Their review of these studies showed that improvements in clinical measures were common in all studies but were scientifically significant in two that used a combination of fish oil and aspirin. Although this is not conclusive evidence, intake of fish oil is recommended for health benefits
beyond the teeth.

“I would recommend that people ensure they have a sufficient intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids in their diet for general health,” said Coates. “In Australia, these types of fatty acids are considered to be essential with ~500 mg recommended as the suggested dietary target. This
equates to approximately 2 fatty fish meals per week.”

There are no serious dangers to consuming fish oil. At high levels of fish oil above the GRAS limit, people may experience a delayed clotting time and at very high doses potential gastric upset. If people are taking blood thinning medication, then they should consult with a doctor.

The group reports that the evidence for fish oil being effective in reducing periodontal symptoms is building but there is a need for more well designed studies that evaluate the supplement both alone and in combination with aspirin to be able to tease out whether fish oil by itself is
effective. It is important that compliance to treatment is considered and that the dose and length of supplementation is appropriate. A clinical trial is underway in Australia that is investigating the effects of fish oil as adjunct therapy for periodontitis.
 

“The findings suggest that dental x-rays obtained in the past at increased frequently and at a young age, may be associated with increased risk of developing this common type of brain tumor,” said Elizabeth Claus, MD, PhD, a neurosurgeon at BWH and Yale University School of Medicine at New Haven. “This research suggests that although dental x-rays are an important tool in maintaining good oral health, efforts to moderate exposure to this form of imaging may be of benefit to some patients.”

Claus and her colleagues studied data from 1,433 patients diagnosed with meningioma between 20 and 79 years of age between May 2006 and April 2011 and compared the information to a control group of 1350 participants with similar characteristics. They found that patients with meningioma were twice as likely to report having a specific type of dental x-ray called a bitewing exam, and that those who reported having them yearly or more frequently were 1.4 to 1.9 times as likely to develop a meningioma when compared to the control group. Additionally, researchers report that there was an even greater increased risk of meningioma in patients who reported having a panorex x-ray exam. Those who reported having this exam taken under the age of 10, were 4.9 times more likely to develop a meningioma compared to controls. Those who reported having the exam yearly or more frequently than once a year were nearly 3 times as likely to develop meningioma when compared to the control group.

“It is important to note that the dental x-rays performed today use a much lower dose of radiation than in the past,” said Claus.

According to background information in the study, The American Dental Association’s statement on the use of dental radiographs emphasizes the need for dentists to examine the risks and benefits of dental x-rays and confirms that there is little evidence to support the use of dental x-rays in healthy patients at preset intervals.

The study, led by Per Aspenberg, professor of orthopaedic surgery at Linköping University in Sweden, is published in the journal Bone and was highlighted in this week’s edition of the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

The implants are screwed into the jawbone and provide purchase for artificial teeth. Using current technology, it may take four to six months before the bone surrounding the screw has healed and is strong enough so the patient can begin to benefit from surgery.

The coating, developed at Linköping University in Sweden, consists of a nanometre-thin layer of protein that attaches to the metal surface. Attached to the protein is a drug belonging to the bisphosphonates, usually used to treat osteoporosis. Several animal studies have shown that this method allows the bone surrounding the implant to rapidly become denser and stronger.

Now, for the first time, this method has been tested on humans. 16 patients each received two implants; one normal and a similar surface-treated implant as described above. Neither the patient nor the dental surgeon knew which was which. After six months it was noted that for 15 of the 16 patients the treated screw was markedly much better established. Already after two months X-ray images showed positive changes adjacent to the treated screws. No complications occurred.

“It is the first time ever anyone has succeeded in reinforcing the bone around an implant with localised medication”, says Per Aspenberg, professor of orthopaedics, who devised the method of using bisphosphonates in this way.

Pentti Tengvall, professor of biomaterials, developed the method of adhering the drug to the screw and the study was conducted by Jahan Abtahi, specialist MD and PhD, supported by Per Aspenberg. Addbio AB is a Linköping based company now working on commercializing the surface treatment for different types of implants in bone.

But that’s exactly what has happened to some users of the battery-powered Arm & Hammer Spinbrush—or the Crest Spinbrush, as it was called before 2009.

“It’s important that consumers know how to avoid the risks associated with using the Spinbrush,” says Shumaya Ali, M.P.H., a consumer safety officer at the Food and Drug Administration. “We’ve had reports in which parts of the toothbrush broke off during use and were released into the mouth with great speed, causing broken teeth and presenting a choking hazard.”

FDA regulates toothbrushes—whether manual or electric—as medical devices that are intended to help prevent tooth decay. Safety precautions should be taken with all kinds of electric toothbrushes.

“Electric toothbrushes can be very effective in removing dental plaque, and so they can help prevent dental decay and gum disease,” says Susan Runner, D.D.S., chief of FDA’s dental devices branch. “At the same time, it’s important to supervise children when they use these brushes, and to look out for any malfunctions of the toothbrush that might cause an injury.”

Injuries reported from using the Spinbrush powered toothbrush include

• chipped or broken teeth
• cuts to the mouth and gums
• swallowing and choking on broken pieces
• injury to the face and eyes

FDA is alerting the public about the potential for injury while using the following models of Spinbrush:

• Spinbrush ProClean
• Spinbrush ProClean Recharge
• Spinbrush Pro Whitening
• Spinbrush SONIC
• Spinbrush SONIC Recharge
• Spinbrush Swirl
• Spinbrush Classic Clean
• Spinbrush For Kids
• Spinbrush Replacement Heads
• Parts Popping Off

The Spinbrush handle contains batteries and a motor that operates the brushes, which are attached to a brush head. In the models of Spinbrush made for adults, the brush head is removable and can be replaced.

But the brush head should not pop off during normal use, says Ali. “In some cases, the brush head popped off to expose metal pieces underneath that can—and have—poked individuals in the cheek and areas near the eyes, causing  injuries.”

The “Spinbrush for Kids” models, which have different handle designs, such as Spiderman and Thomas & Friends, do not have removable brush heads.  Nonetheless, problems with the Spinbrush for Kids have also been reported, such as cut lips, burns from the batteries, and bristles falling off and lodging in a child’s tonsils.

“FDA’s concern is that the unexpected release of any part of this battery-powered toothbrush during use poses a risk of injury,” says Steven Silverman, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “And the risk is higher in children or adults who may need assistance but are not supervised while using the toothbrush.”

FDA Actions
FDA’s inspection last year of Church & Dwight Co. Inc., which manufactures the Spinbrush, uncovered evidence that there had been numerous consumer complaints that had not been reported to the agency. On May 16, 2011, FDA warned the company of its violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including failure to report—within a reasonable time frame—serious injuries.

After further discussions with Church & Dwight about the risks of the battery-powered Spinbrush, the company has taken some actions:

improved the labeling to caution consumers to change the brush head every three months or sooner if the brush is worn or parts are loose
added bristles that change color with wear to give consumers a visual reminder of when to replace the brush head
issued a safety notice about Spinbrush in television and print ads; the safety notice also appears on the Spinbrush website and the interactive voice response to consumers who call the company’s toll-free telephone numbers.
Safety Notice: Please remember to replace your brush head after 3 months of use, or if the brush is damaged, or if parts become loose. Extended usage, loose parts or excessive wear could lead to brush head breakage, generation of small parts and possible choking hazard. Inspect brush for loose parts before use.

Celebrities and TheraBreath® at the Golden Globe Awards
Throughout the event, many celebrities came by the TheraBreath gifting area to discuss their experiences with the product and to also learn more about how these natural products provide fresh breath. Some of the celebrities that were able to enjoy TheraBreath products included Rico Rodriguez of Modern Family, Raven Goodwin of Glee, Bai Ling of The Crow, Booboo Stewart of Twilight, Christian LeBlanc of The Young and the Restless and the 2011 Ms. America – Tracy Broughton, among many others. Needless to say, the products were very popular among the celebrities who are in need of fresh breath during the big Golden Globe Awards events.

Performed by adhering a thin, wafer-like strip of porcelain to the surface of teeth, Dr. Kosdon says the added thickness of the veneers pushes out one’s natural lip curves to create a more rounded, ample shape. With a dental procedure like porcelain veneers in New York City, he adds that patients can experience plump, luscious lips without having to undergo plastic surgical procedures or dermal fillers. “Dental veneers can improve the look of the smile and the entire face, and are permanent unlike dermal fillers. With veneers, patients can permanently enhance their lips and remove or reduce wrinkles in the corner of their mouth without having to endure frequent injections.”

As with any procedure, Dr. Kosdon says he recommends consulting with an experienced and dedicated cosmetic dentist before proceeding with any cosmetic enhancement. However, he adds that through the skilled hands of a qualified dentist, patients can achieve full, natural lips to complement their overall appearance.

Many people have crooked or misaligned teeth that they would like to straighten. However, they do not want to wear ugly metal braces. Modern solutions, like Invisalign aligners, allow patients to correct their smile with a clear tray that fits seamlessly over the existing teeth. For teeth that are jagged, misshapen, cracked or discolored, there are porcelain veneers and Lumineers, which bond to the surface of the teeth. Individuals who have lost one or more teeth can replace them with dental implants. They do more than just improve one’s appearance and actually aid in things like chewing and speaking.

Tooth discoloration is caused by a variety of factors including tobacco use, caffeine, foods, drinks, medications, heredity and aging. Therefore, it is a common affliction that many people strive to improve the appearance of their teeth with a teeth whitening procedure. While there are several viable options, the fastest and most effective is zoom whitening. The entire series of steps takes less than one hour and a single session with the dentist. Afterward, patients emerge from the office with teeth that are up to eight shades lighter than when they arrived.

In response to the growing trend of electronic prescribing in dental offices, this product offering combines eprescribing capabilities with direct access to Lexicomp Online for Dentistry™, Lexicomp’s dental-specific drug and clinical information solution, to deliver the information that dental professionals need to safely and efficiently prescribe medication and check for dangerous drug interactions. “We are very pleased to offer this first-of-its kind combined dental eprescribing and medication management tool to dental professionals”, commented Steven Kerscher, Vice President and General Manager, Lexicomp. “Dental professionals are now able to review their patient’s saved medication history and receive patient safety alerts regarding drug interactions, drug allergies and procedure safety checks for dental treatment. Having these capabilities, in addition to electronic prescriptions, will save dentists valuable time and help avoid adverse medication events.”

Dr. Kosdon says untreated and neglected dental hygiene issues can result in chronic oral and periodontal infection that can spread to the rest of the body. He says through regular cleanings and x-rays, dentists can identify potential concerns in a patient’s oral health early on and take the proper course of action for addressing these issues and preventing further complications. Dr. Kosdon adds that patients who routinely receive dental scalings or cleanings also get the benefit of comprehensive and thorough dental care to supplement their at-home hygiene practices. “In many cases, gum disease and infection aren’t always visible to the patient and can affect overall health. It is always better to be proactive and catch dental disease at an early stage before it compromises ones overall health.”

Whether patients are looking for routine cleanings or a more noticeable improvement to their dental aesthetics such as porcelain veneers, Dr. Kosdon recommends consulting with an experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist before undergoing any procedure. He says patients should be sure to seek out a practice dedicated to their overall health through quality oral hygiene maintenance and an eye for aesthetic beauty. “Routine cleanings along with regular brushing and flossing can often lead to whiter teeth which is an inexpensive way to improve ones self-esteem and oral health.”

Another similar study recently produced by the AACD reports that 99.7% of Americans believe a person’s smile is an important social asset, with 74% stating an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chance for career success. With such an importance being placed on the cosmetic appearance of one’s teeth, Dr. Singer says that a smile makeover can offer patients renewed self-confidence and a more positive outlook on life. By combining several cosmetic procedures, he says patients can achieve a redesigned smile that they are proud to show off.

For patients considering porcelain veneers or teeth whitening in New Jersey, Dr. Singer recommends seeking dental professionals active in the dental community and dedicated to continued education. Active and consistent engagement, he says, ensures that cosmetic dentists stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technology in the field. Dr. Singer adds that choosing a dentist who is in constant pursuit of the latest in dental education is one of the most important things patients can look for.