Even More Bad News About Gum disease

Can It Get Worse?  (Yes!)

As if tooth loss, horrible breath and the link to heart disease aren't enough reasons to stay free from periodontal disease, now there's more.

A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, shows that the presence of periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Yes - gum disease is linked to head and neck cancer.

Most surprising to the researchers was that it made no difference at all if the patient smoked or not.

"Although the study is comparatively small, the researchers were able to also see an association between bone loss and the risk of head and neck cancer, " according to Andrew Olshan, professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, and professor in the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

If we ever needed more reasons to wage a full out war on perio disease, this is it. We have always emphasized good gum tissue health in, our practice. And we are more and more aware every year that it is not only about saving teeth.  It is about saving lives!

We urge you to be incredibly diligent about your periodontal health. It is, after, pretty simple to do.  There is lots of information on our web site.  www.DrSteveRoss.com   Browse through the sections on What We Do and also the Library. A Smart Patient is an informed person.

If we ever tell you that you are having signs of gum diseases, please follow our recommendations about how to get yourself healthy.

We don't want to lose you.

Is Your Toothpaste Hurting You?

Is your toothpaste hurting you?

The Cosmetic Dental Home Care group has been involved in an interesting discussion of over-the-counter home care products. Their findings confirmed what we have been saying to our patients for years.

Tartar control and whitening pastes can be especially abrasive and should be used with great caution. If you are using any of those products you should know that they do not contain any of the materials dentists use to whiten teeth, such as carbamide peroxide and other oxygen releasing chemicals.

What they do contain are abrasives and scrubbing agents that do not brighten enamel or penetrate into the microscopic openings in the tooth surface to where the real darkening is happening.

They simply remove surface stains.  This is not real whitening and is only temporary.

But they also can cause microscopic scratches in the tooth enamel surface that not only collect stain, but can also harbor the biofilms that begin the decay process. And they can cause tooth sensitivity, especially to temperature extremes.

This is significant damage and it can be reversed to some degree by dental offices that know how.

Real tooth whitening can only be done with professionally effective and safe materials. Dentists know that they have to be sure your teeth do not have defects that can be harmed by whitening materials and they have to supervise the process.

Want whiter teeth?  Let us know.  We will show you how to do it, safely. 

By the way, most toothpastes sold today are perfectly safe and effective.  Avoid those that claim to whiten teeth or remove stains from smoking. These are the bad guys.

Toothpaste is, basically, a lubricant and detergent.  It is the brush that does the work of removing biofilm, food debris and other unwanted stuff.  And it tastes good.

And it has fluoride.

All over the world there are cultures that clean their mouths very well without toothpaste.  But it's nice to have it.

So choose what you like according to the flavor, feel, cost, etc.


You also need floss, or some other effective way to get between teeth safely.

The important thing is to stay focused.  The goal is to remove biofim from all surfaces above and below the gumline, without damage.

Halloween Candy, Cavities and Protection

Rerun from October, 2009

Are you seeing pumpkins? Is the world turning orange?

Sure! It's almost Halloween. One of the most fun times of the year, especially for kids (of all ages).

But you say you're a parent? You're worried about candy and tooth decay?

Well, good for you. You want your kids to have fun trick or treating, but you want to protect them.

Here's what you need to know.

Teeth naturally get covered with a bacterial called plaque. The bacteria in plaque eat sugar. Then they make acid. Acid attacks tooth enamel and then other bacterial get into the enamel and cause tooth decay.

But you knew that. So what can you do to prevent tooth decay and still let your kids enjoy the traditions and fun of Halloween?

There's nothing mysterious about it. There are several strategies that work. You should do them all.

1. First tip for parents: When the kids return with their treats, dump them out on a table and pick out the best stuff for yourself.

2. Clean teeth will hardly ever decay. Send the kids out with clean teeth. Good oral hygiene before they walk out the door for Halloween trick or treating is simple. Be sure they have clean teeth before they go out.

3. Don't let them go crazy. It's really OK for most kids to have some candy, but a sensible limit is good tactics. Rationing over a few days is smart.

4. Clean again after they eat the stuff. Even a good mouth rinsing with water is good if brushing is not possible.

5. NEVER let kids go to bed without brushing. Overnight, mouths dry up and the plaque works even harder to break down teeth.

6. An over-the-counter fluoride mouthrinse is a good idea. Once a day after brushing. Fluoride toughens enamel and discourages bacteria.

7. Don't lecture. Kids don't like to be lectured at. Educate, explain, but don't turn into the "Mom and Dad of Doom". They'll tune you out.

One more thing. This is unpleasant, but you have to be VERY careful about what kids collect on Halloween. Do not allow your kids to eat unwrapped candy, or any other food. Not only is it unsanitary, it is dangerous.

Halloween is a fun time. Have fun, stay safe and help your kids have healthy teeth.

As always, if you have questions or need advice, just let us know.

You can comment on this blog by clicking on the word "comments" just below. We'll respond.