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Page 8 • September 15, 2011 Grosse Pointe News Health Advisor

New research on dental decay


Dr. Mary Sue Stonisch


Dental decay is a transmissible
bacterial infection of the teeth that
produces long periods of low pH.
When the mouth is confronted
every day with acid from beverages,
gastric reflux, bacterial overload
and more, and the saliva is unable
to keep things in check due to dry
mouth, medications, dehydration
and the like, the result is a hole in
the tooth or dental decay.

Following are frequently asked
questions, courtesy of Faircourt
Dental & Wellness of Grosse Pointe
Woods:

Q. Is there a link between tooth
decay and disease in the rest of the
body?
A. While the oral systemic connection
with gum disease has gathered
a lot of attention in the past decade,
dental decay is now suggesting similar
consequences.
Multiple studies indicate, the most
frequently found bacteria in dental
decay is strep. Mutans are found 78
percent of the time in the coronary
arteries and heart valves. Therefore
the link between dental decay and
heart disease — vascular disease —
seems to exist. Also, new research
indicates a genetic component to
dental decay.
Q. How is saliva playing a role in the
treatment of dental decay?
A. Saliva is a complex fluid which
plays an important role in the body
and the oral cavity. It is essential to a
healthy oral cavity. Saliva is being
used in the diagnosis and prognosis
of many diseases such as heart
attack, stroke, breast cancer, gum
disease, oral cancer and dental
decay. Quality and its quantity can
be tested as well as its ability to
function under acidic attack —
buffering capacity.
Q. How do you solve the problem of
continued tooth decay?
A. Decrease the bacteria and eliminate
the acidity to minimize tooth
decay. This can be done by using the
following check list. In addition, find
a dentist who is knowledgeable in
modern treatment modalities for
decay through saliva testing.
If you are susceptible to dental
decay:

• Stay hydrated — excess physical
activity can cause oral dehydration.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which
can dehydrate the mouth.
• Limit sugary snacks and beverages
between meals.
• Use prescription-strength fluoridated
toothpaste.
• Use Xylitol products such as gum,
mouth rinse, etc. to decrease the
stickiness of the plaque to the
tooth — six to 11 grams per day.
• Eat foods rich in arginine —
spinach, soy, seafood, nuts — to
decrease oral acidity.
• Eat cheese, which coats the teeth
with a lipid layer minimizing acid
attack.
• Power brush, using an electric
tooth brush, with baking soda in
addition to fluoridated toothpaste
to decrease oral acidity.
DR. MARY SUE STONISCH,
GROSSE POINTE'S ONLY CONCIERGE DENTIST
PROVIDING PERSONAL, QUALITY CARE FOR A LIFETIME

FAIRCOURT DENTAL
SMILE ENHANCEMENT STUDIO

20040 MACK AVE.
GROSSE POINTE WOODS

313-882-2000

WWW.SMILEENHANCEMENTSTUDIO.COM

COME IN FOR A NO OBLIGATION EVALUATION


Dr. Stonisch is a member of Michigan's
one-of-a-kind Concierge Health Concepts.
www.conciergehealthconcepts.com