The ADA Speaks Out on “Good Morning America” I received the following issues alert from the American Dental Association (ADA) which I thought would be useful to you. I am reprinting this important information below. ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) contacted the ADA for a segment that aired in September on microbeads (polyethylene) in toothpaste.…
Category: Oral Health
7 Tips For Treating Dry Mouth
In July I wrote a blog about 15 drugs that can cause dry mouth (Xerostomia).There are actually hundreds of medications that can cause dry mouth, a particularly nasty problem that can cause rampant tooth decay, oral infections, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and otherwise make people miserable. Xerostomia can also be especially difficult to treat,…
Mouthwash Ingredients - Why you should avoid those containing CPC
I’ve known for some time that sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent found in many toothpastes can contribute to apthous ulcers – those small annoying ulcerations in our mouths that mysteriously affect many of us. What I didn’t know until recently was that cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), the active ingredient in many mouthwashes, i.e. Crest…
What you need to know about Triclosan
Recently the news has been abuzz with reports about the purported health consequences of triclosan, an FDA approved antibacterial agent used in some of the Colgate toothpastes for years. I’m sure that Colgate’s’ competitors are having a “field day” with this development! I’ve even seen ads on TV touting products that specifically do not contain…
8 Things You Can Do to Prevent Your Kids From Using Chewing Tobacco
8 Things You Can Do to Prevent Your Kids From Using Chewing Tobacco Bill Tuttle was a major league baseball player who lost his battle with oral cancer in 1998 after a five-year struggle with the disease. A good friend and contemporary of Joe Garagiola, Bill endured five surgeries that resulted in his inability to…
10 Athletes Who Fought Oral Cancer
1.Tony Gwynn Recently the baseball world was saddened by the death of Tony Gwynn. only 54 when he lost his battle with oral cancer. Tony inspired fans for 20 years while playing for the Padres. This prompted me to research other athletes who may have had oral cancer and I was shocked by the names…
15 Prescription Drugs That Can Lead to Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) – and why you should be worried
Xerostomia (dry mouth), is a serious dental problem affecting millions of people. Saliva has antibacterial properties and when we don’t have enough of it we can suffer from increased tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, dry mouth makes it difficult for denture wearers to tolerate their appliances and affects our ability to taste the foods…
What is your dental health age?
I was reminded earlier today of a lesson I learned many years ago from a wonderful mentor I once had, Dr. Norman Schenk, one of my first employers. He taught me that much like our age in years, our age can be measured in dental health as well. For example, you could consider a youth…
Fluoridated water - why all the fuss?
When I read this morning that the city of Dallas, Texas was considering discontinuing fluoridating its public water supply I couldn’t believe my eyes! But it’s true! The city fathers want to save money ($1.8 million for a 3 year contract) by discontinuing the practice after nearly 50 years. Dallas would be the largest city…
How's your flossing technique?
I remember the first time I learned how to floss properly. It was while working as an associate many years ago in Southampton with Dr. Norman Schenk, one of my early mentors. He was a great man. Kind to everyone, even under the most trying of circumstances. It was embarrassing because I had already been…
