If you are in the process of whitening your teeth or have done so in the past, chances are your dentist has advised you to alter your diet to prevent re-staining the enamel by selecting clear beverages and foods with minimal pigment, during this vulnerable stage in the bleaching process. If you are a red wine connoisseur, selecting a white vino would be a safe alternative to your preferred Merlot; right? Regretfully, this alternative may actually cause the enamel to pick-up stain, according to a new study conducted by the New York University College of Dentistry. The findings reveal that white wine contains acids that etch the tooth's enamel creating ridges and rough spots that assist in the adhesion of pigment. In fact, according to this press release, the study has also determined that red wine is by far the beverage that people whitening their teeth should fear most when comparing one stain causing beverages to another, as it contains a highly pigmented substance called chromogen.

If forgoing wine of any creed is out of the question during your whitening sessions, it might me worth considering brushing your teeth immediately after consumption, or rinsing with water or your preferred mouth rinse. If you are in a situation where brushing your teeth is a "faux pas" sip water along with your wine to dilute any stain causing pigments and to flush away any acids eroding the surface of your tooth. Contrary to popular belief Dr. Mark Wolff, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Cariology & Comprehensive Care at New York University College of Dentistry, who oversaw the study, suggests that you really do not need to alter your consumption, claiming "The best way to prevent staining caused by wine, as well as other beverages, is to use a toothpaste containing a whitening agent.�

If you have a high count of oral bacteria, you are at higher risk for a heart attack. According to a press release, the University at Buffalo recently conducted a study in which the oral bacteria count of 386 men and women who had suffered a heart attack was compared to 840 people that have no personal history of heart troubles, used as controls. Plaque samples were taken from the gums of the participants and were analyzed for the presence of the six common types of bacteria found in the mouth. The heart patients were found to have more bacteria compared to the studies controls.

What is promising in the findings is that two types of bacteria known as Tannerella Forsynthesis and Preventella Intermedia displayed statistical significance when associated with heart attack risk. Perhaps by identifying the common bacteria associated with heart disease, new treatment options for reducing bacteria count can be established.

The study also has determined that the increase in the number of overall periodontal bacteria increased the chances of suffering a heart attack. Dr. Oelisoa M. Andriankaja, D.D.S., Ph.D., conducted the study in University at Buffalo Department of Oral Biology in the School of Dental Medicine. She stresses that " The message here is that even though some specific periodontal pathogens have been found to be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, the total bacterial pathogenic burden is more important than the type of bacteria."

The reality is simple; oral hygiene is critically important for everyone, whether you are at risk for heart disease and heart attack or not and should be practised on a consistent basis. If done correctly, brushing and flossing will remove the bacteria filled plaque that results in periodontal disease. Regular dental examinations along with routine dental cleanings will only benefit the oral condition and prevent gum disease, which was originally connected to heart disease by the University at Buffalo.

When you hear the word "root canal", what is the first that comes to mind? For most people the answer is; pain. "Root Canal Awareness Week" sponsored by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) takes place March 31 to April 4, 2009. In an effort to dispel the myths associated with the most feared dental procedure, the president of the AAE, Dr. Louis E. Rossman notes in a press release that "There are many misconceptions about dental visits and root canal treatment, in particular."

A recent survey conducted by the AAE reveals an alarming trend regarding dental care. Over 80% of Adult Americans fear the dentist with 54% of respondents admitting the dental procedure they fear most is root canal therapy. "Alarming" best describes the fact that over half of those questioned say fear might actually prevent them from even stepping foot into a dental office.

Why is having a root canal the most feared dental procedure? What most individuals facing root canal therapy do not realize is that the procedure is not only designed to allow you to potentially keep teeth that have been compromised by trauma, infection, or tooth decay; the relief of pain is also accomplished by completing the procedure. What is most surprising to me, according to the survey, is one-third of respondents admit their fear is based on experiences someone else had, not their own. Patients treated by an endodontist actually admit their own experience was a positive one, "Dealing with patient fear isn't unique to endodontists, but because of the root canal's reputation, we have significant experience with anxious patients," said Dr. Rossman. "Given that poor oral health and tooth loss are linked to many serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, we are committed to helping people overcome their fears to ensure they prioritize necessary dental care."

Discuss your options with your dentist. There are several tools available designed to help ease the fear associated with dental procedures. Keep in mind that when you have dental problems treated without hesitation and visit your dentist on a regular basis, your oral health along with your general health and wellness will benefit.

My 5 year old lost her last upper primary central incisor yesterday. I am not sure what transpired between the time when she lost her first tooth and now? The minute her first tooth became loose, she begged me to help her pull it out. Yesterday as the tooth dangled from her gingiva, she was hyperventilating at the sight of blood on a piece of tissue. When a child develops a fear especially one involving the dentist, for whatever reason, it makes the most simple non-invasive procedures an exhausted battle.

As I watched her "freak out" in the bathroom, I couldn't help but think about how she will react if she ever needs a cavity filled. Chances are, her dentist may recommend the use of a sedative to help relax her. I instantly remembered the video of young David DeVore. The video, shot by his father, captures David after his trip --no pun intended-- to the dentist to surgically remove an extra tooth. David was obviously more than confused from the prescribed medication used to relax him during the appointment, asking his father "Is this real life?" and at one point in the video, staring off into space to then rise up in his seat releasing a ravenous growl. With over 16 million views on YouTube, David's family has faced some criticism for posting the video. Some critics going as far as to suggest that child welfare officials should be notified because the boy was filmed "on drugs," almost assuming the situation was intentional.

Life is full of unpredictable, hilarious events that we sometimes wish were captured on video for a lifetime of laughs; but do we need to share these moments with the entire world? My concern with this particular video is simple... Every person reacts differently to medication. Parents disturbed by the after-effects David was experiencing from the medication may choose to decline a prescription and the advised use of a sedative for their own child if a dentist feels it is necessary, thus causing unnecessary stress for the child during treatment and potentially deepening the fear of dental work that is already evident in the child.