Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation—including sparkling water—has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form).
Bruxism, which makes you clench and grind your teeth, is a very common condition. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests as many as 20 percent of adults suffer from it, and it can be very damaging if not taken care of. To keep your teeth safe, your dentist may recommend a bruxism mouth guard.
Click here to read How Bruxism Damages Your Teeth, How the Guard Is Made and How Well Do They Work?
Diabetes can strike you at anytime from anywhere. This often misunderstood disease affects more than 300 million people worldwide. According to DiabetesResearch.org, there are 29 million Americans struggling with the disease. In the U.S, three Americans die every minute from this disease. Diabetes costs the American public an estimated $245 billion annually. The most common types of the disease are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Here are some important topics that will help you understand the disease and learn whether or not you are at risk.
Read more: https://www.dietspotlight.com/diabetes-resources/
Bad breath happens. If you’ve ever gotten that not-so-fresh feeling on a date, at a job interview or just talking with friends, you’re not alone. Studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives.
There are a number of reasons you might have dragon breath. While many causes are harmless, bad breath can sometimes be a sign of something more serious.
Read more: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath
Oral health is an important part of your overall health. Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot oral health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many oral problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.
Here are 15 signs you should see a dentist:
If you think you’re busy, try being a kid. In addition to school, activities and family time, they’re learning how to take care of themselves and others in new ways every single day.
One of those necessary life skills every child needs to learn is brushing his or her teeth. Helping your child get in the habit of brushing twice a day for two minutes is no small feat, but a little creativity can go a long way when it comes to his or her long-term dental health.
Here are the 7 Ways to Make Brushing Fun for Kids:
Read more: 7 Ways to Make Brushing Fun for Kids
Dr. Matthew Mansey earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2010 with a minor in Prosthodontics. After graduation, Dr. Mansey completed a general practice residency in the Department of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. While at Buffalo, Dr. Mansey was presented with the Harvey D. Sprowl Award for consistently displaying a genuine concern for patient’s needs, and a passion for the delivery of quality comprehensive care. Prior to Dental school, Dr. Mansey earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Roger Williams University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In keeping with his commitment to provide his patients with the highest quality of care, Dr. Mansey participates in a SPEAR Education dental study club.
Dr. Mansey’s professional Affiliations include the American Dental Association (ADA), New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), NJDA Membership Committee, Tri-County Dental Society.
Dr. Mansey is a resident of Panther Valley and is happy to care for his local community. Outside of the office, he enjoys cycling, golf, and cooking as well as spending time with his wife, Kristin, and family.
Today Show Online (1/17) discusses how often “six common household items,” including toothbrushes, need to be replaced. TODAY states that “old and frayed” toothbrushes do not clean teeth as well, noting the ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months. TODAY adds “the ADA also advises that children’s toothbrushes typically need to be replaced more often than adult brushes,” encouraging people to “keep a regular eye” on their toothbrush bristles and “update accordingly.”
MouthHealthy.org and the Oral Health Topics on ADA.org provide additional information on toothbrush care for patients and for dental professionals. In addition, the ADA provides a list of toothbrushes with theADA Seal of Acceptance.
The Wall Street Journal (1/13, Mitchell, Subscription Publication) reported that DNA may be one of the factors contributing to dental caries, according to Dr. Michael Glick, editor of The Journal of the American Dental Association. Dr. Glick says some studies suggest genetics could increase the chances of having primary-tooth caries by up to 64 percent, although it is unclear which part of the cavity-forming process genetics affects. Dr. Glick says genetics may impact the way tooth enamel is formed. Some studies also suggest people may inherit having a sweet tooth. However, separating out the impact on cavity development from a high-sugar diet versus a genetic predisposition is difficult, Dr. Glick says. Even if a person has a cavity gene, evidence shows it is not possible to get cavities without sugar. To prevent dental caries, Dr. Glick recommends reducing sugar consumption, practicing good oral hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly, and using sealants.
The Oral Health Topics on ADA.org and MouthHealthy.org provide information on dental caries for dental professionals and for patients.
CNBC (1/3, Reid) reports that UK dentists are calling for an end to the office “cake culture,” saying sugary sweets contribute to health problems, such as tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity. In a statement released Tuesday, the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in London identified the workplace as one of the primary places where people consume sugar each day. “We need a culture change in offices and other workplaces that encourages healthy eating and helps workers avoid caving in to sweet temptations such as cakes, sweets and biscuits,” said Professor Nigel Hunt, dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons.
The Daily Mail (1/3) reports that Professor Hunt said, “Managers want to reward staff for their efforts, colleagues want to celebrate special occasions and workers want to bring back a gift from their holidays.” However, “while these sweet treats might be well meaning, they are also contributing to the current obesity epidemic and poor oral health,” said Professor Hunt.
The Independent (UK) (1/3, Sharman) reports the Faculty of Dental Surgery provided several tips to help reduce sugar intake in the workplace, such as limiting portion sizes, opting for low-sugar alternatives, and placing sweet treats in a location where they are less accessible and visible.
MouthHealthy.org provides additional information for patients on how food affects dental health.
The ADA News (10/18, Manchir) reports that dental sealants could prevent 80 percent of cavities in school-age children, although 60 percent of children do not get them, according to a new CDC Vital Signs Report. The report also found that children without dental sealants had three times as many cavities as children who did, and that nearly $300 million in dental treatment costs could be saved by providing dental sealants to “the nearly seven million low-income children who don’t have them.”
CBS News (10/18, Marcus) reports that, in a press conferenceTuesday, CDC officials encouraged parents, healthcare providers, and school administrators to be aware of the benefits and help make sure children have dental sealants. CBS News notes that ADA spokeswoman Dr. Mary Hayes “recommends sealants be used at about age 6 and then again around age 12 when adult molars come in.”
The New York Daily News (10/18, Pesce) reports that CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said in the report, “Many children with untreated cavities will have difficulty eating, speaking, and learning.” Frieden added, “Dental sealants can be an effective and inexpensive way to prevent cavities.”
NBC News (10/18, Fox) reports that although some parents may be concerned about sealants containing BPA, the ADA states, “The potential amount of BPA patients could be exposed to when receiving sealants is minuscule, and it’s less than the amount a person receives from breathing air or handling a receipt.”
A systematic review of the use of sealants and the updated clinical practice guidelines are both available in The Journal of the American Dental Association. The ADA News also reported previously on research published in the ADA Professional Product Review that shows BPA in dental sealants is safe. MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on sealants.
GREAT NEWS 🙂
Once again, the Washington Township Health Department is pleased to be able to offer free cancer screenings for Washington and Chester Township residents. Free Skin and Oral Cancer screenings will be held on Monday, October 24th, 2016 at the Washington Township Senior Center on E. Springtown Rd. from 9:30am – 12:30pm.
Pre-registration is required. Call the Washington Township Health Department today at 908-876-3650 and reserve your time slot.
We hope to see you there!
