The Psychology of Flossing
Why is it so tough to remember to floss? I rarely run into patients who can’t remember to brush their teeth twice a day, but even the most conscientious among us come to their hygiene appointment anxious and awaiting the hygienist’s lecture about flossing. Flossing can be icky and awkward — no one likes feeling like they’re shoving their entire fist into their mouth. But the reason why we don’t make flossing a habit is a bit more complicated and has its roots in psychology. During the early 1900s, right around World War I, dental hygiene was so bad, it was said to be a national security risk. Why? People wer...
Source: World of Psychology - February 25, 2013 Category: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Authors: Mark Burhenne, DDS Tags: Aging General Habits Motivation and Inspiration Psychology Self-Help Treatment Appointment Brains Breads Brushing Teeth Crackers Cue Decay Dental Hygiene Early 1900s Fist Floss Flossing Instant Gratification Nationa Source Type: blogs

Microbial Community Interactions of the Cariogenic Organism Streptococcus mutans
from Saswat Sourav Mohapatra and Indranil Biswas writing in Oral Microbial Ecology: Current Research and New Perspectives:The human oral cavity is estimated to host more than 700 bacterial species formed into distinct biofilm communities, of which more than 50% are yet to be cultured in the laboratory. Though oral streptococci constitute two thirds of the total commensals, only a fraction known as mutans streptococci are involved in producing dental caries. The oral streptococci are the primary colonizers of the tooth and other mucosal surfaces in the oral cavity and initiate plaque biofilm formation. Mutual interaction in...
Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. - February 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Source Type: blogs

Mouthful of spirochetes
This study rounds out what anthropologists have been telling us for years: When Anatomically Modern Humans (often called “Cro Magnon” in the earlier literature in European populations) first incorporated grains such as einkorn and emmer wheat 10,000 years ago, maize/teosinte 4000-8000 years ago in the Americas, and sorghum and millet in sub-Saharan Africa 8000 years ago, we experienced an explosion of tooth decay, tooth loss, tooth abscess, increased evidence of iron deficiency (“porotic hyperostosis”), along with reduction in height and bone diameter, as well as a reduction in brain size–the ...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - February 18, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Dental health Source Type: blogs

In-vitro evaluation and comparison of the anti-microbial potency of commercially available oral hygiene products against Streptococcus mutans
Conclusion: The oral hygiene products containing triclosan proved to be the most effective followed by those containing fluoride. Herbal products showed comparatively lesser activity in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans. Even though there are so many products available to curb the progression of dental caries in the population targeted, there is still an undoubted prevalence and incidence of caries among the general public. The need for a better alternative to help control dental caries is on the rise even today. (Source: Dental Technology Blog)
Source: Dental Technology Blog - February 15, 2013 Category: Dentists Source Type: blogs

Thomas Stossel: Honored with Brigham and Women’s Humanitarian Award
Each year, members of the Hippocrates Society present a Humanitarian Award to a physician or scientist practicing at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in recognition of his or her contributions to the institution and the community.  Candidates are nominated and voted on by members of the Hippocrates Society, and members are eligible to receive the award.   The Humanitarian Award is the highest honor handed down by the Hippocrates Society, which is comprised of BWH physicians and scientists who make philanthropic gifts to BWH.  It is presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to the local and glob...
Source: Policy and Medicine - February 8, 2013 Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Authors: Thomas Sullivan Source Type: blogs

Flap’s Blog @ Flap Twitter Daily Digest for 2013-02-06
Cut 4 | http://t.co/3wVwPhyn: News http://t.co/n55lWOE9 #tcot 23:09:57, 2013-02-06 RT @MLB: Rare old baseball card found at yard sale just sold for $92,000: http://t.co/2MYb1Fiz 21:02:39, 2013-02-06 Obama crony wins contract to give phones to jobless http://t.co/vvVZUlJZ #tcot 17:42:27, 2013-02-06 Hagel vote postponed – 25 GOP Senators Support Delay http://t.co/qefCEGbl #tcot 16:33:26, 2013-02-06 With @PauGasol out with torn foot fascia for the next 6-8 weeks, it is time for the #Lakers to get a commitment from Dwight Howard or trade 15:52:54, 2013-02-06 Financial concerns could hold up Hagel vote http://t.co/U76Yltj...
Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog - February 7, 2013 Category: Dentists Authors: Flap Tags: Twitter @Flap Tweets Source Type: blogs

Heart healthy whole grains and the new agenda for the Wheat Lobby
This recent Six Servings post from our nice friends at the Wheat Lobby prompted me to make this counterpost. Their post begins with: According to the American Heart Association, the best way to keep your heart in peak form is by eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whole grains are a cornerstone of a heart-healthy diet and consuming them has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease by keeping blood pressure, cholesterol – and even weight – in check. Because of these benefits, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends making at least half your grains whole grains. By following this simple ...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - February 6, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: blogs

Can Brushing Cause Cavities?
The enamel eroding effects of commonly eaten foods and popular beverages are so powerful that brushing after eating actually increases their corrosive potential. Discover how you can still eat your favorite foods and prevent tooth decay.Contributor: Sara TommPublished: Jan 17, 2013 (Source: Most Recent Health Wellness - Associated Content)
Source: Most Recent Health Wellness - Associated Content - January 17, 2013 Category: Other Conditions Source Type: blogs

ADA Scientific Study Finds Surgical Midlevel Providers Do Not Reduce Overall Rates of Dental Decay
A report published today in the Journal of the American Dental Association details a nearly year-long systematic review of scientific papers about the use of midlevel dental providers to perform such irreversible surgical procedures as restorations and extractions.In addition to the report, entitled "A systematic review of oral health outcomes produced by dental teams incorporating mid-level providers," JADA also published commentaries by ADA President Dr. Robert Faiella and the study's principal author, Dr. J. Timothy Wright. The report and commentaries are available at the following links:JADA report Dr. Faiella commenta...
Source: Dental Technology Blog - January 5, 2013 Category: Dentists Source Type: blogs

Fluoride is killing us
FLUORIDE IS KILLING US Fluoride is killing us adults.  It’s time to eliminate fluoridation.  More children are swallowing toothpaste, getting fluoride in their soft drinks, fruit juices,  and dental fluoride  application, and are getting fluoride intoxication by the age of eight.  The government is now recommending reducing the level of fluoride in drinking water by 40%.  After 65 years of fluoridation in 64% of American families,, researchers find  that over 40% of our children before the age of 15 have spotting or streaking under their teeth( up by 50% over  The last decade)...
Source: Dr. Needles Medical Blogs - January 9, 2011 Category: Physicians With Health Advice Tags: FLUORIDE IS KILLING US Source Type: blogs