News You Can Use

Bacteria-Causing Gum Disease May Lead to Oral Cancer Growth

A new study conducted by Case Western Reserve University illustrates a connection between the bacteria that causes gum disease and Kaposi sarcoma-related lesions and tumors. The researchers investigated how the fatty acids produced as a byproduct of the gum disease-causing bacteria lead to the growth of cancerous lesions. 

The goal of the study was to identify who tends to develop this cancer from those that don't develop it. The participants with better overall oral health tended to have less of the fatty acid byproducts.  Additionally, the researchers concluded that the byproducts impacted the replication of the Kaposi sarcoma lesions.  The body is prevented from stopping the growth of the Kaposi sarcoma cells when there are higher amounts of fatty acids. 

This research illustrates another connection between gum disease and overall health issues.  Those that have already been established include the link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments.  Good oral health habits are recommended for both overall and oral health. The full research study can be found in the Journal of Virology.


Source: http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/9944-bacteria-causing-gum-disease-may-lead-to-oral-cancer-growth


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

How Not to Brush Your Teeth

I recently posted on how bad it is to skip brushing your teeth.  In support of that post, this fun infographic provides more information on the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth. 




Source: http://dailyinfographic.com/how-not-to-brush-your-teeth-infographic


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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The Vicious Cycle of Dental Anxiety

In 2007, Australian researchers looked into the effect of dental anxiety on dental visits with the hypothesis being that the more anxiety a person exhibits about going to the dentist, the less often that person will go.

The authors of the study surveyed over 6,000 people ages 16 and older from all over Australia while accounting for age and sex.  The results indicated that there is, in fact, a self-perpetuating relationship between dental anxiety and reduced number of dental visits.  

Those who exhibited higher anxiety regarding dental visits tended to put off going to the dentist for regular check-ups which resulted in more emergency visits when the patient was in pain or had another oral health issue (which is referred to as symptom-driven treatment).  Overall all, 29.2% of people with dental anxiety reported delaying regular dental visits, poor overall oral health, and increased likelihood of symptom-driven treatment as compared to the 11.6% of people who did the same but reported no dental anxiety.

The tendency for those to delay regular dental visits because of dental anxiety may perpetuate that fear of the dentist as putting off check-ups leads may increase the work that needs to be done at each appointment.  By going regularly, patients may actually decrease the more expensive (and possibly anxiety-provoking) procedures.  

Dental anxiety is a very real struggle for many people.  I have blogged before on some tips to reduce dental anxiety as well as alternative therapies for dental fear. 


Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1784087/?tool=pmcentrez


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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The Oral-Systemic Connection

Continuing the topic of improved oral health for the new year, it is important to note that good oral health is not just for keeping your teeth in good shape but also for good overall health.  

Recent research suggests that the conditions in our mouths are significantly related to different diseases and health problems throughout the body.  For example, gingivitis (later called periodontal or gum disease when advanced) is caused by bacteria that then has access to the bloodstream when the gums bleed.  That bacteria, among others in the mouth, has been linked to several systemic health concerns, such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Osteoporosis

I have posted on the oral-systemic connection before and how it relates to diabetes, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other health concerns. While more research is needed and currently being done to fully understand the oral-systemic connection, previous studies strongly suggest there is a potent relationship between oral health and overall health. 


Source: http://www.dentaleconomics.com/articles/print/volume-101/issue-6/practice/the-oral-systemic-connection.html


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

Falling Asleep Without Brushing Your Teeth

Happy New Year! While brushing your teeth may feel like a chore, its important to start the year off right with a routine of brushing twice a day.  Skipping even one brushing can be detrimental as brushing helps disturb the bacteria on teeth that becomes cavity-causing plaque.  The article posted below discusses in more detail how bad it may be to miss brushing your teeth:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/12/forgot-to-brush-teeth-gross_n_5800102.html?utm_hp_ref=dental-health

Teeth brushing is one of the best ways to ensure you start the new year off right. Dental professionals recommend using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day, with flossing once a 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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A Beautiful Smile for the Holidays

Give the gift of a healthy smile this holiday season!  Smile Station Dental is now selling the Oral-B Professional Care Smart Series 5000. Not only will you get a great price on the product but you will receive one of the best electric toothbrushes on the market. 

Electronic toothbrushes are a great way to ensure a better daily cleaning! The package includes the electric toothbrush, charger, and a wireless smart guide system.  This smart guide system gives the user feedback as they brush, aiding them in brushing better.  It times how long the user brushes and signals every 30 seconds, telling the user to switch to the next quadrant which ensures a more even cleaning.  It also lights up and stops if the user is brushing too hard, helping the user to understand what pressure is appropriate (as brushing too hard can be damaging to the teeth).  

More information on the brush can be found at Oral-B's website here.

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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Cosmetic Dentistry

Going to the dentist does not just have to be for your regular check up or when you have a  problem.  There are several options for cosmetically improving your smile.  The infographic below outlines the basics and potential benefits to each method.

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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