An Apple A Day Might Keep The Doctor Away, But Not The Dentist

Dr. Jay Jorgensen D.D.S.

An apple a day might well keep the doctor away, but the dentist is another matter. Eating apples and other acidic fruit, as well as drinking fruit juices, is roughly four times more potentially harmful to teeth than drinking pop, according to a study published by the U.K.’s Journal of Dentistry.

Surveying more than 1,000 men and women aged 18 to 30, the study found that apple eaters were 3.7 times more likely to suffer damage to their dentine (the layer of the tooth inside the enamel). At the same time, it was shown that fruit juice was four times as damaging as pop, and lager beer three times as harmful.

The research also showed that the speed of consumption was a factor. “Doctors quite rightly say that eating apples is good, but if you eat them slowly the high acidity levels can damage your teeth,” said study leader David Bartlett, a professor at the King’s Dental Institute. “The drinks most often associated with associated with dietary erosion, particularly cola, showed no increased risk in this study.”

“The results emphasize that dietary advice should be targeted at strong acids rather than some of the commonly consumed soft drinks.” The researchers did not advise giving up otherwise healthful fruits and juices, but recommended making short work of their consumption.

“Snacking on acidic foods throughout the day is the most damaging, whilst eating them at meal times is much safer,” Bartlett said. “It’s not what you eat, it’s how you eat it. An apple a day is good, but taking all day to eat the apple can damage teeth.”

Dr. Harry F. Hoediono, president of the Ontario Dental Association, responded to the study by stressing the healthful benefits of apples, but advised rinsing the mouth with water after eating fruit to neutralize the acid. “Also, don’t clean your teeth right after eating,” he said. “If you brush while the acid is still in your mouth you are removing some of your teeth’s surface. If you wait about an hour, the saliva helps remineralize the enamel and makes the enamel more resistant to acid attack.”

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Caring for Your Teeth At Any Age

Dr. Jay Jorgensen D.D.S.

Here's a little secret: It's possible to live 100 years and still have your natural teeth. Even if you grind them when you're stressed out, eat a lot of sugary foods, drink too much coffee (which can stain), or occasionally forget to brush and floss, you can still have healthy teeth for many years to come.


If, starting in the teen years, you develop good brushing and flossing habits, you are less likely to have dental problems as you age. People with healthy teeth will actually reduce their risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and have lower blood pressure, if they follow what we ask them to do.


I have some older people who have actually started crying, saying, "If only someone had really made me understand this. If only I had really understood how important a simple thing like brushing and flossing is, and what a difference it would have made.


Good dental care starts in infancy, before teeth even appear, and requires daily attention throughout your lifetime. Here is an easy guide to help you keep your teeth and your smile as healthy as possible.


Childhood


All children should be seen by a dentist by their first birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The dentist will instruct you on how to keep your baby's mouth clean and tell you how to avoid problems such as baby bottle tooth decay. There should be no bottles or sippy cups with milk or juice in bed. When children go to bed, they do not swallow as often. The teeth are then constantly bathed in a sugary substance. Decay can be so rapid that people think their baby's teeth came in that way.


Even before an infant has teeth, you should wipe his or her mouth daily with a washcloth or specially formulated dental wipes to help eliminate bacteria that can cause thrush, an oral yeast infection marked by irritation and white patches in the mouth. Move on to a soft toothbrush once teeth erupt, brushing at least once a day. As a rule, children cannot be expected to brush their own teeth properly until they have developed the fine motor control that allows them to write in cursive, around age 8. Flossing should start as soon as a child's teeth are touching, usually by age 3.


Schedule dental visits with us twice a year, and ask us about dental sealants, which can protect teeth against decay. If you use well water, be sure to ask whether fluoride supplements are necessary.


Adolescence


As children enter adolescence, their new set of adult teeth is at an increased risk for cavities and gum disease. That's because brushing and flossing has now become their own responsibility and they might not be so vigilant about it. While away from home, they may consume large amounts of sugary beverages that feed destructive oral bacteria.


We tend to see a lot of decay between the teeth of patients at that age. They know how to brush, but flossing to get rid of bacteria between the teeth becomes just as important for healthy teeth.


Wisdom teeth also become an issue in the teen years. They should be removed because most people simply don't have enough room in their mouths to accommodate them. The advantage of getting them extracted early is that they are fairly easy to remove because the roots are not formed and your bone is more pliable.


Young Adulthood


Young adults often believe that if their teeth aren't bothering them, they don't need to see a dentist. Nothing could be further from the truth. You may not know you have a cavity until you need a root canal because the tooth doesn't start to hurt until the nerve has been damaged.


Adults should brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and floss once a day. Electric or sonic toothbrushes work well, but not everyone needs them. You can clean just as well with a manual toothbrush as you can with a mechanical toothbrush, but most patients have a tendency to brush longer with an electric toothbrush.


Dental care is extremely important for pregnant women because studies have shown a link between gum disease and low-birth-weight babies. Because of the hormonal changes that take place in your body during pregnancy, you are at a much higher risk of developing some gingivitis.


The frequency of dental visits depends on your dental history, hygiene skills, and genetics. Most people should have a checkup every six months.


Midlife


This is the time when your teeth really start showing their age. Fillings you received decades ago start to break down. We start to see more root canals and tend to see more crowns because these teeth have been filled to capacity because of repeated cavities and fillings.


Gum disease becomes a formidable foe in middle age. You need to focus on daily flossing and brushing to keep your gums as healthy as possible — gum disease has been linked with a risk of heart disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.


Oral cancer becomes a concern as well, especially among smokers. If you have a sore in your mouth that does not go away within two weeks, it needs to be looked at by your dentist.


Senior Years


As we age, medications can lengthen our lifespan and improve our quality of life. Unfortunately, a common side effect of many drugs is dry mouth. Saliva is a natural tooth protector, so having less of it increases the risk of cavities. Many people use candies or gum to combat dry mouth, but such a habit can actually add fuel to the fire — sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth. To stimulate saliva, we prefer gum with the natural sugar substitute xylitol, because it mimics the action of fluoride. Sugarless candies and gum are also recommended.


If a condition such as arthritis or declining vision is making it difficult for you to brush, try an electric toothbrush. Continue to see our office twice a year.


By taking care of your teeth, you're not just ensuring a pretty smile. Tooth loss can affect your self-esteem and make it hard to enjoy the foods you love. And if you aren't eating properly, you're putting yourself at risk for nutritional deficiencies. In addition, poor dental hygiene can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which puts you at a higher risk for heart disease, lung infections, diabetes, and osteoporosis.


For these reasons, being proactive about your dental care is worth the effort. "It takes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting a dentist on a regular basis. The rewards are worth it — good oral hygiene can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.


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Oral Cancer Recurrence Predicted By Gene Signature

Dr. Jay Jorgensen D.D.S.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is responsible for nearly a quarter of all head and neck cancers. It is one of the leading causes of cancer death - largely due to the failure of current histological procedures in predicting the recurrence of the disease. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Cancer shows that a four-gene signature may accurately predict which patients are at higher risk of OSCC recurrence.

A team of researchers, including Drs. Patricia Reis and Levi Waldron, and led by Dr Suzanne Kamel-Reid and Dr. Igor Jurisica, from the Ontario Cancer Institute at University Health Network (UHN) Toronto, Canada collected cancerous and noncancerous oral tissue samples from patients with OSCC from Toronto General Hospital at UHN. They then used a meta-analysis of five published microarray studies along with their own microarray analysis to reliably identify 138 genes commonly over-expressed in both OSCC and normal margin tissues. Of these genes, a four-gene signature with the highest predictive risk of recurrence was selected. This signature contained cell invasion related genes MMP1, COL4A1, P4HA2 and THBS2.

The researchers explained, "Our data suggest that histologically normal surgical resection margins that over-express MMP1, COL4A1, THBS2 and P4HA2 are indicative of an increased risk of recurrence in OSCC. Patients at higher risk of recurrence could potentially benefit from closer disease monitoring and/or adjuvant post-operative radiation treatment, even in the absence of other clinical and histopathological indicators. Our findings may be applied to develop a molecular test, which could be clinically useful to help predict which patients are at a higher risk of local recurrence."

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I Brush, Do I Really Need To floss?

Dr. Jay Jorgensen D.D.S.

YES! Flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than the toothbrush. Dental floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in between teeth where the toothbrush can't reach. It also polishes these surfaces, and can help control bad breath. Many people simply don't spend enough time flossing, and may have never been taught to floss properly Next time you come in for a visit, ask Debbie to show you the best technique. Dental floss also comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, wide and regular. We can help determine what type is best for you. You may also prefer a prethreaded flosser or floss holder. These are handy for people with limited dexterity, for those who are just beginning, or for caretakers who are flossing someone else's teeth. Remember...An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So no more excuses. By flossing your teeth DAILY, you increase the chance of keeping your teeth a lifetime, and decrease your chance of having gum disease and tooth decay.

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5 Top Toothpaste Myths

Dr. Jay Jorgensen D.D.S.

1. Everyone should use only fluoridated toothpastes
Studies and research indicate a strong correlation between the use of fluoride and the reduction of dental caries. In fact, as a result of those findings, many schools began adopting fluoride programs and community water fluoridation was instituted.

Today, 67 percent of the U.S. public water systems use fluoride to help prevent decay. The decision to use toothpaste with or without fluoride should be determined mutually by you and your dental professional, taking into consideration your community water fluoride content and your risk for dental caries.

2. Toothpastes are essentially all the same
Toothpastes are NOT all created equal. Toothpastes carry various levels of abrasivity which, if too abrasive, can lead to sensitivity and premature wear on teeth. Many toothpastes contain colors and dyes that can stain; alcohol that is harsh and dries the mouth; saccharin and artificial flavorings.

Many high-quality toothpastes contain no artificial flavorings or dyes; they are alcohol-free and saccharin-free. They may contain safe and unique ingredients such as Xylitol and sucralose, herbs, essential oils and may offer fluoride and fluoride-free options. Read labels to ensure you and your family are using a toothpaste that is safe and effective and meets your individual needs.

3. Whitening toothpastes will whiten my teeth
Contrary to what advertisers lead us to believe, it is simply not possible for commercial whitening toothpastes to actually whiten teeth. Whitening toothpastes are not formulated with the same active ingredients or concentrations found in professional whitening systems.

These toothpastes are only able to remove some surface staining caused by foods and beverages through the action of abrasive agents. The high rate of abrasion found in most of these whitening toothpastes can lead to increased sensitivity and premature wear on teeth and cosmetic surfaces.

4.The more toothpaste I use, the cleaner my teeth
More is NOT better; it’s usually a waste. Toothpaste is designed to assist in cleaning and removing plaque, stains and food debris. Most of the cleaning action actually comes from the mechanical efforts your toothbrush provides, along with proper technique, and not how much toothpaste you’re using.

When overloading your toothbrush with toothpaste, most of it usually finds its way down the drain. Additionally, children using fluoridated toothpastes should always be supervised to apply a controlled amount of toothpaste and to avoid swallowing.

5. Using toothpaste will keep my breath fresh
Many commercial-brand toothpastes contain strong artificial flavorings that can very often illicit a mild to intense burning sensation, giving it a “fresh” feeling and providing a temporary cover-up for odorous bacteria. Simply because it feels strong in the mouth does not necessarily mean it is killing the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

There are toothpastes that contain ingredients that actually neutralize a specific group of bacteria referred to as Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs). This group of bacteria is responsible for oral malodor. And, when these VSCs are neutralized, the bacteria becomes ineffective and longer lasting fresh breath is achieved — safely, effectively and without the burn!

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Bummed Out About Home Bleaching Agents

Dr. Jay Jorgensen D.D.S.

Home Tooth whitening products are available for use to remove external stains from teeth by abrasion or  bleaching. Their safety and effectiveness can come into question. Kits that contain abrasive agents can give you a white smile initially by removing surface stains, but they can be harmful over the long run because they accelerate the natural aging process.These kit may cause the enamel of teeth to be worn away to reveal the yellow dentin behind it. Such kits can also cause recessions on gums (meaning the roots will be exposed) and consequently cause tooth abfraction on the roots of teeth concurrent with sensitivity to cold and air.


It is of utmost importance to have the abfraction checked by our office, so the sensitivity be stopped. There is various treatment that can help further breakdown and abfraction of the roots, including dental bonding or  dental veneers.


IF YOU DO HAVE ANY EXISTING SENSITIVITY, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU NOT DO ANY TEETH WHITENING OR BLEACHING OF TEETH until all the necessary treatment for the sensitivity is rendered.


Teeth bleaching or tooth whitening products are usually carbomide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide derivatives with different concentration. You should be screened for your gums, root sensitivity, any micro cracks, micro leakage possibly from your fillings , or abfractions by our office before you put whitening and bleaching products in your mouth.


In closing, I highly advise you to have a full check up and consultation with our office before you do any kind of teeth whitening to avoid further damage to your precious teeth and smile.


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The Effects Of Aging On Teeth And Gums

Dr. Jay Jorgensen D.D.S.

As the average lifespan of our nation’s population is increasing, so too is the need for maintaining proper oral health care.  The goal, of course, is to retain our teeth for all of these extended years.  Though aging can have some negative effects on our teeth, I am encouraged to report that many of my elderly clientele are even more diligent and knowledgeable in the area of oral hygiene than some of their younger cohorts.  While dentures are still available, their prevalence in the dental office is significantly reduced from years in the past. 

It is important for the aging population to pay attention to certain scenarios that may present in the oral environment with age.  The saying, “He’s a bit long in the tooth,” originates from the fact that gum recession over time tends to expose more and more of the root surfaces of one’s teeth.  Often associated with this root exposure is increased sensitivity to cold and hot liquids and air brought in through the mouth.  A simple solution to this problem is to have us bond a desensitizing agent to the tooth or to place a filling on the exposed surface.  These treatments are incredibly effective at eliminating tooth sensitivity both painlessly and immediately.  Patients are thus free to enjoy ice cream, coffee and cold beverages that same day.

Exposed roots are also more predisposed to cavities, or “root caries” as we call them.  This is because the tooth structure below the gum line consists of a softer mineral than the more resistant enamel on the outer portion of a tooth.  Routine cleanings and check-ups, sometimes with even greater regularity than the typical six-month recall, can serve to head off at the pass any cavities that may otherwise run amuck. 

Decreased salivary flow can result with age as well.  Our saliva contains a buffer against the acids that result when foods breakdown in our mouths.  The absence of this saliva leaves our teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.   Certain medications can interfere with normal salivary production as well.   We may elect to counteract this decreased salivary flow with other medications.  The best defense against the harmful effects of low salivary flow is the same as that for most age-related dental challenges: immaculate oral hygiene and regular visits to our office!

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