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Secondhand Smoke and Tooth Decay Young children exposed to secondhand smoke have a much higher rate of tooth decay than children who do not grow up around smokers, according to a recent study supported in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The study is the first in the nation to associate secondhand smoking with tooth decay, a public health problem that costs an estimated $4.5 billion annually. Based on data from household interviews and health exams of approximately 4,000 children age 4 to 11 years, the study found that children had an increase risk of tooth decay if they had high levels of cotinine, a by-product of nicotine that is consistent with secondhand smoke exposure. The higher risk of cavities in the baby teeth of tobacco-exposed children persisted even after controlling other factors such as poverty and frequency of dental visits. Previous research has shown that nicotine promotes bacteria growth that can cause tooth decay, so when parents who smoke kiss their child; they tend to pass on these germs. Results from research such as this provide further evidence that secondhand smoke is harmful and all children should be allowed to grow and develop in a smoke free environment. To learn more, call MercyCare HealthLine at (888)756-6060. Source: US Department of Health and Human Services Tusk, Tusk News that a Thai veterinarian successfully fitted a toothless, 80 year old elephant with a new set of choppers has caused a stampede of potential new customers, and the procedure has given the animal a new lease on life. Somsak Jitniyom, an animal husbandry official in Kanchanaburi province, said that heavy sedation and two mahouts, or elephant handlers, were necessary to help him insert the false teeth that will prevent the aging pachyderm from dying of starvation. Only a few minutes after the world's first elephant tooth implant, the animal was able to eat bananas and grass as though she had natural teeth, Jitniyom said. He added that since the operation, several members of the Thai Elephant Association have asked him to make dentures for their domesticated elephants. By Steve Newman; distributed by Universal Press Syndicate E-mail: feedback@earthweek.com ©2004 Earth Environment Service Electronic Toothbrush for Brushing Needs For many of us, brushing our teeth tends to be a tedious process. Consider an electronic toothbrush, not only because they are easier and more "fun" than a regular toothbrush, but also because they are very effective at improving dental health. If you are worried about gingivitis, plaque build-up, stained teeth or periodontal (gum) disease, the electronic toothbrush may be for you. They are estimating that electronic toothbrush users are about 20%, possibly even 25% of the market. More and more people prefer an electric toothbrush but manual toothbrushes will not be a thing of the past. It is logical to assume that electronic toothbrushes could eventually take over half of the market because they are superior plaque removing devices. While electronic toothbrushes can be beneficial to anyone, they are also particularly useful to people with manual dexterity problems, including handicapped children. Such dexterity problems can result from arthritis, stroke and other disabilities. Since electronic toothbrushes are so much easier to use, they are excellent for someone who has limited hand-coordination. When choosing an electronic toothbrush, you should keep in mind the same guidelines you would follow when selecting a manual toothbrush. A brush with a small head and soft synthetic bristles is ideal. Since there is more to an electronic toothbrush than a manual one, keep in mind cost of replacing the head and batteries as needed, which varies by model. Even the type of toothpaste you use might be a consideration, since some models suggest different types of toothpaste. However, no matter how you brush, with an electronic or manual toothbrush, you should spend at least three minutes each time. The next time you have your dental checkup, check with your dentist or hygienist to see which electronic toothbrush would be best for your and remember that they have children electronic toothbrushes too. The fun of an electronic toothbrush for a child can make him or her a better brusher, which could mean better dental checkups. Senior Dental Care? What should seniors do to maintain their dental health? Here are eight recommendations:
The Hard Truth about Soft Drinks You're thirsty! Instead of reaching for clean water you pull the tab on a can of cola. You gulp down a combination of artificially colored, chemically flavored mixture of carbonated water, phosphoric acid, sweeteners, preservatives and caffeine. Adding insult to injury, some of the aluminum from the can usually leaches into the beverage, despite the so-called "protective coating".
Dental Care for the Elderly There are a number of risk factors that predispose seniors to higher rates of tooth decay and subsequent tooth loss than any other segment of our society. First and foremost is the fact that as we age there is less and less nerve tissue in our teeth. This substantially reduces our ability to sense the early signs of tooth decay. There is usually no pain or discomfort until considerable damage has occurred. The second predisposing condition is gum recession. As the gums recede there is more tooth surface to maintain. This newly exposed surface not covered by enamel, making it more susceptible to tooth decay than other parts of the teeth. The tooth also has an irregular surface, there are groves and concavities where the roots join one another, further complicating daily brushing. Finally a change in the amount or consistency of saliva, a common complaint of older patients, causes debris to stagnate between teeth, at the edges of restorations, or at the gum line, adding yet another risk factor for tooth decay in seniors. Visiting your dentist regularly can help control these risk factors. |
