TMZ.com is reporting an interesting twist in the Michael Jackson saga. The claim is that Jackson targeted dentists in order to fuel his apparent drug addiction to anesthetics, in fact the article states that "Several Los Angeles doctors have told TMZ it was known in medical circles that Jackson used dentists to feed his habit."

Among the plethora of sedatives believed to be used by Jackson are Demerol and Propofol. Now, if a patient were to request either one of these drugs from any one of the dentist that I worked for over the years, red flags would definitely go up. You see, when a dentist diagnoses a patient with an oral condition that is causing extreme pain, such as a tooth ache, Demerol would never be prescribed. Even after wisdom teeth removal, the strongest drug I ever saw prescribed was Percocet. So why would Jackson think to "doctor shop" for drugs at a dental office? There are reports swirling around out there that say Lidocaine was found next to Jackson's body. Lidocaine is used by dentists as a local anesthetic, to numb the teeth and gum tissue before procedures such as wisdom teeth extractions, root canals, and other forms of oral surgery. The same reports suggest that Propofol , an intravenous (IV) drug, burns the skin when injected, and Lidocaine is used to numb the site of the injection in order to reduce any pain from the burning sensation. Perhaps it was Lidocaine he was after, although anesthetics are never distributed to patients for "home use".

Will we ever know the exact details surrounding the circumstances leading up to, and ending with Jackson's untimely death? Probably not, I just hope the people responsible for enabling him to continue with his apparent drug addiction, are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Obesity is considered to be an on-going epidemic in the United States, with an estimated 31% of the adult population classified as obese. A study published in the June issue of the International and American Associations for Dental Research’s Journal of Dental Research, suggests that oral bacteria may contribute to the development of obesity.

According to this press release, the study involved 313 overweight women, with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 32. After comparing the saliva of the overweight women to the saliva of 232 healthy individuals from periodontal disease studies, researchers J.M. Goodson, D. Groppo, S. Halem and E. Carpino discovered the likelihood that a single bacterial species, known as Selenomonas noxia found in 98.4% of the overweight subjects, may serve as a biological indicator of a developing overweight condition. Alternatively, the researchers believe in the possibility that oral bacteria may participate in the pathology that leads to obesity.

We continue to learn about the connection between our health and our mouth, almost on a daily basis. If you have not been to see your dentist yet this year, why not book an appointment for a check up?

Preventing early childhood caries (ECC), also known as baby bottle tooth decay, may become increasingly achievable; thanks to xylitol.

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington, Seattle, found xylitol to be effective in preventing ECC. The study involved 94 children between the ages of 9 to 15 months old. The authors of the study reveal that "Our results suggest that exposure to xylitol (8 grams per day) in a twice-daily topical oral syrup during primary tooth eruption could prevent up to 70 percent of decayed teeth."

Providing a cost-effective way for parents and caregivers to help prevent ECC, in an easily deliverable method such as a syrup, is a welcomed addition to the fight against tooth decay. If and when a xylitol syrup is manufactured, it is important to note that brushing and flossing a child's teeth still remains a vital part of your child's oral health care. Xylitol is not a substitute for brushing, flossing and regular dental examinations. If you have questions about xylitol, book an appointment with your dentist to discuss how xylitol may be introduced into your kids everyday oral health routine.

Researchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, in Boston Massachusetts, have discovered a painless way for treating patients with gum recession.

According to a press release, the new tissue regeneration application from Tufts uses platelet concentrate gel applied to a collagen membrane as the graft instead of using tissue from the roof of the mouth. The graft is soaked in the patient's platelets, using blood drawn in the same visit. Placed over the receding tooth root, the graft is then surgically secured. Traditional treatment for gum recession is considered very painful. Excised tissue from the roof of the patients mouth is used to graft new tissue onto area's where there is considerable root exposure. Pain and discomfort, along with a longer recovery time are a notable problems associated with gum grafting surgery.

Gum recession is synonymous with gum disease. Gum recession usually begins undetected in the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis. As the gingival sulcus begins to deepen, advanced gum disease --also known as periodontitis-- contributes to severe gum recession, bone loss and eventually the loss of the teeth. By providing a painless option for treating gum recession, more patients may decide to explore treating advanced gum recession, rather than extracting the teeth as their only option, to restore the health of their mouth along with the esthetics's of the teeth and gums.