oral health

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

Tooth Whitening Can Improve Seniors’ Dental Health

July 11, 2010 By Julie Frey 4 Comments

New research suggests that carbamide peroxide (a popular tooth whitening agent) may have dental health benefits for elderly patients.

Co-author Dr. Van Haywood remarked, "What we've noticed through whitening patients' teeth over the years is that as they bleached, their teeth got squeaky clean and their gingival health improved."

Custom-fit mouth trays with carbamide peroxide can improve tooth and gum health in patients who lack the dexterity for regular brushing and flossing, and can improve symptoms of dry mouth (xerostomia) as well.

Filed Under: Science & Technology Tagged With: carbamide peroxide, dental health, oral health, seniors, tooth whitening

Gum Disease and Low Sperm Counts

August 26, 2008 By Julie Frey 3 Comments

New study links gum disease and male infertility

Two Israeli doctors – one a periodontal specialist, the other a fertility specialist – studied 56 men over the course of three years. The men had all visited a fertility clinic to have their sperm counts analyzed.

The subjects also received periodontal examinations. Overall, they had poor gum health. Only 13% had healthy gums. Fully 50% suffered from gingivitis, with 32% having chronic periodontal disease and 5% aggressive periondontitis.

Half of the men with zero sperm counts had chronic gum disease. Of the subjects with low sperm counts, 2 out of 3 had gingivitis; by contrast, only 1 out of 2 subjects with normal sperm counts had gingivitis.

Gum disease has already been linked with a host of other health problems ranging from heart disease to diabetes. Why not add one more to the list?

Filed Under: Science & Technology Tagged With: dental, gum disease, gums, infertility, male infertility, oral health, periodontal, periodontal disease, periodontitis, sperm count

Dental Test May Reveal Presence of Breast Cancer

January 15, 2008 By Julie Frey 1 Comment

Oral Health and General Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Researchers have discovered that women with breast cancer secrete different proteins in their saliva than healthy women. Moreover, in the small initial study, scientists were even able to distinguish between malignant and benign tumors based on these proteins. Though there’s much work still to be done, this research suggests that dentists of the future may regularly screen their patients for breast cancer.

Filed Under: Dental News, Science & Technology Tagged With: breast cancer, cancer, dentist, oral health, screening

NYC Doorman Suspended for Having Bad Breath

December 11, 2007 By Julie Frey 1 Comment

Neglect Your Oral Health – Get Suspended from Your Job? Bad Breath is a big problem

Like so many other New York City apartment buildings, Gracie Garden Apartments has a doorman to greet and assist residents and guests. But 60-year-old Jonah Seeman was recently suspended without pay on account of his bad breath.

The realty company that manages the building claims that “severe breath odor” has been a recurring problem for Seeman, a fact the doorman denies. “What are you putting me through?” asked Seeman, who supports his elderly mother. “It’s the holiday season.”

For now, Seeman is taking a double-pronged approach. He’s filed a complaint with his union, and he’s also started brushing more and avoiding onions and garlic.