You might think Kim Kardashian would be used to people primping and preening her for the adoring public, but as it turns out, she’s not a fan of the dentist’s chair, whether it’s for cosmetic enhancement or more common procedures like fillings. The 31-year-old reality star just hasn’t stopped since she filed for divorce from her husband of 72 days, Kris Humphries, she’s been out and about shopping, partying, and promoting the family brand like there’s no tomorrow. However, it seems the heavy work load has left her with less time to look after her teeth.

Several hours ago, the second eldest of the Kardashian clan, posted on her Twitter page that she hadn’t enjoyed her time at the clinic, but also tweeted her thanks to the dentist, saying; ‘A day at the dentist is never fun! Well unless its with Dr. Kevin Sands! Love you doc but fillings suck. #halfmyfaceisnumb.’

Dental issues are likely to be the least of Kim’s problems at the moment, as she is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with Old Navy parent company The Gap, over use of a look-a-like model in their latest advertising campaign. The Kardashian franchise are hoping to pocket over $20million if they can prove that Kim’s image has been tarnished as a result of the commercial, which allegedly confused people in the marketplace and deliberately promoted the product using her likeness.

A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has proposed that the use of amalgam in dentistry should be phased down rather than phased out. Future Use of Materials for Dental Restorations considers the impact of different dental filling materials on the patients and the dental industry. The report also suggest that there should be an improvement in the quality of alternative materials used for fillings, saying that this could directly affect whether the movement away from amalgam completely should go ahead.

Chair of the British Dental Association’s representative body, Stuart Johnston, pointed out that this was a very thoroughly researched report, which would add a new voice to the ongoing debate on the subject. Regarding amalgam fillings, he said; ‘Dentists find amalgam to be a stable material for fillings, with good handling properties. Expert toxicologists and medics have reported no evidence that it causes harm to patients. The alternative materials that are available are not so well proven and have their own disadvantages.

He went on to say that although there was a risk surrounding mercury emissions from amalgam, there were procedures to prevent them harming patients, and that he hoped the need for fillings would be much less in the future. Finally, he added; ‘In the meantime, it is important that the potential problems with, and likely impact of, any change in policy are fully considered by the experts and competent authorities who make decisions about the use of dental amalgam and other white filling materials.
 

More children are getting cavities because of sugary foods.

More children are showing signs of tooth decay because of the popularity of caffeinated, sugary drinks, it has been claimed.

The Vancouver Sun reported that Dr Sarah Hulland, a paediatric dentist in Calgary, has argued that the rate of tooth cavities being seen over the last decade has increased dramatically and this has to be down to the diet of today’s youth and the fact there is so much hidden sugar in foods that are marketed to children.

She commented: “Another issue is that kids are being told to hydrate, so they’re constantly sipping on juice and sugary drinks. As well, we live in a culture where small children are constantly being fed little snacks that have hidden sugars.”

Elsewhere, the Windsor Star recently reported that many young people will grind their teeth while growing up, but this is often a phase they will grow out of and it should not impact on their oral health as an adult.

Debate is raging in the US over whether mercury fillings should be banned.

The use of mercury amalgam in fillings is once again coming under scrutiny after it emerged dental patients in the US have filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drink Administration regarding its use.

News Sentinel reported for people aged over 40 in particular, the treatment has been widespread. However, there are now concerns that the heavy metal used in the amalgam could cause long-term illness.

Dr Jeffrey Platt, director of the Indiana University School of Dentistry’s Dental Materials Division, commented: “Every restorative material we use has potential to be toxic [and] has the potential to cause problems, even the resins.”

Elsewhere, 9News recently reported Centennial dentist surgery in Denver, Colorado, is trialling a new system whereby patients are given control of the dentist’s drill and can stop a procedure they are uncomfortable with at any time with the push of a button.

Dr Stace Lind said the aim of the move is to give people more control when they are in the chair and to help them allay any fears by giving them the ability to stop the dentist at the push of a button.

Children should brush their teeth every day.

Parents across the UK have been provided with some helpful advice on how best to ensure their children do not develop tooth decay.

The Irish Independent reported keeping baby teeth decay-free is an important part of keeping a child healthy.

Ensuring children brush their teeth regularly is an important part of maintaining oral health and children under seven should be supervised by an adult.

“Do not allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, fruit juices or other sweet liquids. If your child needs to be comforted between regular feedings or during naps give [them] a bottled filled with cool boiled water,” the publication noted.

Elsewhere, researchers for the Cochrane Oral Health Group recently revealed a minimum concentration of fluoride in children’s toothpastes of 1,000 parts per million (ppm) could have a significantly positive impact on oral health.

However, the organisation noted that at present, concentrations in these products range from 100 to 1,400 ppm.