Fresh Dental Care Web Log

Dental decisions decisions!

Should we fluoridate Britain’s water supply?

The Times asks whether we should be fluoridating Britain’s water supply and offers two views on the debate presented by British Dental Health Foundation chief executive Nigel Carter, who is in favour, and Nick Reeves, executive director of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management, who is against. The former argues that fluoride “occurs naturally” and that other “effective measures” such as adding chlorine in water to stop typhoid, have faced no objection.  Meanwhile, the latter argues the ethical question of mass medication calling it a “quick fix” and a “financially driven” decision.

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/public_sector/article6108099.ece

Marcus:"Wow, lots of comment today. My view on fluoride? ... Do it! Not a moments hesitation; we need one part per million in the water to massively reduce decay and it's safe."

Dentist removes unwanted tattoos

A video report on BBC Online reports on Skipton dentist Andy Bates, who has added laser tattoo removal to his services having recognised a gap in the local market. The report notes how locals, including tattoo artists, have welcomed the service.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8003206.stm

Marcus: "I think I probably have enough to be getting on with as it is, but I always try to keep my options open." 

CBBC asks how healthy are your teeth?

Another online video report from CBBC Newsroundfollows recent media coverage on dental decay in children and the rise in hospital admissions. The news piece asks young viewers what they think of going to the dentist and offers guidance on seeking treatment at their dentist’s practice and/or at the hospital.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_8000000/newsid_8001700/8001700.stm

Marcus: "You have to allow in your budget an amount for your dental care, and then come along so that we can help before things get out of hand. I do sympathise."

Britain’s Got Talent contestant Susan Boyle advised not to change her looks

Surprise singing sensation Susan Boyle, the 47-year-old from Blackburn who has garnered international attention after her recent “show-stopper” performance singing on television’s Britain’s Got Talent, has been begged by one of the programme’s judges, actress Amanda Holden, not to succumb to the temptation of a “Simon Cowell make-over” complete with “bright teeth.” According to reports from the Telegraph Online and the Mirror, Ms Holden has vowed she “won’t let Simon Cowell take [Ms Boyle} to his dentist” saying Ms Boyle needs “to stay exactly as she is because that’s the reason we love her.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/5169328/Britains-Got-Talent-sensation-Susan-Boyle-warned-against-image-makeover.html

Marcus: " No way! She should definitely improve her looks dentally, if she chooses, and, if Ms Boyle needs a dentist, please recommend me."

Brits have good teeth...or will do!

“The tooth, the whole tooth”

An article in the Times2 supplement of today’s Times explores the “good, the bad, and the downright scary of gnashers” following media coverage of BBC sports commentator Clare Balding’s televised gaff which involved mocking the smile of Grand National-winning jockey, Liam Treadwell. Times contributor, Hugo Rifkind, explores the association between Britons and bad teeth, as well as comparing the differences in perception ‘the perfect smile’ has in Britain versus the United States.

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article6047049.ece

Marcus:

"Ever since Austin Powers, our friends in the USA think that all Brits have bad,sticking out, crooked teeth. If I can do anything about it, this has, and will continue to change. Veneers, tooth whitening, invisable tooth braces and implants mean that a lovely smile is possible."

Mmmm!

Thirty per cent jump in tooth extractions in four years

An article in the Independent on Sunday explores figures, reportedly obtained by the Liberal Democrats, which suggest a 30 per cent rise in the number of tooth extractions carried out in the last four years, and a “steep rise” in hospital admissions. The piece discusses factors influencing these figures such as access and financial issues. The BDA is mentioned as noting the figures need more analysis before any firm conclusions can be made, but said it was “unlikely” that the new contract was solely responsible.

The Daily Mail meanwhile notes comment from Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb who says the “staggering rise in tooth extractions proves the massive failure” of the current contract, which he calls a “botched initiative.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/this-may-hurt-a-little-rise-in-hospital-admissions-for-lastditch-tooth-extractions-1662943.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1167707/Number-tooth-extractions-soars-30-years.html

Dentists “mistake” stains for decay

The Metro and the Belfast Telegraph report on new dental technology known as CrystalAir abrasion which can help identify “false decay” caused by hard-to-remove stains which, a study has revealed, can be “easily mistaken” for signs of decay. The articles suggests this discovery may mean that patients have had “unnecessary drilling.” A study was carried out on 200 patients which resulted in 63 per cent of “false alarms” resolved by the CrystalAir technology, which according to the reports, uses a narrow steam of aluminium oxide particles propelled by helium.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/dentists-mistake-stains-for-decay-14259431.html?service=Print

Marcus:

"My view, for what its worth, is that more teeth are being extracted on the NHS as it is more cost effective for the dentist. Having said that it can be easy to try and save a tooth that is unsavable to please your patient and then it ends up being extracted anyway. If your dentist can explain the pros and cons and let you decide then that is probably best."

"The second item talks about air abrasion which we have used at Fresh Dental Care for years and it does help. I believe that dentists can tell the difference between stain and decay, but that the treatment can be different; for example, you don't have to have stain removed if it does not bother you but active decay needs removal and filling."

You can't pull the wool

Coca-cola’s teeth-rotting myth the ‘real thing,’ says ad watchdog

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has forced the Coco-Cola company to publish “corrective ads” following a tv campaign which saw a popular Australian actress debunking ‘myths’ about the soft drink, including its reputation for being fattening, overly caffeinated and “teeth-rotting.” According to a report in the Financial Times, the Commission ruled the campaign to be “totally unacceptable,” while the drinks company, which was required to print corrections in seven national and state newspapers, claims they “certainly did not intend [the] message to be misleading.”

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/220d2842-1f58-11de-a7a5-00144feabdc0.html

Marcus:

"I don't have a problem with the diet version of these drinks as these do not contain sugar, which is the main factor in tooth decay. I would advise avoiding the normal fizzy drinks that contain sugar especially for children. You have to be a bit careful with the diet versions as they are acidic and can cause enamel acid erosion but you need to be drinking about 4 or more cans per day for this to be a problem."

Small can be beautiful

Tooth product “will stop decay forming”

The Western Mail reports that BASF, the German-based chemical company, has discovered a “way to prevent bacteria causing tooth decay.” The company claims it has engineered a process using an micro-organism which clusters harmful bacteria in the mouth before they can bind with sugar, adding it could introduce its formula into toothpaste, mouthwash and sweets as early as next year.

Marcus:

"Wow - sounds great. I would love to see this new idea in action, but like most things in the press we have to be cautious.

I remember when I was doing my training, a vaccine to prevent decay was said to be months away; that was 20 years ago and today we still do not have a vaccine for decay."

To the heart of the matter

Brush your teeth, it could save your life, say scientists

A report from the Telegraph claims that failing to brush your teeth properly can increase the risk of a heart attack by as much as half as a new study suggests specific bacteria found in the mouth encourage a greater risk. The article explores gum disease and its relationship with the rest of the body. Meanwhile, the BDA provides tips on “how to keep the bugs at bay.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5088741/Failing-to-brush-teeth-properly-linked-with-increase-risk-of-heart-attack.html.

White wine ruins smiles

Reports from the Telegraph online, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, and Metro claim that drinking white wine can result in stained teeth, despite it being commonly seen as a ‘stain free’ alternative to red wine. A study from the International Association for Dental Research showed that dipping teeth in white wine left acid patches to which chemicals, such as those found in tea and coffee for example, could stain.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5090655/White-wine-can-lead-to-teeth-staining-warn-scientists.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1166609/How-white-wine-leave-teeth-stained.html

 Marcus:

"We have known about the relationship of oral hygiene and heart disease risk so good reason to keep your teeth well brushed and flossed!"

"I did not know that white wine could stain your teeth - seems as if nothing is correct, which ever way you go! I would suggest that moderation is the key and that if you are not happy with the appearance of your teeth, come and have a consultation at Fresh Dental Care and I can advise you as to your options"

Grinding and cosmetic dentistry

Q & A on bruxism

Times Onlinehealth expert Dr Mark Porter answers a query from a reader on bruxism, or teeth grinding, and provides a range of guidance and information covering the “common problem,” and cites a range of possible causes and side-effects.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/expert_advice/article5988957.ece

 Marcus:

"The issue of how much you grind your teeth is of relevance in having cosmetic dentistry. If you grind your teeth a lot it may not be a good idea to have porcelain veneers without having your bite analysed carefully, as you may subsequently break your lovely new cosmetic work!"