If you are considering weight loss as your resolution for 2010, beware of the fiber loaded, raisin infused cereals that appear to be a healthy choice. According to research conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, the added sugar found in raisin bran cereals increases acidity of dental plaque.

The added sugar - also known as sucrose- was directly implicated as the cause for the increase in acidity, but before you eliminate the innocent raisin from your diet, I should point out that the study did emphasize that natural raisins, free from added sugar, are recommended as the best choice for your cereal. Raisins -albeit sticky- are cleared rather quickly from the teeth. According to Dr. Christine Wu, Professor and Director of Cariology Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and lead author of the study, raisins are removed from the teeth no differently than apples, bananas - even chocolate.
In 2005, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry also conducted research on the tiny raisin that actually found that phytochemicals found in raisins suppresses the growth of oral bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Wu, lead author of this study as well, defends the raisin in this press release, revealing that "Raisins are perceived as sweet and sticky, and any food that contains sugar and is sticky is assumed to cause cavities," adding "Our study suggests the contrary. Phytochemicals in raisins may benefit oral health by fighting bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease."

Here are a few key points that I noted:

• Select natural raisins that do not contain added sugar, and add them to your favorite cereals.
• If you can't do without your raisin cereal, make sure you brush and floss your teeth immediately after eating the cereal
• Dr. Wu must really love raisins

All kidding aside, it is important to note that there are many food choices out there that may appear to be a healthy choice, but after closer examination, for example paying attention to the ingredient list, the choice proves otherwise.
If you looking for an easy way to check the nutritional information of the foods you eat, Calorie Count is just what you're looking for. Simply type in your favorite food, hit "search", and you are taken to a wealth of information about your selection.

Have a happy and safe New Year's celebration, and I will see you in 2010!

With the end of the year seemingly just around the corner, the "Top ___ of 2009" lists are making their rounds across the web. One particular list that caught my eye was YouTube's list of their top five video's of 2009.

I wasn't surprised to see Susan Boyle in the number one spot. Her angelic voice, disguised by her frazzled appearance, attracted over 120 million views of her performance of Les Miserables' "I Dreamed a Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent". I remember trying my hardest to hold back the tears, when I watched the video for the first time. Her story reaffirms that old saying "You Can't Judge a Book By Its Cover".

The video that took the number two spot sparked a wave of laughter, and controversy at the same time. "David After Dentist" started out as an innocent video taken by his father and posted to YouTube for family viewing, after seven year old David DeVore has a dental appointment to remove a tooth. Why would anyone care to watch a video of a child after a dental visit? Well, poor little David was given a sedative before his appointment, that seemed to cause some very hilarious after affects, which attracted 37 million views on YouTube. The video, albeit very funny, didn't escape a load of criticism accusing his father of exploiting a very personal and vulnerable time for his young son.
When I saw the video, I thought of my own child, and how I would feel if she was in David's position. I even preemptively made the decision to decline a prescribed sedative, if she requires extensive dental work. When asked if you would reconsider the use of a sedative for your child's dental appointment, after viewing "David After Dentist", 53% of you said "No; I would give my child the prescribed medication for the dental appointment". Would you post a video of your child on YouTube, after their appointment? That question remain to be seen.

Toothpicks are generally used to remove food that has become lodged in between the teeth -usually after a meal when brushing isn't an option. You can buy a pack of wooden toothpicks for $1.00, or splurge on a package of plastic toothpicks for around $3.00. Now enter Charles Dickens', the legendary author of A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist. The authors ivory and gold retracting toothpick, engraved with his initials and beautifully presented in a small case with an autograph note signed by his sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth to confirm its authenticity, sold for $9150 at New York's Bonhams auction.

I wonder if the anonymous buyer was inspired by my Unique Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide? That would certainly make for a very unique socking stuffer!

Dentists could soon be referring patients with gum disease to see their physicians. Why? According a study conducted by a group of experts from New York University (NYU), more than 90% of people with gum disease are also at risk for developing diabetes.
The study compared the data from 2,923 adult participants in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had not been diagnosed with diabetes. Dr. Strauss determined that 93 percent of subjects who had periodontal disease, compared to 63 percent of those without the disease, were considered to be at high risk for diabetes and should be screened for diabetes.

Speaking of her findings, Dr. Shiela Strauss, Associate Professor of Nursing and Co-Director of the Statistics and Data Management Core for NYU's Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing revealed in this press release "In light of these findings, the dental visit could be a useful opportunity to conduct an initial diabetes screening -- an important first step in identifying those patients who need follow-up testing to diagnose the disease."
Undiagnosed cases of diabetes is frightfully high, says Strauss, "It's been estimated that 5.7 million Americans with diabetes were undiagnosed in 2007," adding, "with the number expected to increase dramatically in coming years. The issue of undiagnosed diabetes is especially critical because early treatment and secondary prevention efforts may help to prevent or delay the long-term complications of diabetes that are responsible for reduced quality of life and increased levels of mortality among these patients. Thus, there is a critical need to increase opportunities for diabetes screening and early diabetes detection."

Published in the online edition of the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, this study continues the overwhelming reaffirmation that the health of your teeth and gums, specifically gum disease, could have a direct and very real connection to your overall health and wellness.
This particular study hits close to home for me. My husband has always meticulously cared for his teeth and gums, but over the last few years he has noticed a significant decline in the health of his teeth. One year ago, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Could the unexplained deterioration of his teeth have been a warning sign of his diagnosis? In this case, we will likely never know, but I do urge all of you to trust your instincts. If you are experiencing anything abnormal concerning any aspect of your health, please consult with your physician. The same can be said for your mouth- if you are concerned with the state of your teeth and gums, even though you follow a regular dental hygiene routine that includes regular dental visits, please don't hesitate to see your dentist.