Oral Manifestations: Common Systemic Diseases

Interested in learning more about the connections between oral and systemic health? If so, check out this table that identifies some of the most common conditions/diseases known today and the associated number of symptoms that manifest within the oral cavity. To view/share this chart, [CLICK HERE]

New ADA Survey on Kids, Candy, and Halloween

A survey was recently conducted by the ADA and PopCap Games to gauge the perception of Halloween among kids ages 5 to 13 throughout the U.S. Overall, they found some very interesting results, which are as follows:

• 94% participate in trick-or-treating

• 65% think Halloween is the best holiday of the year

• 66% agree that they eat too much candy during Halloween

• 89% said they would still like the holiday if it was not “candy-focused”

• 93% would prefer a video game instead of candy while trick-or-treating

• 71% think dressing up is one of the best parts about Halloween

• 66% also think “getting lots of candy” is another great part about Halloween

• 78% agree with the statement that “too much candy is bad for me”

• 67% report that they eat too much candy throughout the Halloween season

• 42% worry they’ll get cavities from eating too much candy on Halloween

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To view the article on this survey, visit: http://medicalnewstoday.com/articles/252019.php

Xylitol: The Sugar that Dentists Approve Of

With an exceedingly vast consumption of sugar in the U.S. every year, it is becoming more apparent than ever that significant changes need to be made to the overall diet/lifestyle of the general American public. What most people outside the dental industry don’t realize is that another sweetener exists outside the traditional substitutes, that not only tastes as good as sugar, but actually benefits your teeth and fights against the presence of oral disease!

If you’re in dentistry, you’re probably already familiar with this sweetener known as Xylitol. Today, we are seeing it being added to many brands of fluoride, prophy paste, toothpaste, and more as research continues to show just how effective this sweetener can be. Studies have already reported tremendous results, and everyday more is being done to learn its potential in the fight against oral disease.

Here are some of the most staggering statistics and interesting key facts related to xylitol and oral health:[1]

• Xylitol was first discovered in 1891 by chemists from both Germany and France.

• Five exposures to xylitol per day can drastically improve oral health by reducing the accumulation of plaque biofilm, and decelerate the transmission of Streptococcus mutans from mother to child.

• It encompasses anti-inflammatory properties that prevent infection, and accelerate the healing process for open wounds, ear/sinus infections, and aspiration pneumonia.

• The human body makes 5-10 grams of xylitol each day during the metabolism of carbohydrates.

• Overall, it looks and tastes just like regular sugar, but only contains 2.4 calories per gram, which is 40% lower than other carbohydrates.

• Xylitol does not incorporate insulin for metabolism, making it ideal for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

• It encompasses a higher pH level in both saliva and plaque fluid, vs. the acidic pH associated with sucrose ingestion.

• Xylitol-sweetened candy consumed several times a day has proven to be more effective in reducing the incidence of caries than fluoridated toothpaste or fluoridated milk.

*Reference: DentalTown, “Xylitol: The Good Sugar”, August 2012.