Dr. Scott Bialik - D.D.S.

Tips For Dental Health During Halloween

U.S. News & World Report (10/27, Oliver) spoke with American Dental Association spokesperson Dr. Ruchi Sahota about the worst Halloween candies for teeth, which Dr. Sahota identifies as sticky, hard, and sour candies. Sticky or gummy candies stick to teeth, while hard candies allow sugar to linger in the mouth, both of which increase the risk of dental decay, says Dr. Sahota. In addition, sour candies may weaken tooth enamel since these candies are more acidic. Dr. Sahota says that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, may be the best option, “because it can more easily be washed away with saliva.” The article notes that “cavities aren’t just a problem on Halloween, of course,” and prevention on Halloween, and year-round, is “simple, and starts with good oral-care habits, like regular brushing and flossing.”
Vox (10/27) reports that Dr. Matthew Messina, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, said, “The key is to minimize the amount of time sugar is on the teeth – something really sticky that’s hard to get off the teeth, like caramel, gives sugar more time,” adding that candy corn, like chocolate, can be brushed “off very easily.” Dr. Messina recommends consuming food and beverages in moderation and proper dental hygiene for oral health.
Visit MouthHealthy’s Kids’ Halloween Headquarters for additional information, including tips for a healthy Halloween and a new Halloween Candy Survival Guide. ...

Most Dental Patients Do Not Require Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior To Procedures.

The Washington Post (10/9, Lindley) discussed antibiotic prophylaxis, stating that revised guidelines recommend fewer people receive antibiotics before a dental procedure. The article notes that a 2014 American Dental Association panel “reviewed studies comparing the dental histories of people who had contracted infections of artificial joints with those of similar people with replaced joints who remained infection-free,” finding “no statistical connection between dental visits and subsequent joint infections, regardless of whether patients had taken antibiotics.” In 2015, the ADA published new clinical practice guidelines concerning prophylactic antibiotics for patients with prosthetic joints.
The ADA News reported previously that a continuing education course at ADA 2016 – America’s Dental Meeting will focus on prophylactic antibiotic use. According to the article, “The session, Prophylactic Antibiotic Use and a ‘Different’ Kind of Joint (5352), will be led by Dr. Tom Sollecito, the lead author of a 2015 report from the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs that offers guidelines about the use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures in patients with prosthetic joints.”
The guidelines, “The Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics Prior to Dental Procedures in Patients with Prosthetic Joints,” are available for download at JADA.ADA.org. MouthHealthy.org and the Oral Health Topics on ADA.org also provide information on prophylactic antibiotic use for patients and for dental professionals. ...

Delta Dental Survey Finds People With Good Oral Health Are More Optimistic.

The Albany CEO (GA) (10/6) reports that a Delta Dental survey finds “people who give their oral health an ‘A’ grade are much more optimistic.” Jennifer Elliott, vice president of marketing for Delta Dental Plans Association, said, “While good oral health is increasingly being tied to better overall health, this data shows it also has a lot to do with someone’s outlook.” ...

Reader’s Digest Provides Tips To Help Protect Teeth From Staining.

Reader’s Digest (9/26, Nowak) provides several tips to help prevent teeth from staining without giving up coffee, stating that “brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings are the best ways to prevent ugly coffee stains.” In addition, Reader’s Digest recommends flossing regularly, drinking through a straw to minimize how much coffee comes in contact with teeth, drinking water to “wash away staining liquids,” and drinking coffee quickly to reduce how long teeth are being exposed to the staining culprit. In addition, the article suggests chewing sugar-free gum, noting that “according to the American Dental Association, chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating can help prevent tooth decay.”
MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on teeth whitening and chewing gum to prevent dental caries. In addition, several whitening toothpastes and a whitening product have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA also provides a list of sugar-free gum brands with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. ...