Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

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Dr. Thomas Salinas, a Mayo Clinic dental specialist, says while there appears to be some connection between oral health and heart disease, it's not well-understood.

"There have been a sporadic number of studies. Some of these are well-controlled with regard to specifically just one disease process. However, as we know, disease presents itself in many ways," explains Dr. Salinas.

While taking good care of your teeth and gums isn't a proven way to prevent heart disease, Dr. Salinas says removing oral bacteria through regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups is an investment in your overall health.

"The big picture here is the oral cavity is the gateway to the body," Dr. Salinas says. "After a period of time without being removed, other species will grow in an anaerobic, or without oxygen environment, and those are the ones that can contribute to systematic disease. It's really important to get that type of bacteria off the teeth."

If you are concerned about heart disease prevention, ask your health care provider about proven ways to reduce your risk, such as stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.

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Oral health begins with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can prevent gum disease, while keeping your tooth surfaces clean can help you stave off cavities. Consider these brushing basics from the American Dental Association:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, don't rush. Take enough time to do a thorough job.
• Use the proper equipment. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which can reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than does manual brushing. These devices are also helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.

Click HERE to read more about brushing up for National Dental Hygiene Month.

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The post Monday’s Housecall appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

[You can listen to a podcast of the entire program: Mayo Clinic Radio – Full Show 8-3-2013]

Developing good dental hygiene is especially important for children. On a recent Mayo Clinic Radio show, Thomas Salinas, D.D.S., was a guest expert and he discussed dental health topics, from cavities and canker sores to larger issues such as cleft palates or implants. During the radio program listeners tweeted specific questions and below are Dr. Salinas' answers. *Follow #mayoclinicradio on Saturdays, 9 am CT.

Q: Is brushing twice important?  Can we use oral chemicals to rinse mouth at night?
A:  Assuming twice a day brushing (YES!) and you can use chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium before bed.

Q: What is the most effective toothpaste?
A: All fluoridated toothpastes with ADA seal are effective.

Q: Won't 4 minutes of brushing wear down enamel over time?
A:  4 minutes of brushing will not appreciably wear down enamel.

Q: How important is the direction you brush?  Which area of mouth needs more attention?
A:  Angle brush 45 degrees to gum with small circular strokes. Spend slightly more time on back teeth.

Q: Isn't fluoride harmful?  Why put it in water?
A:  Fluoride in small quantities as suggested is harmless. 1 part per million is harmless and beneficial.

Q: How do I get rid of gingivitis for good?
A:  Strong attention to regular oral hygiene with disclosing dye, low sugar consumption, regular professional cleanings.

Q: After two extractions, I have painful teeth and gums when it is cold.  Advice?
A: Desensitizing toothpastes, bonding over the root surfaces exposed, coverage of the root with crowns, root canal therapy. (Sequentially in that order if each one does not work.)

Q: Will there be stem cell therapy for tooth regeneration?
A:  There is stem cell regeneration but not refined. Tooth regeneration is still susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Implants more predictable.

The post Back to School: Dental Health Tips appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

MULTIMEDIA ALERT: Video and audio of the experts are available for download on the Mayo Clinic News Network.

Vaccines

Robert Jacobson, M.D., Mayo Clinic Children's Center pediatrician and vaccine specialist, advises parents to ensure their child has recommended vaccinations and be aware of changes to those recommendations. For example, children can now be vaccinated for human papillomavirus (HPV), at age 11, rather than having to wait until they are 16 years of age. This change will make it easier for busy children to get their three doses of the vaccine within the recommended six months.

Some vaccines are now more easily administered, Dr. Jacobson says: "We've combined the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine with the chickenpox vaccine so a single dose will cover all four of those diseases."

In addition, the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis combination, often called the D-TaP shot and given to children 6 years of age and under, can be given to new students at the same time, along with the final dose of the polio vaccine. Dr. Jacobson suggests that parents contact their family physician or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's online registry to stay informed of the recommended school admission vaccine requirements for their child.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is critical to students' well-being and ability to learn, says Suresh Kotagal, M.D., pediatric sleep expert at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. Adapting healthy sleep habits prior to the start of school could
help students get the required rest they need. Dr. Kotagal suggests establishing a bedtime routine to
help children fall asleep and get a good night's rest. He adds that children rest better if they skip caffeine after dinner, get regular exercise, turn off electronic devices an hour before bedtime, and silence phones so text messages or alerts don't disrupt sleep. In addition, imposing an early bedtime on the weekends will make Monday mornings easier to deal with.

Healthy Snacks

It's important for children to develop healthy eating and snacking habits at an early age to help avoid obesity. Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietitian at Mayo Clinic, recommends having a variety of healthy snacks on hand so children can learn to make good choices. She suggests having "anytime" snacks easily available for children, such as storing healthy snacks in a designated area that children know they can eat when they are hungry without having to ask permission. These options allow children to feel empowered and helps them practice making healthy choices, Zeratsky says.

Anxiety

A new year at school can be an exciting yet stressful time, especially for students starting kindergarten or entering middle school.

"Students who feel anxious about going back to school need to be reassured that their feelings are normal," says Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D., pediatric psychologist with the Mayo Clinic Children's Center. "It's important for students to talk about what is bothering them and to get comfortable with the things that are causing the nervousness."

Dr. Whiteside encourages students to practice doing whatever makes them anxious — such as opening their locker or finding their classrooms — until they learn through experience that the task is not as frightening as they thought.

Dental Hygiene

"Regular dental exams are an important part of preventive health care," says Thomas Salinas, D.D.S., a dental specialist at Mayo Clinic. "Students who brush their teeth, gums and tongue twice per day can reduce their risk of infection."

Dr. Salinas recommends that students practice healthy dental habits daily and visit the dentist for a cleaning twice a year.

To interview a Mayo Clinic expert, please contact Mayo Clinic Public Affairs at 507-284-5005 or newsbureau@mayo.edu.

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About Mayo Clinic
Recognizing 150 years of serving humanity in 2014, Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit 150years.mayoclinic.org, www.mayoclinic.org and newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelley Luckstein, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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On Saturday, August 3, Thomas Salinas, D.D.S., will join us to discuss dental health.  When it comes to your mouth, problems may arise both large and small.  From small issues like cavities and canker sores to larger issues such as cleft palates or implants, listen in for tips to keep your healthy smile.  

Myth or Matter of Fact:  "Kids are more likely to get cavities than are adults."

Note: You can listen to the program LIVE Saturdays at 9 am CT on I Heart Radio via KROC AM.
The show is taped for rebroadcast by some affiliates. On Twitter follow #mayoradio and tweet your questions.

Listen to this week’s Medical News Headlines at News Segment Aug 3, 2013 (right click MP3).

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

The post MAYO CLINIC RADIO appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Clean teeth after eating — Brushing is best. When brushing isn't possible, chewing sugarless gum or swishing mouthwash for 30 seconds can help rid the mouth of food particles.

Floss at least once a day — Flossing removes decaying food from between the teeth.

Clean the back of the tongue — Mucus from postnasal drip can decay on the back of the tongue. It can be removed by using a tongue scraper or brushing the tongue.

Drink water or chew gum — When the mouth is dry, there's insufficient saliva to wash away food debris.

Clean dentures daily — They harbor food particles and bacteria.

Limit foods or beverages that cause bad breath — Offenders include onions, garlic, coffee and alcohol.

Seeing a physician is wise when simple measures don't improve bad breath. Halitosis may be related to a health condition such as gum disease, a sinus problem, chronic bronchitis or some throat problems.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call 800-333-9037 (toll-free), extension 9771, or visit Mayo Clinic Health Letter Online.

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About Mayo Clinic:

Recognizing 150 years of serving humanity in 2014, Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit 150years.mayoclinic.org, www.mayoclinic.org and newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org.

Media Contact: Ginger Plumbo, 507-284-5005 (days), newsbureau@mayo.edu

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