periodontal 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

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%.

Filed Under: Science & Technology Tagged With: gum disease, periodontal, periodontal disease, periodontitis

Gum Disease Risk Analyzed Via Genetic Test

August 15, 2010 By Julie Frey 1 Comment

What if a person's genes could be used to predict their risk for gum disease? A new study at the University of Michigan will examine just that issue.

Genetic testing will be done on some 4,000 patients, and the data will be correlated with levels of tooth loss and periodontal disease.

Genetics has been shown to play a role in gingivitis. It is thought that certain gene variants can cause proteins to be overexpressed, leading soft tissue to detach from bone, and correlating with periodontal problems like bleeding gums, periodontitis, and eventual loss of teeth.

Filed Under: Science & Technology Tagged With: genetic test, genetics, gum disease, periodontal disease, periodontitis

One Dentist in Two Fights Gum Disease with Dental Lasers (video)

July 9, 2010 By Julie Frey 3 Comments

Half of dentists use dental lasers to fight gum disease, while the other 50% do not use lasers on soft tissue.

“Lasers enable early, effective and efficient Interceptive Treatment for periodontal disease!" raved one dentist. "They are priceless when used properly!"

"I am on my fifth laser and been using them for the last 17 years," said a periodontist.

A dental implant dentist disagreed, saying, "The cost/benefit ratio seems unreasonable with lasers; my choice is the electro-surge."

Gum Disease May Connect to Prostate Health

April 29, 2010 By Julie Frey 16 Comments

Researchers examined 35 men with prostate inflammation. They found that the men with the most severe prostatitis also showed signs of periodontal disease.

Periodontitis has been linked to other health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, so researchers suspected a possible connection to prostate disease as well.

This study compared levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – an indicator of prostate disease – with the clinical attachment level (CAL) of the teeth and gums and teeth – indicating possible gum disease.

The research about prostate health and gingivitis was conducted by periodontists at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and has been published in the Journal of Periodontology.

This finding supports the belief that oral health and whole-body health are deeply connected. Gum health problems – not just full-blown periodontal disease, but the bleeding gums, swollen gums or receding gums that can indicate gum disease – can indicate the presence of other inflammatory issues.