The Hidden Danger of Sharing Drinks
Many people share drinks with one another without giving the dangers of exchanging saliva a second thought but that exchange can be more harmful than originally imagined.
Sharing beverages can not only end in an exchange of bacteria but the exchange of other problem causing microorganisms as well. The Herpes simplex virus (or HSV-1) is the virus strand that causes cold sores. Studies estimate that over 50% of the nation have been infected with this virus. While that may seem like a lot, some individuals included in this number are carriers.
Some carriers have never experienced a cold sore and are unaware of their carrier status but can continue to pass on the virus to others. The virus creates painful, pus-filled sores on the lips and in the mouth. They can last up to two weeks and the virus will always be present in the person's body. It may not always be active, but will always be in the body waiting for triggers such as stress, cold weather, and exhaustion to reoccur.
Cold sores normally spread through saliva and can enter into microcuts in the skin or mouth. This does not only occur when kissing but can happen when sharing food and/or drinks. Parents can even spread the disease to their children.
If you find a cold sore like spot in or around your mouth, there are many over the counter and prescription treatments. Discuss your options with your dentist.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2012/12/holiday-health-hazard/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Dental Did You Know
Is Your Mouth Making You Sick?
I have previously posted on the importance of good oral health and the connection it has to good overall health. The graphic below supports that with statistics from studies illustrating how oral health is connected to different diseases.
Source: http://www.infographicsarchive.com/health-and-safety/infographic-is-your-mouth-making-you-sick/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
I have previously posted on the importance of good oral health and the connection it has to good overall health. The graphic below supports that with statistics from studies illustrating how oral health is connected to different diseases.
Source: http://www.infographicsarchive.com/health-and-safety/infographic-is-your-mouth-making-you-sick/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
News You Can Use
Study Explores Impact of Secondhand Smoke on GA Kids
A new study recently released by the Ohio State University School of Dentistry looked into the impact that environmental tobacco smoke (or ETS) has on children that are undergoing general anesthesia. The results showed that children exposed to ETS had an overall longer recovery time after general anesthesia despite the fact that they did not have significantly more decay and the procedures did not take significantly longer than children not exposed to ETS.
General anesthesia is becoming more and more popular when treating children as it helps the children to relax during the procedure, making it go faster and attempting to prevent bad dental experiences for the children. Previous studies on the effect of ETS on children suggest that ETS has an adverse effect on children's respiratory systems. This may effect how long the children take for postanesthesia recovery stage.
Source: http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxsec=sup&sub=rst&pag=dis&ItemID=312426
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
A new study recently released by the Ohio State University School of Dentistry looked into the impact that environmental tobacco smoke (or ETS) has on children that are undergoing general anesthesia. The results showed that children exposed to ETS had an overall longer recovery time after general anesthesia despite the fact that they did not have significantly more decay and the procedures did not take significantly longer than children not exposed to ETS.
General anesthesia is becoming more and more popular when treating children as it helps the children to relax during the procedure, making it go faster and attempting to prevent bad dental experiences for the children. Previous studies on the effect of ETS on children suggest that ETS has an adverse effect on children's respiratory systems. This may effect how long the children take for postanesthesia recovery stage.
Source: http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxsec=sup&sub=rst&pag=dis&ItemID=312426
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Notes from the Dentist
Smile Station Dental is Now on Pinterest!
I am pleased to announce that Smile Station Dental now has a Pinterest page! Log on to the link below or click the Pinterest button to the right of this page to check it out!
As with this blog, I will be adding relevant pins to the variety of boards I have started which range from Dental Technology to Dental News. I also have a couple of boards just for fun, such as Dental Humor. So check it out and feel free to follow us!
I am pleased to announce that Smile Station Dental now has a Pinterest page! Log on to the link below or click the Pinterest button to the right of this page to check it out!
As with this blog, I will be adding relevant pins to the variety of boards I have started which range from Dental Technology to Dental News. I also have a couple of boards just for fun, such as Dental Humor. So check it out and feel free to follow us!
R. Eric Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, January 14, 2013
News You Can Use
Most U.S. States Fall Short with Dental Sealant Programs
A recent study released by the Pew Center on the States found that 40% of all U.S. States earned a D or F when it comes to providing children with dental sealants. The protective benefits of dental sealants have been acknowledged for almost 45 years now but states have been slow on the uptake of this preventative treatment. The most recent national survey revealed that only half of teens between the ages of 13 and 15 have sealants on permanent teeth.
Sealants are normally a plastic material placed in the chewing surfaces of the back molars as a barrier to prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing removes food and debris from the smooth surfaces of teeth but may not be able to reach into the rigid crevices present at the chewing surfaces. A composite resin, a tooth colored material, is bonded directly onto the tooth's surface and fits into the depressions and grooves, effectively blocking plaque and acids which can cause decay.
Along with brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular dental visits, sealants help to reduce the chances of tooth decay. While sealants are resilient to the stress of everyday chewing, they can breakdown after several years. At Smile Station Dental, we recommend sealants as early as the permanent teeth have come in and continue to check the condition of the sealants to recommend reapplication when necessary.
Source:http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxsec=sup&sub=rst&pag=dis&ItemID=312369
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/az-topics/s/sealants.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
A recent study released by the Pew Center on the States found that 40% of all U.S. States earned a D or F when it comes to providing children with dental sealants. The protective benefits of dental sealants have been acknowledged for almost 45 years now but states have been slow on the uptake of this preventative treatment. The most recent national survey revealed that only half of teens between the ages of 13 and 15 have sealants on permanent teeth.
Sealants are normally a plastic material placed in the chewing surfaces of the back molars as a barrier to prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing removes food and debris from the smooth surfaces of teeth but may not be able to reach into the rigid crevices present at the chewing surfaces. A composite resin, a tooth colored material, is bonded directly onto the tooth's surface and fits into the depressions and grooves, effectively blocking plaque and acids which can cause decay.
Along with brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular dental visits, sealants help to reduce the chances of tooth decay. While sealants are resilient to the stress of everyday chewing, they can breakdown after several years. At Smile Station Dental, we recommend sealants as early as the permanent teeth have come in and continue to check the condition of the sealants to recommend reapplication when necessary.
Source:http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxsec=sup&sub=rst&pag=dis&ItemID=312369
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/az-topics/s/sealants.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
News You Can Use
Chewing Gum
While most people see chewing gum as a way to freshen breath, clinical studies have shown there are benefits to chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals and snacks. Sugarless gum stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps to wash away food and other debris, while also bringing more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen enamel.
Not only does chewing sugarless gum stimulate saliva secretion, but gums that are sweetened with the sugar substitute xylitol have added benefits. Xylitol is a low calorie sweetener made from sugar alcohols that does not effect blood sugar levels as normal sugar does. It also inhibits the creation of acid in the mouth, eliminating the environment necessary for cavity formation.
It is advised that you do not allow chewing sugarless gum to replace brushing and flossing. It is a great tool to help reduce the chance of tooth decay but it is not a substitute for brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing.
Chewing sugarless gum sweetened with xylitol increases the flow of saliva while decreasing the formation of acid, effectively eliminating food particles that can cause decay and the acidic environment necessary.
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/chewing-gum.aspx
Source: http://www.xlear.com/xylitol-gum.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
While most people see chewing gum as a way to freshen breath, clinical studies have shown there are benefits to chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals and snacks. Sugarless gum stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps to wash away food and other debris, while also bringing more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen enamel.
Not only does chewing sugarless gum stimulate saliva secretion, but gums that are sweetened with the sugar substitute xylitol have added benefits. Xylitol is a low calorie sweetener made from sugar alcohols that does not effect blood sugar levels as normal sugar does. It also inhibits the creation of acid in the mouth, eliminating the environment necessary for cavity formation.
It is advised that you do not allow chewing sugarless gum to replace brushing and flossing. It is a great tool to help reduce the chance of tooth decay but it is not a substitute for brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing.
Chewing sugarless gum sweetened with xylitol increases the flow of saliva while decreasing the formation of acid, effectively eliminating food particles that can cause decay and the acidic environment necessary.
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/chewing-gum.aspx
Source: http://www.xlear.com/xylitol-gum.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Dental Did You Know
Toothbrush Care
To many, the toothbrush is a hygiene tool and not much more than that. Toothbrush care is more important than people realize. Here are some facts about toothbrush care:
1. Dental Professionals recommend that you do not keep your toothbrush near the toilet. Airborne particles from a toilet flush can travel up to six feet.
2. You should replace your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months and sooner if the bristles become frayed through use. If you become ill with flu, cold, or viral infections, you should change your toothbrush after you recover. Bacteria can implant themselves in the bristles and cause reinfection.
3. Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing to remove toothpaste and debris. If possible, store in an upright position and allow to air dry in between brushes.
4. Avoid storing toothbrushes in closed or covered containers as these conditions are more conducive to the growth of microorganisms.
Source: http://www.ada.org/1887.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
To many, the toothbrush is a hygiene tool and not much more than that. Toothbrush care is more important than people realize. Here are some facts about toothbrush care:
1. Dental Professionals recommend that you do not keep your toothbrush near the toilet. Airborne particles from a toilet flush can travel up to six feet.
2. You should replace your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months and sooner if the bristles become frayed through use. If you become ill with flu, cold, or viral infections, you should change your toothbrush after you recover. Bacteria can implant themselves in the bristles and cause reinfection.
3. Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing to remove toothpaste and debris. If possible, store in an upright position and allow to air dry in between brushes.
4. Avoid storing toothbrushes in closed or covered containers as these conditions are more conducive to the growth of microorganisms.
Source: http://www.ada.org/1887.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
News You Can Use
Regular Perio Treatment Can Lower Prescription Costs for Diabetes
I know I have blogged on the link between gum disease and diabetes before, such as the article here and here, but new research has made it an important subject again. United Concordia Dental recently completed a study that shows pharmacy costs being reduced by an average of $1,477 a year for people with diabetes who receive regular periodontal treatments.
Previously, United Concordia Dental found that regular periodontal treatments for diabetes patients helped reduce the number of hospitalizations and doctor visits, resulting in an average savings of $1,814 in medical costs. This new research adds to the savings, illustrating how regular periodontal treatments can be even more important for people with diabetes.
United Concordia Dental ran a study encompassing 1.7 million patients and found the average annual savings on medical costs amounting to $3,200 when combining the reduction in doctor visits/hospitalizations and pharmacy costs. Patients with diabetes have the potential to significantly reduce medical costs by simply treating the periodontists that tends to accompany diabetes.
Source:http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxSec=sup&sub=hyg&pag=dis&ItemID=312010&wf=47
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
I know I have blogged on the link between gum disease and diabetes before, such as the article here and here, but new research has made it an important subject again. United Concordia Dental recently completed a study that shows pharmacy costs being reduced by an average of $1,477 a year for people with diabetes who receive regular periodontal treatments.
Previously, United Concordia Dental found that regular periodontal treatments for diabetes patients helped reduce the number of hospitalizations and doctor visits, resulting in an average savings of $1,814 in medical costs. This new research adds to the savings, illustrating how regular periodontal treatments can be even more important for people with diabetes.
United Concordia Dental ran a study encompassing 1.7 million patients and found the average annual savings on medical costs amounting to $3,200 when combining the reduction in doctor visits/hospitalizations and pharmacy costs. Patients with diabetes have the potential to significantly reduce medical costs by simply treating the periodontists that tends to accompany diabetes.
Source:http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxSec=sup&sub=hyg&pag=dis&ItemID=312010&wf=47
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, January 7, 2013
News You Can Use
UCLA Dentistry Developing Saliva Test to Predict Onset of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Every year, many Americans are at-risk of developing serious mental health issues. These mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, can be debilitating and hard to treat. Having the ability to recognize the potential for mental health issues would allow health care professionals to enact preventative measures.
The UCLA School of Dentistry just received a research grant to develop a salivary biomarker test for identifying patients with the potential to develop PTSD or depression after a traumatic event. This salivary biomarker research would allow for preemptive psychological care, enabling mental health professionals to offer services at a time when mental health issues are easier to treat.
For more information and specifics on this upcoming research, follow the link below:
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Every year, many Americans are at-risk of developing serious mental health issues. These mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, can be debilitating and hard to treat. Having the ability to recognize the potential for mental health issues would allow health care professionals to enact preventative measures.
The UCLA School of Dentistry just received a research grant to develop a salivary biomarker test for identifying patients with the potential to develop PTSD or depression after a traumatic event. This salivary biomarker research would allow for preemptive psychological care, enabling mental health professionals to offer services at a time when mental health issues are easier to treat.
For more information and specifics on this upcoming research, follow the link below:
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Dental Did You Know
Add Vitamin D for a Healthy Smile
Happy 2013! Why not add a healthy smile to your new years resolutions? New studies have shown vitamin D may help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
While vitamins have long been shown to have advantages for bodies, these studies now suggest there are advantages for teeth too. Nowadays, many of us avoid sun exposure (which was the main source for vitamin D) and tend to refrain from consuming vitamin D enriched whole milk, leaving us with few options to obtain the vitamin D necessary for our bodies and smile.
According to a review of research published in Nutrition Reviews, vitamin D has been linked to a 50% reduction in tooth decay. It has long been understood that vitamin D strengthens bones but the role it plays in the mouth was not as clearly defined.
Not only does vitamin D help reduce the amount of decay in your mouth, but is also linked to the prevention of cancer, diabetes, heath disease, and hypertension. It also helps you maintain healthy and beautiful hair as well as reduces the inflammatory response in the body.
Since not many people get enough sun exposure or drink whole milk, other products have been vitamin D enriched such as soymilk and orange juice. Eating the right amounts of fish and eggs, as well as the possibility of a vitamin D supplement, could help reduce tooth decay.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Happy 2013! Why not add a healthy smile to your new years resolutions? New studies have shown vitamin D may help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
While vitamins have long been shown to have advantages for bodies, these studies now suggest there are advantages for teeth too. Nowadays, many of us avoid sun exposure (which was the main source for vitamin D) and tend to refrain from consuming vitamin D enriched whole milk, leaving us with few options to obtain the vitamin D necessary for our bodies and smile.
According to a review of research published in Nutrition Reviews, vitamin D has been linked to a 50% reduction in tooth decay. It has long been understood that vitamin D strengthens bones but the role it plays in the mouth was not as clearly defined.
Not only does vitamin D help reduce the amount of decay in your mouth, but is also linked to the prevention of cancer, diabetes, heath disease, and hypertension. It also helps you maintain healthy and beautiful hair as well as reduces the inflammatory response in the body.
Since not many people get enough sun exposure or drink whole milk, other products have been vitamin D enriched such as soymilk and orange juice. Eating the right amounts of fish and eggs, as well as the possibility of a vitamin D supplement, could help reduce tooth decay.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
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