The statistics are staggering: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over four million children are affected by tooth decay nationwide, a jump of over 600,000 additional preschoolers over the course of a decade. Senior citizens, those with diets high in carbohydrates and people who live in areas without a fluoridated water supply are also likely candidates for cavities. Have you ever had a cavity? Do you think you know what caused it?
Archive for October, 2009
Cavities/Tooth Decay: Highly Preventable Disease Affects Millions
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009Tooth Erosion: Root Beer May Be “Safest” Soft Drink
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009Exposing teeth to soft drinks, even for a short period of time, causes dental erosion—and prolonged exposure can lead to significant enamel loss. Root beer products, however, are non-carbonated and do not contain the acids that harm teeth, according to a study in the March/April 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal. That might be something to consider during the next visit to the grocery store. How much soda do you drink in a day?
Mouthguards and the Importance of Keeping them Clean
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009Most people, kids included, have experienced the “weekend warrior” syndrome, where you think your body is invincible to injury and that you do not need protective gear such as helmets for your head and pads for your knees, shins and elbows. In particular, teeth are often forgotten. Although the dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of athletic and recreational activities, consumers remain resistant to and ill-informed of the importance and advantages of wearing a mouthguard during their weekend activities. Have you ever worn a mouth guard during sports activity?
Fractured teeth, neck injuries and abrasions in the mouth, also known as sports-related dental injuries, are ever present among athletes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, sports-related dental injuries account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits each year.
One may assume that mouthguards should serve as a preventive measure. In some 200,000 cases annually, mouthguards have been known to avert oral injuries and cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. However, while a mouthguard may be popular for its ability to prevent the injuries that may temporarily and sometimes permanently disfigure a person’s appearance, what many may not be aware of is the importance of proper maintenance, cleanliness and care to prevent disease transmission and infection.
According to a study that appears in the September/October 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal, mouthguards harbor large numbers of bacteria, yeasts and molds that can possibly lead to life and/or health-threatening infectious/inflammatory diseases.
“Everything that a microorganism needs to survive, including food and water, can be found in a mouthguard,” says Thomas Glass, DDS, PhD, lead author of the study. “While mouthguards appear solid, they are very porous, like a sponge, and with use, microorganisms invade these porosities.”
“These concerns are similar to using an infected toothbrush repeatedly or using silverware that has not been cleaned properly,” says AGD spokesperson Bruce Burton, DMD, MAGD, ABGD. “Although a mouthguard is recommended to prevent permanent damage to the mouth and teeth, we know it also has the potential to be a reservoir for bacteria that can cause gum infections or the bacteria that help promote tooth decay.”
There are warning signs that can alert athletes that he or she may be suffering from a contaminated mouthguard. Those include “difficulty breathing, wheezing, diarrhea and nausea to the point of vomiting,” says Dr. Glass.
As a high school football coach for 25 years, Dr. Burton witnessed many poor habits athletes practiced when handling their mouthguard. “Chewing on the mouthguard until it no longer serves the purpose of protecting the dentition is one poor habit,” says Dr. Burton. “In addition, some athletes throw the mouthguard in with dirty, sweaty gear and never clean it.”
Mouthguard maintenance:
• Brush teeth before wearing a mouthguard.
• Never share a mouthguard with teammates.
• During sporting events, have a backup mouthguard.
• Purchase disposable mouthguards.
• Clean mouthguards before storing them.