Soft drinks: Most soft drinks are acidic in nature and can erode tooth enamel. Non-cola drinks are more erosive than cola drinks. Sugar version are more erosive than diet versions. Most "power drinks" and "energy drinks" are even more erosive that cola-type drinks.

Periodontal disease and heart problems:  Several studies have confirmed a link between periodontal disease and increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Herbal products: While many herbal products have benefits, there are several herbal products that can prolong bleeding and seriously interfere with prescription medication. If you take prescription medication and herbal products, please check with your physician to determine the safety of combining these products.

Abscessed tooth causes 12 year old's death:  Because an abscessed tooth went untreated, a 12 year old Maryland boy has died.  The bacteria from the abscessed tooth went to his brain.  After two brain operations and six weeks in the hospital, the boy finally died from the infection. Don't delay needed dental treatment.

Second hand smoke and tooth decay: According to a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, children exposed to second hand smoke have higher rates of tooth decay than those who are not.

Smoking and Dental Implants: Research recently published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that after a 5 year period, 15.8% of implants failed in smokers where only 1.4% of implants failed in non-smokers. People who smoke are at greater risk of infection following surgery and may heal more slowly.

FOSAMAX and dentistry: The use of Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and other bisphosphonate drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis can cause severe bone infections (osteonecrosis) following dental surgery.  Procedures at particular risk include extractions, root canal therapy, periodontal surgery and implant surgery.  The half-life of these drugs is 7-10 years.  So patients who have taken bisphosphonate drugs and have discontinued its use are still at risk for this severe bone infection following dental procedures.  There seems to be an indication that this problem is related to IV administration of these drugs rather than the oral route of administration.  However, there needs to be more studies to determine the risks. 

American Heart Association releases new guidelines for antibiotic pre-medication: In April 2007, the American Heart Association developed new guidelines for patients who require antibiotics before dental treatment.  The following conditions NO LONGER require antibiotic therapy prior to dental treatment: mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic fever, bicuspid valve disease, calcified aortic stenosis, and some congenital heart defects. You may download the entire guidelines by clicking here. For most people who required antibiotics in the past, they will no longer be required to take antibiotics prior to dental treatment.  If there is any question as to whether you require antibiotics prior to dental treatment, please check with your cardiologist.

Amalgam Banned in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Early in 2008, these countries banned the use of mercury, including dental fillings. "By eliminating amalgam use, which is 50% mercury, we can reduce mercury pollution much more efficiently than end-of-the-pipe solutions." said Michael Bender, director of the Mercury Policy Project.  Composite and porcelain fillings have become so strong and predictable, there is no need for continued use of amalgam fillings in dentistry.  Studies by the American Dental Association indicate that amalgam fillings pose no direct adverse health effect when used as dental fillings.  The environmental issues and subsequent effects were not addressed.