The Ancient Myth of the Tooth Worm
There have been many different ancient theories behind oral problems but one of my personal favorites has to be the tooth worm. Many different cultures around the world used to believe that a worm that either spontaneously appearing or burrowing into the tooth. That tooth worm was what caused toothaches and other oral pains. When the worm was thrashing around, the tooth hurt. When the worm was still, the tooth did not hurt.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the tooth worm belief is that many cultures held it. Most of those cultures had not had contact with each other either so each came to the belief on their own. Because of that fact, the tooth worm was said to look different depending upon where you were. In England, the tooth worm held the appearance of an eel. In Germany, the tooth worm was compared to a maggot in shape and size but could be red, blue, or gray. Ancient individuals also tried a variety of treatments for eradicating the tooth worm, many of which are described here.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10522185
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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Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
News You Can Use
Researchers Regenerate a Fully Functional Salivary Gland
Dry mouth is a common dental concern for many individuals that have certain medical conditions (such as Sjogren's syndrome) or are on certain medications. Without saliva, individuals may experience a constant sore throat, burning sensation in the mouth/throat, trouble speaking, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.
It not only causes discomfort but may lead to more oral health problems as saliva is the mouth's main defense against tooth decay. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. A reduction in the production of saliva leads the mouth open more tooth decay and the chance of damaging the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Saliva also functions at the first step in digestion as it begins to break down starches, leading to the necessity of researchers to find suitable alternatives.
The Tokyo University of Science and Organ Technologies recently regenerated a fully functional salivary gland. The researchers have been working towards a regenerating a functioning salivary gland for regenerative therapies, furthering the possibilities for the dental and medical fields.
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dry-mouth
Source:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131002102313.htm
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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Dry mouth is a common dental concern for many individuals that have certain medical conditions (such as Sjogren's syndrome) or are on certain medications. Without saliva, individuals may experience a constant sore throat, burning sensation in the mouth/throat, trouble speaking, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.
It not only causes discomfort but may lead to more oral health problems as saliva is the mouth's main defense against tooth decay. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. A reduction in the production of saliva leads the mouth open more tooth decay and the chance of damaging the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Saliva also functions at the first step in digestion as it begins to break down starches, leading to the necessity of researchers to find suitable alternatives.
The Tokyo University of Science and Organ Technologies recently regenerated a fully functional salivary gland. The researchers have been working towards a regenerating a functioning salivary gland for regenerative therapies, furthering the possibilities for the dental and medical fields.
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dry-mouth
Source:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131002102313.htm
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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Wednesday, October 23, 2013
News You Can Use
Drinking Fluoridated Water Gives No Additional Risks for Hip Fractures
Adding fluoride to water has been a controversial topic, stirring much research in how the fluoride may affect individuals over time. A recent study was published in the International and American Associations for Dental Research investigated the possible adverse effects of fluoridated water on hip fractures.
The study used a large sample (almost half a million) of Swedish adults that had chronically been exposed to differing levels of fluoride in their drinking water. The researchers found no significant association between fluoridated water and the risk of hip fractures, leading the researchers to suggest that chronic fluoride exposure from water does not lead to hip fractures. So while the benefits of fluoridated drinking water have been shown for many years, the risks are now being explored, with the risk of hip fractures being found to have no association.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131001141401.htm
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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Adding fluoride to water has been a controversial topic, stirring much research in how the fluoride may affect individuals over time. A recent study was published in the International and American Associations for Dental Research investigated the possible adverse effects of fluoridated water on hip fractures.
The study used a large sample (almost half a million) of Swedish adults that had chronically been exposed to differing levels of fluoride in their drinking water. The researchers found no significant association between fluoridated water and the risk of hip fractures, leading the researchers to suggest that chronic fluoride exposure from water does not lead to hip fractures. So while the benefits of fluoridated drinking water have been shown for many years, the risks are now being explored, with the risk of hip fractures being found to have no association.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131001141401.htm
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, October 21, 2013
Dental Did You Know
The History of Braces
Braces are assumed to be a relatively modern concept but archaeologists have found evidence suggesting ancient people were mummified with metal bands wrapped around certain teeth. The earliest remains to have this evidence date back to 2022 - 2032 BC! Back then, cat intestines were used to close gaps in teeth instead of the metal orthodontic wires we use today.
Around 400 - 500 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle both wrote about the ways to straighten teeth and fix various oral problems.
The Etruscans (the people in Italy before Romans) have also been found to use orthodontic techniques, burying their dead with appliances that were meant to maintain space and keep the dentition from collapsing during their lives.
Although all of that experimentation occurred during the history of orthodontics, none of it was really found to work until the 1700s after much progress in the dental field.
Source: http://www.archwired.com/HistoryofOrtho.htm
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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Braces are assumed to be a relatively modern concept but archaeologists have found evidence suggesting ancient people were mummified with metal bands wrapped around certain teeth. The earliest remains to have this evidence date back to 2022 - 2032 BC! Back then, cat intestines were used to close gaps in teeth instead of the metal orthodontic wires we use today.
Around 400 - 500 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle both wrote about the ways to straighten teeth and fix various oral problems.
The Etruscans (the people in Italy before Romans) have also been found to use orthodontic techniques, burying their dead with appliances that were meant to maintain space and keep the dentition from collapsing during their lives.
Although all of that experimentation occurred during the history of orthodontics, none of it was really found to work until the 1700s after much progress in the dental field.
Source: http://www.archwired.com/HistoryofOrtho.htm
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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Tuesday, October 15, 2013
News You Can Use
Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Treatment
Many people suffer from sensitive teeth but not many know what causes it or how to treat it. Teeth consist of three layers: enamel, dentin, and the pulp. Enamel is the outer layer and is the hardest surface in the human body. It covers the crown of the tooth and works with cementum which protects the tooth below the gum line. Both enamel and cementum cover dentin which is softer and less dense.
Dentin contains microscopic tubules. When the enamel or cementum is damaged, the tubules allow hot, cold, sticky, or acidic particles to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth causing discomfort. This discomfort can manifest itself when a person is chewing, eating or drinking a cold or hot substance, or even when just breathing in through the mouth.
Proper oral hygiene is essential to preventing sensitive teeth as tooth decay and periodontal disease may cause tooth sensitivity. Brushing correctly is also necessary because brushing too hard or vigorously may damage the gums and expose the tooth roots.
There are several treatments for tooth sensitivity. Desensitizing toothpaste is the first option which takes several applications before it will begin to work. If that does not work, in office treatments are also available such as a fluoride gel or a special desensitizing agent. Depending on the cause of the tooth sensitivity, other measures may be necessary such as a filling or crown.
Source: http://www.ada.org/sections/professionalResources/pdfs/patient_33.pdf
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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Many people suffer from sensitive teeth but not many know what causes it or how to treat it. Teeth consist of three layers: enamel, dentin, and the pulp. Enamel is the outer layer and is the hardest surface in the human body. It covers the crown of the tooth and works with cementum which protects the tooth below the gum line. Both enamel and cementum cover dentin which is softer and less dense.
Dentin contains microscopic tubules. When the enamel or cementum is damaged, the tubules allow hot, cold, sticky, or acidic particles to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth causing discomfort. This discomfort can manifest itself when a person is chewing, eating or drinking a cold or hot substance, or even when just breathing in through the mouth.
Proper oral hygiene is essential to preventing sensitive teeth as tooth decay and periodontal disease may cause tooth sensitivity. Brushing correctly is also necessary because brushing too hard or vigorously may damage the gums and expose the tooth roots.
There are several treatments for tooth sensitivity. Desensitizing toothpaste is the first option which takes several applications before it will begin to work. If that does not work, in office treatments are also available such as a fluoride gel or a special desensitizing agent. Depending on the cause of the tooth sensitivity, other measures may be necessary such as a filling or crown.
Source: http://www.ada.org/sections/professionalResources/pdfs/patient_33.pdf
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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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
News You Can Use
Tips to Stop Thumb Sucking
I previously posted on the structural damage that can occur when an older child continues to suck the thumb or fingers but have not offered any tips to help the child stop. Here are a few things to keep in mind when attempting to wean your child off of sucking their thumb or finger:
I previously posted on the structural damage that can occur when an older child continues to suck the thumb or fingers but have not offered any tips to help the child stop. Here are a few things to keep in mind when attempting to wean your child off of sucking their thumb or finger:
- Use positive reinforcement in the form of praising your child for not sucking the thumb or finger
- Children often use thumb/finger sucking as a way to deal with feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focusing on finding what triggers that anxiety and working towards correcting it may provide comfort for your child
- If your child is older, involving him/her in choosing the method of stopping may help him/her to feel personal responsibility to stop
- Your dentist can offer encouragement to the child as well as an explanation of what may occur if he/she continues to suck the thumb or finger.
These are just a few methods that may help a child to stop sucking thumbs or fingers. Parents know their child and can decide what may work best for him/her.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
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Tuesday, October 8, 2013
New You Can Use
Dental Implants
Dental implants are relatively new to most people. This interesting infographic contains lots of little facts, statistics, and statements about the risks and benefits of implants.
Dental implants are relatively new to most people. This interesting infographic contains lots of little facts, statistics, and statements about the risks and benefits of implants.
Source: http://www.stuartjfroumdds.com/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
2902 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
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Monday, October 7, 2013
News You Can Use
The Link Between Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Research in the dental field has found a link between many oral problems and other overall health issues. A recent study done at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry found yet another one of those links, between gum disease and Rheumatoid arthritis.
While the link between these two inflammatory health problems has long been thought to exist, the microbiological reason for it was not known. This new research found that the bacteria responsible for gum disease can worse the arthritis, leading to early onset of the disease and faster progression of it. This leads to more overall damage to bone and cartilage as well as a more painful experience.
Additionally, the study found those with gum disease had an increased prevalence of Rheumatoid arthritis and that gum disease was twice a prevalent in individuals with Rheumatoid arthritis. Essentially, the link between the two diseases is bidirectional in that it does not matter which disease appears first, they are both equally likely to lead to the other.
Brushing twice daily and flossing once, as well as regular dental visits are a great way to take steps to reducing your risk for both gum disease and Rheumatoid arthritis
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130912203327.htm
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!
Research in the dental field has found a link between many oral problems and other overall health issues. A recent study done at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry found yet another one of those links, between gum disease and Rheumatoid arthritis.
While the link between these two inflammatory health problems has long been thought to exist, the microbiological reason for it was not known. This new research found that the bacteria responsible for gum disease can worse the arthritis, leading to early onset of the disease and faster progression of it. This leads to more overall damage to bone and cartilage as well as a more painful experience.
Additionally, the study found those with gum disease had an increased prevalence of Rheumatoid arthritis and that gum disease was twice a prevalent in individuals with Rheumatoid arthritis. Essentially, the link between the two diseases is bidirectional in that it does not matter which disease appears first, they are both equally likely to lead to the other.
Brushing twice daily and flossing once, as well as regular dental visits are a great way to take steps to reducing your risk for both gum disease and Rheumatoid arthritis
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130912203327.htm
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, October 2, 2013
Dental Did You Know
The World's First Dentist
Dentistry has been around for thousands of years with the first attempt at filling a cavity occurring 6,500 years ago. The first dentist did not appear in history for some time after that.
Hesi-Re (or Hyse-Re), a high ranking official who lived during the reign of pharaoh Djoser in third dynasty Egypt is considered by many to be the first official dentist. He lived around 1600 B.C. and held many positions other than dentist, including royal scribe and physician administrator.
During his time, medicine and science were not as accepted as superstition so some of Hesi-Re's treatments might have included more non-traditional methods. Hesi-Re was also the first to recognize periodontal disease. His tomb read "Doctor of the Tooth".
Source: http://theportlandsmile.jessedictor.com/hesi-re-first-known-dentist/
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!
Hesi-Re (or Hyse-Re), a high ranking official who lived during the reign of pharaoh Djoser in third dynasty Egypt is considered by many to be the first official dentist. He lived around 1600 B.C. and held many positions other than dentist, including royal scribe and physician administrator.
During his time, medicine and science were not as accepted as superstition so some of Hesi-Re's treatments might have included more non-traditional methods. Hesi-Re was also the first to recognize periodontal disease. His tomb read "Doctor of the Tooth".
Source: http://theportlandsmile.jessedictor.com/hesi-re-first-known-dentist/
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!
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