Cavity-fighting lollipops!

Healthygrid LLC announced the sale of cavity-fighting lollipops in time for Halloween. Dental problems often surface in November so children and adults can protect their teeth and start to fight tooth decay with these healthy treats in October.
These lollipops are the brainchild of Dr. Wenyuan Shi, chairman and professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry's Section of Oral Biology. As a native of China Dr. Shi wondered if his homeland's legacy of herbal remedies might help with dental decay in the United States. Shi targeted a host of mouth infections that cause numerous oral problems as well as incidental ailments throughout the human body. After testing over 1,000 herbs in 50,000 scenarios Dr. Shi determined that Glycyrrhiza uralensis killed oral bacteria, specifically S. mutans. This bacteria is known to cause tooth decay.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis is better known as licorice root and the form that kills bacteria doesn't taste anything like licorice candy. Dr. Shi determined that a sugar-free, orange-flavored lollipop would deliver a tasty experience where people easily absorb the benefits of the herbs. Also, it's a persuasive way to convince children to try it. Since the herbs need about 5 minutes of exposure to kill the bacteria, eating a small lollipop allows plenty of time for them to take effect. Dr. Shi cautions against chewing the lollipops since the herbs really need that time in the mouth to work.
There's an additional benefit: the herb causes less food to stick to teeth and stimulates salivary glands. Both of these features lead to less decay.
The suggested dose is two lollipops per for 10 days. If this is repeated two to four times per year a significant improvement in decay and overall oral health will begin immediately and continue with each 10-day cleansing. Healthygrid scheduled the release of these lollipops since the time around Halloween would offer an opportunity for both children and adults to witness the benefits of these herbs at work.
Sam Dyer of Healthygrid and the Dental Optimizer says these herbs can have a life-long effect. “We’re so excited about these ‘treats’ because they’re so easy to give to kids at a crucial age. A four-year-old who who eats these four times a year will have stronger teeth and healthier gums when she is an adult.” Adults shouldn’t hesitate to try them either, according to Dyer, especially if they get cavities on a regular basis. “Attacking the Streptococcus mutans bacteria will lead to fewer cavities
Dr. Shi notes and Healthygrid agrees that these lollipops enhance regular brushing and flossing so they should be used in conjunction with dentists' recommendations-not as a replacement.
There's more information at http://www.cavityfightinglollipops.com as well as an offer to help new people get started with a substantial discount.

AAPD President Provides Halloween Tips

Jillian Amodio, contributor to Care.com interviewed AAPD President Dr. Warren Brill about the impending Halloween holiday. Brill shared tips to parents and caregivers about how to limit the sugar high for your kids and how to manage the candy in your home during Halloween and the rest of the year. One of the important tips to keep in mind is controlling what kind of sugar your kids get and what form it comes in.  

 

Brill recommends choosing candy or sweets that are eaten quickly, rather than something that stays in the mouth. "The important thing with sweets is how long the sugar sits in the mouth," he says. "The sugar turns into acid and demineralizes teeth." 

 

If your child has not been to the dentist in a while, don’t panic. This is a great time to make an appointment. "As soon as a child gets teeth, they need to see a dentist," says Brill. 

 

The article was posted online on August 14, 2013. To continue reading the entire article, visit http://www.care.com/child-care-9-tips-for-controlling-the-candy-chaos-p1017-q32422213.html. 

Back to School

It's that time of year again.  Here come the crazy schedules and loads of homework.  Make sure to keep your oral health at the top of your list!  Start good habits now, so they are easily maintained during this chaotic time in your little ones lives.  Set goals with your kiddos to be "cavity free" for their next visit with an incentive if they can do it.  You've done it!  Now they are excited about brushing and flossing. 

Preventing Caries (cavities) In Permanent Molars

Permanent Molars are the most common site for dental caries in schoolchildren.  The application of dental sealants has effectively prevented caries in the pits and fissures of permanent molars.  In a study conducted by University of Hong Kong, results showed that the use of resin dental sealants reduced dentin caries at pit and fissure sites of permanent molars in schoolchildren by nearly two-thirds.  Sealant application remains an excellent method of fissure caries prevention.

  

Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has been shown to interfere with the oral colonization of decay-causing bacteria. Incorporation of xylitol into chewing gum, candy, toothpaste, and infant oral wipes has shown promise as a caries (cavity) reducing agent. Studies have shown Zylitol wipes to be safe and well accepted by most infants and parents. Conscientious use of xylitol wipes with infants shows promise as an effective caries (cavity) preventive practice.

Yogurt and Cheese can improve Oral Health

Long known for their healthful effects on children, dairy products contain calcium, phosphorus and bioactive peptides important to oral health. Recent research suggests that the consumption of milk, cheese and yogurt may suppress the formation of caries (cavities) and help prevent periodontitis. Studies have found increased calcification of the enamel and remineralization of teeth after consumpton of hard and soft cheeses. Studies also show that cheese and yogurt (without added sugar) promote oral health and make excellent snack and dessert choices for children.