gum disease

Science Friday: Can Liquorice Root Replace Visiting the Dentist?

January 6, 2012 By Catherine Hughes 1 Comment

Can Liquorice Root Replace Visiting the Dentist? Dentists, do you think liquorice root can help fight gum disease?

Some scientists think so.

The liquorice plant is a legume that is native to Asia and southern Europe. In Italy they like to chew on liquorice root as a mouth freshener.

Maybe they were on to something …

Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in liquorice — used extensively in Chinese traditional medicine — that kill the major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults. In a study in ACS’ Journal of Natural Products, they say that these substances could have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Stefan Gafner and colleagues explain that the dried root of the liquorice plant is a common treatment in Chinese traditional medicine, especially as a way to enhance the activity of other herbal ingredients or as a flavoring.

Despite the popularity of liquorice candy in the U.S., liquorice root has been replaced in domestic candy with anise oil, which has a similar flavor. Traditional medical practitioners use dried liquorice root to treat various ailments, such as respiratory and digestive problems, but few modern scientific studies address whether liquorice really works. (Consumers should check with their health care provider before taking licorice root because it can have undesirable effects and interactions with prescription drugs.)

To test whether the sweet root could combat the bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities, the researchers took a closer look at various substances in licorice.

They found that two of the liquorice compounds, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were the most effective antibacterial substances. These substances killed two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and two of the bacteria that promote gum disease. One of the compounds — licoricidin — also killed a third gum disease bacterium. The researchers say that these substances could treat or even prevent oral infections.

Does anyone see liquorice root flavored mouth rinses in our future?

Source: American Chemical Society

Filed Under: Science Friday Tagged With: dental science, dentistry, dentists, gingivitis, gum disease, periodontal disease, science friday, tooth decay, tooth erosion

Science Friday: Gum Disease More Likely To Cause Stroke

October 14, 2011 By Catherine Hughes 3 Comments

Gum Disease More Likely To Cause Stroke A new study presented last month at the 89th International Association for Dental Research General Session and Exhibition in San Diego revealed that gum disease is much more likely to cause strokes than diabetes.

As reported by CDG, the study indicates that gum disease is a major risk factor for strokes and it most likely has as great of an impact on strokes as high blood pressure.

According to Dr. Tiejian Wu from the State University of New York at Buffalo, it’s the presence of bacteria which leads to the high stroke risk. The bacteria gets into the bloodstream causing clotting and damage to the lining of blood vessels, which increases the risk of stroke.

For more on this story see: Gum Disease More Likely to Cause Strokes than Diabetes and Gum Disease Raises Stroke Risk

Filed Under: Science Friday, The Wealthy Dentist Tagged With: Dental Care, dentist, dentistry, dentists, gum disease, health care, science friday

Science Friday: Oral Health Goes High Tech With The Airfloss

September 23, 2011 By Catherine Hughes 1 Comment

The latest in high-tech oral health dental products has been launched this week by Philips Electronics. It’s the Sonicare AirFloss — a new way to remove bacteria and plaque through a combination of air and water.

By shooting blasts of air and water at the teeth and gums Philips claims the Sonicare AirFloss will remove up to 99% more dental plaque than brushing alone. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the Airfloss can send water and air at speeds up to 45 mph — cleaning the entire mouth in less than a minute.

As reported by GizMag, electronic flossing doesn’t come cheap. The Sonicar Airfloss’ suggested retail price is $89.99.

Here’s the promotional video on the device -

Do you think dental patients are more likely to floss if the cleaning device costs more?

Would you recommend one to your patients?

For more on the Airfloss, visit the Sonicare website.

Filed Under: Dental News, Science & Technology, Science Friday, The Wealthy Dentist Tagged With: airfloss, cosmetic dentistry, Dental Care, Dental News, dentist, dentistry, dentists, gum disease, oral health

Menopausal Patients Linked to Increased Risk for Gum Disease

March 22, 2011 By Catherine Hughes 4 Comments

menopause and gum diseease Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic say that menopausal women may need to see the dentist as many as four times a year to control dental plaque.

Leena Palomo, an assistant professor of periodontics, and Maria Clarinda Beunocamino-Francisco from the Center for Specialized Women’s Health at the clinic completed a comparison study of women on and off bone-strengthening bisphosphonate therapies for osteoporosis.

In the women they studied, they found a marked increase in dental plaque levels, which could endanger the jawbones of postmenopausal women. (Dental plaque is a biofilm that develops naturally on our teeth. If the plaque is left on teeth too long, it triggers gum disease.)

“Menopausal women at risk for osteoporosis also are at risk for periodontal disease, which affects bone that anchors teeth,” says Palomo. “To keep jawbones strong and healthy,” she added, “means getting rid of the dental plaque by seeing the dentist as many as four times a year for deep periodontal cleanings.”

Do you find that your menopausal patients have more problems with dental plaque than their younger counterparts? What do you recommend to your female patients over 50?

For more on this subject, visit Science Daily.

Filed Under: Dental Care, The Wealthy Dentist Tagged With: Dental Care, Dental News, dental practice marketing, gum disease, menopause, older dental patients, women dental patients

Gum Disease Rates Far Higher Than Previously Estimated

September 25, 2010 By Julie Frey 4 Comments

Gum disease in the US may be as much as 50% more common than previously thought, according to new research from the CDC and American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

A pilot study of 450 American adults found significantly higher levels of periodontal disease than expected.

Previous estimates of periodontitis in the US relied on partial-mouth examinations. When full-mouth periodontal exams were conducted instead, researchers discovered significantly more perio disease, leading them to suspect that previous estimates may have underestimated the population's level of gum disease by up to 50%.