Gummy Tummy?

At our OrthoWorks offices, we know the rumors going around—mostly among young people—that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

From David T Shen, DMD

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Several types of sleep apnea exist, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring.

Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea, although it most commonly affects middle-aged and older adults and people who are overweight. Obstructive sleep apnea treatment may involve using a device to keep your airway open or using a mouthpiece to thrust your jaw forward during sleep. Some undergo a procedure to change the structure of their nose, mouth or throat.

What are the symtoms?

Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
Loud snoring
Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
Morning headache
Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
Difficult-to-control high blood pressure

When to see a doctor?

Consult a medical professional if you experience, or if your partner observes, the following:

Snoring loud enough to disturb your sleep or that of others
Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you're working, watching television or even driving a vehicle
Many people don't think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious, and not everyone who snores has obstructive sleep apnea. But be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience loud snoring, especially snoring that's punctuated by periods of silence. With obstructive sleep apnea, snoring typically is loudest when you sleep on your back, and it quiets when you turn on your side.

Ask your doctor about any sleep problem that leaves you chronically fatigued, sleepy and irritable. Excessive daytime drowsiness (hypersomnia) may be due to other disorders, such as narcolepsy.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

What is it?

Tooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Under normal conditions, the underlying dentin of the tooth (the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve) is covered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Over time, the enamel covering can get thinner, thus providing less protection. The gums can also recede over time, exposing the underlying root surface dentin.

The dentin contains a large numbers of pores or tubes that run from the outside of the tooth to the nerve in the center. When the dentin is exposed, these tubes can be stimulated by changes in temperature or certain foods.

What causes it?

Exposure of the dentin can occur due to a number of factors. Some of the more common reasons are:

Gum recession due to age or improper tooth brushing. Acidic beverages (such as soda) that cause enamel erosion and dentin exposure.
Tooth grinding. This may actually cause most or all of the teeth to feel sensitive.
Brushing with a very abrasive toothpaste, brushing incorrectly and/or brushing more than three times a day could result in a loss of enamel.
Gum disease, which can result in gum recession
A chipped or fractured tooth may expose the dentin
In addition, some dental treatments can cause sensitivity. Treatments such as such as teeth whitening, professional dental cleanings, having braces put on or getting a filling placed have been known to cause sensitivity during or after the procedure.

What can I do about it?

The first step in doing something about dental sensitivity is to find out what the cause is – a dental professional can help you with this. If the sensitivity is due to exposed dentin, there are a number of steps you can take, as can your dental professional, to help reduce the sensitivity. These can include:

Using a very soft bristle tooth brush
Brushing correctly to help prevent abrasion of the enamel and recession of the gums
Using a toothpaste specially formulated to help reduce sensitivity.
Your dentist can apply a fluoride varnish on the sensitive areas to help strengthen the tooth. He or she can prescribe a high fluoride tooth paste or gel to use every day. The fluoride can help to plug in the pores in your dentin thus making your teeth less sensitive. Or your dentist can place a dental filling to build up the areas that have lost enamel.
In the end, whether you need an in-office procedure or over-the-counter products, the most important step is to see a dental professional so that he or she can determine the cause of the tooth sensitivity and help you find a solution that will work. If you have further questions about tooth sensitivity, please feel free to call our office, OrthoWorks, at 1 888 BRACES-2 and we would be glad to answer your questions for you.


,

Artificial Sweeteners. Do I Need them

If you're trying to reduce the sugar and calories in your diet, you may be turning to artificial sweeteners or other sugar substitutes. You aren't alone. The popularity of artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes is on the rise as manufacturers and consumers seek lower calorie alternatives to regular white sugar without sacrificing sweetness.
So-called natural sweeteners are generally safe. But there's no health advantage to consuming added sugar of any type. And consuming too much added sugar, even natural sweeteners, can lead to health problems such as tooth decay, poor nutrition, weight gain and increased triglycerides. Also, be aware that honey can contain small amounts of bacterial spores that can produce botulism toxin. Because of that, honey shouldn't be given to babies less than 1 year old.

Moderation is key with artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes
When choosing sugar substitutes, it pays to be a savvy consumer. Get informed and look beyond the hype. While artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes may help with weight management, they aren't a magic bullet and should be used only in moderation. Just because a food is marketed as sugar-free doesn't mean it's free of calories. If you eat too many sugar-free foods, you can still gain weight if they have other ingredients that contain calories. And remember that processed foods, which often contain sugar substitutes, generally don't offer the same health benefits as do whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Today, artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes are found in a variety of food and beverages marketed as "sugar-free" or "diet," including soft drinks, chewing gum, jellies, baked goods, candy, fruit juice and ice cream. In addition, other sugar substitutes are being touted as healthier sweeteners than regular sugar, even if they don't have fewer calories, such as honey and agave nectar.

Just what are all these artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes? And what's their role in your diet?

Understanding artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes
Sugar substitutes are loosely considered any sweetener that you use instead of regular table sugar (sucrose). Artificial sweeteners are just one type of sugar substitute. Some sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, are promoted because they add virtually no calories to your diet. Newer sugar substitutes, including stevia and agave nectar, claim to be lower calorie, tastier and healthier options.

The topic of sugar substitutes can be complex and confusing. One problem is that the terminology regarding sugar substitutes is often open to interpretation. For instance, some manufacturers call their sweeteners "natural" even though they're processed or refined, as is the case with stevia preparations. And some artificial sweeteners are derived from naturally occurring substances — sucralose comes from sugar, for example. Sometimes sugar substitutes are categorized by whether or not they contain calories.

Regardless of what they're called or how they're classified, sugar substitutes aren't magic bullets for weight loss. Take a closer look.

Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes but may be derived from naturally occurring substances, including herbs or sugar itself. Artificial sweeteners are also known as intense sweeteners because they are many times sweeter than regular sugar.

Artificial sweeteners currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are:

Acesulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet One)
Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)
Neotame
Saccharin (SugarTwin, Sweet'N Low)
Sucralose (Splenda)

FDA approval is being sought for other artificial sweeteners. And some sweeteners, such as cyclamate, are not approved in the United States but are approved for use in other countries.

Uses for artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are attractive alternatives to sugar because they add virtually no calories to your diet. In addition, you need only a fraction compared with the amount of regular sugar you would normally use for sweetness. Artificial sweeteners are widely used in processed products, including tabletop sweeteners, baked goods, soft drinks, powdered drink mixes, candy, puddings, canned foods, jams and jellies, dairy products, and scores of other foods and beverages. Check the food label to see if a product contains artificial sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners are also popular for home use. Some can even be used in baking or cooking. Certain recipes may need modification, though, because artificial sweeteners provide no bulk or volume, as does sugar. Check the labels on artificial sweeteners for appropriate home use.

Some artificial sweeteners may leave an aftertaste. You may need to experiment with artificial sweeteners to find one or a combination that you enjoy most.

Possible health benefits of artificial sweeteners

Weight control.
One of the most appealing aspects of artificial sweeteners is that they are non-nutritive — they have virtually no calories. In contrast, each gram of regular table sugar contains 4 calories. A teaspoon of sugar is about 4 grams. For perspective, consider that one 12-ounce can of a sweetened cola contains 8 teaspoons of added sugar, or about 130 calories. If you're trying to lose weight or prevent weight gain, products sweetened with artificial sweeteners rather than with higher calorie table sugar may be an attractive option. On the other hand, some research has suggested that consuming artificial sweeteners may be associated with increased weight, but the cause is not yet known.Diabetes. Artificial sweeteners may be a good alternative to sugar if you have diabetes. Unlike sugar, artificial sweeteners generally don't raise blood sugar levels because they are not carbohydrates. But because of concerns about how sugar substitutes are labeled and categorized, always check with your doctor or dietitian about using any sugar substitutes if you have diabetes.

Dental cavities.
Unlike sugar, artificial sweeteners don't contribute to tooth decay.Possible health concerns with artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners have been the subject of intense scrutiny for decades. Critics of artificial sweeteners say that they cause a variety of health problems, including cancer. That's largely because of studies dating to the 1970s that linked saccharin to bladder cancer in laboratory rats. Because of those studies, saccharin once carried a warning label that it may be hazardous to your health.

But according to the National Cancer Institute and other health agencies, there's no sound scientific evidence that any of the artificial sweeteners approved for use in the United States cause cancer or other serious health problems. And numerous research studies confirm that artificial sweeteners are generally safe in limited quantities, even for pregnant women. As a result of the newer studies, the warning label for saccharin was dropped.

Sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners

Sugar alcohols (polyols) are carbohydrates that occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables, but they also can be manufactured. They're not considered intense sweeteners, because they aren't sweeter than sugar — in fact, some are less sweet than sugar. Sugar alcohols aren't considered noncaloric or non-nutritive sweeteners because they contain calories. But they're lower in calories than is regular sugar, making them an attractive alternative. Despite their name, sugar alcohols aren't alcoholic. They don't contain ethanol, which is found in alcoholic beverages.

Novel sweeteners are combinations of various types of sweeteners. Novel sweeteners, such as stevia, are hard to fit into one particular category because of what they're made from and how they're made.

As with artificial sweeteners, the FDA regulates the use of sugar alcohols. Approved sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners include:

Erythritol
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
Isomalt
Lactitol
Maltitol
Mannitol
Sorbitol
Xylitol

Uses for sugar alcohols
Sugar alcohols generally aren't used when you prepare food at home. Rather, they are found in many processed foods and other products, usually replacing sugar on an equal basis. When added to foods, sugar alcohols add sweetness, bulk and texture. They also help food stay moist, prevent browning when heated, and add a cooling sensation to products.

Sugar alcohols are used in a broad range of products, including chocolate, candy, frozen desserts, chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, baked goods and fruit spreads. Sugar alcohols are often combined with artificial sweeteners in products to enhance sweetness. Check the food label to help see if a product contains sugar alcohols. Food labels may list the specific name, such as xylitol, or simply use the general term "sugar alcohol."

Possible health benefits of sugar alcohols
Weight control. Sugar alcohols are considered nutritive sweeteners because they contribute calories to your diet. Still, sugar alcohols have fewer calories than does regular sugar — about 2 calories per gram on average. This means that sugar alcohols can be considered lower calorie sweeteners, and they may aid weight-control efforts.Diabetes. Unlike artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols can raise blood sugar levels because they're carbohydrates. But because your body doesn't completely absorb sugar alcohols, their effect on blood sugar is less than that of other sugars. Different sugar alcohols can affect blood sugar differently. You can consume sugar alcohols if you have diabetes but you still must pay attention to the total amount of carbohydrates in your meals and snacks. Talk to your doctor or dietitian for guidance.Dental cavities. Sugar alcohols don't promote cavities.Possible health concerns with sugar alcohols

As with artificial sweeteners, the FDA regulates sugar alcohols as food additives. Sugar alcohols typically are labeled as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) and don't require FDA approval before sale.

There are few health concerns associated with sugar alcohols. When eaten in large amounts, usually more than 50 grams but sometimes as little as 10 grams, sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect, causing bloating, intestinal gas and diarrhea. Product labels may carry a warning about this potential laxative effect.

Natural Sweeteners

Natural sweeteners are sugar substitutes that are often promoted as healthier options than processed table sugar or other sugar substitutes. But even these so-called natural sweeteners often undergo processing and refining, including agave nectar.

Among the natural sweeteners that the FDA recognizes as being generally safe for consumption are:

Date sugar
Grape juice concentrate
Honey
Maple sugar
Maple syrup
Molasses
Agave nectar

Uses for natural sweeteners
Natural sweeteners have a variety of uses both at home and in processed foods. They are sometimes known as added sugars because they're added to foods during processing. They may be used to sweeten drinks such as tea and cocktails, in desserts, as pancake and waffle toppings, on cereals, and for baking, for example.

Possible health benefits of natural sweeteners
Although natural sugar substitutes may seem healthier than processed table sugar, their vitamin and mineral content isn't significantly different from that of sugar. Honey and sugar, for instance, are nutritionally similar, and both end up in your body as glucose and fructose. Choose a natural sweetener based on how it tastes and its uses, rather than on its health claims.

Weight control.
Natural sweeteners, like sugar alcohols, are considered nutritive sweeteners because they contribute calories to your diet. In fact, they contain the same amount of calories as does regular table sugar. If your goal is weight control, products sweetened with natural sweeteners may not help since they add the same amount of calories to your diet as table sugar.Diabetes. Natural sweeteners can raise your blood sugar, just as table sugar can. Some proponents of agave nectar, also called agave syrup, say that it's a low-glycemic sweetener and doesn't cause blood sugar spikes. However, scientific evidence doesn't support such claims about agave nectar. Agave nectar can trigger a need for insulin.

Tooth decay.
Natural sweeteners can contribute to cavities.Possible health concerns with natural sweeteners

If you have further questions about artificial sweeteners, please feel free to write me at info@orthoworks.com

Thanks.

Dr. David Shen
OrthoWorks, Invisalign and Orthodontic Group

Low-Fat Or Low-Carb. Which One Is Better?

Over time, many different types of diets have been popular, including low-fat and low-carb diets. Some years ago, low-fat was the mantra. More recently low-carb has been the rage, promising effortless weight loss while eating all the high-fat foods you want.

Low-fat usually means high-carb but doesn't always mean low-calorie if someone eats too many carbs, particularly processed carbs that are more concentrated in calories. Conversely, low-carb usually means high-fat. Many people who have tried this type of diet know it can be difficult to continue for a long time because a lot of good tasting fruits and other carbohydrates are off limits and high-fat goodies do get a little old after a while.

According to Dr. Donald Hensrud, the most important factor related to weight loss is not low-fat or low-carb — it is calories. Either type of diet could lead to weight loss if total calorie intake is low.

There have been a number of studies comparing weight loss with these two types of diets. In general, low-carb diets may result in a little more weight loss in the first 3 to 6 months. However, after 1 to 2 years there isn't much difference. What's interesting is that the amount of weight loss varies widely among people following either diet. So which type of diet you choose may matter less than whether you stick to it.

Another important factor is the healthfulness of the diet — and both of these types of diets could be healthy or unhealthy, depending on the types of fats and carbohydrates that are consumed. Other things that may influence how long a diet is followed include taste, satisfaction, satiety and practicality.

The Mayo Clinic Diet emphasizes healthy carbs (fruit, and whole-grain products) and fats (olive oil, nuts and vegetable oils). By consuming lower amounts of less healthy carbs (sugar, white flour, and other processed carbs) and less healthy fats (saturated and trans fats), total calorie intake is lower. Because the emphasize is also on good tasting foods, unlimited vegetables and fruits to achieve satiety, and making lifestyle changes and not a short-term "diet," the Mayo Clinic Diet can be easier to follow long-term.

What have been your experiences with low-fat or low-carb diets?

Why does eating a healthy breakfast help control weight?

According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist, Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.,eating a healthy breakfast may help you lose excess weight and maintain your weight loss:

Reduced Hunger

Eating breakfast may reduce your hunger later in the day, which may make it easier to avoid overeating. When you skip breakfast, you may feel ravenous later and be tempted to reach for a quick fix — such as vending machine candy or doughnuts at the office. In addition, the prolonged fasting that occurs when you skip breakfast can increase your body's insulin response, which in turn increases fat storage and weight gain. In fact, skipping breakfast actually increases your risk of obesity.

Healthy Choices

Eating breakfast may get you on track to make healthy choices all day. When you eat breakfast, you tend to eat a healthier overall diet, one that is more nutritious and lower in fat. When you skip breakfast, you're more likely to skip fruits and vegetables the rest of the day, too.

More Energy

Eating breakfast may give you energy, increasing your physical activity during the day. A healthy breakfast refuels your body and replenishes the glycogen stores that supply your muscles with immediate energy. Skipping breakfast is associated with decreased physical activity. So, if you skip breakfast — whether you're trying to save time or cut calories — you may want to reconsider, especially if you're trying to control your weight.

Does Grape Juice Offer The Same Heart Benefits As Red Wine?

Grape juice: Same heart benefits as wine?

According to Dr. Martha Grogan from the Mayo Clinic, some research studies suggest that red and purple grape juices may provide some of the same heart benefits of red wine, including:

Reducing the risk of blood clots
Reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol
Preventing damage to blood vessels in your heart
Helping maintain a healthy blood pressure

Grapes are rich in health-protecting antioxidants, including resveratrol and flavonoids. These antioxidants are found mainly in the skin, stem, leaf and seeds of grapes, rather than in their pulp. The amount of antioxidants in grapes depends on many factors, including the kind of grape, its geographic origin and how it's processed. Dark red and purple grapes tend to be higher in antioxidants than are white or green grapes. Likewise, the level of antioxidants such as resveratrol found in wine varies, with higher levels in red wine.

Besides grape juice, other grape products may offer health benefits, including dealcoholized wine, grape extracts and grape powder.

Keep in mind that it's also beneficial to eat whole grapes — not just grape juice. Some research suggests that whole grapes deliver the same amount of antioxidants that are in grape juice and wine but have the added benefit of providing dietary fiber.

The First Person To Reach 150 Is Already Alive

It's a milestone that few, if any, of us expect to reach.
But the first person who will live to see their 150th birthday has already been born, according to a leading scientist.

Even more incredibly, Aubrey De Grey believes that the first person to live for 1,000years will be born in the next two decades.

The biomedical gerontologist and chief scientist of a foundation dedicated to longevity research claims that within his own lifetime doctors will have all the tools they need to 'cure' ageing.

This will be done, he believes, by banishing all diseases and extending life indefinitely.

Dr De Grey said: 'I'd say we have a 50/50 chance of bringing ageing under what I'd call a decisive level of medical control within the next 25 years or so.
'And what I mean by decisive is the same sort of medical control that we have over most infectious diseases today.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2011425/The-person-reach-150-alive--soon-live-THOUSAND-claims-scientist.html#ixzz1RqSDqLnY

Olive Oil Starves Off Strokes In The Elderly

Figures show that people over 65 who use olive oil for cooking and on salads and bread are 41 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke.

It can also help protect against other health problems, such as diabetes, high-blood pressure, high-cholesterol and obesity.

This scientific breakthrough could help prevent some of the 120,000 strokes suffered by Britons every year.

Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, starving the cells of oxygen and other nutrients.

It can be caused by a blockage or a bleed.

It causes some cells to become damaged and others to die, and can result in paralysis, loss of speech and blurred vision.

But olive oil helps unclog arteries, providing a cheap way of maintaining a healthy heart.

The study, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, looked at medical records of 7,625 people aged 65 plus over a period of five years.

The study author Dr Cécilia Samieri with the University of Bordeaux, France, said: "Our research suggests that a new set of dietary recommendations should be issued to prevent stroke in people 65 and older.

"Stroke is so common in older people and olive oil would be an inexpensive and easy way to help prevent it."

During the research, olive oil consumption was categorised as "no use," "moderate use" such as using olive oil in cooking or as dressing or with bread, and "intensive use," which included using olive oil for both cooking and as dressing or with bread.

After a little over five years, there were 148 strokes.

After considering diet, physical activity, body mass index and other risk factors for stroke, the study found that those who regularly used olive oil for both cooking and as dressing had a two fifth lower risk of stroke compared to those who never used olive oil in their diet.

What Is Considered A Healthy Diet?

Healthy Diets

Do you want to adopt a healthy diet but aren't sure where to start? As you consider the parade of healthy diets in magazines and cookbooks, make sure to look for one that:

Includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats
Provides guidelines for how much food to choose from each group.

Includes foods you can find in your local grocery store.

Fits your tastes, lifestyle and budget.

Also consider your health risks. Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? If so, be sure to follow a diet that's low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. For personalized advice, talk with your doctor or a dietitian.

Omega-3 May Reduce Mouth Bateria, Boost Oral Health

A recent study from the University of Kentucky reveals that all types of food-borne omega-3 fats (like tuna, walnuts and spinach) cut the numbers of oral disease bacteria by half or more.





Link to Article: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Omega-3-may-combat-mouth-bacteria-boost-oral-health/?c=dmCIFMv2LEZFd%252B97BD4CPw%253D%253D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%252BDaily

The study found that “the dental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin have been found to have strong anti-bacterial activity against a range of oral pathogens and “may include anti-bacterial effects, extending the benefits beyond inflammation.” The doctors involved in the study said that they planned to conduct further studies needed to prove that omega-3s acids work to benefit oral health. While this is encouraging news, we wanted to remind you that diet, hygiene, and other factors, are key to improving your oral health. Remember to consult us if you have any questions about your diet and the effect it can have on your oral health.

Get a FREE Orthodontic Consultation from a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Download your FREE CONSULTATION coupon and get an expert's opinion.

Download at : http://www.braces.org/

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children at the age of 7 should have an orthodontic consultation with an orthodontist to evaluate your child's bite, eruption pattern of his/her teeth and the growth pattern of his/her jaws.
It's important to speak to an orthodontic expert about the different teeth straightening options available. Only orthodontists receive an extra 2-3 years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.

Here at Orthoworks Orthodontic Group of the SF Bay Area, we have six orthodontic specialists ready to serve you. Please call our office ( 1 888-BRACES2 )for the complimentary consultation. Or if you live outside of the SF Bay Area, you can look up the list of members of the American Association of Orthodontists at the above link and find an orthodontist around where you live.

The Importance of Childhood Oral Hygiene and the Role of Parents

The foundation for healthy permanent teeth in children and teenagers is laid during the first years of life. Poor diet, poor habits of food intake and inadequate toothbrushing habits during the first 2 years of life have been shown in several studies to be related to tooth decay in infants. The development of caries in primary teeth further increases the risk of developing caries in new permanent teeth.

Therefore it is essential to establish a proper oral hygiene routine early in life to help ensure the development of strong and healthy teeth. Parents, as consistent role models, are key for setting a daily routine and to making their children understand the importance of oral hygiene. Toothbrushing should be presented as a habit and an integral part of the daily hygiene routine. Infants are very sensitive to social stimuli such as praise and affection, and learn best by imitating their parents. Physiological and mental development affects the oral care of children.

Importance of the primary dentition
Primary teeth start to erupt in children from the age of six months. The primary dentition is complete by approximately two and a half years of age. The enamel of primary teeth is less densely mineralized than the enamel of permanent teeth, making them particularly susceptible to caries. Primary teeth are essential tools, both for chewing and learning to talk. They help to break up food into small pieces, thereby ensuring efficient digestion. A full set of teeth is an essential prerequisite in learning correct pronunciation. Primary teeth also play a vital role in the proper alignment and spacing of permanent teeth; it is therefore imperative that they are well cared for and preserved until normal ex-foliation takes place. Establishing a proper oral care routine early on in life sets the foundation for the development of healthy and strong permanent teeth. In addition to good oral hygiene, diet also plays a key role in keeping teeth healthy. In this respect it is not only the quantity of sugar that is important, but also the frequency of consumption. As much as possible, children should be limited in the amount of sweets between meals, especially in the evening or at night.

New permanent teeth
Although permanent teeth are already partly formed in children aged 0 to 3 years, eruption only occurs later in life (from about 6 years on) when the 32 permanent teeth (16 in the upper and 16 in the lower jaw) replace the 20 primary teeth. During this time root resorption and crown shedding of primary teeth take place. With the eruption of the first permanent teeth (from about 6 years on), the mouth contains a mixture of both primary and permanent teeth, which puts children at increased risk of caries. Often the eruption of this permanent tooth is not realized neither by the child nor by the parents, because it is positioned behind the last primary molar and is not replacing any primary tooth. Although enamel is fully formed at eruption the surface remains porous and is inadequately mineralized. Subsequently, a secondary mineralization occurs (second maturation), in which ions from the oral cavity penetrate hydroxyapatite and increase the resistance of the enamel against caries. Furthermore, any primary teeth with caries form reservoirs of bacteria, which can easily attack the immature enamel of the new permanent teeth. During the eruption, the occlusal surfaces of the new permanent teeth are on a lower level than the primary teeth. Toothbrushing becomes more difficult than before, given the coexistence of loose primary teeth, gaps and newly erupting permanent teeth. The jaw is also growing significantly, making space for more teeth. The cleaning of the narrower interdental spaces becomes more important with increasing numbers of permanent teeth.

Role of Parents
Parents have a key role in helping their children to develop a proper oral hygiene routine in the first years of their life. Parents should lead and supervise their children’s toothbrushing approximately for the first 12 years, until motor and mental functions allow the child to routinely perform a proper toothbrushing technique alone. After brushing the teeth for their children for the first 2 years of life, parents will have to use playful motivation to encourage their children to brush their own teeth from about 3 years onwards – the time when children want to brush their teeth alone. Each time the child has finished brushing, parents should re-brush the hard-to-clean areas. At the age of around 6 years, children are able to brush their teeth using a proper brushing technique. In this phase, parents have to continue supervising the regular brushing efforts of their children. The special anatomical situation of changing dentition makes it indispensable that parents still need to help their children in the daily toothbrushing task until eruption of the second molar (around the age of 12).



As soon as the first primary teeth erupt into the oral cavity, parents should begin brushing their children’s teeth. From the age of two years, teeth should be brushed twice daily with smaller than a pea-size amount of children’s toothpaste. Small children tend to swallow a large amount of toothpaste, so that there is a risk of developing dental fluorosis. Supervised application of the amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush is important. Due to the risk of fluorosis, the fluoride content of toothpaste for children up to the age of 5–7 years was reduced in most European countries (250 ppm to 750 ppm). Beginning with the eruption of the new permanent teeth, children should be switched from a low fluoride containing children’s toothpaste to a higher fluoride containing toothpaste (1000 ppm to 1500 ppm). This ensures the best caries protection
as possible for their new permanent teeth.

Toothpaste Use
Toothpaste with an age adapted content of fluoride is recommended
Primary teeth should be brushed by parents twice a day from the first tooth onwards. Parents should re-brush thoroughly after the child has brushed first. From the age of 6 years children have the ability to brush their teeth alone twice daily. However, parents must supervise the toothbrushing (until the age of 12) and check on the condition of the toothbrush. A worn toothbrush is also less effective at cleaning teeth.

All You Want To Know About Calcium And Calcium Supplements

Mayo Clinic Report:

Calcium is important for optimal bone health throughout your life. The Institute of Medicine recently updated the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium and vitamin D. Does your diet deliver?
Although diet is the best way to get calcium, calcium supplements are an option if your diet falls short. Before you consider calcium supplements, though, be sure you understand how much calcium you need, the pros and cons of calcium supplements, and which type of calcium supplement to choose.

The benefits of calcium

Your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. If your body lacks sufficient calcium over many years, you could face health problems related to weaker bones:
· Children may not reach their full potential adult height.
· Adults may have more bone fractures.
· The risk of osteoporosis increases.
Some research studies have suggested that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health, perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. But definitive evidence about such health benefits is lacking.

Calcium requirements

How much calcium you need depends on your age and sex. Note that the upper limit in the chart represents the safe boundary — it's not how much you should aim to get. If you exceed the upper limit, you increase your risk of health problems related to excessive calcium.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium for adults

Men, age in years RDA each day, in milligrams (mg) Upper limit each day, in milligrams (mg)
19-50 1,000 2,500
51-70 1,000 2,000
71 and older 1,200 2,000
Women, age in years
19-50 1,000 2,500
51 and older 1,200 2,000
Pregnant women, age in years
19-50 1,000 2,500
Breast-feeding women, age in years
19-50 1,000 2,500

Source: Institute of Medicine, 2010

Calcium and diet

Your body doesn't produce calcium, so you must get it through other sources. Calcium can be found in a variety of foods, including:
· Dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt
· Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale
· Fish with soft bones that you can eat, such as sardines and canned salmon
· Calcium-fortified foods and beverages, such as soy products, cereal and fruit juices
In general, one serving of each of these calcium-rich foods provides about 300 to 400 milligrams (mg) of calcium, or about one-third of the RDA.
Even if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, you may find it difficult to get enough calcium if you:
· Follow a vegan diet
· Have lactose intolerance, because you may limit dairy products
· Consume large amounts of protein or sodium, which can cause your body to excrete calcium
· Have osteoporosis
· Have osteopenia
· Are receiving long-term treatment with corticosteroids
· Have certain bowel or digestive diseases that decrease your ability to absorb calcium, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease
In these situations, calcium supplements may help you meet your calcium requirements.

Types of calcium supplements

With the wide range of calcium supplements available in different doses, preparations and combinations, choosing one can be confusing. What's best for you depends largely on your needs and preferences, including any medical conditions you have or medications you take. There's not one best type of calcium supplement for everyone.
The mineral calcium — often referred to as elemental calcium — exists naturally along with other substances, called compounds. Several different kinds of calcium compounds are used in calcium supplements. Each compound contains varying amounts of elemental calcium. Common calcium supplements may be labeled as:
· Calcium carbonate (40 percent elemental calcium)
· Calcium citrate (21 percent elemental calcium)
· Calcium gluconate (9 percent elemental calcium)
· Calcium lactate (13 percent elemental calcium)

In addition, some calcium supplements are combined with vitamins and other minerals. For instance, some calcium supplements may also contain vitamin D or magnesium. Check the ingredient list to see which form of calcium your calcium supplement is and what other nutrients it may contain. This information is important if you have any health or dietary concerns.

Timing matters: When to take calcium supplements

In general, you can take calcium supplements at any time of day. But there are special circumstances that may affect when you should take calcium supplements.
· Dosage. Calcium is absorbed most efficiently when it's taken in amounts of 500 or 600 mg or less at one time. So if you take 1,000 mg of calcium a day, split it into two or more doses over the course of the day.
· Other supplements. Calcium can affect or be affected by other supplements. If you also take an iron supplement, for instance, don't take it at the same time as you take calcium. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian about other interactions.
· Medications. If you take prescription medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions with calcium supplements. You may need to take calcium supplements several hours before or after taking your medications.
· Meals and snacks. If your calcium supplements contain calcium carbonate, take them with food. The stomach acid produced when you eat helps the absorption of calcium carbonate. If your calcium supplements contain calcium citrate, you can take them with or without food.
If you're still not sure about the best time to take your calcium supplements, check with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Who should skip calcium supplements?
Calcium supplements aren't for everyone. For instance, if you have a health condition that causes excess calcium in your bloodstream (hypercalcemia), you should avoid calcium supplements. If you have a history of kidney stones, or if you aren't sure if calcium supplements are appropriate for your situation, talk to your doctor.

Too much calcium has risks

Dietary calcium is generally safe, but more isn't necessarily better, and excessive calcium doesn't provide extra bone protection. In fact, if the calcium in your diet and from supplements exceeds the upper limit set by the Institute of Medicine, you could increase your risk of such health problems as:
· Kidney stones
· Prostate cancer
· Constipation
· Calcium buildup in your blood vessels
· Impaired absorption of iron and zinc
If you take calcium supplements and eat calcium-fortified foods, you may be consuming more calcium than you realize. Check your calcium supplement to see how much it contains and read food labels to help monitor your total calcium intake.

Don't forget vitamin D with your calcium

At the same time that the Institute of Medicine released its recommendations for calcium intake, they also released new recommendations for vitamin D. Vitamin D is also important for bone health and helps your body absorb calcium. Some calcium supplements contain vitamin D. A few foods naturally contain small mounts of vitamin D, such as canned salmon with bones, and egg yolks. You can also get vitamin D through fortified foods or even sun exposure.

Scientists See Dangers in Energy Drinks

New York Times Report:

With widespread alarm about deaths linked to alcohol-and-caffeine-laced commercial drinks like the fruity malt beverage Four Loko, it’s easy to overlook problems that may be linked to the so-called energy drinks that spawned them.

But a number of scientists are worried about highly caffeinated beverages like Red Bull, Rockstar, Monster and Full Throttle, which are popular among teenagers and young adults.

The often bizarre combination of ingredients in these drinks prompted three researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Queensland in Australia to examine what is known — and not known — about the contents of these beverages, which are sold alongside sodas and sport drinks in supermarkets, drugstores and highway rest stops.

Their review of all the studies in English in the scientific literature, published in November in The Mayo Clinic Proceedings, led them to question both the effectiveness and safety of energy drinks.

Long-Term Effects Unclear

The researchers noted that the drinks contain high levels of caffeine and warned that certain susceptible people risk dangerous, even life-threatening, effects on blood pressure, heart rate and brain function.

The authors noted that “four documented cases of caffeine-associated death have been reported, as well as five separate cases of seizures associated with consumption of energy/power drinks.” Additional reports include an otherwise healthy 28-year-old man who suffered a cardiac arrest after a day of motocross racing; a healthy 18-year-old man who died playing basketball after drinking two cans of Red Bull; and four cases of mania experienced by individuals known to have bipolar disorder.

Using an abbreviation for energy beverages, Dr. John P. Higgins and co-authors wrote in the Mayo journal that because “teens and young adults, both athletes and nonathletes, are consuming E.B.’s at an alarming rate, we need to determine whether long-term use of E.B.’s by this population will translate into deleterious effects later.”

His co-author Troy D. Tuttle, an exercise physiologist at the Houston university, said in an interview: “Almost all the studies done on energy drinks have involved small sample sizes of young, healthy individuals in whom you’re unlikely to see short-term ill effects.

“But what about the long term? What about liver and cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes? We could speculate about a lot of possible problems, but we just don’t know.”

He urged the Food and Drug Administration to “step in and regulate this market,” which currently has few restrictions on the kinds and amounts of ingredients and the claims that are made about them. Manufacturers have labeled the beverages “dietary supplements,” which absolves them of the federal regulations that govern sodas and juices and allows producers to make “structure and function” claims, like “Enhances athletic performance” and “Increases caloric burn and mental sharpness.”

As Mr. Tuttle described the marketing strategy for energy drinks, “the companies have taken a cup of coffee — or two or more cups of coffee, added a lot of hip-sounding stuff and marketed it with a hot, modern, trendy push for young people who want to look cool walking around with a can of Red Bull.

“Anyone can buy these drinks, even 11- and 12-year-old kids.”

In an e-mailed statement, the American Beverage Association said, “Most mainstream energy drink brands voluntarily put statements on their containers, including advisories about use by people sensitive to caffeine.” Also, the organization said many of its members voluntarily list the amount of caffeine on their product labels or have provided caffeine content information through their Web sites and consumer hot lines.

Kevin A. Clauson, a doctor of pharmacy at Nova Southeastern University in West Palm Beach, Fla., who had previously reviewed safety issues surrounding energy drinks said that his main concerns were “the amount of caffeine, which can be injurious particularly to people with a pre-existing cardiovascular abnormality” and “the effects of these drinks when they are combined with alcohol, which can have disastrous consequences.”

After several states made moves to ban Four Loko, it was reformulated to remove the caffeine and two other ingredients, guarana and taurine, but Dr. Clauson said that was “unlikely to have a substantial impact” on young people, who will continue to combine alcohol with energy drinks. The caffeine and caffeinelike ingredients in these drinks can mask the perception of inebriation — and that can increase the risk of drunken driving or other dangerous behaviors.

Mr. Tuttle, who works with sports teams, is concerned about the effects of energy drinks on athletic performance. “A lot of kids are reaching for energy beverages instead of sport drinks, which unlike the energy drinks are mostly water with a nominal amount of sugar and electrolytes,” he said. “The energy drinks contain a slew of ingredients, most of which are unresearched, especially in combination with one another.”

A Potent Brew

For an athlete engaged in intense exercise, the high doses of sugar in energy drinks can impair absorption of fluids and result in dehydration. A 16-ounce can of an energy drink may contain 13 teaspoons of sugar and the amount of caffeine found in four or more colas. Mr. Tuttle noted that caffeine, which is known to improve muscle action and performance, especially in endurance activities, is banned in many sports competitions. Thus, consuming an energy drink close to an event could disqualify an athlete.

Other ingredients often found in energy drinks include taurine, glucuronolactone, B vitamins, ginseng, guarana, ginkgo biloba and milk thistle. Mr. Tuttle calls guarana particularly worrisome because it acts as a stimulant, like caffeine.

“The B vitamins, which are important enzymes for energy utilization, are added to legitimize the high levels of sugar,” he said. “But the American diet, which is very high in protein, already has plenty of B vitamins. These drinks are a kind of sensory overload for the body, with too much stuff coming in at the same time.”

Adding alcohol to the mix, as some consumers were doing even before drinks like Four Loko came along, can be a recipe for disaster. Under the stimulation of energy drinks, people may think they are sober when they are not. Such was the fate of Donte’ Stallworth, a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns who killed a pedestrian with his car in March 2009 after drinking multiple shots of tequila and a Red Bull. Mr. Stallworth said he did not feel intoxicated at the time of the accident.

“Caffeine is being treated as a flavoring agent, not a drug,” Dr. Clauson said. “The average healthy person who consumes one serving of an energy drink is unlikely to encounter difficulty.” Those most likely to get into trouble, he said, are “toxic jocks” who overindulge and those with an underlying heart condition.