Identifying Diabetes in the Dental Office

A team of nursing and dental researchers are investigating the possibility of using gingival crevicular blood as an indicator of diabetes. The team will look at the levels of hemoglobin A1C, a measurement for blood glucose, within the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontal diseases. The hemoglobin A1C test is currently used to determine how well people with diabetes are managing their blood glucose levels and in the diagnosis of diabetes and diabetes risk. This study will use a testing kit originally developed for dental professionals to use with finger stick blood samples. The kit has been revised to accommodate oral blood as well as finger stick samples. The year long study will include 120 subjects who will provide one finger stick sample and one blood sample from a periodontal pocket if oral bleeding is present. Researchers will examine the laboratory results of both the finger stick samples and oral blood samples to see if there is a link between A1C levels.

Bacteria and Dental Caries

In order to find out more about the bacteria species that cause early childhood caries, investigators looked at the microbial composition of dental plaque in 42 children with early childhood caries and 40 children without dental caries. Results showed the presence of a pathogen that was not previously known to cause caries: Scardovia wiggsiae. Scardovia wiggsiae was associated with severe early childhood caries and were found in the mouths of children with early childhood caries even when Streptococcus mutans was not. Streptococcus mutans, Veillonella parvula, Streptococcus cristatus and Actinomyces gerensceriae were the other species found to be associated with early childhood caries. Streptococcus mutans and Scardovia wiggsiae were the main caries related species.

Bacteria and Orthodontic Retainers

Researchers in the United Kingdom investigated whether orthodontic retainers could be resevoirs for opportunistic pathogens. They found 50% of the retainers tested harbored microscopic pathogens. Candida species were found on 66.7% of the retainers and Staphylococcus species were found on 50% of the retainers. The study concludes that orthodontic retainers can be a source of cross, self-, and re-infection for opportunistic pathogens. Therefore, make sure your teeth are brushed and flossed well before putting the retainers in your mouth. Then when the retainers are removed, make sure that the retainers are brushed well to remove any new bacteria. This will help to prevent further recontamination.

Diet, Exercise, and Immune Function Among People with Obesity

Scientist at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine concluded that a healthy diet and moderate daily exercise may reverse immune system problems , which make it more difficult to fight infection, that are common among people with obesity. The study included four groups of mice, lean mice on a standard diet, obese mice on a high-fat diet, obese mice on a high-fat diet that performed moderate daily exercise for 1 month, and obese mice that performed moderate daily exercise and a standard diet for 1 month. The mice who exercised daily and consumed a standard diet experienced significantly restored immune function. Their cytokines were repaired and their ability to fight gingivitis (measured by bone loss) improved. Researchers emphasized the need to address both diet and exercise in order to improve immune function among people with obesity

Denture Patients Risk Toxic Levels of Zinc

Dentures that fit poorly may create a health hazard among those who overuse dental adhesives to keep the prosthesis in place. An article published in General Dentistry explains that zinc ingested at toxic levels can trigger nausea, stomachache and mouth irritation. We can play an important role in protecting patients against excessive zinc intake. It is recommended to encourage patients to be evaluated every 6 months to ensure dentures fit properly and explain to patients it may be necessary for the dentist to adjust the denture, reline it, or possibly remake the prosthesis. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate keratinized tissue, erythematous tissue, callous formation on the ridges as signs that should lead us to question the proper fit of the denture or prosthesis. Clinicians should remember to ask patients about a possible history of digestive-related irregularities.

Are you wearing your teeth away?

Have you noticed your teeth chipping , a shorter appearance to your teeth and possibly tooth pain? These are all signs of clenching or grinding your teeth. We are not always aware that we are clencing or grinding our teeth because it usually happens in our sleep. Some people may not be bothered by the physical appearance and choose not to treat these habits early on. Your dentist may suggest a night guard to protect your teeth while you are sleeping. A bite analysis may also be indicated to correct how the upper and lower teeth meet together. If not treated early by these measures, serious damage and symptoms can happen; for instance tmj pain, bad headaches and severe bite issues that are not only painful but can be cosmetically disfiguring too. So if you suspect you are grinding or clenching , early treatment and prevention is the best route.

Dr. Bill and Shelia 2011 Kenya Mission

Dr. Bill Williams , his wife Shelia and one of our SDC members Joan are off to Kenya for their 2011 mission trip. For the last several years Dr. Williams and Shelia Williams have been traveling to Kenya to provide Dental care and to teach the ways of our lord. Not only have they provided dental care but they have helped many others who were ill and even seen babies introduced into the world. They have established a facility in Kenya that started from nothing and has grown with the help of other mission volunteers and Kenya natives. Pray for them on their mission that great events happen and they return home safe .