Antimicrobial, alcohol-free mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) may reduce the risk of premature birth in pregnant women who use it twice daily, according to a recent clinical trial sponsored by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Proctor & Gamble Co.  Trial results showed that pregnant women using mouthwash with the ammonium-based compound were less likely to experience premature birth than women who did not use the mouthwash, 6.1 percent and 21.9 percent, respectively.  Statistics show that pregnancy hormones associated with an increased incidence of gum swelling and irritation may lead to premature birth.  CPC is an antiseptic known to reduce this irritation and swelling by killing bacteria and microorganisms in the mouth.

AGD Impact, May 2011

Toothpaste Nitty- Gritty

Toothpaste has many functions: It eliminates and/or masks bad breath, removes dental plaque and food from your teeth,and polishes your teeth and removes stains over time. Overall, toothpaste promotes good oral health.

What’s in toothpaste?

Toothpaste, also known as dentifrice, is available in paste, gel, or powder form. Despite the many types of toothpaste that exist, some ingredients are common to most varieties.

These include:

*   Abrasives to grind away the left- over food and plaque on your teeth with the help of your toothbrush. In addition, abrasives polish your teeth and remove stains over time.

*   Fluoride to make the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and premote remineralization., which makes your teeth stronger.

*   Antimicrobial agents, such as xylitol or triclosan, to fight the bacteria of dental plaque and gum disease.

*   Surfactants (detergents) and foaming agents away debris from the mouth and between teeth.

*    Anti-tarter agents to help prevent the formation of tarter also referred to as calcified plaque.

*    Desensitizing agents to relieve tooth sensitivity.

*   Binding agents, which bind all the components of the toothpaste together.

*    Humectant to prevent your toothpaste from drying up.

*    Flavor to make the brushing experience more enjoyable.

*      Sweetening agents to make the formulation more suitable for oral use.

Why do toothpastes contain abrasives?

  Like other products that are designed to clean, toothpastes contain abrasive agents to help scrub and remove stains while also polising and cleaning teeth. Abrasives also make the teeth appear whiter by removing stains from the tooth surface.While toothpaste must be abrasive enough to scrub away stubborn stain and harmful bacteria, it must not be so abrasive that it wears away vital tooth enamel.

How do I minimize the risk of tooth wear?

   Wear on the teeth can be minimized by selecting  the right toothpaste and by practicing proper brushing techniques, which includes using short and gentle strokes in a circular motion with a soft-bristle brush.

How do I know which toothpaste is right for me?

When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you, it's important to think about your unique oral health needs. Some toothpastes aim to alleviate pain associated with sensitive teeth. Some help control plaque and tarter. Some are designed to remove stains and whitten teeth. Because each brand of toothpaste is uniquely formulated to perform a specific function, speak with dentist to determine which is right for you.

Source: AGD Jan.2010

59%

Percentage of respondents who say they'd be disturbed by their partner not brushing or flossing his or her teeth for a week.

Source: Waterpik Sexy Smile Survey, conducted by Kelton Research

80%

Percentage of U.S. adults suffering from gum disease.

Source: The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

1 in 300

HIV patients able to naturally undermine viral replication with their immune system.

Source: Science (Nov.4, 2010)

6 in 10

Americans who say they deserve a C or lower for the efforts they make to floss their teeth on a daily basis.

Source: Waterpik Sexy Smile Survey, conducted by Kelton Research

25.6%

Percentage of population in West Virginia and Kentucky that smokes compared to California at 12.9 percent and Utah at 9.8 percent.

Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (Nov.5, 2010)

Is work or school stressing you out? You may be taking it out on your teeth through a condition called bruxism. Bruxism is characterized by the grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw. Researchers classify bruxism as a habitual behavior as well as a sleep disorder. Untreated bruxism can lead to other health problems, damage to the teeth and gums, and even temporamandibular joint disorder (TMD).

What causes bruxism?

Bruxism can have numerous causes, such as bite problems, stress, medical conditions, or certain medications.

What are signs of bruxism?

Most people with bruxism are not aware of the condition, and only approximately 5 percent develop symptoms (such as jaw pain and headaches) that require treatment. In many cases, a sleeping partner or parent will notice the bruxism before the person experiencing the problem is even aware of it. The noise resulting from bruxism can be quite loud.

Bruxism can result in abnormal wear patterns on the top surfaces of teeth, unusually sensitive teeth, notching of the teeth at the gumlines, as well as severe damage to the teeth, including fractures. Bruxism also is a significant cause of tooth loss, gum recession, and loosening of the teeth.

What are the symptoms of bruxism?

The symptoms of bruxism vary and can include anxiety, stress, and tension; depression; earache; eating disorders; headache; insomnia; and a sore or painful jaw. If left untreated, bruxism eventually shortens and blunts the teeth being ground and can lead to facial muscle pain and TMD. In severe chronic cases, it can lead to arthritis of the temporomandibular joints.

How is bruxism diagnosed?

The patient often becomes aware of the condition during a routine dental examination. Dr. Gaines will be able to recognize the signs of bruxism during a dental exam and may even suggest further analysis of your bruxism, such as recommending an overnight stay at a sleep laboratory.

How is bruxism treated?

There is not always a definitive cure for bruxism, but the signs and symptoms can be reduced or eliminated through dental treatment. Treatments can include mouthguards, bite adjustments, biofeedback devices, and repair of damaged teeth.

Do you have questions about bruxism? Call or email Dr. Gaines.

1"Bruxism", Academy of General Dentistry, January, 2011

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a dentist in the Fairfield area, we're excited you are here. With the dental industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Dr. Edward Gaines and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.
As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.

--Dr. Edward Gaines