Mouth Infection, Gum Disease Shown To Cause Colon Cancer

Recent medical research has linked poor oral health with pancreatic cancer and arthritis. Now, a new study has found that an infection from a common type of mouth bacteria can contribute to colorectal (or colon) cancer as well.

The bacteria, called Fusobacterium nucleatum, can attach to colon cells and trigger a sequence of changes that can lead to colon cancer, according to the team at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine.

The researchers also found a way to prevent the bacteria from attaching to colon cells.

"This discovery creates the potential for new diagnostic tools and therapies to treat and prevent the cancer," lead investigator Yiping Han said in a university news release.

The findings show the importance of good oral health, said Han, a professor of periodontics. She noted that levels of F. nucleatum are much higher in people with gum disease.

The study was published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, which also contained another study from a different research group showing how F. nucleatum can speed the accumulation of cancer cells.

Source: Case Western Reserve University, news release, Aug. 14, 2013; http://www.biohealthscience.org

Proudly Serving Melrose, MA & Surrounding Towns Since 1964!

For a lifetime of optimal oral health, choose Melrose Family Dentistry:

New Invisalign Video (Watch)

The short video below does a great job of illustrating the long-term side effects that crooked teeth could potentially bring. Aside from the cosmetic benefits, straightening your teeth with Invisalign clear braces could save you from serious health problems down the road.

If you would like to see if Invisalign is right for you call us at (781) 665-2113 or visit:

www.melrosefamilydentistry.com

UN Treaty Could Phase Down Mercury in Tooth Fillings

Mercury use throughout the world could begin to decrease and eventually be phased out.

The United Nations recently discussed the issue but no date was set to fully phase out dental amalgam.

“This is the beginning of the end of dental amalgam globally,” said Michael T. Bender, director of the Mercury Policy Project, a US-based NGO, who is attending the mercury treaty talks. “We applaud the leadership role the US played in jump-starting support for a phase down in 2011 along with the concrete steps of the Nordic countries, Switzerland and Japan in phasing out amalgam.”

There are numerous ways that countries can phase down amalgam use, according to the treaty. Countries can create a national objective to do so, promote mercury-free dental treatment and discourage insurance policies from covering dental amalgam treatments compared to mercury-free options.

It also would be beneficial if dental schools would train students to utilize mercury-free ways to provide dental care.

Several countries throughout the world have already thought about ways to reduce mercury usage based on how destructive it can be. In 2012, the European Commission recommended that it would be best for mercury to be completely eliminated in five years.

The EC BIOS report stated that mercury-free fillings seem more expensive based on the negative external costs. Amalgam, however, adversely impacts the environment after it eventually releases.

The usage of mercury in tooth fillings represents about 10 percent of global mercury consumption, according to the United Nations Environment Program.

Article Source: http://www.dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/8616-un-treaty-could-phase-down-amalgam

The Art of Cosmetic Dentistry - Dental Implants

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Melrose Family Dentistry offers dental implants that replace a missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking artificial tooth. A dental implant is permanently rooted in bone and looks and feels like your own teeth. An implant can improve your speech and appearance, and provides many advantages over traditional dental bridges and dentures. Our Dental Implant Services Include: Procedures by dentists experienced in oral surgery Matching of implant to shades of your other teeth Convenient, permanent solution to tooth loss No alteration of other teeth is needed Durable construction lasts for many years Care Credit financing options available Watch the video here:  http://melrosefamilydentistry.com/index.php?link=dental

Your Green Dentistry

We are committed to providing top quality dentistry with the highest possible comfort and safety to our patients while protecting the environment.  Green dentistry is synonymous with high tech dentistry. Many new innovations are causing a revolution in environmentally friendly dentistry. Leading edge dentistry is better for the patient and the planet. Examples of our commitment include:

Technology	For Patients	For the Environment
Digital Imaging (x-rays)	Instant image availability; improved image quality; enhanced diagnostic efficacy; minimal radiation exposure	Eliminates toxic x-ray fixer solutions and lead foil
Steam Sterilization	Time efficient and reliable; eliminates toxic chemical sterilization vapors in the dental office environment	Eliminates hazardous waste; allows for re-usable sterilization warps
CAD/CAM Systems (In office laboratory restorations)	Convenient completion of lab-quality restorations in single appointment; comfort of digital impressions	Reduces greenhouse gasses produced from patient and staff travel for multiple appointments, and the shipping of impressions and final restorations, sometimes as far as overseas
Paperless Charts vs. Paper Charts	Reduces risk of cross contamination	Saves our forests
White(composite) Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings	Reduces risk of Mercury vapors, More esthetic	Saves the environment from toxic waste

Operation Smile 5K Pictures!

Here are a few pictures of the Melrose Family Dentistry team at the Operation Smile 5K in Andover:

 

 

www.melrosefamilydentistry.com

 

When You Shouldn't Brush Your Teeth

To keep a healthy smile brushing your teeth consistently is extremely important.  However, brushing at the right time is also important.  Here's some helpful information on when not to brush your teeth:

If you've just eaten some grapefruit wedges or sipped a glass of orange juice, stay away from your toothbrush. Citrusy foods and beverages leave acid on your teeth, and brushing immediately after eating or drinking them rubs the acid further in and can erode enamel. When enamel--the protective outer coating on your teeth--wears away, the softer dentin layer underneath is exposed, leaving you vulnerable to tooth sensitivity (the kind that makes drinking hot and cold beverages weirdly painful) and cavities. Plus, once enamel is gone, it's gone. It doesn't grow back and it's recommended that you delay brushing a full 60 minutes after a citrusy meal or snack. Other acidic foods that can harm your teeth: fruit juice, soda (including diet), sports drinks, and wine.

www.melrosefamilydentistry.com

2012 Operation Smile 5K in Andover

The entire Melrose Family Dentistry office will participate in the Operation Smile 5k run in Andover, MA on November 18.

Thirty years ago, Operation Smile was formed in order to help children across the globe have a brighter future. Their purpose was to make sure these children had a life without ridicule, pain or suffering.  Because of their efforts throughout the years, more than 200,000 children now have a future filled with promise and hope.  100% of the proceeds from this 5K run/walk will benefit Operation Smile. The event will be a chance for the community to run/walk together to help raise awareness. It will be a fun day filled with games, prizes and a raffle at the end of the race.

*The first 150 people to register will receive a free t-shirt!*

Date: Sunday, November 18, 2012

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Andover High School

80 Shawsheen Road

Andover, MA 01810

Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that heals children's smiles, forever changing their lives.  More information about this great charity can be found here.

Halloween Candy Buyback

Melrose Family Dentistry is proud to be a registered participant in the Halloween Candy Buyback Program (www.halloweencandybuyback.com) - Where kids get rewarded for making healthy choices and for brightening the smiles on our troops overseas by donating their Halloween candy. Trade in your candy for a goodie bag and we will donate it to Operation Gratitude who will forward the candy to our hardworking troops!

 How does the program work?

• Participating dentists "buy" back kids' Halloween candy at a scheduled event.
• "Buy" with cash, coupons, toothbrushes, creative exchanges - They can partner with local businesses to give away coupons for food, services, goods, etc.  They can give away the Hygiene Kits, they can set up an Opportunity Prize--each kid gets a ticket per pound of candy for an opportunity drawing to win special prizes, etc.
• Dentists send the candy to Operation Gratitude or other Military support groups.
• Operation Gratitude sends the candy to U.S. Military deployed in harm's way.