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Eighth Annual Give Kids a Smile Program - Remembering Deamonte Driver
The American Dental Association's (ADA) eighth annual Give Kids a Smile program is this Friday, February 5, 2010. The Give Kids a Smile event, to be held at more than 2,000 locations across the country, will provide an estimated 320,000 children with the essential dental treatments they all deserve, for no cost.

The event has seen its share of criticism, as many people feel that it takes more than just one day a year to address issues such as early childhood decay, that is observed in many of the nation's less fortunate children, as well as the lack regular dental care common with many children, from all walks of life, across the country. However, ADA President Ronald L. Tankersley, D.D.S stressed in a press release about the event that "We all know that a one-day event is not a delivery system and cannot solve the ongoing problem of untreated dental disease" adding, "It is important that policymakers at the federal and state level strengthen dental provisions in public health programs to help put children on the road to good oral health."

If you are searching for a Give kids a Smile event in your area, the ADA had a handy search tool for you locate an event in your area. You can also refer to this State-By-State Dental Association list and contact your State's dental association for more information.

According to their website, The Deamonte Driver Dental Project was was established to provide "grassroots solutions to a children's' dental health crisis." For more information on the project, visit their website, and learn how you can help.

Eighth Annual Give Kids a Smile Program - Remembering Deamonte Driver originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 13:03:09.

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Super Bowl Sunday is almost here, and I'm sure everyone is preparing for not only the game, but the food that goes with watching the most anticipated sporting event of the year. Watching the Super Bowl is synonymous with eating traditional favorites such as chili, chips, sandwiches, pizza; the list goes on and on. I'm pretty sure the last thing on your mind will be the health of your teeth, while you are consuming these tasty treats, but if you are looking for something healthier for your teeth, Dr. Thomas Connelly, a New York City cosmetic dentist, offers his suggestions for a healthier Super Bowl Sunday feast.

Turkey Sandwich vs. Salami Sandwich - turkey will actually add needed minerals to your tooth enamel. Acid produced by bacteria damages the minerals originally found in your teeth.

Sweet Potato Fries vs. Regular Fries-- These root vegetables are rich in nutrients and vitamins B and C, which are great for oral health. Also, potatoes don't stick to your teeth like other starch-laden foods, which serve as a breeding ground for oral bacteria

Popcorn vs. Potato Chips- Eating popcorn stimulates your gums and helps clean your teeth.

Chocolate with nuts vs. Other Candy-- fats in nuts absorb so much acid that they actually help prevent cavities. Chocolate has fat that just soaks up acids, and there's an antibacterial agent in cocoa that prevents plaque.

Remember to brush and floss after eating any for these tasty treats, and have a great time this weekend... GO SAINTS!

Super Bowl Sunday - Keep Your Spread Teeth Friendly originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 11:49:54.

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If you are pregnant, considering becoming pregnant in the future, or know someone that fits into either category, PAY ATTENTION, because this information could save a life.

Researcher Yiping Han, from the department of periodontilogy at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine has reported the first documented case of a stillbirth caused by an oral bacteria. The 35 year old mother suffered from pregnancy gingivitis. At 39 weeks, five days - which is considered to be full term - the mother sadly delivered her stillborn baby.

An autopsy was preformed which revealed the presence of F. nucleatum - an oral bacteria - in the lungs and stomach of the infant. The baby had died from a septic infection and inflammation caused by bacteria. The mother told Han that she suffered from excessive gum bleeding, known as pregnancy induced gingivitis, during her pregnancy. When the gums bleed, bacteria in the mouth is able to get into he blood stream. According to a press release from the university, Han says normally a mother's immune system takes care of the bacteria in the blood before it reaches the placenta. But in this case, the mother also experienced an upper respiratory infection like a cold and low-grade fever just a few days before the stillbirth. Han suspects that the bacteria entered the amniotic fluid, where the baby was able to ingest the bacteria.

How can this be prevented? The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry created some very easily attainable Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women. One of the biggest misconceptions related to dentistry and pregnancy is this idea that dental care during pregnancy will harm your unborn baby. For years, experts have insisted that expectant mothers have the health of their teeth and gums examined and monitored during their pregnancy.
Preterm birth has been connected to gum disease in the past. Duke University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill teamed up in 2009, for one of the largest randomized trial to date, to study how the treatment of gum disease during pregnancy would effect the apparent link between preterm birth and the disease. The researchers found that the treatment of gum disease during pregnancy did not reduce the rate of preterm birth, suggesting that gum disease, especially advanced periodontal disease, should be controlled before a woman becomes pregnant. The American Academy of Periodontology responded to Duke's findings by releasing a statement that insisted pregnant woman continue with their dental treatment throughout their pregnancy.

Most women make lifestyle changes before the become pregnant, in an effort to deliver a healthy baby. Now, more than ever, making sure that you are free from gum disease before you become pregnant, and during your pregnancy, should become a priority for every woman considering having a baby. If you have questions or concerns about how your gum disease could be affecting the health of your baby, please speak with your dentist or physician. If you experience excessive bleeding of the gums during your pregnancy, do not hesitate, and contact your dentist for an appointment.

Emphasizing her findings, Han really drives it home by stating: "There is an old wives' tale that you lose a tooth for each baby, and this is due to the underlying changes during pregnancy, but if there is another underlying condition in the background, then you may lose more than a tooth but a baby."

Oral Bacteria Linked to Stillbirth originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 12:53:24.

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Charlie Sheen's wife Brooke Mueller, was rushed to the ICU of a Sherman Oaks, California hospital after an infection, apparently caused by her recent emergency oral surgery to remove an impacted wisdom tooth, started to spread. Mueller was admitted with a 105-degree fever. Her lawyer, Yale Galanter, told PEOPLE Magazine "Brooke is in the hospital ICU related to the surgery for her impacted wisdom tooth," adding "They are trying to get the infection and fever under control. The infection has spread."

Wisdom teeth extraction isn't a favorite procedure among dental patients. Chances are, you know someone that has had a "horrific" experience during and after their wisdom teeth surgery. Hearing about Brooks Mueller's complications after her oral surgery made me think about how this story will affect your decision to have your wisdom teeth removed. Are infections normal after wisdom teeth surgery? Not usually, in fact the most serious complication I have witnessed someone experience after wisdom teeth surgery is a complication known as a dry socket. That being said, the instructions your dentist gives you to follow before your oral surgery, after your oral surgery MUST be followed to a T, in order to avoid mild to serious complications during your recovery process. If you are concerned about your upcoming wisdom teeth surgery, please don't hesitate to discuss them with your dentist. Brooke Mueller's experience is rare, and considering the fact that exact details about her complication have been completely overshadowed by the gossip surrounding her turmoil with her husband Charlie Sheen, we may never know exactly why her infection spread.

If you have had your wisdom teeth removed, share your experience with my readers, by answering the question: Was Your Wisdom Teeth Removal No Big Deal or a Complete Nightmare?

Brooke Mueller Rushed to the ICU After Her Oral Infection Spreads originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 12:35:51.

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Tylenol and Motrin are both common over-the-counter pain relief medications that are often recommended for use after dental procedures, when your little one's are teething, after wisdom teeth extractions or root canals, and when you have a toothache; only to name a few. If you find yourself reaching for a bottle of Tylenol or Motrin, please check the McNeil Consumer Healthcare website for a complete list of the products that were voluntary recalled by Johnson & Johnson, due to a "moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor". According to reports, the odor was caused by trace amounts of a chemical known as 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA), which is used treat the wood pallets that are used to transport and store the product packaging materials. The odor is apparently responsible for causing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says 70 people have reported "temporary and non-serious gastrointestinal events," or have noticed the foul odor.

Take a look at the list of recalled products, which include specific LOT numbers (found on the side of the bottle, or back label) from BENADRYL ALLERGY TABLET 148 COUNT, various Tylenol products, various Motrin products, various Rolaids products, and various St. Josephs Aspirin products. If you have recalled product in your possession, you are asked to stop using the product, and contact contact McNeil Consumer Healthcare for instructions on a refund or replacement. For these instructions or information regarding how to return or dispose of the product, consumers should log on to the internet at www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Consumers who have medical concerns or questions should contact their healthcare provider. Any adverse reactions may also be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Johnson & Johnson Issues 'Massive' Recall of Tylenol and Motrin Products originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 00:19:40.

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The debate over whether or not fluoride should be added to the public water supply erupted earlier this week in Walker, Louisiana. According to 2theadvocate.com, some residents of the town, located outside Baton Rouge, are opposed to the addition of fluoride to their drinking water. Facing heavy opposition, Mayor Bobby Font remains committed to educating residents on the benefits of fluoride. The date has yet to be determined, as to when the town will begin their water fluoridation program.

Water fluoridation is a very sensitive issue, because most dental experts agree that fluoride is safe for use. Research indicates that the rate of cavities in areas where the water is fluoridated decreases significantly compared to areas where fluoride is not added to the water -- but does that outweigh the risks involved with fluoride use? Not too long ago, I asked my readers if they thought water should be fluoridated. Most respondents were very passionate against water fluoridation. Many believe that it causes health concerns ranging from dental fluorosis to neurological disorders. Others believe that fluoride is a beneficial additive to the water supply.

I want to revisit the issue, and ask you again: Do You Think Fluoride Should be Added to Public Drinking Water?

Louisiana Town Divided on Water Fluoridation originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 12:40:15.

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Amalgam fillings are perhaps one of the most controversial topics in dentistry. The ongoing concern regarding the safety of this type of metal filling seems to easily ignite a very passionate debate, mainly from those opposed to the use of amalgam - more specifically mercury - in dentistry. There has been several studies published by reputable institutions that state amalgam fillings are safe for use, however those opposed to the use of mercury in dentistry continue to stand behind their belief that mercury is dangerous.

Now, to add more fuel to the already smoldering mercury issue comes a study recently published in the online journal of the American Chemical Society, Chemical Research in Toxicology. The study, "The Chemical Forms of Mercury in Aged and Fresh Dental Amalgam Surfaces", conduced by Graham George, Satya Singh, Jay Hoover, and Ingrid Pickering, from the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Geological Sciences and College of Dentistry, examined both freshly placed amalgam and fillings that were placed about 20 years ago. Using a special x-ray technique to examine the fillings, the scientists found the fresh amalgam contained metallic mercury, which is known to be toxic. The aged fillings contained a form of mercury known as beta-mercuric sulfide (metacinnabar). This form of mercury is considered unlikely to be toxic to the body. The scientists noted that the surface of the older fillings lost up to 95% of the mercury overtime, due to considerations such as eating certain foods, dental cleanings, and evaporation, to name a few. Here is the fire-starer: the scientists caution that "human exposure to mercury lost from fillings is still of concern."

Now, even I am starting to become confused. Do you remember back in July 2009 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued their final regulation on dental amalgam, assuring us that amalgam fillings are indeed safe for use? The FDA agrees with the American Dental Associations position on amalgam fillings. I will let you read their position on amalgam for yourself, but I am really starting to wonder if amalgam fillings really are safe? Where is the evaporated metallic mercury going as it is converted into beta-mercuric sulfide? Would I stand by and watch one of my children have an amalgam filling placed in their mouth? I must admit that my position on amalgam has remained rather conservative, trusting the American Dental Association and the FDA. Now, I'm starting to wonder...

Will We Ever Know the Truth About Amalgam? originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 21:00:02.

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If you are considering weight loss as your resolution for 2010, beware of the fiber loaded, raisin infused cereals that appear to be a healthy choice. According to research conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, the added sugar found in raisin bran cereals increases acidity of dental plaque.

The added sugar - also known as sucrose- was directly implicated as the cause for the increase in acidity, but before you eliminate the innocent raisin from your diet, I should point out that the study did emphasize that natural raisins, free from added sugar, are recommended as the best choice for your cereal. Raisins -albeit sticky- are cleared rather quickly from the teeth. According to Dr. Christine Wu, Professor and Director of Cariology Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and lead author of the study, raisins are removed from the teeth no differently than apples, bananas - even chocolate.
In 2005, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry also conducted research on the tiny raisin that actually found that phytochemicals found in raisins suppresses the growth of oral bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Wu, lead author of this study as well, defends the raisin in this press release, revealing that "Raisins are perceived as sweet and sticky, and any food that contains sugar and is sticky is assumed to cause cavities," adding "Our study suggests the contrary. Phytochemicals in raisins may benefit oral health by fighting bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease."

Here are a few key points that I noted: Select natural raisins that do not contain added sugar, and add them to your favorite cereals. If you can't do without your raisin cereal, make sure you brush and floss your teeth immediately after eating the cereal Dr. Wu must really love raisins

All kidding aside, it is important to note that there are many food choices out there that may appear to be a healthy choice, but after closer examination, for example paying attention to the ingredient list, the choice proves otherwise.
If you looking for an easy way to check the nutritional information of the foods you eat, Calorie Count is just what you're looking for. Simply type in your favorite food, hit "search", and you are taken to a wealth of information about your selection.

Have a happy and safe New Year's celebration, and I will see you in 2010!

Raisins: Friend or Foe? originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Thursday, December 31st, 2009 at 01:18:09.

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With the end of the year seemingly just around the corner, the "Top ___ of 2009" lists are making their rounds across the web. One particular list that caught my eye was YouTube's list of their top five video's of 2009.

I wasn't surprised to see Susan Boyle in the number one spot. Her angelic voice, disguised by her frazzled appearance, attracted over 120 million views of her performance of Les Miserables' "I Dreamed a Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent". I remember trying my hardest to hold back the tears, when I watched the video for the first time. Her story reaffirms that old saying "You Can't Judge a Book By Its Cover".

The video that took the number two spot sparked a wave of laughter, and controversy at the same time. "David After Dentist" started out as an innocent video taken by his father and posted to YouTube for family viewing, after seven year old David DeVore has a dental appointment to remove a tooth. Why would anyone care to watch a video of a child after a dental visit? Well, poor little David was given a sedative before his appointment, that seemed to cause some very hilarious after affects, which attracted 37 million views on YouTube. The video, albeit very funny, didn't escape a load of criticism accusing his father of exploiting a very personal and vulnerable time for his young son.
When I saw the video, I thought of my own child, and how I would feel if she was in David's position. I even preemptively made the decision to decline a prescribed sedative, if she requires extensive dental work. When asked if you would reconsider the use of a sedative for your child's dental appointment, after viewing "David After Dentist", 53% of you said "No; I would give my child the prescribed medication for the dental appointment". Would you post a video of your child on YouTube, after their appointment? That question remain to be seen.

This is "Real Life" David - "David After Dentist" Top YouTube Video of 2009 originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 12:36:39.

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Toothpicks are generally used to remove food that has become lodged in between the teeth -usually after a meal when brushing isn't an option. You can buy a pack of wooden toothpicks for $1.00, or splurge on a package of plastic toothpicks for around $3.00. Now enter Charles Dickens', the legendary author of A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist. The authors ivory and gold retracting toothpick, engraved with his initials and beautifully presented in a small case with an autograph note signed by his sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth to confirm its authenticity, sold for $9150 at New York's Bonhams auction.

I wonder if the anonymous buyer was inspired by my Unique Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide? That would certainly make for a very unique socking stuffer!

Just In Time For Christmas - Charles Dickens' Ivory Toothpick Sells for $9150 originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 12:28:29.

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