A recent study published in the July 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association concludes that infants who consume infant formula have a higher risk of developing enamel fluorosis in their permanent teeth. Mild fluorosis can appear as white spots on the teeth while more severe fluorosis appears as discoloration or pitting of the teeth. Fluorosis is caused by ingesting higher than the recommended levels of fluoride.

The fluoride in infant formula may come from the industrial processes used in preparation of the formula or by the fluoride levels in the water used to reconstitute the liquid or powder formula. Breast milk has a fluoride concentration of about .02 parts per million (ppm) but fluoride concentration in formula can range from .03 to .34 ppm. Most public health organizations recommend breast-feeding, if possible, as the healthier choice for a variety of reasons.

For more information about children’s dentistry visit www.drterryshapiro.com.

The Stony Brook Film Festival opened last night with the comedy “The Answer Man.” Not a film about teeth (except for two ugly veneers on Lauren Graham’s central incisors – wouldn’t I love to replace them for her), but I loved the film for the subplot of the female chiropractor struggling to start a practice. She puts up fliers in the local bookstore, and – in a desperate mood - dresses her receptionist in a vertebral column costume to hand out fliers in front of her storefront office. Hysterical! Sort of like a dentist dressing up as an oversized molar tooth. Not something I can see myself doing! Tonight look out for the vampire comedy “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Undead” (see my blog entry, “The Sight of Fangs” about vampire teeth).

Red hair color is caused by variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene. People with the MC1R gene variants experience more dental anxiety than do people without the MC1R gene variants. They are also more likely to avoid dental treatment than those without the variants. The MC1R gene that is found in people with red hair is also part of the pathway that processes pain and anxiety. Thus the connection between red hair and fear of dental pain. Local anesthesia is less effective for MC1R redheads, and this lack of effectiveness may lead to increased anxiety for the patient and consequently, dental avoidance.

Approximately 11 – 20% of the population experiences extreme dental care-related anxiety, with another 45% reporting moderate degrees of dental care-related fear. Despite advances in technology to reduce discomfort, these fears persist and prevent people from seeking dental health.

A recent study reported in the July, 2009 Journal of the American Dental Association concluded that the natural red hair color and MC1R gene variants are associated with increased dental care-related anxiety, fear of dental pain and avoidance of dental care. In my Long Island dental office I evaluate all patients for dental care-related anxiety and take appropriate steps to make sure they are comfortable. I’ll now take extra special care with my red-haired patients!

Today women comprise 35.5 percent of all new active private dental practitioners compared to 19.2 percent of all active private dentists. A dentist is a new dentist if she graduated from dental school in the last ten years. Things have certainly changed! When I graduated from dental school, women comprised 10% of my  class, up from 1-3% in the years before. Many women dentists work only part-time in order to combine work with family responsibilities. Often women work as associates rather than managing their own practices.

For over 86 years, the American Association of Women Dentists has supported women in dentistry. It was initially a social group, but it adapted to changing times and member concerns. For example, the AAWD guided members after World War II when women dentists lost positions they held while the men were overseas. The AAWD is today a national network for employment opportunities and scientific exchange.

Why go to a woman dentist? Studies show that women dentists spend more time with their patients, communicate better and are more compassionate.  So call my East Setauket office today and meet a Long Island woman dentist!

You may have read recently that a federal advisory committee voiced concern about overuse of acetaminophen which could lead to liver damage.  Acetaminophen is found in many cold remedies, in Tylenol, Vicodin and Percocet.  The substance is so common that it is not difficult for people to take more than the recommended daily limit of four grams.  For patients suffering from dental pain, I often prescribe Tylenol, and less frequently, Vicodin.  But the prescription is only for short term use because dental pain can typically be treated and is not chronic if treated.  Acetaminophen is safe if taken as directed.  

In our East Setauket dental office we also take a careful medical history before we prescribe any drug.  Patients must also read the labels and keep track of all drugs they take.

Last week while the world was riveted on the loss of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, I was fascinated by the contrast in their smiles.  Farrah Fawcett flashing her famous smile and Michael Jackson most often showing no teeth at all.  What made Farrah’s smile so extraordinary?  It was broad - she showed all of her teeth back to the first molars ad her bottom teeth too.  The New York Times obituary said of one famous photo of her: “She looked delicious but also a little carnivorous, her gleaming white teeth frozen in a friendly but slightly ferile smile.“

Farrah’s photo was taken in the early 1970’s, well before veneers or cosmetic dentistry.  Back then we didn’t have the dental materials or technology to create such a beautiful smile.  It had to be natural.  Today it takes great skill to approximate such a gorgeous smile.

Come in to our Long Island dental office for a consult and we’ll discuss what we can do for you to give you that Farrah Fawcett smile!

A headline in today’s New York Times reads: “A Trend With Teeth.”  The article relates that “From film to fashion, it’s a season for those whose pulses quicken at the sight of fangs.”  Vampires are today’s darlings of pop culture, appearing on television, films and in novels.  In “True Blood” the actress Deborah Ann Woll flashes two huge canine fangs.  Then there are “New Moon”, “Twilight” and “Vampire Diaries” - all new releases with a resident vampire.  Sexy? Scary?  Fortunately no one has asked me to create vampire teeth for them.  A patient once asked us at our East Setauket dental office for a gold incisor – but that’s another story.