Archive for December, 2009

Dental implants could repair childhood damage

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Dental implants could be sought by an increasing number of adults after tooth erosion has been revealed as a growing problem.Tooth erosion is a problem which many parents may not be aware of, which could result in some people needing dental implants when they are older. tooth erosion

 

The Independent reported that mums and dads encourage their children to brush their teeth to prevent decay, but tooth erosion caused by acidic food and drinks can seriously impact upon dental health.

It referred to a recent survey of children’s dental health which found that there was a significant increase in erosion between 1993 and 2003.

Furthermore, tooth erosion of adult teeth affects more children as they get older. Dental implant surgery could therefore be required by individuals who suffered serious tooth erosion from a young age.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement but this could be avoided if people regularly visit their dentist who can look for signs of tooth erosion and advise how this problem can be minimised.

Speaking to the newspaper, Tony Smith, professor of oral biology at The University of Birmingham, said: “I advise people to wait 40 minutes or an hour after having acidic food or drinks before they brush their teeth.”

This is because the acid can pre-soften enamel, which can then be damaged with heavy brushing.

More cosmetic dentistry planned for McElderry

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Early 2010 could bring more cosmetic dentistry for Joe McElderry as he gets into shape for his new role as a pop star.

The cosmetic dentistry planned for X Factor winner Joe McElderry did not end with his success in the world’s biggest television talent contest. Joe McElderry

He tells Heat magazine that more work is planned in the months to come, to complete his transformation into a world-class singing superstar.

“I need to bulk up,” he says, “and I’d like to get a brace and get my teeth sorted out.”

Any further cosmetic dentistry work he has carried out could make the headlines after reports early in the 2009 series of the X Factor that all of the finalists had undergone teeth whitening procedures.

Emergency dentistry also kept eventual grand finalist Stacey Solomon in the show after she suffered severe toothache.

The Daily Star reported that, had she been unable to undergo emergency dentistry to numb the pain, she may have been forced to retire from the contest.

However, a source stressed that appearing in the live finals was so important to Stacey that there was “no way” that she would leave the show due to toothache.

Cosmetic dentistry compound ‘triggers natural healing process’

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

WMTA, a cosmetic dentistry compound, has been associated in research with the triggering of a natural healing process in molars with exposed pulps.

The cosmetic dentistry compound WMTA could have more than an aesthetic effect, as it is linked with an increased rate of natural healing in damaged teeth. wmta

Research published in the International Journal of Dentistry notes the effect that WMTA – white mineral trioxide aggregate – can have on teeth with exposed pulps.

WMTA is the MTA variant intended for use in cosmetic dentistry, as it has a more natural tooth-coloured appearance than the original grey compound developed for a purely health-related application.

Now scientists at the Niigata University Graduate School of Medical & Dental Sciences note the process by which the cosmetic dentistry solution triggers the healing process.

They explain that osteopontin – which is induced by treatment with MTA – may play a role in triggering the natural healing of exposed pulps.

In research, the deposition of osteopontin in the pulpal matrix was seen as the first stage in the reparative process, followed by increased proliferation of cells and, in particular, odontoblast-like cells which were nestin-immunoreactive.

The peer-reviewed International Journal of Dentistry is published by the Hindawi Publishing Corporation and combines clinical studies, case reports and review articles covering all aspects of dentistry and oral health.

Oral health ‘could be better’

Friday, December 25th, 2009

oral healthPeople could get better oral health by improving their routines, it has been claimed.

A recent study has shown that more than half (52 per cent) of all Americans feel they are not getting the best out of their present oral health routine.

Research carried out by Aquafresh revealed the greater introduction of new technologies like foaming toothpastes and gels could help improve general oral health for individuals, not just in the US, but in the UK also.

Dr Kourosh Maddahi, a Beverly Hills-based dentist, commented: “With 40 per cent of the tooth surface between the teeth, it is important that we are getting into those hidden areas of the mouth to achieve overall oral health.”

Elsewhere, Olivia Skee, marketing manager of Staysure.co.uk, recently told the Daily Mail the one thing many Briots will not do without when heading off on holiday is their toothbrush.

A study carried out by the firm noted just two per cent would be willing to forgo packing their brush to save space, while 59 per cent said they could make do without a hairdryer and 23 per cent thought they could manage without make-up.

Dental predictions for 2010

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Dental implants are likely to take off in 2010.

The Consumer Guide to Dentistry has published a number of predictions for the dentistry profession in 2010. dental implants

It forecast the year will see an increase in the availability and variety of dental implants on offer, as well as the creation of less invasive procedures.

The publication also noted there is likely to be growing competition in the invisible braces sector, with Invisalign coming under pressure from new competitors over the coming 12 months.

Finally, the introduction of oral cancer screenings will also help reduce fatalities from this disease in 2010, the guide predicted.

Elsewhere, Colgate recently announced its own predictions for the next ten years.

It claimed that by 2020, remote dentistry will be the norm, with dentists making house calls and visits to offices to carry out simple procedures and offer check-ups.

The company also predicted “the perfect smile” will take on a greater significance, with success being a measure of a person’s teeth.

Dentists ‘match teeth colour after treatments’

Friday, December 25th, 2009

LA dentists use teeth whitening and veneers to match a patients teeth after teatment.

Dentists in Los Angeles are making an extra effort to match the colour of teeth they work on for patients in a bid to make it appear they have not had any work done. zoom whitening

Mr Shahab Akhavan of ladentist.com claimed Zoom teeth whitening has become a popular treatment, as it allows patients to get a brighter smile without irritation to the gums.

He noted: “Therefore, you are now able to have brighter and whiter teeth without the uncomfortable feeling of having sore gums.”

Mr Akhavan added dental veneers are also often used, as they can cover any defects in teeth and be colour-matched more easily.

Elsewhere, a recent survey of 2,227 adults by Harris Interactive on behalf of RealSelf.com showed 54 per cent of US adults hope to have teeth whitening treatments next year.

It revealed the majority of Americans are in favour of achieving the Hollywood smile and teeth whitening could be the best way to do this.

Oral health improves ‘as budgets tighten’

Friday, December 25th, 2009

The economic downturn has had a surprising impact on oral health in the US.

A new study carried out in the US has revealed a link between the oral health of kids and the affluence of their parents. oral health

Cosmetic Dentistry Guide reported a survey of 3,000 children in New Hampshire showed the economic downturn has led to six per cent fewer cases of tooth decay in the last year.

Dr Jose Montero, director of public health, noted the improvements stem from a concerted effort by local officials to get more children signed up to school-based dental care programmes and a push towards healthy eating at home.

He added that despite this, 18 per cent of children were overweight or obese.

Elsewhere, Dr Christine Wu, director of cardiology research at the University of Illinois in Chicago, recently published a study which revealed the breakfast foods that cause the greatest amount of acid build-up after eating are bran flakes with dried fruits.

She noted acid protection entered the “danger zone” when this food was tested.

Bolton dentist creates dental implant guide

Friday, December 25th, 2009

A new guide has been published for those planning to have dental implants fitted.A dentist in Bolton has created a guide to dental implants for those looking to have the procedure carried out.

The book is entitled The TRUSTED Solution For Bolton Women To Finally End Denture Suffering and Missing Teeth! How To Say Good Bye To The Annoying, Embarrassing, And Frustrating Pain And Have Your Permanent Teeth Back.dental implant guide

Written by Dr Michael Cahill, the publication aims to enlighten readers about the procedure itself and what to expect following its completion – including what other options are presently available.

He claimed dental implants could help people remove the pain of having dentures and give them back their bite.

Elsewhere, the Consumer Guide to Dentistry recently revealed 2010 could be the year for dental implants, with the procedure gaining popularity across the UK.

The publication noted as the techniques for manufacturing and fitting the devices become more refined, it is likely the treatment will come down in price.

Colgate predicts dental future

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Toothpaste manufacturer Colgate has predicted the future of dentistry.

Colgate has published its predictions of what it feels will be the major developments for dentistry over the next decade. colgate

The company claimed that by 2020, remote dentistry will have taken off, with dentists now making house calls and visits to offices to carry out simple procedures and offer check-ups.

In addition, it predicted a new generation of technology for improving oral health, including the invention of a handheld device that can check everything from plaque and bacteria to infection and how recovery from treatments is progressing.

Finally, the firm noted “the perfect smile” will start to take on a greater significance, with success being a measure of a person’s pearly whites.

Elsewhere, the company recently announced the launch of its new toothpaste designed to help tackle the problem of sensitive teeth.

Its Sensitive Pro-Relief product contains a special formula which it claims blocks the pores in the teeth that lead to the nerves, thereby reducing sensitivity.

Teeth whitening ‘wanted in 2010′

Friday, December 25th, 2009

teeth whiteningA bright smile is on the wishlist for 2010.

According to a recent survey of 2,227 adults by Harris Interactive, more than half (54 per cent) of all US adults hope to have teeth whitening treatments next year.

The poll of 2,227 Americans revealed that if money was not an issue, at least half would choose to have cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, with teeth whitening one of the highest ranked wishes.

Tom Seery, president of RealSelf.com – the firm that commissioned the study – said: “While cost is a major factor, cosmetic surgery requires a much deeper set of considerations around safety and knowledge of what to expect.”

Elsewhere, beauty and technology expert Zara Rabinowicz recently noted teeth whitening is likely to become a popular treatment next year, as products get more advanced and the treatment more straightforward and affordable.

She also noted television shows like the X Factor have helped promote the pearly smile as a must-have beauty treatment.