Oral Health and the Impact on Sports Performance
A study recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine looked at the impact of athlete's oral health on their performance at the 2012 London Olympics.
I have previously posted on the link between oral health and overall health several times. It has been pretty well established that poor oral health is connected to poor overall health, as seen in the link between heart disease and dental plaque. This new study elaborates on that link, focusing on how poor oral health may be connected to sports performance.
The researchers performed a cross-sectional study on 302 athletes from 25 sports with the athletes coming mostly from Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Poor oral health was found to have substantial effects on the athlete's well-being, training, and performance.
Most athletes demonstrated high levels of dental caries (cavities), periodontal disease, and dental erosion with 40% claiming it was bothersome, 28% reporting it influenced their quality of life/well-being, and 18% stating it significantly effected their training and performance.
Not only is oral health linked to and indicative of poor overall health but can have detrimental effects to high performing athletes.
Source: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/09/24/bjsports-2013-092891.abstract
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Monday, September 30, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
News You Can Use
Caffeinated Coffee May Reduce Oral Cancer Risk
Coffee is one of the world's most widely consumed beverages and contains a plethora of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other naturally compounds that have been shown to help slow the progression of certain cancers. One of those cancers has been found to be oral/pharyngeal cancers.
Although oral/pharyngeal cancer is not as common in the United States, it is one of the top ten most common cancers in the world. Previous dental studies have shown a connection between the reduced risk for oral cancer in individuals who drink coffee regularly as compared to occasional coffee drinkers or those who do not drink coffee at all.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology analyzed the oral cancer risk for caffeinated coffee as compared to decaffeinated coffee and tea. The researchers found the same connection for caffeinated coffee drinkers but only a marginal effect for decaffeinated coffee drinkers that was not significant. There was no effect found for tea drinkers.
While coffee may have properties that stain teeth, it also appears to have protective qualities in the form of reducing oral cancer risk.
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2013/article/ADA-01-caffeinated-coffee-may-reduce-oral-cancer-risk.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Coffee is one of the world's most widely consumed beverages and contains a plethora of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other naturally compounds that have been shown to help slow the progression of certain cancers. One of those cancers has been found to be oral/pharyngeal cancers.
Although oral/pharyngeal cancer is not as common in the United States, it is one of the top ten most common cancers in the world. Previous dental studies have shown a connection between the reduced risk for oral cancer in individuals who drink coffee regularly as compared to occasional coffee drinkers or those who do not drink coffee at all.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology analyzed the oral cancer risk for caffeinated coffee as compared to decaffeinated coffee and tea. The researchers found the same connection for caffeinated coffee drinkers but only a marginal effect for decaffeinated coffee drinkers that was not significant. There was no effect found for tea drinkers.
While coffee may have properties that stain teeth, it also appears to have protective qualities in the form of reducing oral cancer risk.
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2013/article/ADA-01-caffeinated-coffee-may-reduce-oral-cancer-risk.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. 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, September 23, 2013
News You Can Use
Eight Tips for Managing Plaque
Do your teeth ever get that fuzzy feeling by the end of the day? That fuzziness is actually a buildup of sticky biofilm called plaque that is made up of naturally occurring bacteria. That bacteria feeds on sugars and starches in the foods we eat, producing cavity causing acids.
Some plaque is natural and good to our mouth's processes but too much plaque is detrimental. Here are eight easy tips to help control plaque:
1. Brush at least twice a day, preferably after every meal
2. Floss at least once a day to remove particles stuck between teeth
3. Consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your oral care routine
4. Chew sugarless gum after and in between meals which helps remove particles from teeth
5. Reduce the amount of sugary or starchy foods you eat. Even a small snack can be problematic
6. Avoid smoking or any tobacco use as smokers tend to have increased plaque levels
7. Make regular dental checkups to help rid your teeth of plaque in the hard to reach areas
8. Look into getting dental sealants, especially for kids and teenagers with primary molars
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2013/09/eight-tips-for-keeping-plaque-in-check/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Do your teeth ever get that fuzzy feeling by the end of the day? That fuzziness is actually a buildup of sticky biofilm called plaque that is made up of naturally occurring bacteria. That bacteria feeds on sugars and starches in the foods we eat, producing cavity causing acids.
Some plaque is natural and good to our mouth's processes but too much plaque is detrimental. Here are eight easy tips to help control plaque:
1. Brush at least twice a day, preferably after every meal
2. Floss at least once a day to remove particles stuck between teeth
3. Consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your oral care routine
4. Chew sugarless gum after and in between meals which helps remove particles from teeth
5. Reduce the amount of sugary or starchy foods you eat. Even a small snack can be problematic
6. Avoid smoking or any tobacco use as smokers tend to have increased plaque levels
7. Make regular dental checkups to help rid your teeth of plaque in the hard to reach areas
8. Look into getting dental sealants, especially for kids and teenagers with primary molars
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2013/09/eight-tips-for-keeping-plaque-in-check/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. 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, September 17, 2013
Dental Did You Know
Famous Dentists
While you may not be able to think of any famous dentists off the top of your head, there are several famous people who started out in dentistry. Some of the recognizable names in the list below might surprise you since they are better known for activities such as acting, writing novels, or gun fights but they all had their background in dentistry.
John Henry "Doc" Holliday: Doc Holliday is best known for befriending Wyatt Earp and beginning the famous gun fight at the O.K. Corral. Before he moved out west (due to contracting tuberculosis), he had a successful dental practice in Atlanta.
Zane Grey: Zane Grey, the famous Western novel author, began his working life as a dentist. As soon as he published his first novel, he left the dental world and eventually published over 80 books,
Thomas Welch: It may seem ironic that the founder of the sugar-laden fruit juice company started out as a dentist but that is how Thomas Welch began Welch's juices. It was not until the end of his dental career but Welch gained fame for developing a pasteurized grape fruit juice that he actually intended to replace wine in church services.
Edgar Buchanan: Before moving to Hollywood in 1939, this popular character actor was actually a dentist. He left his successful practice to play roles in the sitcoms "Petticoat Junction", "Green Acres", and "The Beverly Hillbillies". His wife took over his successful practice after he retired.
Mark Spitz: Known for his Olympic swimming career, Mark Spitz was actually accepted to dental school before deciding to pursue swimming.
Paul Revere: Aside from his efforts for the Revolutionary War, Paul Revere was a talented silversmith and marketed his dental skills. He even made false teeth for his patients.
Miles Henry Davis: The father of Miles Davis, the famous musician, was a dentist. It is unclear as to whether or not Miles Davis Jr. attempted to follow in his footsteps but Miles Davis Sr. bought Jr. his first trumpet at a young age.
Source: http://www.dentalbuzz.com/2013/01/08/famous-people-you-didnt-know-were-dentists/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. 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 you may not be able to think of any famous dentists off the top of your head, there are several famous people who started out in dentistry. Some of the recognizable names in the list below might surprise you since they are better known for activities such as acting, writing novels, or gun fights but they all had their background in dentistry.
John Henry "Doc" Holliday: Doc Holliday is best known for befriending Wyatt Earp and beginning the famous gun fight at the O.K. Corral. Before he moved out west (due to contracting tuberculosis), he had a successful dental practice in Atlanta.
Zane Grey: Zane Grey, the famous Western novel author, began his working life as a dentist. As soon as he published his first novel, he left the dental world and eventually published over 80 books,
Thomas Welch: It may seem ironic that the founder of the sugar-laden fruit juice company started out as a dentist but that is how Thomas Welch began Welch's juices. It was not until the end of his dental career but Welch gained fame for developing a pasteurized grape fruit juice that he actually intended to replace wine in church services.
Edgar Buchanan: Before moving to Hollywood in 1939, this popular character actor was actually a dentist. He left his successful practice to play roles in the sitcoms "Petticoat Junction", "Green Acres", and "The Beverly Hillbillies". His wife took over his successful practice after he retired.
Mark Spitz: Known for his Olympic swimming career, Mark Spitz was actually accepted to dental school before deciding to pursue swimming.
Paul Revere: Aside from his efforts for the Revolutionary War, Paul Revere was a talented silversmith and marketed his dental skills. He even made false teeth for his patients.
Miles Henry Davis: The father of Miles Davis, the famous musician, was a dentist. It is unclear as to whether or not Miles Davis Jr. attempted to follow in his footsteps but Miles Davis Sr. bought Jr. his first trumpet at a young age.
Source: http://www.dentalbuzz.com/2013/01/08/famous-people-you-didnt-know-were-dentists/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. 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, September 11, 2013
News You Can Use
Do You Have a Fractured Tooth?
Cracking a tooth is more common than most people realize. It can happen when chewing on hard objects such as ice, nuts, and hard candy. An accident, such as a blow to the mouth can also cause a tooth to fracture. Bruxing, or grinding tooth surfaces together as a result of stress, can also wear teeth down to the point of fracturing.
A fractured tooth leaves less tooth enamel on the surface of the tooth and opens the tooth up to be sensitive to hot and cold sensations. Cracked teeth can be painful and may lead to further oral health concerns.
Symptoms of a fractured tooth vary depending on the tooth and the person. Sometimes a person with a fractured tooth may experience:
Cracking a tooth is more common than most people realize. It can happen when chewing on hard objects such as ice, nuts, and hard candy. An accident, such as a blow to the mouth can also cause a tooth to fracture. Bruxing, or grinding tooth surfaces together as a result of stress, can also wear teeth down to the point of fracturing.
A fractured tooth leaves less tooth enamel on the surface of the tooth and opens the tooth up to be sensitive to hot and cold sensations. Cracked teeth can be painful and may lead to further oral health concerns.
Symptoms of a fractured tooth vary depending on the tooth and the person. Sometimes a person with a fractured tooth may experience:
- Sharp pain when biting down that disappears shortly after
- Occasional, but not constant, pain
- Pain when eating or drinking
- No pain at all
- Hot/cold Sensitivity
- Sensitivity to sweet, sour, or sticky foods
The crack in the tooth may be invisible to the eye and may be hard to find on traditional dental X-rays. Being able to tell your dentist exactly what is going on may be invaluable to correct diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment includes filling the crack with the same material used to fill cavities, placing a crown over the tooth, root canal treatment (if the pulp is exposed), or tooth extraction if the tooth is cracked severely and cannot be saved. If not fixed when the crack is small, fractured teeth may lead to more extensive dental treatment. Regular dental checkups as well as calling your dentist if you think a tooth may be fractured is imperative to keeping your smile healthy.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
Like us on Facebook!
Friday, September 6, 2013
News You Can Use
The Truth About Porcelain Veneers
A while back, celebrities made porcelain veneers popular when actors and and other A-listers would go from having an average grin to having spectacular smile. Along with that popularity came a flood of myths discouraging people from pursuing veneers. I thought I would spend some time today dispelling those myths.
1. People can tell it isn't your real smile
While that may have been true for some older veneers that were off white and opaque, porcelain veneers have come a long way and can blend in seamlessly with your natural smile.
2. You have to cut into your real tooth to have them placed
There may be some reshaping of teeth to place the veneers, as we do not want the veneered teeth to look too bulky or to have the veneer fall off, the reshaping is extremely limited.
3. They are painful or cause sensitivity
There may be a slight sensitive sensation before they are placed but that will be eliminated once the procedure is finished.
4. Their bright white color looks unnatural
Some people may choose to have their veneers a blazing white color but the staff here at Smile Station Dental will help you choose the appropriate color for you, whether that is matching your current tooth color or going slightly lighter.
There are many more myths out there but I wanted to dispel a few of the ones I hear most. Porcelain veneers are a great choice for those who are unhappy with the natural shape or size of their teeth.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2013/08/five-myths-about-porcelain-veneers-and-the-real-truth-behind-them/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 104
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
A while back, celebrities made porcelain veneers popular when actors and and other A-listers would go from having an average grin to having spectacular smile. Along with that popularity came a flood of myths discouraging people from pursuing veneers. I thought I would spend some time today dispelling those myths.
1. People can tell it isn't your real smile
While that may have been true for some older veneers that were off white and opaque, porcelain veneers have come a long way and can blend in seamlessly with your natural smile.
2. You have to cut into your real tooth to have them placed
There may be some reshaping of teeth to place the veneers, as we do not want the veneered teeth to look too bulky or to have the veneer fall off, the reshaping is extremely limited.
3. They are painful or cause sensitivity
There may be a slight sensitive sensation before they are placed but that will be eliminated once the procedure is finished.
4. Their bright white color looks unnatural
Some people may choose to have their veneers a blazing white color but the staff here at Smile Station Dental will help you choose the appropriate color for you, whether that is matching your current tooth color or going slightly lighter.
There are many more myths out there but I wanted to dispel a few of the ones I hear most. Porcelain veneers are a great choice for those who are unhappy with the natural shape or size of their teeth.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2013/08/five-myths-about-porcelain-veneers-and-the-real-truth-behind-them/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 104
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
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