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The Whole Tooth - 2012 NEWS!

What's in a Smile? | Medicine measures Smiles | Oral Bacteria and Preterm Birth Linked | Arestin Reduces Periodontal Disease Bacteria | Poor Oral Health linked to Pancreatic Cancer | Antibiotic Prophylaxis | Kid's Corner Sports Drinks and Tooth Enamel | Raisins to the Rescue Medications may promote cavities in Children | Staff News

What's in a Smile?

A scientific poll of American adults found that 99.7% believe a smile is an important social asset. In the same survey, 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex, a whopping 74% felt an unattractive smile could hurt a person's chance for career success!

The survey found people are most likely to notice the straightness, color and cleanliness of the teeth, missing or broken teeth, the smile's "sparkle" and its sincerity.

New technology for cameras, Robots, Medicine measures Smiles!

The breath of a smile can be measured by new technology from Japanese electronics and health care company Omron Corp. The software technology scans a video image to detect faces. It analyzes how much a person is smiling. The same technology can be used to perfect a person's smile.

So, keep smiling!!

First Link of Oral Bacteria and Preterm Birth Found in Humans

Bergeyella is one of the 700 bacteria found in the mouth. It is also one of approximately 60 percent of the bacteria that cannot be grown in a culture, and until now, could not be studied. Since new techniques like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) became available to track the DNA of the bacteria, it now allows for the study of other bacteria.

From the Department of Biological Sciences at the School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland comes a new study documenting the "Transmission of an Uncultivated Bergeyella Strain from the Oral Cavity to the Amniotic Fluid in a Case of Preterm Birth." This particular study continues Dr. Han's research into the suspicion that oral bacteria, once entering the blood can cause a host of health problems, including preterm labor.

Arestin Significantly Reduces Bacteria Responsible for Periodontal Disease

A new study highlighting the antimicrobial effectiveness of Arestin in the treatment of periodontal disease was presented at the first joint annual session of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). The study reveals a significant reduction in Red Complex Bacteria (RCB) among patients with periodontal disease who were treated with Arestin plus scaling and root planning. It also reduces periodontal pocket depth and bleeding on probing.

Our hygienists are well trained in providing Arestin to patients with periodontal disease.

Poor Oral Health is linked to Pancreatic Cancer

A study from Harvard researchers found a surprising but powerful link between poor gum health and one of the deadliest diseases, pancreatic cancer. Of more than 51,000 males, the men with a history of gum disease were at 64% higher risk for pancreatic cancer, compared with those with healthy mouths. Although pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, the gum-disease risk translates into an additional 36 cases of pancreatic cancer per 100,000 people.

Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent gum disease. About one-third of the population may have a genetic predisposition to the problem Gum disease is also linked with smoking and tobacco use. Certain medications, including antidepressants and heart medicines, can also affect oral health.

Regular dental hygiene care and scaling and root planning in advanced cases will help to keep your gums healthy. Remember, oral health is part of your overall health!

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

The American Heart Association announced last April that it no longer considers antibiotic prophylaxis the best way to prevent infective endocarditis in certain dental patients. Only people who are at the greatest risk of infective endocarditis need to receive preventive antibiotics before dental procedures, the AHA said in a news release.

People with artificial heart valves, a history of endocarditis, certain serious congenital conditions, and transplant recipients should continue to get antibiotics before dental work. Please check with your doctor if you have any questions about pre-medication before your dental appointment.

Kid's Corner

Recent research shows that children who develop cavities in their baby teeth have a greater genetic tendency toward cavities when they're adults. Teaching your child good oral care habits early on can mean a lifetime of healthy teeth, try the following:
Go for checkups early.
Pediatric dentists recommend taking your child for their first checkup as soon as their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday.
Start cleaning teeth as soon as they appear.
At least twice a day, wipe baby teeth with a soft cloth or gauze. For toddlers use a toothbrush until around age 6 or 7. If your child's teeth touch or are tightly spaced, flossing every day is also a must.
Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle.
The sugar in formula or juice can pool around teeth during the night, causing tooth decay.
Let them eat chocolate.
On Halloween, chose chocolate bars over sticky or gummy candies. Some components in chocolate actually reduce the effect of enamel-damaging acids.
Give teeth a water bath.
Brushing a few minutes after eating is best for removing decay-causing food particles and acids. When that's not practical, have your child drink or rinse with water.
Consider adding fluoride.
If your water doesn't have fluoride, ask your pediatrician or dentist about supplements.

The Effect of Sports Drinks on Tooth Enamel

Sports drinks were designed to re-hydrate the body during and after exercise, replacing electrolytes lost during perspiration. Generally sports drinks contain 6 to 8 percent glucose, sodium, potassium, and chloride. When such drinks are labeled "low carbohydrate", it means they contain less than 10 percent carbohydrates. Any concentration carbohydrates higher than 10 percent is considered to be a high carbohydrate drink. Fruit drinks and sports drinks also acidic, with citric acid being the cause of greatest concern for its erosive capabilities. When compared with diet cola and orange juice, sports drinks are not as bad in terms of erosion of tooth enamel. Worse still is the erosion that is caused by holding the acidic liquid in the mouth and swishing it around the mouth.

It is important to know that the length of time the liquid stays in contact with teeth may be more of a causative factor in erosion of tooth structure. It is interesting to note that studies reveal that drinking sports drinks is no better than drinking water when exercising!

Raisins to the Rescue

They may taste as sweet as sugar, but raisins actually fight the bacteria that lead to tooth decay, plague and gum disease, says a new University of Illinois lab study!

Same with cranberries! Dr. Koo at the University of Rochester Medical Center reported that cranberries stop bacteria from attaching to teeth and gums. Note: Cranberries in sugar-laden juices and jellies will not protect against tooth decay!

Medications may promote cavities in Children

Some children's medicines - even those without sugar - may promote cavities while they're fighting illness, according to a report in the journal of General Dentistry. Antihistamine syrups are often purchased over-the-counter or prescribed for problems such as chronic allergies or the flu. But many contain low pH levels and high acidity, which can be a dangerous combination for a child's teeth. The sugar in the medication along with the acids dissolve dental enamel, warns the study's lead author. She recommends parents give the medication with meals instead of at bedtime, since the flow of saliva, nature's buffer against cavities, decreases at night.

Staff News

Dr. Sexton and her children Kyla and Ty traveled to Hawaii to visit with their cousin, swim with the dolphins, and learn about sea turtles and Hawaiian dance. The children continued perfecting their skiing skills this winter and are now tackling the black diamond slopes in Colorado. During the summer, the beaches of Ocean City, NJ have always been a family favorite. Ty is a surfer and Kyla will likely be a lifeguard!

Dr. Sexton was a member of the Consultative Committee which assisted University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutman and Provost Daniels select a new Dean of the School of Dental Medicine. She is Past President of the Alumni Society Board at the School of Dental Medicine and a current member of its Alumi Executive Committee.

Dr. Sexton is a member of the Women's Health Leadership Council of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

The Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive health care for women and to improving access to care for underserved women in the Philadelphia community. Individuals who have achieved a recognized level of success and proven leadership skills in their business, professional, volunteer, community and/or civic endeavors are chosen for this position.

When not fulfilling these duties, Tara can be found at the Franklin Institute, making paper or chewing gum and blowing up experiments with her kids.

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