The Pros and Cons Of Taking Fluoride Supplements
October 27, 2009
Some people think taking fluoride dietary supplements available in the form of tablets and lozenges might help to prevent cavities and other oral conditions. However, one has to keep in mind that these supplements, unlike other similar products, are available only by a doctor’s prescription and may not be safe for everyone. Moreover, they should be used according to the suggested dosage, otherwise a condition known as fluorosis may occur which is characterized by yellow patches on permanent teeth due to too much fluoride intake.
Fluorosis can be mild to moderate and even severe with black patches on teeth. Many people do not know the side effects of too much fluoride ingestion, but dentists are now spreading awareness to decrease the risks of this apparently harmless treatment to prevent tooth decay.
American Dental Association or ADA prescribes fluoride supplements for only those children who live in non-fluoridated areas. For these children, it is recommended that they use fluoride supplements until they reach the age of 16. If taken in large quantities, these supplements will eventually cause fluorosis. It has been found that fluoride tablets cause dental fluorosis in 64% of the children and these tablets are not effective at all. There is no sound evidence available to support the theory that fluoride tablets prevent tooth decay in children.
It has also been observed that the FDA has not approved fluoride supplements available on the market. Moreover, if taken in larger amounts these tablets may even cause death. Instead of prescribing fluoride supplements to children, it is more appropriate to spread awareness about the benefits of breast milk. If infants are given adequate milk in their early months, chances of tooth decay decrease automatically and there is no need for additional dietary supplements or even fluoridated water. Consuming fluoride supplements exposes children and adults to many adverse health effects including kidney damage and bone fracture.
At the same time, fluoride has been found to be useful for the teeth because it slows down the rate at which bacteria in the mouth produce acids. In addition to this, fluoride also makes a tooth more resistant to the formation of cavities. However, dentists and common people are learning more and more about the dangers of fluoride and the most prevalent of which is fluorosis. It is advisable to use fluoride only as a topical treatment, by using gels, toothpastes, or mouth rinses. Toothpastes only contain about 0.1% fluoride in the form of a compound.
Dentists recommend fluoride therapy for a number of reasons, including reduction of tooth sensitivity, protection of root surface, prevention of tooth decay, and treatment of white spots. Excess consumption of fluoride through fluoridated water or dietary supplements may cause dental as well as skeletal fluorosis, which is less common. Normal fluoride therapy, which does not extend over long durations of time does not cause many adverse side effects and is not dangerous. However, the dangers of such a therapy merely for the prevention of tooth decay in children, far outweigh its benefits and therefore fluoride therapy is not a recommended treatment.
Painless Gum Grafting With The Help Of Tissue Regeneration Application
October 12, 2009
Gum or tissue grafting surgery is a painful procedure in which a gum graft is used to replace receded gum tissue. This surgery is performed to stop the process of gum recession, which if not treated on time leads to tooth loss. It also helps to minimize the effects of bone loss, which happens as a side effect of gum recession. There are two types of gum grafts: soft tissue graft and connective tissue graft. If the root has been exposed, connective tissue grafting is normally employed. Recession usually occurs as a result of extensive brushing by using a hard brush or due to severely misaligned or crooked teeth.
Recently a new treatment has been developed, which helps to restore receded gum tissue without any pain. It is known as tissue regeneration application and was developed by researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. This treatment not only reduces pain but also minimizes recovery time because it does not involve removal of sensitive tissue from the roof of the mouth. Instead, it uses platelet concentrate gel as the graft, which is applied to the collagen membrane and surgically held in place. This procedure has already been practiced on six patients, and the case study has been published in the July 2009 issue of the Journal of Periodontology.
Gingival or gum recession ultimately leads to periodontal disease if not treated on time. It is also a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss in adults. By using this new treatment, complete root coverage can be realized in a period of six months. People were afraid to go through gum grafting surgery because of the pain and the amount of recovery time associated with this procedure. Another advantage of tissue regeneration application is improved aesthetics, which was previously not possible with the traditional gum grafting surgery.
The graft used in this procedure has to be soaked in the patient’s blood, which is obtained on the same day. Other than this minor sting, there is no other pain involved in the procedure. So, instead of painful stitches on the roof of the mouth, the patient leaves the dental office with only a bandage on his arm. It has been found that bleeding that used to occur as a result of gum grafting was mainly due to the removal of the sensitive tissue from the roof of the mouth. Since tissue regeneration application does not involve any such procedure, there is no bleeding whatsoever after the treatment.
In order to prevent heart disease, stroke, and many other complications associated with periodontal disease, it is important to address the issue of gum recession at its early stage. With the advancement in medical science, newer and less painful procedures are now available for oral tissue grafting. Tissue regeneration application developed at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is one of these procedures. Previously patients were afraid to have their receding gums treated because of the pain involved, but now the procedure has become very simple and straightforward. It is painless, allows less recovery time, and results in better aesthetics.