Preventing early childhood caries (ECC), also known as baby bottle tooth decay, may become increasingly achievable; thanks to xylitol.

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington, Seattle, found xylitol to be effective in preventing ECC. The study involved 94 children between the ages of 9 to 15 months old. The authors of the study reveal that "Our results suggest that exposure to xylitol (8 grams per day) in a twice-daily topical oral syrup during primary tooth eruption could prevent up to 70 percent of decayed teeth."

Providing a cost-effective way for parents and caregivers to help prevent ECC, in an easily deliverable method such as a syrup, is a welcomed addition to the fight against tooth decay. If and when a xylitol syrup is manufactured, it is important to note that brushing and flossing a child's teeth still remains a vital part of your child's oral health care. Xylitol is not a substitute for brushing, flossing and regular dental examinations. If you have questions about xylitol, book an appointment with your dentist to discuss how xylitol may be introduced into your kids everyday oral health routine.

Researchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, in Boston Massachusetts, have discovered a painless way for treating patients with gum recession.

According to a press release, the new tissue regeneration application from Tufts uses platelet concentrate gel applied to a collagen membrane as the graft instead of using tissue from the roof of the mouth. The graft is soaked in the patient's platelets, using blood drawn in the same visit. Placed over the receding tooth root, the graft is then surgically secured. Traditional treatment for gum recession is considered very painful. Excised tissue from the roof of the patients mouth is used to graft new tissue onto area's where there is considerable root exposure. Pain and discomfort, along with a longer recovery time are a notable problems associated with gum grafting surgery.

Gum recession is synonymous with gum disease. Gum recession usually begins undetected in the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis. As the gingival sulcus begins to deepen, advanced gum disease --also known as periodontitis-- contributes to severe gum recession, bone loss and eventually the loss of the teeth. By providing a painless option for treating gum recession, more patients may decide to explore treating advanced gum recession, rather than extracting the teeth as their only option, to restore the health of their mouth along with the esthetics's of the teeth and gums.

The Hills star Stephanie Pratt made a shocking confession this week. According to MTV, Ms. Pratt is one of the estimated 65% of American women with an eating disorder, specifically bulimia nervosa. By sharing her story, Stephanie apparently hopes to shed light on the issues and struggles surrounding eating disorders.

So, what does Stephanie Pratt's bulimia have to do with dentistry you ask? You may be surprised to learn that dentists are often the first medical provider to spot an eating disorder. Oral conditions such as a dry mouth, cracked lips, gingivitis, and unexplained erosion of the enamel are often key indicators of an eating disorder, such as bulimia nervosa. The strange irony surrounding Ms. Pratt's unfortunate situation is the fact that Stephanie and her not-so-lovable brother Spencer Pratt, are reportedly the children of a very successful Santa Monica dentist, Dr. William Chanucey Pratt . Clearly, Stephanie takes care of her teeth, in-fact I think she has a gorgeous smile. Sadly, most people with bulimia have such extensive damage to their teeth they often avoid the dentist because they are embarrassed by the condition of their teeth.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder or suspect a friend or family member may have an eating disorder, this list of resources may be of assistance to you. I can only wish Stephanie a successful recovery, and hope that her story will bring the needed awareness to this often devastating disease.

Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

Memory loss is considered by many to be an inevitable part of the natural aging process. When looking at the possible causes of mild to moderate memory loss, would you be surprised if I told you gum disease could be one of them?

The National Institute of Health recently awarded a $1.3 million grant intended to fund studies that look for a link between gum disease and memory loss. According to this press release, Richard Crout, D.M.D., Ph.D., an expert on gum disease and associate dean for research in the West Virgina University (WVU) School of Dentistry, will share the grant with gerontologist Bei Wu, Ph.D., formerly of WVU and now a researcher at the University of North Carolina; Brenda L. Plassman, Ph.D., of Duke University, a nationally recognized scientist in the field of memory research, and Jersey Liang, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Michigan. Wu is the principal investigator.

At this point, the exact link between memory loss and gum disease is unknown, however the inflammatory response associated with gum disease, and/or microorganisms found in the mouth that are connected to health problems, may be the culprit. Crout explains, "If you have a gum infection, you’ll have an increased level of inflammatory byproducts. We’re looking for markers in the blood that show inflammation to see if there is a link to memory problems. We’d like to go full circle and do an intervention – to clean up some of the problems in the mouth and then see if the inflammatory markers go down."

Assuming the connection is discovered, prevention and treatment for mild to moderate memory loss could begin with a trip to see your dentist, "This could have great implications for health of our aging populations," Crout said. "With rates of Alzheimer’s skyrocketing, imagine the benefits of knowing that keeping the mouth free of infection could cut down on cases of dementia."