Gene Linked to Increased Heart Disease in Migraine Women

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death and stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Women who experience migraine with aura appear to be at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke if they have a certain gene. For the study, researchers followed 25,001 Caucasian women for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and ischemic stroke. About 18 percent of the women in the study had a history of migraine while 40 percent of those with active migraine reported migraine with aura. Migraine with aura can be described as neurological symptoms that usually last for about 30 minutes and most often lead to visual disturbances. The women were also tested for a certain gene variant in the methyleneterahydrofolate reductase gene. During a 12-year follow-up period, 625 cardiovascular disease events occurred. The … Read more

Xylitol Gummy Bears

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The tooth protecting sugar substitute xylitol has been incorporated into gummy bears to produce a sweet snack that may prevent dental problems. Giving children four of the xylitol bears three times a day during school hours results in a decrease in the plaque bacteria that cause tooth decay. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is frequently used as a sweetener. It has been shown to reduce levels of the harmful mutans streptococci bacteria  known to cause tooth decay. Xylitol chewing gums are  not considered to be suitable for younger children. A recent study demonstrates that six weeks of xylitol gummy bear snacking, the levels of harmful MS bacteria in the children’s plaque was significantly reduced. However, I have seen studies and reports that dogs die from ingesting a small amount of xylitol. Thus I do not think that … Read more

My Interview with ABC

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I recently conducted an interview with ABC 7 which is a local affiliate for Chicago. The video and story is by Sylvia Perez and Christine Tressel and can be found here http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/health&id=6480245 The video portrays my website and discussion of it along with Michael Miloro, DMD, MD, FACS from UIC Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Jay W. Friedman, DDS, MPH. I think it gives some more prospective on the issue my website raises and is worth a view if you have the time.

Dentist Drill Use Dwindling in The Future

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A new technology that spots tooth decay almost as soon as it’s begun promises to reduce the need for drilling and filling. Drilling is one of the top dental phobias causing many to not to go to the dentist. The new technology may be available five years from now, is based on Raman spectroscopy most commonly used to distinguish between different chemicals by identifying each molecule’s unique fingerprint. It detects decay simply and painlessly by pointing a tiny optical fibre at the tooth to check on its health. A preliminary study at King’s College London, where the technique is being developed, found that chemical changes in the tooth could be detected by analysing how light is scattered when a laser is fired at the tooth. Researchers were able to tell healthy teeth from carious teeth because bacteria, responsible for the … Read more

Latest Happenings – Healthcare – McCain – Obama

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I wanted to post about some of the recent developments and soon to be developments that are happening relating to the dental community and my website. I feel that there are some important issues currently occuring. First off, I want to thank dk from PurposeInc.com for the Chiptole burrito coupon. I won a free burrito coupon from a contest he was running on his blog. Next off the U.S. election is fast approaching. On Novemeber 4th, 2008 millions of Americans will vote for their next president. I recently wrote an article over on Associated Content discussing the issues faced by Americans with the recent government bailout and it’s impact on the health system. Further I addressed some of the issues regarding Obama and McCain and their plans for healthcare. If you suffer from chronic health problems the best choice is … Read more