Search

Background. Obesity is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, and scientific evidence suggests an association between obesity and oral diseases. In this study, the authors estimated the prevalence of risk factors for caries, dental erosion, and periodontal disease in a group of obese patients referred for bariatric surgery. Methods. The authors invited obese patients who were referred for bariatric surgery at a private center for treatment of obesity to participate in this study. The patients answered a questionnaire about their sociodemographic data, general and oral health histories, dietary habits, and oral health care behavior. Results. The authors evaluated a total of 255 participants; 200 (78.4%) were women, the median (interquartile range) age was 36.0 (30.0-43.0) years, and the median (interquartile range) body mass index was 39.7 (37.6-43.5) kilograms per square meter. The authors observed a high prevalence of risk factors for dental erosion; 78.4% of the participants consumed acidic foods daily, and 92.2% consumed acidic beverages daily. With respect to risk factors for caries, 38.5% of the participants reported high sucrose intake, and 59.6% preferred sweet beverages and foods with sucrose. Almost 13% of the participants reported having or having had dental mobility, and 59.6% reported having or having had gingival bleeding, suggesting a history of periodontal disease. Conclusions. Obese patients referred for bariatric surgery are exposed to risks of experiencing oral diseases and should be evaluated by a dentist. Practical Implications. Knowing the risk factors for oral diseases in obese patients is important in raising awareness about these risk factors, as well as to prevent complications in the oral cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest challenges to modern dentistry is the progressive destruction of tooth material due to chemical erosion. Dental erosion is the loss of dental hard tissue, without the action of bacteria, in which demineralisation of enamel and dentine results due to a decrease in intra-oral pH. The aim of this review was to appraise the scientific literature on the factors that can affect intra-oral pH. The review will examine (i) the protective role of human saliva, in terms of its mineral composition, flow rates and buffering systems and (ii) sources of in-mouth acids such as extrinsic acids, which are derived from the diet and environment, as well as intrinsic acids, which are related to disorders of the gastro-oesophageal tract. This review may assist clinicians to identify the risk factors for tooth wear and to recommend adequate preventive measures to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For optimal athletic performance, an athlete requires good oral health to reduce the risk of oral pain, inflammation, and infection and thereby minimize the use of analgesics and antimicrobial agents. Increased intake, frequency, and dental contact time of carbohydrate-rich foods, sports nutrition products, and acidic carbohydrate-containing sports and energy drinks may contribute to risks of dental erosion, caries, and inflammatory periodontal conditions in the athlete, especially when he or she also exhibits dehydration and poor oral hygiene habits. Examining the athlete before he or she begins participating in a sport allows the dental care provider to determine the patient's existing oral health, hygiene, and susceptibility to risk factors for erosion, caries, and inflammatory periodontal disease. This oral profile, in conjunction with the individual athlete's dietary needs, can be used to establish a treatment and preventive program, including oral health education. Good oral hygiene practices and topical fluoride varnishes, must be available to the athlete. Rinsing with water or a neutral beverage after exposure to carbohydrates or acidic sports nutrition products may reduce carbohydrate contact time and bring oral pH levels back to neutral more quickly, reducing the risk of caries and erosion. Finally, the dentist should encourage the athlete to consult with an experienced sports dietitian to ensure that principles of sports nutrition are being appropriately applied for the type, frequency, and duration of exercise in consideration of the individual's oral health needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this investigation was to give insights into the impact of endurance training on oral health, with regard to tooth erosion, caries, and salivary parameters. The study included 35 triathletes and 35 non-exercising controls. The clinical investigation comprised oral examination, assessment of oral status with special regard to caries and erosion, saliva testing during inactivity, and a self-administered questionnaire about eating, drinking, and oral hygiene behavior. In addition, athletes were asked about their training habits and intake of beverages and sports nutrition. For saliva assessment during exercise, a subsample of n = 15 athletes volunteered in an incremental running field test ( IRFT). Athletes showed an increased risk for dental erosion ( P = 0.001). No differences were observed with regard to caries prevalence and salivary parameters measured during inactivity between athletes and controls. Among athletes, a significant correlation was found between caries prevalence and the cumulative weekly training time ( r = 0.347, P = 0.04). In athletes after IRFT and at maximum workload, saliva flow rates decreased ( P = 0.001 stimulated; P = 0.01 unstimulated) and saliva pH increased significantly ( P = 0.003). Higher risk for dental erosions, exercise-dependent caries risk, and load-dependent changes in saliva parameters point out the need for risk-adapted preventive dental concepts in the field of sports dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the management of asthma in a dental care setting. A common, long-term inflammatory disease of the airways, asthma is associated with the hyper-responsiveness of the airway that often leads to breathlessness. In "Guidelines for the Management of Children Referred for Dental Extractions under General Anaesthesia," children with severe or poorly controlled asthma need special considerations and should be referred to hospital day care to ensure proper treatment.

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 22: 68-76 Background. The change towards a more Westernised diet in Libya may increase the risk of caries and erosion in children. Aims. To investigate any association between dental caries, dental erosion, and potential dietary risk factors in Libyan schoolchildren. Methods. A random sample of 791 schoolchildren aged 12 years underwent dental examination for caries and erosion and completed a questionnaire to provide dietary data. Dental caries was assessed using the WHO (Oral Health Surveys: Basic Methods, 1997) criteria. Erosion was assessed using UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS, Young People Aged 4-18 years. Volume 2: Report of the Oral Health Survey, 2000) criteria. Associations between caries and dietary variables were investigated through bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results. Of the 791 12-year olds, 57.8% (457) had caries experience and 40.8% (323) had experience of erosion. One hundred and ninety-two subjects (42%) of the subjects with caries experience also had erosion, whilst 131 subjects (39.2%) of the 334 without caries had clinical signs of erosion ( P = 0.464; OR, 1.123; 95% CI, 0.842, 1.497). There was no statistically significantly relationship between dental caries and dental erosion. Frequency of consumption of fruit-based sugared drinks was statistically significantly positively associated with experience of caries ( P = 0.002). Conclusions. Dental caries experience was associated with frequency of consumption of sugared dietary items but not with dental erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the various issues in the dentistry profession, particularly on the effects of diet on oral health. It claims that diet plays a major role in the creation of caries, erosion, periodontal disease and oral pathologies in the teeth. The various tools that can be used for additional dietary analysis on patients are also cited, including weighed food record and 24-hour recall.

A reprint is presented of the article "Mountain Dew Mouth' Is Destroying Appalachia's Teeth, Critics Say," by Eliza Barclay, which was within a U.S. National Public Radio (NPR) publication on September 19, 2013. The article discusses the risk of the Mountain Dew soda to teeth health of Appalachians, including its causing of tooth erosion, decay and diseases and professor Priscilla Harris' perspective in this regard. The U.S. government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is discussed.