Dentistry in the News
Yes, we know, you use it twice a day and it goes in your mouth … and even the cleanest of mouths are loaded in germs and bacteria. But here's the thing: As long as you're properly storing your toothbrush, that quick cursory rinse at the end of your brushing is just fine.
Even the American Dental Association noted that specialized toothbrush cleaning products don't really work, adding, "There is insufficient clinical evidence to support that bacterial growth on toothbrushes will lead to specific adverse oral or systemic health effects."
Still, you'll want to properly store your toothbrush upright in open air (read: not in your medicine cabinet), because bacteria grows and thrives in dark, warm, moist environments. It should also be stored far away from your toilet because if you flush before closing the lid, you're inadvertently spraying lots of ick when you flush.
Also, you should be replacing your toothbrush every three months, so there's no need to clean it.
Some Educators Shifting Toward Teaching Physicians To Recognize Oral Health Problems.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (7/2, Krisberg) reports “research suggests there are connections between an unhealthy mouth and a range of systemic health issues, including stroke, heart disease, preterm labor, and the progression of diabetes,” but medical and dental care education have historically remained separate. However, the AAMC reports “a handful of medical schools, teaching hospitals, and professional organizations are spearheading efforts to bridge the medical-dental divide. From weaving oral health into existing curricula to partnering with schools of dentistry, medical educators are working to put the mouth back in medicine.”
Signs Of Stress May Include Grinding Teeth, Jaw Pain.
Harper’s Bazaar (6/26, March) stated that grinding teeth, jaw pain, and biting cheeks and are among several signs stress may be affecting oral health.
The article listed options to help address and alleviate oral health problems associated with stress, noting, for example, that wearing a mouthguard may help protect teeth from grinding. Under certain circumstances, patients “may need a treatment for the jaw, such as a special splint or even Botox to relax the muscle,” said a dentist quoted in the article.
A study published previously in The Journal of the American Dental Association evaluated using “locally administered botulinum toxin, or BTX,” to treat bruxism. The study’s results suggested “BTX administered by skilled practitioners is a safe and effective treatment for people with severe bruxism, particularly those with associated movement disorders.”
ADA 2018 – America’s Dental Meeting’s pre-session will include a course on Botox. To register for the course or the meeting, visit ADA.org/meeting.
MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on bruxism and TMJ disorders.
Article Highlights ADA Information On Thumb Sucking, Pacifier Use.
Romper (6/27, Westbrooks) discussed why babies often place their hands in their mouths, stating that “sucking on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects may make babies feel secure and happy and help them learn about their world,” according to the American Dental Association. The article added that most children stop the habit “between 2 and 4 years old, or before permanent teeth come in, in which case it shouldn’t cause a dental problem.”
The ADA Catalog offers the brochure Thumb Sucking, Finger Sucking and Pacifier Use.
Despite Activated Charcoal Trend, No Evidence It Is Safe, Effective For Teeth.
Insider (6/25, Schumacker) states that although using activated charcoal to whiten teeth is “trendy,” it “might not be as effective as you think” and could actually do “more harm than good.” The article shares information on activated charcoal products from several dentists, including one who noted that no charcoal products have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The article links to a literature review published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, which found insufficient evidence to support the efficacy claims of charcoal products. Another dentist said, “Brushing with a product containing activated charcoal can remove the enamel on your teeth and eventually cause them to yellow and become more sensitive with prolonged usage.”
Dental professionals can direct their patients to MouthHealthy.org, ADA’s consumer website, for evidence-based information about teeth whitening, including information on natural teeth whitening methods.
So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth?
According to available research, sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth—and here's why. In a study using teeth that were removed as a part of treatment and donated for research, researchers tested to see whether sparkling water would attack tooth enamel more aggressively than regular lab water. The result? The two forms of water were about the same in their effects on tooth enamel. This finding suggests that, even though sparkling water is slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it's all just water to your teeth.
