Monday, September 29, 2014

Bad News for Your Teeth if You Exercise Heavy

Could it be bad for your teeth if you exercise too much? 


Researchers led by Dr. Cornelia Frese, a dentist from the dental school at the University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany and other institutions recruited 35 triathlon athletes and 35 non-athletes to examine their mouths for cavities, decay, enamel erosion, and overall oral health.  The study concluded the following.

1. Research found no correlation between sports drinks, diets and oral health.
2. The more hours athletes spent working out, the more decay present.
3. Athletes suffered greater erosion of tooth enamel than non-athletes.
4. Saliva of athletes and non-athletes, both at rest tested no differences in chemical makeup.

So why the difference?  The conclusion;

1. When athletes worked out, saliva production decreased, even with the extra consumption of water and other drinks.
2. The chemical composition of an athletes mouth converted to more  alkaline environment as the workouts progressed, contributing to more plaque.

“We had thought sports drinks and nutrition might have the most detrimental influence on dental decay,” said Dr. Frese, “but we saw no direct link. Instead, it was the changes in saliva during exercise that differentiated the athletes’ mouths from those of the control group. Since saliva “has a very protective function”  Dr. Frese said, implying a chemically different version during exercise could be problematic.

What athletes need to do concerning oral health;

Athletes should pay close attention and be aware of the condition of their mouths. Excellent oral hygiene, and extra professional cleaning appointments at the dentist for added fluoride treatments can help ensure ultimate dental health. This gives added opportunity for a dentist to fix pending oral conditions before they become more problematic. (Cavities, gum disease, root canals, dental extractions, toothaches, dental emergency and more.)
  
It's important to put the extra effort in maintaining a healthy mouth, just as you do for a healthy body. 

The Marietta dentists at  +Verde Pointe Dental Associates +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and Garrick McGrath DMD welcome athletes to the dental office.  It would be our great pleasure to ensure your mouth is healthy.  










Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Shocking Study about Bacteria and Your Toothbrush

Everyone knows a clean toothbrush is important, but a new study suggests that hollow head electric
toothbrushes harbor up to 3,000 times the bacteria over solid head toothbrushes.  The new study comes from researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Dentistry.  The conclusion gave much needed insight on cleanliness of a electric brushes.

The results of the study are published in the August issue of the Journal of Dental Hygiene. Lead author and professor at the UTHealth School of Dentistry, Donna Warren Morris, R.D.H., M.Ed. determined the key to the design when it comes to bacteria is in the head. 

Choosing the right toothbrush may not be that easy.  Manufacturers do not expose on packaging if the heads are solid or hollow.

Regardless of the brush used, a few simple rules can tremendously help.

1. Let your toothbrush dry out in the open.  Do not put it in a case or dark cabinet.

2. When buying,  make sure to choose a brush with soft nylon bristles.

3. Try to look at the toothbrush head and choose one with the smallest attachment hole, making the
    brush-head more solid and less hollow.

4. If possible, wash your toothbrush in the dishwasher every night with the dishes on the "sanitize"     option.

5. Rinse your toothbrush with water after every use, and if possible Listerine or peroxide.  This will help to keep it clean.

Regardless of the toothbrush, it's always better to brush than not brush.  Brushers always have a cleaner mouth and lower bacterial count over those that do not.  J  It's your mouth, so it's best to take the time to do all you can.

Verde Pointe Dental Associates and Marietta dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Suzanna Aguilera and Garrick McGrath understand the importance of excellent dental hygiene.  It would be their privilege to keep or help get your oral health on track and discuss your toothbrush.  The dentists can also help with dental emergencies and cosmetic dentistry. 



























Monday, September 8, 2014

Not All Cultures Value Front Teeth

As strange as this may seem, not all cultures value their front teeth.  The Surma people residing in
South Sudan and southwest Ethiopia have a tradition where front lower teeth are removed and the bottom lip is pierced at puberty to get ready for marriage. Over time the lip is stretched for insertion of an ever increasing size of clay plate.  Some are noted up to 16 inches in size.  Bigger plates are considered more desirable and beautiful, making the women worth more cattle.

Although plates are still a strong part of the culture, some modern day girls have begun to skip the tradition. 

+Verde Pointe Dental Associates and the dentists+Suzanna Aguilera and +Kirk Kimmerling DDS are happy to present this informational article on cultures from around the world.