REPOST: Stem Cells Found in Gum Tissue Can Fight Inflammatory Disease

A new research suggests that stem cells (gingiva) found in gum tissues may be the best healers for inflammatory diseases as they have much less inflammatory reaction and heal much faster when compared to skin.

Stem cells found in mouth tissue can not only become other types of cells but can also relieve inflammatory disease, according to a new Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC study in the Journal of Dental Research.

The cells featured in the study are gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSC), which are found in the gingiva, or gum tissue, within the mouth. GMSC, like other stem cells, have the ability to develop into different types of cells as well as affect the immune system.

“Gingiva is very unique in our body,” says Professor Songtao Shi, the study’s senior author. “It has much less inflammatory reaction and heals much faster when compared to skin.”


Professor Songtao Shi
Image source: dentistry.usc.edu

Previously, the developmental origins and abilities of GMSC hadn’t been fully illustrated. This study shows that there are two types of GMSC: those that arise from the mesoderm layer of cells during embryonic development (M-GMSC) and those that come from cranial neural crest cells (N-GMSC). The cranial neural crest cells develop into many important structures of the head and face, and 90 percent of the gingival stem cells were found to be N-GMSC.

The two types of stem cells vary dramatically in their abilities. N-GMSC were not only easier to change into other types of cells, including neural and cartilage-producing cells; they also had much more of a healing effect on inflammatory disease than their counterparts. When the N-GMSC were transplanted into mice with dextrate sulfate sodium-induced colitis – an inflamed condition of the colon – the inflammation was significantly reduced.

The study indicates that the stem cells in the gingiva – obtained via a simple biopsy of the gums – may have important medical applications in the future.


Specialized Laboratory Technician Xingtian Xu
Image source: dentistry.usc.edu

“We will further work on dissecting the details of the gingiva stem cells, especially their notable immunoregulatory property,” says first author Xingtian Xu, specialized lab technician at the Ostrow School of Dentistry Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology.

“Through the study of this unique oral tissue, we want to shed the light on the translational applications for improving skin wound healing and reducing scar formation.”

Dr. Domenick Coletti is a partner at Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Follow this Twitter page for select news about oral health.

All in the bite: Corrective jaw surgery and you

Bite is an important function of the jaw. If the dental arch contains one or more misaligned teeth, it could make chewing and other functions such as speaking extremely difficult. Jaw malformations are even more serious, and can range from minor cosmetic defects to severe bite misalignments that cannot be corrected through conventional orthodontia.

Image source: health.com

These malformations are not only vanity affairs; they could cause chronic headaches and other problems that interfere with normal functioning. Whether for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, jaw surgery is the most viable solution where orthodontia finds limits. The results are often dramatic, with patients reporting their life-changing aesthetic improvements and easier time chewing.

Image source: esic.co.uk

Bite correction prior to corrective jaw surgery is often done through orthodontia to bring the teeth closer to their future position post-surgery. While patients are likely to feel that this worsens their current bite, it is a necessary step to prevent malocclusions once the surgery is complete.

Jaw surgery can help align the jaw and teeth in a more natural, healthier, and more comfortable manner. People can seek the advice of their dentist or orthodontist for the merits of jaw surgery.

Image source: todaysparent.com

Dr. Domenick Coletti, a Maryland-based surgeon, offers a number of maxillofacial and oral surgical procedures, including jaw surgery. Visit this website for more information.

Why visiting the dentist matters

It has been said time and again that regular dental check-up is a must for everyone. However, a report recently published in the Journal of Dental Research revealed that nearly 4 billion people—or almost half of the world’s population have oral health conditions that can lead to other issues, like the inability to eat properly or sleep at night. And individuals who suffer from untreated conditions such as tooth decay or cavities in permanent teeth make up 35 percent of the global population. Of all the 291 major ailments identified in the report titled Global Burden of Oral Conditions in 1990-2010: A Systematic Analysis, cavities were the most common.

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In the U.S., the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that about 16 percent of children from ages 6 to 19 suffer from untreated dental caries. As for the percentage of adults (ages 20 to 64) with untreated dental caries, CDC estimates it around 24 percent.

Image source: libertydentist.wordpress.com

Visiting the dentist twice a year for cleaning and general check-up is not only a good oral health practice, but it can be a lifesaver, too, as studies have shown that there are several diseases and health conditions that can be influenced by the cleanliness of the mouth. Thus, it is important for people to visit their dentist on a regular basis as a salute to good health.

Image source: excelfitnessct.com

  
Domenick Coletti DDS, MD, is a partner at Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Subscribe to this Twitter account for select news about oral health.

REPOST: UAB School of Dentistry ranks No. 1 in research funding

AL.com reports that the UAB School of Dentistry received the highest amount of dental research funding last year. More about the story below:

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The $12.5 million given to the UAB School of Dentistry by the primary federal sponsor of dental research is tops in the nation for 2012.
Riding a huge grant $67 million, multi-year grant award last year, the dentistry school went from No. 15 in funding to No. 1 in money received by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Researcher (NICDR), the dental arm of the National Institutes of Health, according to a UAB news release.

"These rankings illustrate UAB's and the school's leadership position in dental research," said Michael Reddy, dean of the school, in the release. "We have some of the top minds in dental research in the United States and the world at UAB, and this is a testament to our hard work and dedication to the nation's oral health."

Dr. Priya Gulati (left) and Patty McCurry work on Quinton Jones teeth at The UAB School of Dentistry. FILE: Wed., April. 11, 2012 in Birmingham,Ala. (image source: blog.al.com)

The highest rank UAB School of Dentistry has achieved previously was No. 4, Reddy said. In 2011, the school received $4.25 million.

The jump in funding rides mainly on one UAB-led national project.
UAB announced last year it was receiving from NIDCR a seven-year, $67 million grant for the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, which consolidates the institute's three regional research networks into a nationally coordinated effort to research best practices in dental care. The effort received $9.9 million in 2012.

TOP 5 FUNDED DENTAL SCHOOLS BY NIDCR IN 2012
1) University of Alabama at Birmingham -- $12,456,763
2) Forsyth Institute -- $9,841,103
3) University of Michigan at Ann Arbor -- $9,761,343
4) University of California San Francisco -- $8,520,201
5) University of North Carolina Chapel Hill -- $8,352,978

Read about the latest in dentistry on this Facebook page for Dr. Domenick Coletti.

From barbers to doctors: A brief history of dentistry

The concern over dental hygiene is not a modern issue. In fact, today’s dentists are practitioners of an ancient discipline that began way before Moses supposedly crossed the Red Sea.

Though dentistry may have begun earlier, the earliest evidence of dental procedures were found in Egypt. Skulls dated from circa 2,900 BC have been excavated with small holes in the jaws near the teeth’s roots. These holes may have been used for draining abscesses. Meanwhile, the earliest dentist may have been Hesi-Re (ca 3,000 BC), whose burial chamber was inscribed with “the greatest of those who deal with teeth [chief toother], and of the physicians.” By 1,500 BC, Egyptian dentists were creating false teeth made from teeth connected by a gold wire around the gum line.

Image source: citizenscientistsleague.com

In the Western world, Aristotle was among the first to have made a comparative study of teeth. Meanwhile, the Romans adapted the use of a “chewstick” from the Chinese and the Babylonians for cleaning teeth. The Roman physician Celsus was noted as the first to have used fillings for cavities in 30 AD.

Image source: rompedas.blogspot.com

The Early Middle Ages saw dentistry-related duties fall to the monks who were the most learned in science and medicine at the time. But following a series of Papal edicts that forbid monks from performing any kind of surgery, barbers assumed the monks’ surgical responsibilities. 

Dentistry became separated from general surgery in the 1700s when Pierre Fauchard published Le Chirurgien Dentiste, or The Surgeon Dentist. In it, he discussed all that was known of dentistry at the time, as well as the dental conditions and treatments for each. In doing so, he began to lay down the framework of modern dentistry, earning him the recognition as the “Father of Modern Dentistry.”

Image source: wikipedia.org

Developments in science and technology went hand in hand with dentistry in developing procedures and techniques that were safer and more effective than those previously employed. Today, dentists continue the legacy of their ancient predecessors, and use advanced machines and equipment for various procedures that ensure that patients have strong and healthy teeth.


Dr. Domenick Coletti of Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is an expert in a variety of dental procedures, such as pre-prosthetic surgery and wisdom teeth extraction. Follow this Twitter page for links to dentistry news and other information.

REPOST: Two Important Lessons from My Much-Procrastinated Trip to the Dentist

Many people have an aversion to visiting the dentist.  But the experience has its perks, and can teach a thing or two about teeth and more.  In her Forbes article, writer Gretchen Rubin shared the epiphany she had during a trip to the dentist.

Yesterday, I finally went to the dentist. I was due for a check-up in July, and for the last eight months, I’ve been moving the reminder card around my office and coming up with new excuses about why I couldn’t make an appointment.

I made the appointment last Thursday, went in, and the whole process took thirty-eight minutes from the time I picked up a magazine in the waiting room to the time I walked out the door holding my bag with freebie toothbrush and floss. I walked the twenty-five blocks to get there, too, on this beautiful spring afternoon, so even half of my travel time was well-spent.

From this experience, I draw two lessons for myself — both of which were quite apparent to me, although I neglected to act on them:

•  Procrastination is itself draining. That reminder card cluttered up my office and cluttered up my brain. Repeatedly thinking “I should…no, I’ll wait…but I really should…but not now…I’ll do it later…” etc. just weighs me down. Just do it! Or decide when I’ll do it, and then do it when that time comes.  

• I have plenty of time for the things that are important to me. I kept telling myself, “I don’t have time to go to the dentist.” Really? For eight months? During that time, I went on vacation, got my hair cut, met friends for coffee, and went on kindergarten field trips, so clearly I’m not so pressed for time that I can do nothing but work. The fact is, it wasn’t a priority — which is fine. But I should be honest with myself.

I’ve found that saying “I’m too busy” makes me feel harried and distracted. Now, instead, I tell myself, “I have plenty of time for the things that are important to me.” It’s more important to me to go to the bread factory with the kindergarten class than to go to the dentist. That’s my choice. But telling myself that I “don’t have time” makes me feel out of control.

Do you find that procrastinating makes you feel drained and overwhelmed? And yet it’s so hard just to do those things which ought to be done, without delay. Two of my Twelve Personal Commandments are Do it now and Do what ought to be done, and yet I struggle with this mightily.

* I keep thinking about this post from Love That Max — “a blog about kids with special needs (and the parents who adore them).” In Helping kids with special needs fit in: I did not buy the purple Crocs, Ellen wrote about deciding not to buy the purple Crocs that she knew her son would love like crazy, to help him in a way that he couldn’t see. I think this is an issue for all parents — resisting the delight of doing something that will make our children very happy, in the present, out of love.

Based in Maryland, Dr. Domenick Coletti is an expert in many surgical procedures, including placement of dental implants and corrective jaw surgery.  This Twitter page contains more details about his work.

On corrective jaw surgery

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The entertainment industry has dictated the world that to have a jaw like Johnny Depp’s or Brad Pitt’s is bliss, which is why many people think that corrective jaw surgery is only for those who want to be as handsome as the aforementioned celebrities and, needless to say, for those who have money to afford it.

But for oral and maxillofacial experts, like Dr. Domenick Coletti and Dr. Dennis G. Smiler, turning a person’s physiognomy, at times, is a matter of death and life, for they are chiefly doing this kind of surgery not just to change one’s appearance, but also to help patients who are suffering from different illnesses, like sleep apnea, and deformities, like TMJ disorders and malocclusion problems.



Image Source: worldsbestinformation.org


On the surgeons

However, many people also think that oral and maxillofacial surgeons are nothing but dentists who happen to have better pay. Indeed, they are dentists, too. The only thing difference is that they are trained to operate the human mouth, jaw, and face—a very technical method that requires a high level of preparation and training.



Image Source: faceandjawsurgeryblog.com


Talking about the price

The price of corrective jaw surgery is not that cheap, but it is not that costly either. In addition, the total cost for this procedure depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury and the patient’s insurance plan. For patients who suffered from an appearance-rescinding accident, the procedure is surely worth the price.


Dr. Domenick Coletti is a partner at Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.A. Learn more about the dental surgeries he performs by visiting this website.