Dr. Aiken selected for Prestigious Honor

Dr. Carol Aiken, D.D.S. has been selected as a 2020 Centurion Fellow in The American College of Dentists, a distinction achieved by fewer than 3.5% of dentists. This Fellowship nomination recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, especially in ethics, professionalism, excellence, and leadership. Dr. Aiken’s official induction as a Fellow in the College took place on Thursday, October 15th in a Centennial Convocation celebration.

The American College of Dentists is the oldest major honorary organization for dentists. It was founded in 1920 at the Copley-Plaza Hotel in Boston “to elevate the standards of dentistry, to encourage graduate study, and to grant Fellowship to those who have done meritorious work.” Today, the ACD is widely lauded as the conscience of dentistry.

Dr. Aiken has practiced dentistry at her office in downtown Boston for over 30 years. For the past 4 years, she had the honor of serving as the appointed Ethics Committee Chair for the Massachusetts Dental Society. She has volunteered her services as a dentist on several humanitarian missions with Remote Area Medical and International Medical Relief, from Oklahoma to Tennessee to Kenya. Additionally, Dr. Aiken has served as adjunct faculty to train the next generation of dentists in ethical dentistry, including teaching at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Dr. Aiken is a graduate of University of Michigan and University of Detroit-Mercy.

Congratulations Dr. Aiken!

Eyes and mouth, whats the relationship?

New research has found a link between macular degeneration and chronic periodontal disease (gum disease). The common factor is the bacteria which causes periodontal disease, Porphymonas gingivalis. It is very important to have frequent dental visits. Please call our office to schedule your next exam and hygiene visit.

Read more: Science Daily

Fun Summer Facts

What does your mouth reveal about you?

Did you know by the time you are born, all 20 teeth you will have in childhood are already formed? Did you know ancient people used to use twigs as toothbrushes? For more fun facts go to: 5 Tooth Truths

(Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org 08/01/2017)

Recreational Cannibis

With the use of recreational cannibis (marijuana) on the rise and legalization of marijuana, patients often wonder how it affects the oral cavity. A study has found that those who use marijuana on a regular basis tend to have more signs of periodontal disease (gum disease). This can include more bleeding and deeper pocket depths. More can be found at: Recreational Cannibis, used often, can increase risk of gum disease

This study was published by Columbia University Medical Center.

Oil Pulling: Yay or Nay?

Previously we have written about oil pulling and the possible effects it may have. More recently, the American Dental Association has come out with a statement regarding oil pulling. While there may be benefits, the ADA does not recommended oil pulling as part of a patient daily home care routine. Currently there is not enough scientific research available to definitively determine that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth and improves oral health and well being (www.mouthhealthy.org).

For more information see: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oil-pulling

Those Pesky Canker Sores…

Do you get canker sores (recurrent aphthous stomatitis)? If you do, this article explains the causes for them. Frequently they are caused by some sort of imbalance in the body and the bacteria present are able to create these sores. Read more about it: Canker Sores

At your next visit, ask us about canker sores especially if you frequently get them.

Smoking vs Vaping

Frequently patients will come in and tell us they have quit smoking cigarettes but they have started using the e-cigarette. Is the e-cigarette as harmful as regular cigarette smoking? Research has recently come out on this topic and has found that vaping or usage of the e-cigarette is as harmful as using regular cigarettes. For your oral health, we encourage out patients to quit smoking in general (whether it be cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, etc). Here is an article about the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes.

electronic cigarettes from Medical News Today

 

Soy or No Soy?

Research has shown that soy contains more sugar than standard milk. The reason for this has to do with the complexity of the sugar. Read more about it Soy Milk is Six Times More Harmful to Teeth than Cow’s Milk, Study Finds

Try unsweetened soy milk if you can’t have milk or other soy alternatives such as coconut milk. Be sure to contact us for more information about how diet can affect your oral health.

New Year, New You!

As we create new resolutions for 2017, Business Insider wrote an interesting article about signs of stress. The article cites 11 signs that physically show when you are under stress. One key factor in the dental field we pay attention to is bruxing (grinding) or clenching. Frequently in our office we will ask various questions that will help us determine if you are clenching or grinding. If you suspect you are clenching or grinding or simply have questions, please ask us at your next dental visit.

Here is the article about Stress.

Tackling the Beast…

Flossing has been in the news a lot as of recently. Several agencies have come out and stated that flossing is not important. The American Dental Association and several other US Agencies have said this not the case for great oral health. These organizations encourage flossing daily as inter-dental cleaners help address areas that cannot be reached with a regular toothbrush. Please read the following rebuttal from the ADA. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions you may have.

http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/august/association-responds-to-news-story-challenging-benefits-of-dental-floss-use