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.

The Hills star Stephanie Pratt made a shocking confession this week. According to MTV, Ms. Pratt is one of the estimated 65% of American women with an eating disorder, specifically bulimia nervosa. By sharing her story, Stephanie apparently hopes to shed light on the issues and struggles surrounding eating disorders.

So, what does Stephanie Pratt's bulimia have to do with dentistry you ask? You may be surprised to learn that dentists are often the first medical provider to spot an eating disorder. Oral conditions such as a dry mouth, cracked lips, gingivitis, and unexplained erosion of the enamel are often key indicators of an eating disorder, such as bulimia nervosa. The strange irony surrounding Ms. Pratt's unfortunate situation is the fact that Stephanie and her not-so-lovable brother Spencer Pratt, are reportedly the children of a very successful Santa Monica dentist, Dr. William Chanucey Pratt . Clearly, Stephanie takes care of her teeth, in-fact I think she has a gorgeous smile. Sadly, most people with bulimia have such extensive damage to their teeth they often avoid the dentist because they are embarrassed by the condition of their teeth.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder or suspect a friend or family member may have an eating disorder, this list of resources may be of assistance to you. I can only wish Stephanie a successful recovery, and hope that her story will bring the needed awareness to this often devastating disease.

Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

Memory loss is considered by many to be an inevitable part of the natural aging process. When looking at the possible causes of mild to moderate memory loss, would you be surprised if I told you gum disease could be one of them?

The National Institute of Health recently awarded a $1.3 million grant intended to fund studies that look for a link between gum disease and memory loss. According to this press release, Richard Crout, D.M.D., Ph.D., an expert on gum disease and associate dean for research in the West Virgina University (WVU) School of Dentistry, will share the grant with gerontologist Bei Wu, Ph.D., formerly of WVU and now a researcher at the University of North Carolina; Brenda L. Plassman, Ph.D., of Duke University, a nationally recognized scientist in the field of memory research, and Jersey Liang, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Michigan. Wu is the principal investigator.

At this point, the exact link between memory loss and gum disease is unknown, however the inflammatory response associated with gum disease, and/or microorganisms found in the mouth that are connected to health problems, may be the culprit. Crout explains, "If you have a gum infection, you’ll have an increased level of inflammatory byproducts. We’re looking for markers in the blood that show inflammation to see if there is a link to memory problems. We’d like to go full circle and do an intervention – to clean up some of the problems in the mouth and then see if the inflammatory markers go down."

Assuming the connection is discovered, prevention and treatment for mild to moderate memory loss could begin with a trip to see your dentist, "This could have great implications for health of our aging populations," Crout said. "With rates of Alzheimer’s skyrocketing, imagine the benefits of knowing that keeping the mouth free of infection could cut down on cases of dementia."

The Eco-Dentistry Association announced its international launch this month. So far, dentists from 20 U.S. states and Canada have joined the association that was formed to help dentists and dental professionals alike become Eco-friendly in their place of employment; the dental office.

Dr. Fred Pockrass and his wife, Ina Pockrass opened the first Eco-friendly dental office in the country, to be certified as a "green business". Going one step further, they formed the Eco-Dentists Association to encourage environmentally-sound practices in the dental industry.

When I received the press release announcing the new association, I was shocked to read the following:

• 680 million disposable chair barriers, light handle covers and patient bibs, and 1.7 billion instrument sterilization pouches from end up in landfills yearly
• If every U.S. dental office installed a device capturing mercury-containing waste, at least 7400 pounds of toxic waste would be kept out of the nation’s water supplies each year

When you consider the nature of the business, infection control procedures are taken very seriously. Disposable products are intended to reduce the chances of improper disinfection by providing a product that is simply thrown away after every patient. According to the Eco-Dentistry Association, by switching to reusable and non-toxic disinfection methods, the dental industry would considerably reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills.
We are all trying to become more Eco-friendly and green. I consciously watch my water consumption when brushing my teeth, and put my old toothbrushes to work after they become worn. It would be wonderful to see more and more dental office taking the steps to become green businesses, for the sake of our planet.

According to UroToday, advanced gum disease may be connected to a man's worst nightmare: Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

Extensive research is planned since the preliminary findings involve a relatively small group of subjects. At this point, however, the studies authors believe periodontal bacteria that has been associated with coronary heart disease may also be responsible for ED; as there is a known connection between coronary heart disease and erectile dysfunction.

Studies such as this continue to reaffirm the impact gum disease poses on your quality of life. Achieving and maintaining healthy teeth and gums just might be what the doctor ordered. Have you been to see your dentist for a check up lately?

Earlier this year, I blogged about some rather interesting information concerning the most attractive feature, for both men and women. Considering June is National Smile Month, I thought it would fitting to dig into my archives, and share this post with you again.

From "Looking for Love? Keep Smiling!" Published February 11, 2009:
A national survey conducted by the American Dental Association along with Crest and Oral B, reveals that men and women can agree on at least one thing: the most attractive physical feature is... the smile. Outranking the eyes, hair, and body, the smile took first place in the survey that also questioned the brushing and flossing habits of the 1,000 participants aged 18 and older.

Only 66% of men admitted to brushing their teeth twice a day while 86% of women brush twice a day or more. On the flip-side, both sexes need to concentrate on flossing, as only 49% admit to the task once a day or more. Do you see pink in the sink? One out of three participants in the survey believes the small amount of blood that is seen when rinsing after brushing is normal. One of the first signs of gum disease is, however, bleeding gums. Improper brushing technique may also cause your gums to bleed.

Keep your best asset looking its finest by having a check-up and cleaning every six months or as recommended by your dentist. If you are not comfortable with the appearance of your teeth, consider tooth whitening as a way to improve your smile. Are you looking for a dramatic change to your smile? Visit your dentist for a consultation to see whether or not braces or veneers might be right for your situation.

After learning about the genetic link between coronary heart disease and gum disease, I speculated that dentists could be sending patient referrals to cardiologists in the future; connecting diagnosed gum disease to other risk factors for patients with a history of heart disease. It now seems like a trip to the cardiologist will likely include an oral examination and your dentist or periodontist may be questioning the health of your heart slightly more in depth; thanks to newly released clinical recommendations for both medical and dental professionals.

A consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease was recently published in the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology, both leading publications in their respected fields. A press release from the American Academy of Periodontology reveals the new recommendations were developed at a meeting held earlier this year of top opinion-leaders in both cardiology and periodontology.

By working together cardiologists, periodontists, and other valued dental and medical professionals could likely prevent the advancement of heart disease and gum disease by recognizing early sighs of these often devastating conditions.

A new line of antibiotics may be on the way for treating gum disease. Researchers from the University of Central Florida (UCF) have discovered that selenium could be the key ingredient used to develop antibiotics to treat diarrhea and gum disease.

Selenium is a trace mineral and antioxidant. It is found in many proteins, both bacterial and human cells, known as selenoproteins. Interrupting the way these proteins are made may halt the growth of two super bugs Clostridium difficile (C-diff) and Treponema denticola, both known to contribute to gum disease. According to a press release from UCF, Treponema denticola is one of the leading causes of gum disease and costs individuals thousands of dollars in dental care each year. William Self, Associate Professor at UCF and lead author of the study, is quoted as saying “No one has ever tried this approach, and it could potentially be a source for new narrow spectrum antibiotics that block bacteria that require selenium to grow.”

Treating gum disease is paramount. Aside from tooth loss, coronary heart disease , the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States, has been genetically linked to gum disease, along with rheumatoid arthritis and many other serious diseases and conditions. Discoveries such as this are truly welcomed as a possible way to treat gum disease.