Massachusetts Board Says Dentists Can Perform Botox Treatment

Massachusetts Board Says Dentists Can Perform Botox Treatment

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 21 March 2013 15:40

More dentists will soon be performing Botox treatment.

The Massachusetts Board of Dentistry has okayed plans that would allow general dentists to administer Botox treatment. This new policy states that general dentists may provide Botox, in addition to antiwrinkle injections in Massachusetts.

The board confirmed the fact that it’s necessary for dentists to have practical training in this field, including training that involves live patients. These rules fall under the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act, which relate to diagnosis, treatment and management of any health issue that relates to the teeth, alveolar bone, jaw and gums.

This advisory also impacts oral and maxillofacial areas with regard to Botox and other anti-aging treatment. There are roughly 50 dental schools that now provide training and continued education programs on dermal fillers and Botox.

The American Academy of Facial Esthetics organized training courses for dentists that are suitable by the standards set forth by the Massachusetts Board of Dentistry. The next course is set for May 2 through 4 in Boston.

Test for Measuring Mercury Levels may be Faulty

Test for Measuring Mercury Levels may be Faulty

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 25 March 2013 11:35

A test used to determine mercury exposure in dental amalgam fillings may not be so accurate.

The test may actually overestimate mercury levels of the toxic metal, according to a University of Michigan research team.

It’s accepted fact that dental amalgam fillings release levels of mercury into the mouth. The controversy, however, stems from the amount that’s released and if the exposure to the mercury poses major or even any health risks.

Previous public health studies have stated that the mercury in urine can be utilized to approximate one’s exposure to mercury from the amalgam fillings. These studies have also used mercury found in one’s hair to estimate the exposure to organic mercury based on a person’s eating habits.

But a University of Michigan study of 12 Michigan dentists differs from previous studies because it determined that the mercury levels actually came from two sources: consumption of fish containing organic mercury and there was inorganic mercury from the dentists’ own amalgam fillings.

This information is unique because for the first time there is the idea that mercury in urine stems from inhaled mercury vapor. In other words, for people that eat fish but aren’t exposed to mercury vapor at work, mercury concentrations in urine may overestimate exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgam.

The study wanted to show that mercury isotopes can be more precise in determining human exposure to mercury when compared to conventional ways of measuring mercury levels, such as through urine and hair samples.

The discrepancy in this study and previous ones comes from the notion that urine contains a combination of inorganic mercury from dental amalgam and methylmercury from fish. This mix then undergoes a type of chemical breakdown in the body known as demethylation. This type of mercury comprises much of the inorganic mercury in the urine.

More than 2,000 tons of mercury is emitted through the air each year from human-generated sources. There can be debilitating effects on people, such central nervous system issues, heart issues and immune system issues.

New Study Shows Correlation Between Gum Disease, Heart Disease

New Study Shows Correlation Between Gum Disease, Heart Disease

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 27 March 2013 15:07

There’s more evidence of the health problems that stem from poor oral health.

A new study by researchers at the Swedish college Uppsala University found that tooth loss and gum disease raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The research team determined that missing teeth increased the enzyme levels of a specific enzyme. It was also discovered that this enzyme raised the risk of inflammation and hardening in the arteries.

The risk increased for every missing tooth. There were even new risk factors added, including high blood pressure, bad cholesterol and the circumference of the waist. The people with fewer teeth were also at an increased risk of suffering from diabetes. Each missing tooth made the person 11 percent more likely to develop diabetes.

Despite the many recent studies that have linked heart health and overall health, there isn’t much data from patients diagnosed with heart problems and how gum disease impacted them before their heart problems.

The best way to avoid any possible health effects from poor oral health is to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Sore Throat Doesn’t Contaminate Toothbrush

Sore Throat Doesn’t Contaminate Toothbrush

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 07 May 2013 15:28

Your toothbrush is fine to use after having a sore throat.

There was recent speculation that it may be best to discard one’s toothbrush after having the flu or strep throat. But a study explained at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in Washington debunked that belief.

A group of researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston set out to study this issue.

To conduct the study, the research team attempted to grow group A Streptococcus, the bacteria associated with strep throat, on adult toothbrushes that were exposed to the bacteria in a laboratory. The bacteria were present on the toothbrushes for at least two full days.

Two new toothbrushes not exposed to the bacteria also happened to grow bacteria even though they were taken out of the packages in a sterile manner.

The study was then conducted on children’s toothbrushes. To compile the data, the toothbrush users comprised 14 patients ages 2 through 20 with strep throat, 13 patients in that age group with sore throats and 27 healthy patients. The toothbrushes were then placed in a sterile cover to make testing possible.

The bacteria were only discovered on one of the toothbrushes and it happened to come from one of the healthy children. The other toothbrushes didn’t grow streptococcus, rather they developed other bacteria that are present in the mouth.

To further confirm the fact that toothbrushes are fine to use after having a sore throat, however, a more widespread study is necessary.

Dental Experts Warn People About Summer Eating

Dental Experts Warn People About Summer Eating

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 09 May 2013 14:49

You may want to pay attention to what you eat this summer.

Dental experts want people to be informed that many popular summer foods can be harmful to your teeth. Many people may have some kind of tooth wear and may not even be aware of it, and the problem is exacerbated during the summer months.

In addition to things that most people know are harmful to your teeth (sugary drinks, soda and sweets), pickles may be a problem. Pickles can contain sugar and strong colorants that may alter a tooth’s color.

Tomatoes may pose problems as well. Tomatoes could be beneficial to teeth in some ways but the acid present in tomatoes may eat away at the enamel. As result, it’s best to eat tomatoes during a meal as opposed to eating them throughout the day.

People also opt for fruit juice sometimes in the summer. But the problems with fruit juice stem from the amount of sugar in them. Natural fruit juices are much healthier because of the lack of added sugar. Sugarless mixers are also much healthier for cocktails instead of mixers that contain sugar.