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Unearthing Dental Plaque

A recent archaeological study has unearthed more than just human remains. After the 1000 year old remains were found at the Medieval site of Dalheim, Germany, scientists discovered plaque still remained on the teeth.  A group of scientists led by the University of Zurich, University of York, and the University of Copenhagen have been busy analyzing the fossilized plaque found on the human jaw.

Unlike bone, dental calculus (plaque) slowly grows in the mouth and is released into the surrounding soil instead of breaking down on a molecular level.  This helped preserve the plaque to enable the scientists to study the oral microbiome present.

The scientists found that the same opportunistic pathogens caused periodontal disease both then and now, despite the drastic change in human diet and hygiene.  The amount of periodontal disease-causing bacteria can definitely be decreased through the practice of good oral health care, but it is fascinating that pathogens present over 1000 years ago are still around and have the same effect on humans.


Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140223131629.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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Dental Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Are you feeling guilty after an indulgent Valentine's Day? A recent study done at Tulane University may help alleviate some of that guilt. Researchers found that the antioxidants naturally occurring in dark chocolate work to reduce decay-causing bacteria and combat plaque.  Substances in the dark chocolate even work to harden tooth enamel.

Dark chocolate's effects may extend beyond the teeth.  The connection between plaque and heart disease may work in your favor as dark chocolate's plaque combating elements may also reduce plaque in arteries. 

With all of dark chocolate's helpful components, it is essential to keep in mind that only one ounce of dark chocolate is recommended per day.  Everything in moderation! The researchers also suggested consuming the raw form of dark chocolate.  The raw form is less processed and therefore has more antioxidants.


Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2014/02/treat-your-smile-this-valentines-day/


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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Dental Did You Know

Celebrities Who Refuse to "Fix" Their Teeth

Nowadays, it is rare to see a celebrity that does not have perfect teeth, straight, bleached, and the perfect shape.  While most celebrities invest a lot of time and money into their teeth, there are a few that refuse to fix their unique smile.  

Orthodontia is not just for vanity's sake.  The subject was actually brought about to fix a person's bite and teeth alignment to reduce oral health and jaw problems down the line.  This list of ten celebrities are taking their chances with mal-alignment to preserve their natural smiles.

Actors:

• Anna Paquin
• Woody Harrelson 
• Kirsten Dunst
• Steve Buscemi 

Musicians:

• Madonna
• Seal
• Jewel

Models:

• Lara Stone
• Vanessa Paradis
• Lauren Hutton

To read more on the celebrities reasoning behind keeping their natural smile, click on the link below.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/09/celebrity-teeth_n_1266584.html?utm_hp_ref=dental-health#slide=680906

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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Wisdom Teeth: To Remove or Not to Remove?

Knowing when to get your wisdom teeth can be tricky.  There seems to be an ongoing debate among dentists about the best age and circumstances for getting them taken out.  Deciding to extract the third molars (AKA wisdom teeth) is not as cut and dry as many people believe.  Several factors come into play such as:

• The Health of the Second Molar: Overall, adults have 32 teeth in their mouth.  The second molars are the ones directly in front of the wisdom teeth and the health of those second molars is an important aspect to consider when deciding to keep or remove the wisdom teeth.  Wisdom teeth do not always come in like other teeth do, sometimes they are straight but other times they come in at an angle, encroaching on the second molar's space.  Research suggests that second molars can be negatively effected by the eruption and presence of wisdom teeth depending on the state of the second molar when the wisdom tooth erupted. That research has also suggested that the effect the wisdom teeth will have on the second molars is influenced by the age of the patient.  A teenager with the same circumstances as a 30 year old may be effected differently by the wisdom teeth.

• Presence of Gum Disease: Gum disease around the second molar before the eruption of the wisdom tooth has been correlated with increased bacterial growth and worsening gum disease for the second molar.  Even if the wisdom teeth are impacted, they have negatively effect the gum disease around the second molars. Consequently, studies have shown a decrease in bacterial growth around the second molar after the extraction of the wisdom teeth.

• Age: Research has suggested that age effects complications and recovery after the removal of wisdom teeth as well as the health of the wisdom teeth if chosen to not remove them.  Removing the wisdom teeth seems to be less complicated with a quicker recovery time if the patient is younger due to the wisdom teeth not having a fully formed root.  As previously mentioned, age influences the amount of gum disease around the second molars which is exacerbated by the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth also have a higher incidence of cavities due to be harder to clean.  The number of cavities in the wisdom teeth tends to increase as a patient gets older. 

• Dental Crowding: Many people blame dental crowding on the presence of wisdom teeth.  While that cannot be confirmed through research (as researchers are not sure which comes first, the crowding or the effects of the wisdom teeth), it is clearer that wisdom teeth may have some effect on dental crowding.

Traditionally, panoramic x-rays were used to evaluate the positioning of the wisdom teeth and help the dentist decide whether or not to remove them.  While panoramic x-rays provide a good full-mouth view, cone beam x-ray technology allows the dentist to see minute details in a 3D image.  The extra details that are present in a cone beam x-ray further allow the dentist to suggest the need to as well as the best time for the patient to have wisdom teeth removed.  

Source:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ruben-cohen-dds/wisdom-teeth-removal_b_972697.html?utm_hp_ref=dental-health

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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