Dried Licorice Root can Help Prevent Tooth Decay

Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice - 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 licorice 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 licorice candy in the U.S., licorice root has been replaced in domestic candy with anise oil, which has a similar flavor. Traditional medical practitioners use dried licorice root to treat various ailments, such as respiratory and digestive problems, but few modern scientific studies address whether licorice 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 licorice 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.

The American Chemical Society is a non-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 163,000 members, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Caroline Wallace DDS

Complete Dental Care

103 South Colorado Street

Salem , Virginia , 24153

540-387-3844

Germ Season is Upon Us

INDICATIONS FOR HAND WASHING AND HAND ANTISEPSIS INCLUDE:

• When hands are visibly dirty or soiled, wash hands with either plain soap and water, or an antimicrobial soap and water.
• If hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol based hand soap rub for routinely decontaminating hands
• clean hands after contact with another’s skin…such as after taking blood pressure
• clean hands after contact with body fluids, mucous membranes or non-intact skin
• clean hands after contact with inanimate objects such as instruments and equipment
• wash hands with either plain soap and water or an antimicrobial soap and water BEFORE EATING an AFTER USING THE RESTROOM
• when using an alcohol hand based rub, apply the amount of product recommended by the manufacturer to the palm of one hand and rub hands together covering all surfaces of hands and fingers until the hands are dry ( as a general rule….if hands feel dry after 10 -15 seconds, not enough product was applied)
• When washing hands with soap and water, wet hands first then apply soap product and rub hand vigorously for at least 15 seconds. Rinse hands with water. Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel
• If using bar soap, use small bars and soap racks that allow drainage
• Remove rings, bracelets and watches before hand washing
• Remove debris from underneath fingernails with a nail cleaner under running water

 Dr. Caroline Wallace DDS

Complete Dental Care

103 South Colorado Street

Salem, Virginia, 24153

540-387-3844

NEW LINKS IN THE ORAL-SYSTEMIC CONNECTION

Current research shows that the role of periodontal disease may have even more of an impact on overall health than previously thought.

We are learning more and more about how the mouth is connected to the rest of the body.  Current research makes it evident that respiratory disease must be added to the growing list of systemic, inflammatory disease states that may be impacted by periodontal disease.  Other research points to the possible link between gum disease and anemia, suggesting that proteins produced as a result of chronic periodontitis negatively react with the blood and decrease red blood cell production.  Different studies suggest that women with tooth loss caused by gum disease may experience higher incidences of breast cancer.  Poor oral care also has been associated with memory loss and early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

The emerging concept of systems biology fundamentally states that no part of our body is in isolation.  This is evident by the fact that we have been able to harness and develop salivary biomarker panels for systemic diseases including pancreatic, breast and lung cancers.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Linked to Menopause

Symptoms-a burning sensation on the roof of the mouth and the tongue, most likely affected 7:1-menopausal and post-menopausal women.  Suspect that is may be a neuropathic condition caused by miscommunication between the nerves and brain that results in a failure to turn off the oral pain receptors.  Because the receptors are not turned off, the sufferers experience a burning sensation, a dry and gritty feeling in the mouth and a change in taste.

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Upper Respiratory Diseases

The bacteria that are inhaled into the lungs causing pneumonia, acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also cause gum disease—porphyromonas gingivitis.  Current research suspects that the inflammatory response diminishes the host defense, thereby increasing one’s risk for infection.  “Burdens the systemic inflammatory system”

Reducing Women’s Risk of Heart Disease

Due to the protective effect of estrogen and other factors, women develop heart disease approximately 10 years later than men do.  Women who receive dental care at the time they are experiencing menopause may receive a greater protective effect than men.

HPV in Tumors Predicts Survival From Throat Cancer

The prevalence of HPV related throat cancer is increasing in the US and other Western countries.  This rise in incidence is due to changing sexual behavior.  Patients with HPV-related throat cancer have on average a higher number of sex partners, particularly the number of oral sex partners.  The presence of HPV, which is known to cause cervical cancer in women, appears to be the best indicator of whether those diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer will survive.  Researchers analyzed Stage 3 and 4 tumors, with results demonstrating the presence of HPV coincided with a better response to traditional cancer therapies then other factors, such as age and tumor size.  Smoking was the second leading predictor of survival.

HPV related throat cancer differs from smoking-induced head-and-neck cancers in many ways.  The majority of patients with HPV positive throat carcinomas are middle-aged white men, with higher socioeconomic status, consume no or a relatively low quantity of tobacco and/or alcohol and have slightly smaller tumors at time of diagnosis. 

Of note, the vast majority of sexually active people have been exposed to HPV infection while only a few individuals develop throat cancer.

Biomarkers in Saliva Help Detect Early-Stage Pancreatic Cancer

The onset and presence of systemic disease found in saliva is extremely significant.  Saliva and its constituent biomarkers can be used for early detection, monitoring disease progression and predicting therapeutic outcomes.  The uses of salivary biomarkers for medical application are here.  There is no need to replace blood chemistries for disease detection, however; salivary biomarkers for disease detection are particularly cancer, is emerging where blood markers are still elusive.

For example, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common pancreatic cancer and considered the most deadly.  It has been found that salivary diagnostics may be helpful in the fight against this form of pancreatic cancer.  Changes in human saliva are connected to changes in the presence of early-stage pancreatic cancer.  The most surprising finding is that every systemic disease studied (pancreatic, breast, lung, gastric and ovarian cancers) has yielded highly discriminatory salivary biomarkers.

Potential Link between Periodontal Disease and Prostatitis

Periodontitis may contribute to an increased level of PSA (prostate specific antigen).  Men who presented with both severe periodontitis and prostatitis had significantly higher levels of PSA than those with only periodontitis or prostatitis alone.

Dr. Caroline Wallace DDS

Complete Dental Care

103 South Colorado Street

Salem, Virginia, 24153

540-387-3844

Dental Care for Your Baby.......

Dental Care for Your Baby

Q. When should my child first see a dentist?

"First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. This visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

Q. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?

The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

Q. How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or using a bottle?

At-will breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt and other sources of nutrition have been introduced. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. Fruit juice should only be offered in a cup with meals or at snack time.

Q. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?

Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

Q. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; many stop by age 2. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems. If the habit continues beyond age 3, a professional evaluation is recommended. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.

Q. When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a "smear" of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.

Q. Any advice on teething?

From six months to age 3, your child may have tender gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger. 

From the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Caroline Wallace DDS

Complete Dental Care

103 South Colorado Street

Salem, Virginia, 24153

540-387-3844