Daily Drinking May Increase Oral Cancer Risk

Daily Drinking May Increase Oral Cancer Risk

Written by Dentistry Today
Tuesday, 07 February 2012 08:28

Two glasses of wine or some types of beer on a daily basis can increase oral cancer risk, according to a recent study.

The information came to light after the United Kingdom unveiled an advertising campaign aimed at discouraging daily drinking. The campaign also hopes to raise awareness about the causes and symptoms of oral cancer.

Some of the advertising will also target drinking and some of the other health problems associated with excessive drinking, such as high blood pressure.

Dentists and other health professionals will also begin passing out pamphlets regarding this issue. This is a major problem based on the fact that one of every five adults drinks more than the recommended daily amount of alcohol.

According to some of the campaign’s information, alcohol plays a part in about 12,500 cases of cancer. This includes various forms of cancer in the throat, mouth, etc.

These issues stem from the fact that many people need a drink or two to unwind in the evening after work. It’s important for people to know that it’s not just binge drinkers who are at risk for health problems based on alcohol consumption.

Sports Drinks Continue to Ruin Oral Health

Sports Drinks Continue to Ruin Oral Health

Written by Dentistry Today
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 15:28

Next time you consume a sports drink think about the impact on your teeth.

Sports drinks and energy drinks were originally created to improve health but have had the opposite effect. With the amount of sugar in these drinks, people who consume them are seeing their teeth destroyed. The sugar combines with the acid, meaning these drinks have no redeeming quality for teeth.

After just one day of soaking in Gatorade, Red Bull or coke, the enamel of the teeth already was slightly eaten away, according to research by the University of Iowa.

Although these drinks are ruining teeth, there are ways to reverse their negative impact. Drinking cold beverages and limiting consumption of sports drinks to before a physical activity—when a person is not yet dehydrated—will be a start. It also helps to hold off on brushing teeth and to drink with a straw.

The best solution, however, may be to drink more water and milk instead of sports drinks.

The Indiana Dental Association demonstrates the harmful effects of sports drinks by soaking a hard-boiled egg in sports drinks and milk over night. The eggshell, representing the enamel, gets harder when soaked in milk. Conversely, the eggshells soaked in sports drinks get eaten away.

There are, however, some conflicting studies regarding the negative impact of sports drinks. Ohio State University analyzed 300 athletes and did not detect a link between food, drinks and dental erosion.

According to the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, all sports drinks accomplish are decrease dehydration and boost saliva flow, actions that lower cavity risk.

Removing Some Types of Bacteria Key in Preventing Gum Disease

Removing Some Types of Bacteria Key in Preventing Gum Disease

Written by Dentistry Today
Friday, 10 February 2012 10:59

Eliminating certain bacteria is the key to preventing gum disease and tooth loss, according to a new study.

The bacterial access key may be a drug target for people who are more susceptible to gum disease. The study was published in the journal Microbiology.

One type of bacteria, Treponema denticola, builds up in communities to develop into dental plaque. This type of plaque generally results in bleeding gums and gum disease. It could eventually lead to periodontitis or tooth loss.

The destructive nature of Treponema denticola stems from the fact that it possesses a molecule on the surface, known as CTLP, that provides the bacterium the ability to thrive in the entire community, according to the University of Bristol. CTLP can cause major damage to the mouth when working with other bacteria.

This information may be helpful to many people based on the fact that periodontal disease and bleeding gums are common problems for pregnant women, elderly and diabetics.

Researchers can now target ways to counteract the effects of CTLP. If something of this nature were created, it would do wonders for people vulnerable to gum disease.

This study involving the impact of bacteria is the latest from Professor Howard Jenkinson, who specializes in studies of harmful oral bacteria. Jenkinson led this particular study.