Author: Wendell Curtis

How Deep Is The Connection Between Gum Disease And COVID-19 Complications?

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology came up with an interesting fact that there is a strong association between periodontitis and the complications of COVID-19. After examining more than 500 COVID-19 patients the researchers could deduce that those who had gum disease were at a greater risk of getting admitted into ICU, or put on a ventilator support and even more likely to die.

Why Did The Researchers Suspect A Connection Between Gum Disease And COVID-19?

Though Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, produces mild symptoms in most of the cases and has a fatality rate as low as 2%, it has been reported that 14% of the patients develop severe conditions that need immediate hospitalization and oxygen support. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, septic shock and multi-organ failure are a few serious complications of COVID-19 and these symptoms are characteristics of cytokine storm syndrome, an exacerbated immune response in which the proinflammatory cytokine levels spike up and there is a lot of tissue damage. Moreover, the severity of COVID-19 has shown to be more in elderly or obese patients and patients with comorbidities (like hypertension and diabetes).

Periodontitis is one of the most common gum diseases and around half the adult population worldwide is affected by mild to moderate form of periodontitis. In a person with severe periodontitis, the attachment between and the supporting tissues is destroyed. This can lead to tooth loss when left unattended. Cases with periodontitis are characterized by chronic inflammation that progresses to cause systemic inflammation. Like COVID-19, severe periodontitis has shown a marked increase in the levels of cytokines like TNF (Tumour Necrosis Factor)-alpha, CRP (C-reactive protein), ferritin and interleukins. Periodontitis has reported to have a strong association with conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and even premature death.

These similarities between  periodontitis and COVID-19 urged the researchers to conduct a case-control study and assess the extent to which the two are connected with each other.

This Is How They Conducted Their Study

 With the help of the national electronic health records of the State of Qatar dated between February 2020 to July 2020, a case-control study was conducted. Those patients who suffered from the complications of COVID-19 like death, ICU admission or assisted ventilation were identified as cases whereas patients who were discharged from the hospital and did not have any of the major complications were identified as controls.

Periodontal status, including interdental bone loss of both the groups were assessed with the help of dental radiographs uploaded in the electronic health records. Information on the possible risk factors like diabetes, smoking habit and body mass index was taken into consideration. Blood parameters relevant for the disease like concentration of D-dimer, C-Reactive protein, vitamin D and WBC levels were also extracted from the electronic health records for the purpose of assessment. The association between COVID-19 and periodontitis was analysed with the help of logistic regression.

Here Is What They Found In Their Study

A total of 568 patients were analysed out of which  528 patients were discharged without any complications (controls) whereas 40 patients had severe COVID-19 complications (cases). These are the most prominent findings of the study-

As expected, patients with severe complications were older and had more comorbidities than those who had minor COVID-19 symptoms.Around 80% of the patients suffering from COVID-19 complications had periodontitis.In the deceased patients, the concentration of CRP, D-dimer and WBC were phenomenally high whereas the lymphocytes were significantly lower than the surviving patients.The concentration of D-dimer, CRP and WBC was also found higher in those admitted to the ICU and those patients who needed assisted ventilation.Around half of the examined patients had periodontitis.Periodontitis showed an association with a greater risk of developing COVID-19 complications, death, ICU admission and assisted ventilation.HBA1c, CRP and WBC blood levels were phenomenally higher in COVID-19 patients who had periodontitis than those who did not have periodontitis.It was also seen that the successful treatment of periodontitis brought a marked improvement in the serum markers of systemic inflammation and enhanced overall metabolic control.

nd They Concluded…

On the basis of the above-mentioned findings, the researchers concluded that patients suffering from COVID-19 were 3 times more likely to be admitted to ICU, 4.5 times more likely to be in need for assisted ventilation and 9 times more susceptible to die if they had gum disease along with COVID-19.

Though more research is needed to establish the connection between COVID-19 complications and periodontitis, one thing has become clear that gum disease can aggravate systemic inflammation thereby, worsening the condition of the COVID-19 patients. Hence, this is the right time to give due importance to gum health and ensure that you take good care of them!

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Healing Craze Lines and Fractures with Hydroxyapatite

Cracked teeth are the third most common reason for tooth loss.1 But when it comes to your teeth, a crack is not just a crack. 

You may have what looks like cracked teeth, but it may just be a craze line or craze fracture. Cracked teeth may be an emergency, but a craze line is a cosmetic issue.

Dentists often find it challenging to define cracks in teeth. There are so many different degrees of cracked teeth, with each one requiring a unique solution. 

In this article, we will discuss what craze lines and craze fractures are. We will also look at symptoms, causes, and how to treat them, including whether you can use hydroxyapatite for treatment.

What are craze lines?

Craze lines are superficial lines with slight vertical splits in the outer layer of the teeth enamel. They are sometimes called hairline cracks or superficial cracks. 

While craze lines don’t affect your physical health, you may find that their visibility makes you unsatisfied with your smile.

In smokers or coffee drinkers, craze lines may appear as stain lines on your teeth. 

What causes craze lines?

Craze lines can occur due to the normal aging of the teeth—from wear and tear over time. 

Craze lines can also be caused by:

Grinding of teeth. Rapidly-formed craze lines could be the result of teeth grinding.Sleep bruxism. The hallmarks of sleep bruxism, a sleep-related movement disorder, are teeth grinding and clenching, which can lead to craze lines.2Bad habits. If you constantly bite your fingernails or chew gum, these bad habits can lead to craze lines. Orthodontics gone wrong. If your teeth are not positioned properly after an orthodontic procedure, it could lead to the formation of craze lines. 

Craze lines vs. craze fractures

Craze lines that go deeper are called craze fractures. Deep fractures are dangerous because they may be colonized by bacterial biofilms. Dentists often take out fillings to see how deep the lines have gone. 

When you bite on a fractured tooth, you may feel pain. Over time, the crack can propagate and affect the pulp, and you can end up with a dying tooth. 

In many cases, cracks that extend to the pulp can cause symptoms ranging from acute inflammation to total pulpal necrosis.3 You may need an intervention that prevents the crack from propagating further. 

Trauma can also cause your upper and lower jaw to hit together and cause a craze fracture in your tooth.

What are the symptoms of craze lines and craze fractures?

Patients experience different symptoms that may or may not indicate craze lines.

A crack that doesn’t show any signs or symptoms, such as hot or cold sensitivity, is probably a craze line. You shouldn’t worry about it but point it out to your dentist.

However, if you’re experiencing pain when you bite or chew, you may have a craze fracture. 

How can dentists help treat craze lines?

Regular visits to your dentist can help identify a craze line or deep fracture. 

When you go to your dentist, he or she may use dental imaging technology known as indocyanine-green-assisted near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) to detect any cracks in your enamel. ICG-NIRF can also detect issues like dental caries and decays. 

During ICG-NIRF dental imaging, the enamel is illuminated with light at the excitation wavelength of about 750-800 nm, and then it is observed at longer wavelengths of over 800 nm.4 ICG is great because it is non-toxic and nonionizing. 

If you think you have a craze line, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your dentist. You don’t want that craze line to deepen and become a craze fracture. 

Unfortunately, if the fracture goes below the gum line or to an area that we cannot reach, like a restoration with a crown and filling, it will leak bacteria, affect the pulp, and result in bone loss. So don’t let that fracture propagate below the gum line, or we will not be able to extract it.  

Craze lines are harmless, but if you insist on treatment, your dentist may offer the following cosmetic procedures:

Teeth whitening. This works best if your craze lines are stained. Smokers and coffee drinkers may benefit from teeth whitening. Teeth whitening will not remove craze lines but will improve their appearance.Porcelain veneers. Dental porcelain veneers are made up of thin shells that can bond directly to your teeth. They can mask stains just like teeth whitening but are more durable. Porcelain veneers also need to be custom-made for each tooth. Cosmetic bonding. Dentists can use something called composite resin to mask the appearance of craze lines. Cosmetic bonding is more affordable than porcelain veneers. 

Can you use hydroxyapatite toothpaste to heal craze lines and fractures?

The short answer is, “no.” Fluoridated or hydroxyapatite toothpaste cannot seal craze lines. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is beneficial for remineralizing damaged teeth. However, remineralization cannot occur in craze lines or fractures because they are constantly moving. 

However, as a functional dentist, I recommend regular use of hydroxyapatite toothpaste and not fluoridated toothpaste. Although more people are becoming aware of the ingredients they cook with, they do not check for the ingredients in their toothpaste brand. 

Unfortunately, adults and children are constantly exposed to toxic ingredients in their homes or places they visit frequently. Some examples of harmful metals and chemicals are lead, mercury, arsenic, glyphosate, and chemicals found in air pollution.

It’s nearly impossible to control the level of exposure to all of these toxic ingredients. But when it comes to fluoride, it’s a no-brainer: you can replace fluoride in toothpaste with hydroxyapatite.

What exactly is hydroxyapatite?

You may be wondering what hydroxyapatite is and why it’s in toothpaste.

Hydroxyapatite, in its natural form, is a form of calcium that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and 70% of the dentin of your teeth. The rest of your enamel is actually composed of water, collagen, and other proteins.

The beauty of hydroxyapatite is that we don’t have to take away something that prevents decay—we have a replacement that isn’t toxic, is biomimetic, and has proven to be safe.

You can heal cavities and prevent new ones from forming by remineralizing your teeth. Hydroxyapatite is one very effective way to do that.

Hydroxyapatite performs just as well as fluoride, in some cases better, with none of the toxicity concerns. 

Conclusion

Craze lines and fractures are difficult to diagnose, but through careful examination, your dentist can determine what you’re dealing with.

If you think you are experiencing pain because of a craze line or fracture, tell your dentist.

Hydroxyapatite or fluoride will not heal your craze lines or craze fractures. However, consider using hydroxyapatite toothpaste for other advantageous properties.

Regular visits with your dentist will be beneficial in case you need an intervention for your craze lines or fractures. 

References

1. Li Z, Holamoge YV, Li Z, et al. Detection and analysis of enamel cracks by ICG-NIR fluorescence dental imaging. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2020;1475(1):52-63. doi:10.1111/nyas.14374

2. Bruxism (teeth grinding) – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Accessed April 2, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095

3. Ricucci D, Siqueira JF, Loghin S, Berman LH. The cracked tooth: histopathologic and histobacteriologic aspects. J Endod. 2015;41(3):343-352. doi:10.1016/j.joen.2014.09.021

4. Alander JT, Kaartinen I, Laakso A, et al. A Review of Indocyanine Green Fluorescent Imaging in Surgery. Wei G, ed. International Journal of Biomedical Imaging. 2012;2012:940585. doi:10.1155/2012/940585

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Are Permanent Retainers the Right Choice for You?

Retainers are appliances you should wear once you remove your braces. They are either permanent or removable. 

A permanent or fixed retainer is, basically, a piece of metal wire attached to the inner side of your teeth. The metal wire is glued to your teeth to hold them in place so that they don’t move back to their pre-braces position. 

Your orthodontist may advise you to use a removable retainer for the upper teeth and a fixed retainer for the lower. As fixed retainers are more convenient, they are becoming popular, especially among people with a busy lifestyle.

Are you wondering whether permanent retainers are the right choice for you? 

In this article, I discuss how permanent retainers work and describe their benefits and drawbacks.

How Do Permanent Retainers Work?

A permanent retainer is commonly referred to as a lingual wire because it is fixed to the back surfaces of the teeth. 

Since a glue known as bonding material is used to attach the retainer, it is often called a bonded retainer too.

To resolve the issue of crooked or misaligned teeth, orthodontists resort to braces. Braces help move your teeth into the right alignment and correct problems like crowding or spacing.

However, many people discover that once their braces are removed, their teeth begin to shift back to their previous position. To maintain the teeth in their new position, your orthodontist would want to restrict their movement. Otherwise, the entire treatment may end up failing due to relapse. 

This is where permanent retainers come into play. Permanent retainers secure the teeth effectively. You don’t need to take them out and place them back like removable retainers.

How Much Do Permanent Retainers Cost?

The charges of the first permanent retainer are typically covered within the overall charges of the braces. 

However, you can expect the cost to be anywhere between $150 to $500 if you need to get a replacement for a broken or lost permanent retainer. 

What Are The Benefits of Permanent Retainers?

Convenient– You won’t need to take your retainers on and off.Almost no speech interference– You won’t be uneasy while speaking in public.Unnoticeable– No one would notice that you have your retainers in place as the wires are placed on the inner and less visible surfaces of your teeth.No fear of loss or damage– As the retainers are attached to your teeth, there is less chance of losing a retainer.

What Are The Benefits of Removable Retainers?

Removable– You can remove them when you want to eat something.Easy to clean– Maintenance of removable retainers is easy as you can soak them in a cleaning liquid and wash them with water.Better for upper teeth– Fixed retainers on upper teeth are prone to damage as your lower teeth may bite on them.Easy to maintain oral hygiene– You can just take them off before brushing or flossing your teeth.

What Are The Drawbacks of Permanent Retainers? 

If the root cause of misaligned teeth is addressed accurately, there is no reason why the teeth will move to their previous positions, and therefore, there is no need for a permanent retainer.

So if your orthodontist prescribes a fixed retainer, it may mean that your orthodontic issue is still unresolved even after the removal of your braces.

Moreover, permanent retainers may pose some problems as well:

Diminished proprioception- Our teeth are meant to function as individual units while moving about independently within their respective sockets. Binding them together with a fixed retainer can decrease the proprioceptive property of our teeth.Early bone loss- Young and healthy individuals experience bone loss around the teeth that are bound by a permanent retainer. Our teeth move mildly during activities like chewing and clenching. Retainers restrict the normal tooth mobility leading to the decreased blood supply to the periodontal ligament and subsequent crestal bone loss.Potentially invasive procedure– The teeth need to be etched and a composite filling is applied to hold a metal wire or mesh chain. Applying, maintaining, and removing this material over time may lead to some damage to the enamel layer of your teeth. This is mostly dependent on the skills and temperament of your dentist.Difficult to maintain oral hygiene– Brushing and flossing with a piece of wire glued to the inner surfaces of teeth can be quite a challenge! You need extra patience, effort, and time to ensure that the area around your retainers is clean while using floss. You may need to use a floss threader to actually fish the floss through the gaps in between your teeth to accomplish this.Need for caution in your food choices– You will need to be more careful while biting on tough foods like bread crusts as you may bend the wire or cause a detachment between wire and tooth. It may take some time before you or your dentist is aware of this detachment potentially causing a need for additional orthodontic work. Make sure your dentist looks at your fixed retainer closely with dental loupes by pushing on each splinted tooth to see if there is a separation between wire and tooth. It’s easy to miss!Uncomfortable– Some individuals do not like the feel of a metal piece rubbing against their tongue at all times.Replacement expense– You should be prepared to pay an extra fee if your bonded retainer breaks off or gets detached. The detached end can even wear down your tongue.

What To Do If My Retainers Just Snap Off?

If your permanent retainers detach from your teeth or bend at some point, you should not try to fix the issue yourself. Neither should you leave the issue unattended. Here’s what you can do:

Call your dentist or orthodontist right away– A detached end of the retainer can be quite harmful as it may injure your mouth and damage your teeth. Hence, consider an emergency and meet your dentist right away to get it fixed. Also, the detached tooth can accelerate in the movement away from its ideal position (its position relative position to the other teeth).Book an appointment with your orthodontist– If your retainer ends are still at their place but the wire is detached from one or more teeth or bent in the mid-portion somewhere,  you have some grace time to get it fixed. Make an appointment with your orthodontist and get your retainer repaired or replaced before it causes any further damage.

How To Clean and Floss My Permanent Retainers?

Cleaning your teeth with your fixed retainers can be slightly tricky. Here are a few tips that you can incorporate into your oral hygiene regimen:

Brush your teeth just like you do regularly. Make sure that your bristles pass through the gaps between the teeth so that all the areas around the retainer are covered. A sonic toothbrush may be helpful in this area.Flossing in between the teeth can be tedious during those initial days when you are trying to get a hang of it. You will be an expert with a few days of genuine practice. While inserting the floss between the teeth, care should be taken not to jerk it in as that may harm your gums. Instead, maneuver the floss gently on the sides of the teeth so that the interdental surfaces are properly cleaned.

Final Note

Permanent retainers are a convenient option for holding the teeth in their new positions for the rest of your life.

It has a couple of significant drawbacks and is not meant for every case. Discuss your options with your dentist or orthodontist so that you can decide what is best for you.

My take: Short term (a few years maximum) is acceptable if this is an option you want. However, ultimately, use a removable retainer. Or better yet, address why the teeth are shifting if not held in place by any retainer, fixed or removable.

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Hydroxyapatite Vs. Fluoride: How Do They Compare?

Dentists have recommended fluoride toothpaste for stronger cavity-resistant teeth for decades.1 It is still considered the “gold standard” in dental schools, despite its safety concerns.

But there’s a new ingredient in town proven to be just as effective as fluoride and completely non-toxic.

It’s called hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste has replaced fluoride toothpaste as what I recommend to all of my patients. But what is hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

In this blog post, we will learn about hydroxyapatite and take a look at how fluoride compares with it. 

How Does Fluoride Toothpaste Work?

Your teeth have an outer covering called enamel that is made up of calcium and phosphate. Your saliva also contains calcium and phosphate that constantly bathe your teeth. These minerals keep your teeth strong.

Bacteria found in cavities can break down food particles and create an acidic environment in your mouth. This acidic environment is harsh and can strip away these beneficial minerals from the surfaces of your teeth. This process is called demineralization.  

The fluoride in fluoridated toothpaste works by:

Teaming up with the calcium and phosphate in your saliva and teeth to form a compound called fluorapatite. This compound looks like a crystal lattice (apatite crystal lattice).Covering demineralized enamel with the more acid-resistant fluorapatite. This remineralizes the teeth, restores their strength, and protects it from further damage by acid. 

How Does Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Work?

Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and nearly 70% of the dentin of your teeth. 

The rest of your enamel is actually composed of water, collagen, and other proteins.

Hydroxyapatite is absorbed by the teeth and fills the enamel fissures caused by demineralization.

The most widely studied type of hydroxyapatite is nano-hydroxyapatite. Toothpaste that contains nano-hydroxyapatite has particle sizes between 20-80 nanometers (nm). Because of its small size, it can insert into really small spaces, which leads to better benefits. 

Unlike fluoride, hydroxyapatite works by:

Remineralizing enamel from within, reaching the innermost part of a dental cavityBinding to plaque and harmful bacteria in our mouth

How does Hydroxyapatite Compare to Fluoride in Efficacy?

When it comes to which toothpaste is more efficient, there is really no difference between hydroxyapatite and fluoride toothpastes.

One study compared 10% hydroxyapatite with 500 ppm F− (amine fluoride), which dentists typically prescribe.2 The researchers discovered that the 10% hydroxyapatite worked just as well as 500ppm F− for remineralization and lesion depth (LD) reduction.

The conclusion of the study was that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is equal to fluoride toothpaste when it comes to efficacy.

Benefits of Hydroxyapatite over Fluoride Toothpastes

Both fluoride and hydroxyapatite can remineralize tooth structure, but here’s why I prefer to recommend hydroxyapatite over fluoride:

Oral microbiome friendly: Although both have antibacterial properties, fluoride kills decay-causing bacteria and some good bacteria. On the other hand, hydroxyapatite does not kill the bacteria. It prevents harmful bacteria from attaching to the enamel.3Fortifies enamel: Hydroxyapatite can increase the microhardness of enamel.4 The coating of hydroxyapatite reinforces the teeth better than the fluorapatite coating.Non-toxic: Hydroxyapatite is biomimetic.5 There are no side effects with hydroxyapatite—in fact, it’s safe enough to swallow the entire tube of toothpaste! With fluoride, on the other hand, there’s a poison control label on the tube, and overexposure causes dental and skeletal fluorosis.Kid-friendly: At an early age, children don’t have full control over swallowing and can ingest large amounts of toothpaste.6 When this happens, the fluoride in toothpaste can get absorbed into the bloodstream and cause dental fluorosis (a change in the appearance of tooth enamel). Toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite reduces the risk of fluorosis.Whitens: Hydroxyapatite toothpaste has been shown to lighten the shade of the teeth without the help of any additional abrasives or whitening agents.7

Is Fluorapatite Stronger than Hydroxyapatite?

Fluorapatite is less soluble than hydroxyapatite. This means that in acidic conditions, fluorapatite is stronger and more resistant to demineralization. 

However, this does not mean that fluorapatite toothpaste is better than hydroxyapatite toothpaste. In fact, studies show that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is just as good as fluorapatite toothpaste, with an added benefit — it helps with dental hypersensitivity.8 

Should I Switch to Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?

To me, this is a no-brainer. If you have a better alternative to fluoride toothpaste and it’s non-toxic, why wouldn’t you? 

To most dentists, this is a no-brainer as well—however, fluoride is still taught as the “gold standard” in dental schools, and there are still some dentists out there who might be leery of hydroxyapatite. If this is your dentist, send them the research!

I recommend everyone talk to their dentist about switching to a hydroxyapatite toothpaste, especially the following categories of people:

Pregnant womenPeople who live in areas with fluoridated water supplyBabies and children, especially if they are below the age of six.People with sensitive teeth, as hydroxyapatite treats the root cause of sensitivity.9

Which Toothpaste Brands Contain Hydroxyapatite?

There are two brands of hydroxyapatite toothpaste brands I recommend to readers because I use them myself and they also have an appropriate concentration of hydroxyapatite to be efficacious. There are many hydroxyapatite toothpastes out there, unfortunately, that don’t contain enough of the ingredient to have an effect—if you’re not sure, email the company and ask for the concentration. It should be 15% or more.

Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste

RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste

RiseWell Kids’ Mineral Toothpaste (birthday cake flavor)

Bottom line

The biggest advantage of using toothpaste with hydroxyapatite is that it remineralizes your teeth without any side effects, unlike fluoride that is toxic in large quantities.

Hydroxyapatite is naturally present within our body and constitutes most of our enamel.

Both fluoride and hydroxyapatite are scientifically proven to reverse dental decay—why not choose the less toxic one? 

References

1. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Sheiham A, Logan S. Fluoride toothpastes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(1):CD002278. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002278

2. Amaechi BT, AbdulAzees PA, Alshareif DO, et al. Comparative efficacy of a hydroxyapatite and a fluoride toothpaste for prevention and remineralization of dental caries in children. BDJ Open. 2019;5(1):18. doi:10.1038/s41405-019-0026-8

3. Meyer F, Enax J. Hydroxyapatite in Oral Biofilm Management. Eur J Dent. 2019;13(2):287-290. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1695657

4. Pepla E, Besharat LK, Palaia G, Tenore G, Migliau G. Nano-hydroxyapatite and its applications in preventive, restorative and regenerative dentistry: a review of literature. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2014;5(3):108-114.

5. Enax J, Epple M. Synthetic Hydroxyapatite as a Biomimetic Oral Care Agent. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2018;16(1):7-19. doi:10.3290/j.ohpd.a39690

6. Bossù M, Saccucci M, Salucci A, et al. Enamel remineralization and repair results of Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite toothpaste on deciduous teeth: an effective option to fluoride toothpaste. J Nanobiotechnology. 2019;17(1):17. doi:10.1186/s12951-019-0454-6

7. Niwa M, Sato T, Li W, Aoki H, Aoki H, Daisaku T. Polishing and whitening properties of toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2001;12(3):277-281. doi:10.1023/a:1008927502523

8. Pajor K, Pajchel L, Kolmas J. Hydroxyapatite and Fluorapatite in Conservative Dentistry and Oral Implantology-A Review. Materials (Basel). 2019;12(17). doi:10.3390/ma12172683

9. Vano M, Derchi G, Barone A, Covani U. Effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste in reducing dentin hypersensitivity: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Quintessence Int. 2014;45(8):703-711. doi:10.3290/j.qi.a32240

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COVID-19 Vaccine: My Take as a “Holistic” Healthcare Practitioner

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“How could you advocate for getting the vaccine? I thought you were a holistic dentist.” I’m getting this question a lot, and the answer is this…⁣

I’m a healthcare worker. When you’re a healthcare worker, you have to think of your patients, especially more vulnerable populations, such as my patients with chronic illness, taking prednisone or antibiotics, and the elderly.⁣

I’m above age 60.⁣

I saw my son-in-law, a healthy guy in his early 30s, get hospitalized with COVID complications. His lungs were ravaged as you can see on his CT scans. I have patients and family and friends who have put on ventilators, some who haven’t made it. ⁣

COVID is on its way to becoming endemic, meaning the chance of everyone experiencing this virus on some level is almost guaranteed. When I am exposed to COVID, I want to make sure I have the antibodies from the vaccine to fight it. I don’t want to contribute to the growing number of lives lost, which totaled over 500,000 in the US alone as of yesterday.⁣

I am a functional dentist who considers how oral health affects the whole body, and vice versa as well as investigates the root causes of illness so we can prevent them.⁣

To those who say masks and vaccines aren’t “natural”: if I were to reject everything that’s not natural, then I couldn’t use anesthesia for my patients, prescribe antibiotics, perform oral surgery, or fill cavities. I do these things when medically necessary—while also incorporating alternative treatments and diet and lifestyle. It’s not one or the other.⁣

I’m interested in the best of both worlds for myself and my patients—the best from modern medicine and the best from alternative medicine. I follow the evidence and look for what will extend the well-being and longevity of my patients.⁣

COVID is not a normal flu. There is an increased chance of not just short-term but also long-term effects, including lung tissue damage, shortened lifespan, heart damage, brain fog, neurological issues, that my patients who survived COVID continue to deal with long after “recovering.”⁣

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Benefits of Oral Probiotics & Best Strains

Probiotics are microorganisms (mainly bacteria) that provide benefits to humans – from the prevention of bad breath and cavities to improved gum health. 

Probiotics in oral health are supported by years of research, although the number of human clinical trials is limited. 

Still, many patients are unaware of the potential benefits that dental probiotics can offer. 

What are dental/oral probiotics?

Oral probiotics (or dental probiotics) are specific strains of bacteria known to support a healthy mouth and improve oral health. They encourage the growth of good bacteria and stop the growth of bad (pathogenic) bacteria.

Like the gut, the mouth has its diverse bacterial community known as the oral microbiome. Dental probiotics are similar to gut probiotics in that they use good (commensal) bacteria to improve the health of the microbiome in the mouth. 

However, they’re not the same as gut probiotics — oral probiotics are most effective when delivered directly to the mouth via lozenges, chewable tablets, milk, or probiotic drinks. Oral probiotics in the form of swallowable tablets do not seem to be as effective. Some kinds of toothpaste contain oral probiotics.

Oral probiotic supplements deliver these bacterial strains directly to your mouth so that they can colonize the surfaces in your mouth and form biofilms.

The use of oral probiotics may offer health benefits because of the way they boost the immune system of the mouth. 

Do oral probiotics really work? Yes, oral probiotics work to improve oral health, especially for people who have existing dysbiosis (a disruption in the balance of bacterial communities) in their oral microbiome. 

One study concluded that dental probiotic supplements not only show promise for the prevention or treatment of oral disease but also cause little to no side effects. However, more research is needed to determine the right dosages and delivery for the best results.

Oral vs. Gut Probiotics

The major differences between gut probiotics and oral probiotics are the types of organisms included in each, as well as the method of delivery.

Gut probiotics contain bacterial strains native to the gut. 

They are delivered in capsules designed to resist the powerful gastric juices and acidic pH of your digestive system. 

Survivability is very important when it comes to gut probiotics. That’s why it’s important to choose a high-quality product with a large number of diverse strains and a high number of Colony Forming Units (or CFUs).On the other hand, oral probiotics, contain beneficial strains specific to the oral microbiome (though there may be some overlap with regular probiotics). 

What are the Best Probiotic Strains to Take?

Oral microbiome probiotic strains considered most beneficial to oral health include:

Lactobacillus reuteriLactobacillus salivariusStreptococcus salivarius K12Streptococcus salivarius M18Lactobacillus paracaseiLactobacillus sakei

Oral probiotics are usually given in the form of lozenges, drinks, mouth rinse, or chewable tablets. 

They are meant to sit in your mouth while they dissolve, thus allowing enough time to inoculate your oral microbiome.

However, the mouth is connected to the rest of the body — for instance, good gut bacteria established during birth and infancy may potentially reduce a child’s risk of cavities.

Benefits of Dental Probiotics

The benefits of dental probiotics are evident in every part of the mouth because a healthy oral microbiome is the key to oral health.

Oral/dental probiotics may prevent or address most oral diseases, such as:

CavitiesGingivitis/periodontitisOral thrush (Candidiasis)Bad breathRespiratory infectionsTonsillitisOral cancer

The good bacteria in oral probiotics can create biofilms to replace those created by undesirable bacteria. These new biofilms not only support the health of teeth and gums and reduce inflammation, but they can also block bad bacteria from reaching enamel or gum tissue to wreak havoc.

1. Oral Probiotics for Cavities

Cavities, or “dental caries”, develop when clusters of bacteria, called plaque, form on teeth and feed on sugar molecules, and excrete acids that break down enamel. 

If you address it early in the process, you can reverse some cavities with dietary and lifestyle changes. Left unchecked, this tooth decay can irreversibly damage the dentin and enamel and require a filling, root canal, or tooth extraction.

Oral probiotic supplements may prevent cavities and plaque buildup. 

The best dental probiotics for cavities include:

L. acidophilusL. paracaseiL. rhamnosusL. reuteriL. caseiL. salivariusBifidobacillusS. thermophilus

Research shows probiotics for teeth can prevent cavities by:

Improving the immunity of the mouth Producing antibacterial compounds to fight certain cavity-causing bacteriaPreventing bad bacteria from attaching to the teethAltering the pH of the mouth to stop cavity growthChanging the saliva quality to improve remineralization of enamel

One of the most problematic bacteria in the development of cavities is called Streptococcus mutans. However, an oral probiotic strain called Streptococcus A12can outcompete the harmful version and prevent plaque buildup.

As of mid-2020, 8 randomized, controlled trials on oral probiotics for dental caries have been completed. 75% of these studies found that the use of dental probiotics reduced cavities. 

However, the doses, strains, study methods, and lengths of study were inconsistent. 

It’s not possible to say for sure exactly what dose, probiotic strain, or length of treatment will effectively reverse or prevent cavities.

2. Oral Probiotics for Gingivitis & Periodontitis

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects 42% of adults in the US. It is associated with higher rates of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and more. 

Once you develop gum recession, you can only halt gum disease, not reverse it. That’s why it’s so important to stop gum disease before it does lasting damage.

At least 11 clinical trials show that oral probiotics may improve gum disease symptoms. 

The best oral probiotics for gum disease are:

L. reuteriL. brevis

Improvements in gum disease from oral probiotics include:

Reduced plaque under the gum lineLess bleeding gumsLower gingival index (a marker of gingivitis)Smaller pocket depth (a measurement your dentist uses to spot periodontitis)

Using dental probiotics as part of your oral care routine may reduce inflammation, stop bleeding gums, and crowd out the bacteria that cause gingivitis. 

L. reuterican improve symptoms of gingivitis and gum bleeding, while L. brevis seems to reduce inflammation.

3. Oral Probiotics for Candidiasis/Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal condition in which candida fungus (usually C. albicans) overgrows and forms white spots on your tongue. Burning, redness, and dry mouth can result.

This fungal overgrowth is a common symptom of dysbiosis in the oral microbiome. 

The best way to combat this condition is to stop consuming the sugars and carbs that feed the candida yeast. Along with a dietary change, high-quality oral probiotics may help prevent or reverse oral thrush.

Changing your diet will stop candida growth, as it will no longer have an adequate food source. The influx of beneficial bacteria from the oral probiotic will crowd out any remaining candida microbes.

The best oral probiotics for oral thrush/candidiasis are:

Lactobacillus spp.S. salivarius K12

Lab research shows that dental probiotics including Lactobacillus species can stop candida from forming a biofilm in the mouth. 

A 2020 clinical trial found that 30 days of the oral probiotic S. salivarius K12 decreased oral thrush symptoms. It also improved inflammation of oral tissue caused by denture stomatitis, a bacterial overgrowth on dentures. 

4. Oral Probiotics for Halitosis/Bad Breath

3 studies on dental probiotics for halitosis found that good probiotics can reduce VSCs (volatile sulfur compounds) that cause bad breath. An additional study saw no VSC improvement although breath odor improved. 

Oral probiotics are a much better remedy for bad breath than mouthwash. Most mouthwash kills not only bad bacteria but good along with it.

Dental probiotics may stop bad breath by reducing the compounds that cause halitosis.

The best dental probiotics for bad breath include:

S. salivarius K12L. salivariusL. reuteriL. casei

5. Oral Probiotics for Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are infections of the respiratory tract caused by a variety of viruses or bacteria. Common examples include the common cold, sinusitis, strep throat, and bronchitis.

Oral probiotics may reduce the risk of respiratory infections, particularly in children.

The best oral probiotics for respiratory infections are:

S. salivarius K12S. salivarius M18L. reuteriL. sakeiL. paracaseiL. gasseri

A 2016 animal study found that L. gasseri was able to crowd out significant Group A Streptococcus bacteria responsible for infections like strep throat, scarlet fever, and sore throat. 

Animals who received the oral probiotics contracted Group A strep infections 4 times less frequently and were 15 times less likely to die from the infections than the control animals.

An oral probiotic supplement containing 5 strains of probiotics reduced the risk of children getting a respiratory tract infection by 76% in a 2018 clinical trial.

6. Oral Probiotics for Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat.

Oral probiotics may reduce symptoms of recurrent tonsillitis.

The best probiotic for tonsillitis is S. salivarius K12.

In a 2020 clinical trial, an oral probiotic given for 30 days provided “rapid relief” for symptoms of recurrent tonsillitis. It also resulted in a marked improvement in the microbiome of the upper respiratory tract.

7. Oral Probiotics for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer may develop, in part, due to harmful bacteria in the mouth. 

Correcting dysbiosis of the oral microbiome may decrease the risk of developing oral cancer, although no clinical trials with human patients have confirmed this theory.

According to two reviews published in 2020, oral probiotic strains that may stop oral cancer growth include:

L. rhamnosus GGL. plantarumAcetobacter syzigiiL. salivarius REN

More research is needed to draw serious conclusions.

There is no scientific evidence that oral probiotics can treat or reverse oral cancer in humans. 

How long do oral probiotics take to work?

Depending on the severity of your dysbiosis, oral probiotics may begin working in as little as 1 week.

Most studies on oral probiotics have been conducted for 2-4 weeks. Studies tracking cavity development have been longer, from 9-12 months.

When advising a patient to take oral probiotics, I generally recommend 2-3 months as a baseline treatment period.

How to Take Oral Probiotics

The most effective ways to take probiotics are via chewable tablets or lozenges. These allow the beneficial bacteria to be delivered directly to the surfaces of your mouth where biofilms are formed by bacteria.

For good bacteria to thrive, you must also eat plenty of prebiotics. Prebiotics are fibers that feed probiotic bacteria. 

Prebiotic foods include:

OnionsRaw dandelion greensGarlicArtichokesBananas (especially unripe)Chicory rootAsparagus LeeksRaw jicamaApplesCocoaFlaxseeds

Taking probiotics is unlikely to be effective without prebiotics present in the mouth. In other words, you must consume prebiotics every day for your probiotics to work.

Q

Should I take oral probiotics in the morning or at night?

A

The best time to take oral probiotics is in the morning after finishing your oral hygiene routine.

How to Choose the Best Oral Probiotic

When choosing an oral probiotic supplement, look for products with a high strain count, which is measured in colony-forming units (CFUs). Find a supplement with at least 3 billion CFUs.

Keep in mind, though, that oral probiotics will usually have a lower strain and CFU count than regular probiotics. 

Look for a probiotic with beneficial strains, such as S. salivarius K12S. salivarius M18L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri.

Oral probiotics should not be swallowed but chewed or made to melt in the mouth.

You can buy dental probiotics on Amazon or directly from manufacturers. Most oral probiotics are not available at local drugstores or grocery stores.

Probiotic Foods

You may also try adding foods that contain probiotic bacteria to your diet to enhance the benefits of oral probiotic supplements. 

Common probiotic foods include:

KombuchaKimchiYogurtMisoNattoSauerkrautKefir

There are no published studies that prove these foods will act the same as targeted probiotic supplements for oral health. However, they may offer general benefits to your oral and overall health.

Side Effects of Dental Probiotics

Dental probiotics should not cause side effects. One of the benefits of dental probiotics is that they are “extremely safe” for human use.

Gut probiotic side effects include stomach upset and bloating. No symptoms have been identified for oral probiotic side effects.

If you have a condition that compromises immunity, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, always talk to your doctor and/or dentist before starting a new probiotic regimen.

The Oral Microbiome

Your oral microbiome is made up of over 700 known species of bacteria that live in the biofilms of your mouth (on the teeth, lips, tongue, and upper/lower palates). 

It serves as your mouth’s immune system — a healthy oral microbiome can reduce rates of tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral thrush, and bad breath. Dysbiosis (imbalance) of the oral microbiome can result in inflammation and a higher risk for any oral disease.

There’s a lot of talk about the gut microbiome and how important it is to your whole body and digestive health, but your oral microbiome may be equally as important.

Balancing your oral microbiome has benefits beyond your mouth, too. Healthy microbial colonies in the mouth can reduce your risk of many systemic diseases. A dysbiotic oral microbiome is associated with problems like:

CancerDiabetesHeart diseaseAdverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) like miscarriage, preeclampsia, and low birth weightObesityAlzheimer’s diseaseCOPDPneumoniaCognitive impairment

There are specific strains of oral microbes associated with each of these diseases. With predictive testing, your dentist can even test for the presence of these in your mouth and identify if you have an increased risk for these diseases.

Your oral microbiome is the gateway to the rest of your body. Everything that goes in through your nose and mouth passes through your oral cavities, which are home to millions of microbes that make up your oral microbiome.

In addition to the microbes that live in your mouth, you swallow over one trillion microbes every single day. These pass through your oral microbiome and travel down to your gut microbiome, in the process inoculating and reseeding both.

Depending on the health of your oral microbiome, certain microbes make it through this initial checkpoint and have a major say in your overall health. 

This just speaks to the importance of a healthy oral microbiome. 

I can’t state this enough: Whether your mouth maintains an ideal ratio of good-to-bad bacteria directly determines your oral and dental health, as well as the health of your entire body. 

re dental/oral probiotics right for you?

Using oral probiotics for dental health cannot replace oral hygiene, a healthy diet, or 6-month cleanings. However, used with other oral care strategies, dental probiotics can provide a significant benefit to your oral and overall health.

The health of your oral microbiome impacts the rest of the body in ways we are only just beginning to fully understand. Your body is a complex system of interactions, none of which are isolated from the rest of the body. 

As I always say, what happens in the mouth happens in the body.

ReferencesLaleman, I., & Teughels, W. (2015). Probiotics in the dental practice: a review. Quintessence Int, 46(3), 255-64. Full text: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/56ce/6fca0dc78db04ee023991384650b23d6748c.pdfBonifait, L., Chandad, F., & Grenier, D. (2009). Probiotics for oral health: myth or reality?. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 75(8). Full text: https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-75/issue-8/585.pdfAnanya, B., Rani, S. L., & Brundha, M. P. (2020). Knowledge and attitude of probiotics among outpatients visiting dental operatory. Drug Invention Today, 14(2). Abstract: https://web.a.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=09757619&AN=142963164&h=0nGPW0bD6kP4QHhY21PmF0FPXkSIc7rqid%2fjhWJd57%2fBVPkwhw7tWtb6oSKLX5vnPAw946FY1enN8SdMvVG0FA%3d%3d&crl=c&resultNs=AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d09757619%26AN%3d142963164Darwazeh, T., & Darwazeh, A. (2011). Probiotics and oral disease: An update. Smile Dental Journal, 110(422), 1-6. Abstract: https://platform.almanhal.com/GoogleScholar/Details/?ID=2-21358#Mahasneh, S. A., & Mahasneh, A. M. (2017). Probiotics: a promising role in dental health. Dentistry journal, 5(4), 26. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806962/Dewhirst, F. E., Chen, T., Izard, J., Paster, B. J., Tanner, A. C., Yu, W. H., … & Wade, W. G. (2010). The human oral microbiome. Journal of bacteriology, 192(19), 5002-5017. Full text: https://jb.asm.org/content/jb/192/19/5002.full.pdfJindal, G., Pandey, R. K., Singh, R. K., & Pandey, N. (2012). Can early exposure to probiotics in children prevent dental caries? A current perspective. Journal of oral biology and craniofacial research, 2(2), 110-115. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942020/Chugh, P., Dutt, R., Sharma, A., Bhagat, N., & Dhar, M. S. (2020). A critical appraisal of the effects of probiotics on oral health. Journal of Functional Foods, 70, 103985. Full text: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620302097Shakib, P., Rouhi, S., & Zolfaghari, M. R. (2020). The role of probiotics in preventing dental caries. Plant Biotechnology Persa, 2(1), 55-58. Full text: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-40-en.pdfHuang, X., Palmer, S. R., Ahn, S. J., Richards, V. P., Williams, M. L., Nascimento, M. M., & Burne, R. A. (2016). A highly arginolytic Streptococcus species that potently antagonizes Streptococcus mutans. Applied and environmental microbiology, 82(7), 2187-2201. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4807514/Krasse, P., Carlsson, B., Dahl, C., Paulsson, A., Nilsson, A., & Sinkiewicz, G. (2006). Decreased gum bleeding and reduced gingivitis by the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri. Swedish dental journal, 30(2), 55-60. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16878680/Riccia, D. D., Bizzini, F., Perilli, M. G., Polimeni, A., Trinchieri, V., Amicosante, G., & Cifone, M. G. (2007). Anti‐inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus brevis (CD2) on periodontal disease. Oral diseases, 13(4), 376-385. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17577323/Matsubara, V. H., Wang, Y., Bandara, H. M. H. N., Mayer, M. P. A., & Samaranayake, L. P. (2016). Probiotic lactobacilli inhibit early stages of Candida albicans biofilm development by reducing their growth, cell adhesion, and filamentation. Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 100(14), 6415-6426. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27087525/Passariello, C., Di Nardo, F., Polimeni, A., Di Nardo, D., & Testarelli, L. (2020). Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius Reduces Symptoms of Denture Stomatitis and Oral Colonization by Candida albicans. Applied Sciences, 10(9), 3002. Abstract: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/9/3002Mansour, N. M., & Abdelaziz, S. A. (2016). Oral immunization of mice with engineered Lactobacillus gasseri NM713 strain expressing Streptococcus pyogenes M6 antigen. Microbiology and immunology, 60(8), 527-532. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27301486/Campanella, V., Syed, J., Santacroce, L., Saini, R., Ballini, A., & Inchingolo, F. (2018). Oral probiotics influence oral and respiratory tract infections in pediatric population: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 22(22), 8034-8041. Full text: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jamaluddin_Syed/publication/329573879_Oral_probiotics_influence_oral_and_respiratory_tract_infections_in_pediatric_population_A_randomized_double-blinded_placebo-controlled_pilot_study/links/5c22138c458515a4c7f71fd9/Oral-probiotics-influence-oral-and-respiratory-tract-infections-in-pediatric-population-A-randomized-double-blinded-placebo-controlled-pilot-study.pdfIlchenko S.I., Fialkovskaya A.A., & Ivanus S.G. (2020). EFFICIENCY OF THE RESPIRATORY PROBIOTIC STREPTOCOCCUS SALIVARIUS K12 IN CHILDREN WITH RECURRENT TONSILLITIS. Actual Infectology, 8(2), 25-29. Abstract: http://ai.zaslavsky.com.ua/article/view/199732La Rosa, G. R. M., Gattuso, G., Pedullà, E., Rapisarda, E., Nicolosi, D., & Salmeri, M. (2020). Association of oral dysbiosis with oral cancer development. Oncology Letters, 19(4), 3045-3058. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7079586/Kamaluddin, W. N. F. W. M., Rismayuddin, N. A. R., Ismail, A. F., Aidid, E. M., Othman, N., Mohamad, N. A. H., & Arzmi, M. H. (2020). Probiotic inhibits oral carcinogenesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Oral Biology, 104855. Abstract: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003996920302338Stowik, T. A. (2016). Contribution of Probiotics Streptococcus salivarius Strains K12 and M18 to Oral Health in Humans: A Review. Full text: https://opencommons.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1484&context=srhonors_thesesLim, Y., Totsika, M., Morrison, M., & Punyadeera, C. (2017). Oral microbiome: a new biomarker reservoir for oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Theranostics, 7(17), 4313. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5695015/Leishman, S. J., Lien Do, H., & Ford, P. J. (2010). Cardiovascular disease and the role of oral bacteria. Journal of oral microbiology, 2(1), 5781. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3084572/Teixeira, F. B., Saito, M. T., Matheus, F. C., Prediger, R. D., Yamada, E. S., Maia, C. S., & Lima, R. R. (2017). Periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease: a possible comorbidity between oral chronic inflammatory condition and neuroinflammation. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 9, 327. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5649154/Olsen, I. (2015). From the acta prize lecture 2014: The periodontal-systemic connection seen from a microbiological standpoint: Summary of the Acta Odontologica Scandinavia Price lecture 2014 presented at the meeting of the IADR/Pan European region in Dubrovnik, September 10–13. 2014. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 73(8), 563-568. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25891035/Kumar, V., Bhatia, M., & Kumar, A. H. (2020). Microbes from mouth to gut impacting probiotics to antibiotics. Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, 11(2), 83. Abstract: http://www.jnsbm.org/article.asp?issn=0976-9668;year=2020;volume=11;issue=2;spage=83;epage=84;aulast=Kumar

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The Top 3 Manual Toothbrushes I Recommend to Patients

Q

What’s the best manual toothbrush?

A

I get asked this a lot. For something as basic as brushing twice daily, we sure have made it complicated!

Here, I’ll walk you through…

1. What actually matters when choosing a brush

2. The three that I most commonly recommend

What matters when choosing a brush

The things I look for, in order of importance:

Soft (or extra) soft bristles: This is priority number one. Medium and hard bristles can cause gingival abrasion or create microabrasions in enamel, which can leave the teeth more susceptible to cavities, gum recession, and sensitivity.Quality bristles: This is a must-have because of the potential for bristles to do major damage. I’ve seen this damage first-hand in my patients. When a manufacturer takes shortcuts, the result is low quality bristles with sharp or jagged edges which damage teeth.STOP using medium or hard bristles, which can cause gingival abrasion + create microabrasions in enamel.

Bristles should be
1. soft
2. quality
3. replaced often@AmerDentalAssn seal of acceptance is a good guide for determining bristle quality

— Dr. Mark Burhenne (@askthedentist) February 21, 2021

How Important is the ADA Seal?

The ADA Seal of Acceptance lays out a good framework for how to judge whether bristles are safe. That said, there are some great toothbrushes out there that couldn’t afford going through the ADA Seal process even though they meet the requirements—two of these is included in my list below, the Oral-B and the Nimbus. To qualify for the seal, the manufacturer must provide evidence that their bristles are “free of sharp or jagged edges and endpoints” as well as pay a fee to be able to use the seal in their marketing.

In other words, if you’re in a hurry, the ADA Seal is a good shortcut. But, there aren’t that many brushes that have it. If in doubt, consult your dentist to ask if a brush has quality bristles or not.

Ask the Dentist is supported by readers. If you use one of the links below and buy something, Ask the Dentist makes a little bit of money at no additional cost to you. I rigorously research, test, and use thousands of products every year, but recommend only a small fraction of these. I only promote products that I truly feel will be valuable to you in improving your oral health.

Which Manual Brushes I Recommend

Best Manual Toothbrush for People Who Brush Too Hard

Radius Source

The wide massaging head helps prevent doing enamel and gum damage, since the forces are spread over a great surface area.The Radius Source reduces toothbrush waste by 93%. You keep the same handle and just change the replacement heads.The super-soft vegetable nylon bristles are great for bleeding, receding, or sensitive gums.Personally, I love the grip on this one. This is my personal go-to that I use daily. I also travel with the Radius Travel, which has the exact same head as the regular model.

Best Budget-friendly Manual Toothbrush

Oral-B Cross Action Manual Toothbrush

I gave these out in my private practice for over 30 years, so I’ve seen the long term effects of this brush, so I trust it implicitly. This is the old standby, you can’t go wrong.This brush works out to be just under $2.50 per brush.The value pack size is something I hope will encourage you to replace your toothbrush often (every 4-6 weeks to prevent bristles from wearing out and doing damage).I like to keep these on hand for guests who forgot their toothbrush.

Best Manual Toothbrush for Bleeding or Receding Gums

Nimbus Extra Soft Toothbrushes

This brush does NOT have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, simply because they are a small business that hasn’t paid for it. But it certainly meets the requirements. This is a great example of why the ADA Seal of Acceptance is a good shortcut, but it certainly misses a lot of great brushes.Invented by a periodontist, designed to get in between spaces, which is especially great for people with gingivitis or gum recession.The first time you use this brush, you might notice your teeth don’t feel as clean. Give it time to adjust—your teeth are getting clean without the harsh scrubbing, I promise.The beauty of the Nimbus is that it alerts you to areas in your mouth where you have recession or gingivitis. You’ll notice tenderness whenever the Nimbus bristles come to an area of the gums that inflamed—alerting you to focus a bit more on that area. I noticed this the first time I tried the Nimbus on myself—it caused tenderness in all of my usual areas of inflammation. By knowing the areas I needed to work on, over time, those areas got better! What wonderful feedback to be getting from a toothbrush, and a manual one at that!

So, there you have it. Those are my go-to manual toothbrush recommendations, but certainly not the only great manual brushes to choose from.

To recap, bristles should be…

SoftQuality (Use ADA Seal of Acceptance guidelines to determine this—not necessarily the Seal itself, which is pay to play)Replaced often (every 4-6 weeks, because even the best quality toothbrush will wear out and become too sharp for enamel)

Hope that simplifies things for you a bit! For further reading, I recommend my guide How to Brush Your Teeth to improve your technique as well as my guide to the best electric toothbrushes. 

Referenceshttps://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/category-display/compare-products/product-report?productid=3987&company=Radius+Corp.https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushesAmerican National Standards Institute/American Dental Association. Standard No. 119 Manual Toothbrushes. Chicago, IL: American Dental Association; 2015.https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/how-to-earn-the-ada-seal/general-criteria-for-acceptance

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New Study: How Does P. Gingivalis Colonize the Mouth?

A new study, conducted by a team at the University of Buffalo, reports that a bacterium called Veillonella parvula plays a supporting role in causing gum diseases by inducing the multiplication of the pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis.

The aim of the study, published in The ISME Journal, was to understand the ways by which P.gingivalis forms colonies inside the mouth.

The question was how this pathogen could populate without growth molecules. The researchers found out that it obtained growth molecules from Vparvula, a common bacterium of our oral microbiome.

The presence of V. parvula alone is not harmful. It is their proliferation, which occurs in a mouth with poor hygiene, that kickstarts the replication of P. gingivalis.

Highlights of The Study

The researchers at the UB School of Dental Medicine investigated Pgingivalis for around two decades. The study could be summarised as follows:

The study was conducted on a pertinent mouse model and in vitro culture systems and was focused on understanding how the growth molecules controlled the growth and colonization of P. gingivalisFive bacterial species that are prevalent during gum disease were selected and the interaction between the growth molecules of these bacteria with P. gingivalis was tested.Of the five types of bacteria, it was noticed that only the growth molecules of V. parvula influenced the multiplication of P. gingivalis.Another interesting finding was that P. gingivalis stopped multiplying when V. paravula was eliminated from the microbiome. However, the presence of V. paravula was not enough as the replication of P. gingivalis was triggered only when V. paravula existed in a large population.The study suggested that P. gingivalis enjoyed a unidirectional relationship with V. paravula as the sharing of growth molecules brought no obvious advantage to the latter.Apart from the growth molecules, V. paravula forms heme (blood) that served as an excellent source of iron for P. gingivalis.The unidirectional relationship was further confirmed by an increase in periodontal bone loss caused by P. gingivalis in the presence of V.paravula.It remains unclear if the growth-stimulating molecules produced by P. gingivalis are similar to that of V.paravula and more research is needed.

Why This Matters

Over 47% of adults above 30 years of age have some form of gum disease, according to the CDC.

Researchers could formulate specific therapies to manage periodontitis with the help of a deeper insight into the relation between Vparvula and Pgingivalis. Here are a few points that the investigators came up with:

In a person with good oral health, P.gingivalis forms a very small percentage of the microflora inside the mouth and it cannot multiply.On the other hand, in individuals with poor oral hygiene and minimal plaque control, V.parvula multiplies at a rapid rate and produces sufficient growth molecules that can trigger the replication process of Pgingivalis

Therapies that aim at removing V. parvula from the oral microflora can prove beneficial in keeping gum diseases at bay. However, we should bear in mind that their presence alone is not harmful. It is their proliferation, which occurs in a mouth with poor hygiene, that kickstarts the replication of P. gingivalis. Hence, plaque control and maintenance of good oral hygiene are certainly the best ways of preventing and treating periodontal disease.

ReferencesAnilei Hoare, Hui Wang, Archana Meethil, Loreto Abusleme, Bo-Young Hong, Niki M. Moutsopoulos, Philip D. Marsh, George Hajishengallis & Patricia I. Diaz (2020). The ISME Journal Multidisciplinary Journal of Microbial Ecology. A cross-species interaction with a symbiotic commensal enables cell-density-dependent growth and in vivo virulence of an oral pathogen. Full text: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41396-020-00865-y

The post New Study: How Does P. Gingivalis Colonize the Mouth? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

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‘Heal Your Oral Microbiome’ Book Review

Many health-related articles and websites point to having a healthy gut microbiome as the key to living an overall healthy lifestyle. However, before the gut microbiome comes into the picture, it’s the oral microbiome that is at the forefront of keeping you and your immune system in good condition. 

Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome is a major focus of my dentistry, so I am always looking for resources that will help guide people in taking the best care of their mouths.

That’s where the book, Heal Your Oral Microbiome, by Cass Nelson-Dooley comes in. This book focuses exclusively on the oral microbiome and teaches you how your mouth paves the way towards full-body health, as well as important steps to take in order to heal and balance your oral microbiome.

It’s the first book of its kind. During 40 years of dental practice, I had never before read information like this- all in one place. Yet, as dentists, we are working with the oral microbiome every day. I’m so happy this information is finally available to patients and dentists alike. This is why I call Heal Your Oral Microbiome a “pillar book.” It’s one of my top four most highly recommended books.

These “Pillar Books” Are Game-Changers in the Field of Dental Health

Heal Your Oral MicrobiomeVitamin K2 and the Calcium ParadoxTongue-TiedJaws

What is Heal Your Oral Microbiome about? 

Heal Your Oral Microbiome dives into the world of bacteria contained within your mouth and offers science-based tips on how you can improve your health by first fixing your mouth-gut microbiome connection. 

Qualified Author

The author, Cass Nelson-Dooley, M.S., began her career in the field of science and natural medicine after she studied medicinal plants in the rain forests of Panama, in 2003. She researched the pharmacology of medicinal plants at the University of Georgia and AptoTec, Inc, and then started a career in laboratory testing at Metametrix Clinical Laboratory. She has over a decade of experience teaching doctors about integrative and functional laboratory results. She owns Health First Consulting, LLC, a medical communications company with the mission to improve human health using the written word. In addition to Heal Your Oral Microbiome, Ms. Nelson-Dooley has published case studies, book chapters, and journal articles about natural medicine, nutrition, and laboratory testing.  

What This Book Will Tell You

From the start of her book, Nelson-Dooley aims for the reader to recognize that the oral microbiome is made up of 99 percent “good,” or necessary, bacteria and only about one percent “bad,” or infectious, bacteria, and the key to having a healthy oral microbiome is actively nourishing those good bacteria instead of trying to kill off the tiny amount of bad ones.

The author highlights the essential roles that the good bacteria in your oral microbiome perform, including protecting you from pathogens, regulating your immune response, making vitamins, and even helping you lose weight. But most importantly, the good bacteria in your oral microbiome help you build up a resistance to infections from any bad bacteria that manage to slip past your defenses. 

Amidst an informative tour of the oral cavity and easy-to-understand scientific descriptions of the most common oral diseases, Heal Your Oral Microbiome focuses on the natural, safe things you can do to optimize your oral microbiome.

Key Tips from the Book

Here are a few key takeaways from Heal Your Microbiome that I found to be the most helpful and that you can easily apply to your day-to-day life. 

Eat more prebiotic-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits to build your oral microbiome

A diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates can encourage a healthier oral microbiome. Sugar and packaged foods (those containing refined carbohydrates) promote dysbiosis of the oral microbiome, which show up as cavities, gum disease, or root canal infections. To feed your healthy oral bacteria with the prebiotics they crave, it’s best to eat whole foods rich in fiber, and eat the rainbow of fruits and vegetables. But you can also take prebiotics in a powder form or a chewable, like Hyperbiotics’ Prebiotic.

Boost your dental health and say goodbye to the bacterium that causes stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori

It’s hard to believe that brushing and flossing can reduce stomach ulcers, but Nelson-Dooley shows that the mouth is intimately linked to the gut in Heal Your Oral Microbiome. People who get regular dental cleanings can get rid of ulcers and H. pylori more effectively than those who don’t. The benefits of dental hygiene for whole-body health don’t stop there. Brushing and flossing can also lower inflammatory markers in your blood and reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Stay away from antiseptic mouthwashes

Bacteria that live in your mouth help you make a chemical called nitric oxide, which plays a critical role in your cardiovascular system by making blood flow smoothly. However, using antiseptic mouthwash usually kills both the bad and good bacteria in your mouth. And once the good bacteria is damaged, it can no longer produce nitric oxide, and your blood pressure can increase.

Final Thoughts on Heal Your Oral Microbiome

Heal Your Oral Microbiome is a must read if you truly want to understand oral health and how it affects the health of your overall systemic wellbeing. I have been practicing dentistry for 40 years and I think this should be required reading in dental schools. Easily read by both the layperson and professional, this book is a healthcare gem, and will, by reading it, greatly improve the quality of your life. An essential read for better health!

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Best Black Friday Deals on Oral Care Products

Happy Thanksgiving!

This entire week is a great time to get deals on electric toothbrushes, hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and much more.

Many of you have asked me via Instagram for a round-up of the Black Friday deals for my favorite oral care products, so here we go:

Boka Holiday Kit

Best All-in-One Deal with Everything I Recommend

Black Friday Deal: Use the link here and save an additional 15% by using the code ASKTHEDDS at checkout.

What It Is: Overall, this is the best deal with the full suite of everything I recommend: a sonic electric toothbrush which outperforms oscillatory electric brushes at getting into the in-between spaces, two replacement heads two tubes of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and two manual brushes and floss.

Why I Like It:

This is the hydroxyapatite toothpaste I use daily, which has cured my sensitivityThe active ingredient, hydroxyapatite, is as effective as fluoride in re-mineralizing tooth structure, but without the toxicity concerns of fluorideThe refills program, because so much of gum recession and sensitivity is caused by not replacing toothbrush heads as often as we should (every 4-8 weeks)

Sonicare DiamondClean

Best Sonic Brush with App

Black Friday Deal: Get it here for 11% off starting today

What It Is: Rechargeable electric toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity

Why I Like It:

Sonic brushes are better than oscillatory at reducing gingival inflammation and reaching in between the teeth and gumsThe connected app has good UX and shows you which areas you missed, which is the next best thing to getting a dentist’s live feedback on your brushing

Oral-B Vitality

Best for Staining

Black Friday Deal: Get it here for 29% off starting today

What It Is: The best budget electric toothbrush that I recommend for anyone with a high-carbohydrate diet, lots of plaque and/or stain buildup)

Why I Like It:

If you don’t care about any of the bells and whistles, and just want an electric toothbrush that does a quality job with no gimmicks, this is itReduces plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes, without any injury to gums

For Babies, Toddlers & Kids

Melissa & Doug Dentist Kit

Best Kids Gift

Black Friday Deal: Get it here for 27% off starting today while supplies last

What It Is: Dentist Kit with pretend play set of teeth and dental accessories (26 Toy Pieces)

Why I Like It:

For years, I’ve wanted to get my granddaughter a dental play kit. But all of them are way too scary—except for this one, which launched just last month. Kids learn via play, and this play kit teaches habits they’ll carry into adulthood.Eases fear and anxiety for positive, stress-free dentist visits

RiseWell Hydroxyapatite Kids Toothpaste

Best Fluoride Alternative

Black Friday Deal: Get it here and save 10% by using the code ASKTHEDENTIST upon checkout

What It Is: A hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids made of 100% safe and natural ingredients that effectively clean and protect the teeth

Why I Like It:

Made with naturally-derived hydroxyapatite, a mineral that makes up 90% of our tooth enamelAs effective as fluoride in re-mineralizing tooth structure without the concerns of fluorideMy granddaughter loves the birthday cake flavor

Jordan Step 1 Baby Toothbrush

Best Baby Brush

Black Friday Deal: Get it here for 33% off starting today

What It Is: My favorite toothbrush for babies 6-12 months old

Why I Like It:

Soft bristles ensure a positive experience from day oneLarge rubber handle is easy for babies to hold, hard to choke on

DrFormulas Nexabiotic Powder

Best Probiotic Supplement

Black Friday Deal: Get it here for 21% off starting today

What It Is: Probiotic powder for babies and kids

Why I Like It:

Formula contains both prebiotics and probiotics, both of which are needed to properly support bacterial diversity in a developing oral microbiomeCan be mixed in with both formula or breast milk

FLOSS

RiseWell Hydroxyapatite Floss

Best for Chronic Cavities

Black Friday Deal: Get it here and save 10% by using the code ASKTHEDENTIST upon checkout

What It Is: World’s first and only hydroxyapatite-infused dental floss, letting you get hydroxyapatite to the areas in-between teeth where cavities are most likely to occur in most cases

Why I Like It:

Delivers re-mineralizing hydroxyapatite to overlooked tight spots between teeth (which is where most cavities develop)Floss glides comfortably and smoothly, while expanding slightly for more effective cleaning

SLEEP

Somnifix Mouth Tape

Best Mouth Tape

Black Friday Deal: Use this link to get 15% off the one-pack and three-packs, plus 33% off auto ship

What It Is: Mouth taping is the best health hack out there, in my opinion. By mouth taping nightly, you’ll improve your sleep quality, snoring, dry mouth, immunity, nitric oxide production, and even your susceptibility to cavities.

Why I Like It:

Does not hurt when it comes offSticky enough to keep your lips closed during sleep, while allowing for your mouth to easily open if you have serious issues breathing through your nose at night

Nexcare Mouth Tape

Best Budget Mouth Tape

Black Friday Deal: Get it here for 6% off starting today

What It Is: Best budget mouth tape

Why I Like It:

OK, it’s only 6% which isn’t much, but if you’re on a budget, this is the best budget alternative to SomnifixDoes not hurt when it comes off

Good Morning Snore Solution

Best for People with Large Tongues

Black Friday Deal: Get it here and save 30% off by using the code BFBOGO for Good Morning Snore Solution Multi Packs

What It Is: Tongue retention device

Why I Like It:

Helps to open up the airway for better sleep breathing by holding the tongue out of the way and preventing it from collapsing during deep stages of sleepIt’s a non-invasive way to see if you benefit from airway-related therapies

Molekule Air Purifier

Black Friday Deal: Get it here and save up to $300 by using the code EARLYACCESS for all their products (except filter parts and Air Pro RX)

What It Is: These purifiers are quieter than most and with their PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) technology, it actually destroys pollutants, including VOCs and mold.

Why I Like It:

No matter how you eat or how much you exercise, none of it matters if you’re not breathing properly, and that is largely affected by the quality of the air you breatheMy wife and I have one in every room of the house and have noticed the difference in congestion levels during the dayReducing congestion is essential to better nasal breathing, and thus, better sleep quality, which I’m even more obsessed with after reading (and collaborating on) James Nestor’s book, Breath (a must-read!)

Naväge Nasal Care

Black Friday Deal: Get it here for 9% off

What It Is: Nose cleaner and 20 salt pods

Why I Like It:

Flushes everything out for all-important nasal breathing during sleepWorks for fast, all-natural relief from allergies and sinus congestion without the use of drugs

The post Best Black Friday Deals on Oral Care Products appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

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