk.

Fruits drinks and smoothies were thought to have some nutritional value as a healthy option other than drinks like soda. But, in actuality, these drinks contain sugar, in addition to having high acidity levels.

When consuming these fruit drinks, bacteria in the mouth produce dangerous plaque acids that attack the enamel. With weakened enamel, it's possible for the tooth to become compromised.

According to some studies, there are certain fruit drinks that are considered more acidic than vinegar.

Based on this information, whether or not a drink contain fruits is irrelevant. What's more important whether or not it contains sugar. Water is beneficial because it doesn't have any sugar and lowers the risk of obesity, something that is rising among young children. Drinks filled with sugar is one of the main reasons for this rise.

Two-Step Implantation with Built-up Bone May be More Effective

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 24 May 2012 15:32



There may be an answer to the longstanding debate about whether or not it’s better to allow bone to build up before placing an implant.

New research shows that its more effective to build bone first and then place the implant, allowing more bone growth, according to Prof. Zvi Artzi of Tel Aviv University’s Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dentistry at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine. The information appears in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

A one-step implant will show more wear and tear over a period time when compared to on implanted via the two-step process. There’s a larger amount of bone resorption around the neck with the one-step procedure. Bonding around the bone is also not as good.

The success of a tooth implant relies upon the biocompatibility of titanium. Human and animal tissues generally accept the implant and grow around it.

Periodontists choose the one- or two-step process based on preference. This particular study was based on long-term results, which are not usually included in the window in which the periodontist would monitor the patient’s procedure. So the researchers tracked the progress of the implants on animals during a two-year stretch.

Despite this research, it’s still possible for the one-step procedure to be better. It all depends on the way the patient heals and reacts. This research isn’t suggesting the one-step procedure doesn’t work, rather that the two-step procedure is more effective based on long-term results

Study Claims Tooth Sensitivity More Painful Than Almost Anything

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 29 May 2012 15:03



The only thing that causes more pain for women than tooth sensitivity is giving birth, according to a new study. Tooth sensitivity was even more painful than menstrual cramps.

The information comes from a comprehensive Arm & Hammer study that surveyed more than 900 men and women. About 25 percent of the people surveyed took time off from work to visit the dentist because of tooth sensitivity. Broken down further, 18 percent of women took time off from work to go to the dentist compared to 36 percent of men.

Tooth sensitivity can impact people of all ages. It stems from damage to the tooth enamel, leaving dentin susceptible.

Visiting the dentist for such things as sensitivity to cold food or drinks or sensitivity to hot food or drinks are some of the most common reasons for going to the dentist.

Tooth sensitivity correlates with maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing too hard, bad oral hygiene, and acid erosion resulting from sugary or acidic food/drinks can all increase one’s tooth sensitivity.

Toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth may ease the pain from the condition but the best bet is to visit the dentist.