Is it Nature or Nurture That Causes Cavities?

A new study, out of La Jolla, California, led by the J. Craig Venter Institute, that has been published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, investigated oral microbiomes present in childhood twins. Microbiomes refer to oral microbes plus their genetic material. They said that twins are more likely to have a very similar upbringing, they are ideal subjects for studying the “nature versus nurture” question with regards to oral health. A large cohort of twins, both identical and non-identical, were studied to determine the influence of host genotype and the early shared environment in shaping the oral microbiome profile.

While there has been growing evidence of links between the oral microbiome and other illnesses, including oral cancer and cardiovascular disease, there are also studies that say there are links between the gut microbiome and general health. While the genetic makeup of the host can be linked to the presence of the microbes in the gut, there have been hardly any link seen between oral microbiome and host genetic background.

In the study, the oral microbiomes of 485 pairs of twins aged between 5 and 11 years were investigated, 205 were identical twins and 280 were fraternal, and there was also one set of triplets. True enough, and as expected, oral microbiomes of identical twins were more similar to each other (versus those of non-identical twins), suggesting that the host genetic background influences the types of bacteria present in the mouth. Also discovered, that the types of bacteria most closely linked to host genetic background were not ones that play a role in tooth decay.

Another finding was that comparing children aged five with those of age 11, the bacteria most closely linked to host genetic background tend to decrease in abundance as the children age. Lastly, the twins whose diet included a lot of added sugar had fewer of the types of bacteria linked to lower rates of tooth decay and more of the types that are linked to higher rates of tooth decay.

The study does not end here as the researchers will continue to follow-up the twins, look at the changing patterns in their oral microbiomes, and compare the health of identical and non-identical twins with functional differences in their oral microbiomes.

Watching Your Sugar More

Your Bellevue dentist says that it is the environment or the nurturing that plays a huge role in cavity development and tooth decay. The higher and more frequent is sugar intake, the higher are the rates of tooth decay.

Controlling Sugar: Not Just Parents’ Efforts

Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health in the UK, reports that half of children’s sugar intake comes from consuming unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks.

Public Health England’s study shows every year children are consuming around 400 biscuits, over 120 cakes, buns and pastries, about 100 portions of sweets, around 70 chocolate bars and 70 ice creams, with more than 150 juice drink pouches and cans of fizzy drink. On average, children consume at least three unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, with a third consuming four or more.The overall result is that children consume 3 times more sugar than is recommended.

High sugar intake can lead to future issues of obesity and painful dental decay among children. Parents may be indulging their young towards this path without really thinking about it or are finding it difficult to manage their kids’ snacking habits. Sweets, in their various forms, do energize children, keep them occupied, and even resolve some babysitting issues quite quickly.

However, Public Health England is starting encouraging parents to limit children’s snacks to only 100-calorie snacks, two a day maximum, all as part of its Change4life campaign. The campaign is promoting healthier snacks, encouraging parents to purchase healthier snacks than the ones they currently buy. They can also get money-off vouchers from Change4Life to help them try healthier options. Selected supermarkets are supporting the campaign.

PHE’s improved Change4Life ‘Food Scanner’ app also shows parents how many calories, sugar, salt and saturated fat is in their food to help make healthier choices easier. It can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Many children leaving primary school are already overweight or obese. Controlling obesity is not just up to the parents, but requires wider action. PHE is working with the food industry to cut 20% of sugar from the products children consume most by 2020, with work to reduce calories due to start in 2018.

Bellevue Dentistry’s Role in Sugar Control

It is indeed not just the government’s role looking after the public’s dental health and not just parents’ efforts as well to see to their kids’ sugar consumption. Dentists also play a significant part in checking for, educating and treating diet-related oral issues of young patients. Contact us to set up an appointment today.

Watching Your Child’s Oral Hygiene Practices

Pediatric dental care is an important part of your child’s development. Hence, it is to the parents’ advantage that they have the proper information to guide them in instilling good oral habits in their young. The case of toothbrushing and the use of toothpaste is a case in point.

In 2014, the ADA revised its position on the use of fluoride toothpaste with children under two years of age. To prevent early onset of tooth decay, children are exposed to flouride tooth brushing in a consistent and correct manner. This enables the strengthening of baby enamel so that it goes on to proper development.

The ADA recommends that children use a smear of toothpaste (size of a grain of rice) from the first tooth until age 3. From 3 to 6 years, children should use a pea-sized amount of paste. These amounts help limit the exposure of children to fluoride from ingested dentifrice to levels below those suggested by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (0.05 mg/kg/day).

Excessive fluoride ingestion may result in fluorosis during the period in which permanent teeth are developing. Fluorosis can range from mild, in which white flecks or striations appear on the tooth, to severe, which may result in brown spots and/or pitting of the enamel. In addition to the appropriate amount of toothpaste to be used, the ADA recommends that caregivers supervise children during brushing to ensure that the children spit rather than swallow the paste.

Parental supervision of the children while brushing can teach them to remain personally responsible throughout their childhood and while growing up. That they are using the right products for oral hygiene is also part of the monitoring The ADA seal of acceptance has always helped parents in their confident choices for safe and effective products to use, ADA-approved and consistent with the scientific claims.

The right size toothbrush when kids start brushing is also important. This can make the practice of good oral hygiene fun and effective for kids, especially if brushes are colorful, with soft bristles, a good grip. Mouth washes can be useful for all age groups as well. heck with your dentist or dental hygienist to make the right choice, and ensure your child enjoys a cavity-free childhood.

Child-Friendly Dental Practice in Bellevue

Initiate your child into proper oral hygiene practices at home. Don’t forget to also introduce your young one to a children dentist, from whom the child will learn the reasons why a good toothbrush and the correct toothpaste are so important for a sparkling smile and fresh breath.

Spotting Health Issues Via the Mouth

Your dental problems can reveal a lot about the state of your general health Any good dentist can spot a health issue happening in some part of your system just by a close and thorough oral examination. Here are some red flags manifesting in the oral cavity.

Diabetes makes periodontal disease worse. If gums bleed a lot and are swollen or the patient is having frequent abscesses or infections, the dentist might start to question if you have a family history of diabetes. Red, swollen gums that may bleed are the hallmarks of periodontal disease.

Acid reflux can wear away teeth. Research shows that 24 percent of people with GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease have tooth erosion, which a dentist can easily spot. The condition can also cause foul-smelling breath and sometimes redness at the opening of your throat.

Signs of stress can appear in your mouth. If you grind or clench your teeth, it appears as tooth erosion and you will experience pain or tooth sensitivity. It can create TMJ problems, because it has changed bite height. There’s also a risk of fracture. A painful canker sore is another sign of stress. A white or red lesion the mouth that doesn’t clear up in two weeks can be a sign of oral cancer.

Osteoporosis can lead to tooth loss. Loose teeth, including dentures that have become loose, and receding gums can be signs of low bone mineral density. Studies have shown that women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss than those who do not have the disease. X-rays are effective in identifying people with osteoporosis compared to those with normal bone density.

Sjogren’s syndrome and certain meds can cause dryness. The autoimmune disease Sjogren’s syndrome attacks the glands that make saliva and tears, can cause dryness in the mouth and eyes and increase the risk of cavities. There’s no cure for the condition but it can be managed by hydration.

Anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders that can affect teeth. Anorexia, with lack of calcium, iron and B vitamins, can cause tooth decay, gum disease, canker sores, and dry mouth. With bulimia, stomach acid from vomiting can erode tooth enamel, causing sensitivity and changing the color and shape of the teeth.

Celiac disease is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and can affect the teeth, leading to dental enamel defects. It can cause tooth discoloration: white, yellow, or brown spots on the teeth. It can also cause teeth to appear pitted or banded. Other symptoms are recurring canker sores, a smooth, red tongue and dry mouth. A gluten-free diet is an effective management of the disease.

Everyday Easy Teeth Cleaning Tips

If you should find yourself without your toothbrush, can’t procure one, or in a great hurry to get ahead with other things, here are a few unusual yet quite logical solutions to be able to still have a clean mouth and fresh breath after eating or drinking.

Did you know that cinnamon-flavored chewing gum reduces bacteria in the mouth? Cinnamon-flavored gum contains cinnamic aldehyde, a plant essential oil that inhibits the growth of cavity causing bacteria. So keep handy that kind of chewing gum in your purse. Just in case.

End your meal with foods that scrub your teeth. So enjoy apples, carrots, and celery.

Drink a cup of tea. Tea contains flavonoids that prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth, and also block production of a type of sugar that contributes to cavities. Tea also contains high amounts of fluoride which strengthens teeth. Be careful, certain teas can stain.

Get a thorough mouth rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash. There are studies that suggest a link between mouthwash containing alcohol and an increased risk of oral cancer.
The more water you drink, the more bacteria you flush off your teeth and out of your mouth, which means less risk of gum disease, fewer cavities, and fresher breath.

Chewing gum with xylitol reduces the bad bacteria in your mouth. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in chewing gum. Chewing on it a few times a day changes the chemistry of your mouth and can help keep cavities away.

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Mouth at Bellevue Overlake Dental

These are a few “life hacks” or tips on the web of people’s experiences. Learn more mouth cleaning tips from your Bellevue dentist at Overlake Dental. But know that any good dentist will subscribe to the basics of oral hygiene – brushing and flossing. The non-conventional means are helpful nonetheless.