Preschool children with tooth decay more likely to be obese

Preschool children with tooth decay may be more likely to be overweight or obese than the general population and, regardless of weight, are more likely to consume too many calories, a new study indicates. The results will be presented Saturday at The Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.


"Poor eating habits may play a role in both tooth decay and obesity in preschoolers," the study's lead author, Kathleen Bethin, MD, PhD, said.

"Dental decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, and obesity in youth is a growing problem. To prevent these problems, the dentist's office may be an important place to educate families about nutrition," said Bethin, a pediatrician at Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo and an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Buffalo in New York

More:  http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100623/Preschool-children-with-tooth-decay-more-likely-to-be-obese-Study.aspx

Canker sores: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Canker sores are a common nuisance that will affect most people at some point in their lives. Also known as aphthous ulcers or "mouth ulcers," canker sores appear as oral lesions on your tongue, palate or the inside of your cheeks. As they only affect the interior of your mouth, your friends won't be able to see them -- but you'll know they're there. Shallow and circular in appearance, these small, painful sores appear white or gray at the center with a surrounding red border, and they are extremely sensitive to the touch.

Women are more likely than men to experience canker sores, but the first symptoms don't usually occur until after the age of 10.

For most of us, mouth ulcers only occur occasionally, experiencing simple canker sores several times a year. These lesions are usually less than 1 cm in diameter, and will usually heal within 2 weeks. But others may find themselves a victim of complex canker sores, which are often larger in appearance, occur more frequently and take longer to heal.

A Sore Subject
No one quite knows how or why we get canker sores, although scientists have distinguished several factors that can trigger an outbreak. Stress, acidic foods and certain drugs are thought to cause a canker sore to flare up. Mouth irritations, such as biting the inside of your cheek or wearing dental braces, may cause you to experience more frequent outbursts as well. In some cases, a vitamin deficiency, problems with the immune system or gastrointestinal tract, or even hormonal changes can launch a canker sore into action!

Canker sores are more than a minor abrasion. They often cause mouth pain, ranging from mild discomfort to sharp, stinging sensations. You may know you're getting a canker sore if you notice a tingling or burning feeling in the area of your mouth that's affected. Once canker sores appear, they are vulnerable to outside elements. Sufferers of cankers sores have difficulty eating, drinking and even talking during an outbreak!

The good news is that unlike cold sores, canker sores are not caused by a virus and therefore are not contagious. While cold sores appear as blisters on the lips and surrounding areas of the face, canker sores only appear inside the mouth and aren't noticeable.

Canker Sores: Treatment and Prevention

There's no real cure for canker sores, and they often heal on their own. But if you're experiencing discomfort during an outbreak, there are several over-the-counter and prescription remedies you can use to ease the discomfort and speed up healing. Certain mouthwashes and ointments may assist in decreasing the pain, but they only provide limited relief. Your best bet for battling canker sores is to avoid the possible causes, including limiting acidic foods and practicing excellent oral hygiene, which helps prevent irritation.

If you experience extreme pain, large mouth ulcers or several canker sores at once, you may want to get your condition checked out. Oral lesions that continuously reoccur or last more that three weeks should also warrant a professional opinion. A dentist can prescribe medications to control the pain and help you determine the possible causes. In extreme cases, a dentist may also test the area to rule out other diseases, such as oral cancer.

http://www.1800dentist.com/Default.aspx?DN=0d6eaf2a-c330-451e-b50f-7352a0d8d04e

How to Have a Pain and Anxiety Free Dental Experience

Most dental patients experience dental anxiety and can usually trace their fear of dentists to painful and unpleasant past experiences. There are others who seem to sense helplessness and a loss of control while they are sitting in a dentist’s chair.

Yet others are simply intimidated by the sounds, sights, and smells of a dentist office. Regardless of the reason, your dental misgivings should not prevent you from making the necessary dental appointments.

A good dentist will do everything in his power to make your dental experience a comfortable one and will usually understand the importance of communicating with his patients. Communication is the key to effectively easing dental tension. There are other methods including mild sedatives and relaxation techniques.

The best and easiest way to overcome your fear of dentists is to simply find a dentist you trust who has a comfortable, friendly office that puts you at ease. You should share your concerns with your dentist and tell him how you feel and what it is about going to the dentist that intimidates you.

Your dentist is trained in the art of handling fearful dentistry patients and can work with you to modify your treatments and administer the most comfortable and pain free dental care that is possible. Your dentist will be sensitive to your needs and try to make each appointment an anxiety free dental experience.

It’s also of paramount importance for you to communicate your medically history accurately to your dentist. Your medical history should include your health conditions, allergies, and medications which will enable the dentist to only administer the most appropriate and safest treatment possible for your dental requirements.

Your family dentist can help you to achieve the most pain free and anxiety free dental experience that is possible by the use of gentle treatments and techniques. If you have a fear of dentists, ask your dentist to explain the dental procedure to you prior to it being performed. You should both agree on a signal that you can use, such as raising your hand, to indicate to him that you are feeling overwhelmed or are experiencing pain so that your dentist will know to stop immediately.

If the sounds and sights of the dental office trigger your fear, try listening to your favorite television program or to music through headphones. Your dentist will probably have these devices available in his office. In addition, many dentists may offer you a mild sedative to help you have an anxiety free dental experience by helping you to relax.

While going to the dentist may not be your most enjoyed activity, it doesn’t have to be scary or painful either. You should identify your fear of dentists and express your concerns to your dentist and learn about the solutions that exist, including media devices and mild sedatives that are available for keeping you relaxed and reducing pain.

If you use good communication as the basis for your dental plan, your will have anxiety free dental appointments that will be much more bearable and much less painful.

http://worldental.org/dentists/pain-anxiety-free-dental-treatment/1471/