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New Materials on the Horizon

Richard Simonson DDS MS Journal American Dental Association 122.

Amalgam restorations show a relatively short half life but compared to competitive materials it is relatively inexpensive because of placement speed. Negative media reports such as the "60 Minutes Syndrome" will have a negative impact no matter what the scientific evidence to the contrary. Amalgam is more unattractive and it cannot strengthen the remaining tooth. Amalgam is not strong in thin layers nor is it "cariostatic" (anti-decay).

The "molar life cycle" us a facetious look at the progressive replacement of amalgams; as small restorations are replaced by larger ones, the remaining tooth becomes weaker and fatigue cause cusp fractures.

Perhaps the pulp is exposed and a crown is needed after endodontic treatment. Subsequent problems of gum or periodontal disease or root canal failure may result in the eventual loss – a loss that can stem directly from the initial restoration and the radical restorative procedures that were the only alternative to short-term tooth loss. Then, as a last resort, an implant may stave off removable dentures.

The molar life cycle is therefore a chain of events the clinician should prevent.

Can chewing nicotine gum help you?

"Nicorette" is an approved mediation approved by the American Food and Drug Administration for tobacco dependency treatment. In an article "Gingival response to nicotine polacrilex" Ken Silver reported in the American Dental Journal Vol. 118 "no change in gums or teeth even after 6 months of daily use".

Cigarettes have been linked to morbidity and mortality more than any other drug, yet 53 million Americans smoke. 60-90% would stop if there were an easy way.

Stopping is difficult because of two factors:

Pharmacological

Withdrawal from nicotine symptoms: anxiety, irritability, frustration, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, restlessness and craving for tobacco.

Psychological

To help relieve symptoms, the medication contains nicotine bound to an ion exchange resin in a sorbitol chewing gum base. Absorption through the cheek results in a fairly constant nicotine level of about ¼ to ½ the trough nicotine level generated by smoking cigarettes. The medication substantially reduces or eliminates withdrawal symptoms. Smokers can stop for 1 year or more, regarded as a permanent cure. 90% of patients who relapse, do so in the first 6 to 12 months.

If used correctly, 1-year cure rates of 27% to 42% can be achieved.

1-10 pieces of gum chewed slowly for about 30 minutes. Chewing Freedent (sugar Wrigley’s ) concurrently prevent gum sticking to denture plastic.

Research Articles

Toothpaste ingestion by preschoolers
Caries Res. 24:359

Three-year olds ingested on average 41% of the paste compared to 30% of the 5-year olds.

Editor’ note: Children should not use fluoridated toothpaste until they have reached an age when they can spit out the paste rather than swallow it.

Cervical Pain and discomfort amongst dentists.
Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects, Rundcantz, Swed. Dental J. 14

A questionnaire was distributed to 395 dentists.95% worked seated, 3% stood and 2% used both positions. 74% reported pain and discomfort in the head, neck, shoulders or body in the previous year…. 37 dentists were unable to work because of back pain. The frequency of pain and discomfort was higher amongst women.

More Science News….

• Plant residues identified on various fossil teeth of a huge Asian Ape that became extinct 300,000 years ago have implicated sugary fruits as a probable initiator of the cavities.

• Cadmium sulfide pigments used by artists to give their sunsets red, orange and gold may become unavailable because of safety and environmental concerns.

• Lice remains and their eggs have been found on combs in a 9,000 year old archaeological site.

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