TOOTHBRUSHES
Seven different toothbrushes were tested for effectiveness and it was learned that those toothbrushes with angled handles and bilevel bristles cleaned the teeth more effectively than those with straight handles and level bristles. Soft or medium texture is recommended. (Clinical Preventive Dentistry 6:7, May-June 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin

DENTAL EROSION/CHEWABLE VITAMIN C TABLETS
A 1981 study suggests a relationship between vitamin C syrup and dental erosion. A new report indicates that the commonly used vitamin C tablets may be harmful to the teeth. A 30-year-old female presented with severe erosion of her teeth. The erosion was so extensive that she required full crowns on at least 12 teeth. Some of the chewable vitamin C tablets that she had been taking were dissolved in water and a tooth placed in the solution. The tooth was measured daily for 22 days. Days one to three the surface of the tooth felt rough, by the fourth day differences in measurement appeared, and continued for almost three weeks. The researchers feel that the vitamin C tablets produce a drop in the pH of the saliva, producing calcium citrate complexes which lead to a loss of calcium from the teeth. (Journal of the American Dental Association 107:253-256, August 1983) Copyright Phylis Austin

TRICYCLIC ANTICEPRESSANTS/DENTAL CARIES
Medications given for depression may lead to increased amounts of tooth decay. The thickness of the saliva is increased and the mouth becomes dry, often within hours of beginning the use of these medications (but their "benefits" may take two to three weeks to appear). (General Dentistry 32:494-496, November-December, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin

TOOTHBRUSH/SORE THROAT
Bacteria on toothbrushes may be responsible for infections and long-lasting sore throat, according to Dr. Tom Glass, chairman of oral pathology at Oklahoma University School of Dentistry in Oklahoma City. He recommends the use of a new toothbrush every month to reduce this risk. He observed that the moisture in the bathroom, glucose from the mouth, and sucrose from the toothpaste provide a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Small cuts on the gums caused by the toothbrush allow entrance of the bacteria into the bloodstream. (Medical World News, March 10, 1986, p. 68) Copyright Phylis Austin

BREAST-FEEDING/TOOTH ALIGNMENT
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that long-term breast-feeding may prevent misalignment of the teeth. Sucking on a bottle nipple produces an abnormal tongue thrusting pattern, and poor muscle development. As the length of time children are breast-fed increases, malocclusion of the teeth decreases. Approximately 36.4 percent of infants breast-fed less than three months (or not at all) had abnormalities; 32.1 percent of those breast-fed more than six months showed poor tooth alignment. Breast feeding is cheaper in infancy, and may also lower orthodontic bills later in the child's life. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine 3:227-232, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

KNOCKED-OUT TEETH
Dr. David Rothmann, director of pediatric dental services at Children's Hospital in Oakland, California reports that a tooth that has been accidentally knocked out can often be replaced. He states that if the tooth is properly cared for, and reimplanted within an hour good results may be expected.
Dr. Rothmann states that the root of the tooth should not be touched; the tooth should be handled by the crown. If the root is exposed to bacteria it may be rejected by the body.
The tooth is best transported in a human mouth--either the child's (if he is old enough to avoid swallowing it) or the parent's mouth. If neither of these methods are feasible the tooth may be rinsed in water and transported in a glass of milk or water.
Dr. Rothmann observed that children who have not yet gained their permanent teeth should not have the tooth reimplanted, as the permanent tooth bud may be damaged in the process. The child would eventually lose the primary tooth anyway. (Pediatric News 23(2)57, February, 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin

PLAX/DENTAL PLAQUE
The value of Plax mouthwash, which claims to remove "300 percent more plaque than brushing alone," is being questioned by dental experts. A study reported in Clinical Preventive Dentistry does not support the manufacturer's claims regarding the effectiveness of Plax. Researchers who reviewed the supporting studies say they are poorly designed. The glycerin in Plax may deceive the user into thinking his mouth is cleaner. (Medical Tribune 30(24)2, September 21, 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin

PLAQUE REMOVAL/PLAX
Oral Research Laboratories markets a mouthwash (Plax) which they claim assists in removal of plaque from the teeth. A study comparing the use of Plax and a plain water mouthrinse before toothbrushing revealed no difference in the amount of plaque removed. (Journal of American Dental Association 120:190-192, February 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

DIET/DENTAL ROOT CARIES
A study of the effect of diet on the occurrence of root caries in adults revealed that frequent eating and the frequent use of sugar contribute to the development of root caries. Snack foods used frequently by those suffering root caries included sweetened drinks, hard candy, throat lozenges, sugared antacids, chocolate, cookies and ice cream. (Journal of the American Dietetic Association 90(9)A-95, September 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

DENTAL FILLINGS/FETUS
A new study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden reveals that dental fillings in pregnant women may allow mercury to pass through the fetal placenta, and collect in the infant brain. (Your Health 29(25)23, December 4, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

DENTAL CARIES/VEGETARIAN DIET
A study from India revealed that vegetarian children had fewer dental caries than did non-vegetarian children. (Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology 18(5)277, 278) Copyright Phylis Austin

DENTAL X-RAYS
George Kaugars, D.D.S., of the Medical College of Virginia, points out that dental x-rays do pose a cancer risk, and should not be taken lightly. He suggests that dental x-rays not be taken more often than every 18 months if there are no obvious problems. One study showed that only 11 percent of patients with no clinical signs of dental decay were shown on x-ray to have any cavities, and of those found by x-ray, most of them did not require immediate treatment. (Your Health, August 30, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

COLA BEVERAGES/DENTAL EROSION
A 36-year-old man being treated for sensitivity of all his teeth showed improvement in his symptoms when he stopped the habit of swishing each mouthful of a daily morning cola before swallowing it. (General Dentistry 39(1)23, 24, January- February, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

DENTURE ADHESIVES/DAMAGE TO NATURAL TEETH
Some denture adhesives may cause damage to natural teeth by increasing acid levels which may cause cavities. People who still have some natural teeth should use non-acidic adhesives. (Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry 66(3)356-60, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

CAFFEINE/DENTAL CHANGES IN OFFSPRING
Nursing laboratory animals whose mothers were given caffeine as a part of their diet showed defects in the production of dental enamel. This may make teeth more susceptible to decay. (Archives of Oral Biology 37(2)105-109, and 111-118, 1992) This report adds its bit to the multitude of ill effects from coffee, tea, and colas. These effects are not only physical, but mental, emotional, and social. Copyright Phylis Austin

COLA DRINKS/DENTAL BRACES
Ten subjects who were undergoing orthodontic treatment were asked to rinse their mouths for one hour with a cola drink. This cola exposure produced a significant decrease in enamel hardness, suggesting that the frequent use of cola beverages may produce significant enamel demineralization. (British Journal of Orthodontics 19(2)166, May 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin

ALOE VERA/GUM DISEASE
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have been impressed with the use of aloe vera in the treatment of gum disease. Aloe vera has both antibacterial and healing properties. (Your Health, July 28, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin

FLUORIDE/TOOTH DECAY
A study reported in the May 1989 issue of American Laboratory Magazine, indicated that fluoride did not reduce tooth decay. A follow up study actually showed an increase in tooth decay in children in Tucson, Arizona who were participating in the fluoridation program.
Some feel that fluoride may cause cancer, and are calling for the cessation of fluoridation of public water supplies until it can be proven both safe and effective. (Mothering (74)30, Spring 1995) Copyright Phylis Austin