Archive for the ‘Dentistry’ Category

One of the lesser known risk factors of taking the bisphosphonate class of osteoporosis drugs is osteonecrosis of the jaw bone (ONJ). Osteonecrosis is, quite literally, death of the bone cells. Previous studies already suggested that patients taking bisphosphonates, such as Fosomax, were at increased risk of developing ONJ, but this study shows that the side effect may be more common than had previously been suggested, even with short term use of the drugs since the drugs take so long to leave bone tissue (once stopped it takes 10 years for drug levels to halve). Researchers at University of Southern California’s School of Dentistry say of the 208 patients they identified for the study as having used Fosamax, nine of them had ONJ. That is a significant 4% of patients. The researchers are hoping that further studies will confirm their findings so that more physicians and dentists will be encouraged to speak to their patients regarding this potentially severe side effect.

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Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Aside from brushing and flossing there are a variety of other surprising causes of halitosis, one of which is skipping breakfast. Eating breakfast stimulates the secretion of saliva which helps to rid the mouth of odor-causing bacteria. Other interesting causes of halitosis include medications that dry out the mouth, snoring, alcohol use and h. pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers.

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A study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics assessed the attractiveness of various types of orthodontic braces. The results are of no surprise. Clear braces and trays, followed by ceramic braces, were considered more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional metal type, which happens to be the most effective. According to Henry Fields, professor and division chair of orthodontics at Ohio State University, “The stainless steel that we like to use, which is the most durable and efficient, is often ranked the lowest in attractiveness. These braces don’t wear out and you can get total control with them.” So what’s the solution? “Some of the kids are going for braces made in the shape of a star, or have colors put on the ties that hold the wires to their brackets,” he said. Full story.