FACTS IN DENTISTRY AND DENTAL CARE

From Rochester – Contrary to what some may believe, breast feeding doesn’t raise the risk for cavities. A study of over 1500 children from 2 to 5 years of age failed to link the length of breast feeding to the risk of developing cavities. However, having a mother who smoked during pregnancy, or being poor, raised the risk of a young child developing cavities. From Maryland – Cat allergies may be linked to asthma. In a study of over 10000 people, nearly a third of asthmatics were allergic to cats. In addition, allergies to fungus and white oak were also associated with asthma. From Toronto – The Ontario Superior Court has acquitted 3 health officials and a pharmaceutical company in a case launched after thousands of Canadians received blood products causing them to contract HIV and Hepatitis. The Superior Court found that while the events were tragic, the officials’ actions were not criminal. In 2005, the Canadian Red Cross offered an official apology to patients, and over $1 billion has been set aside by the provinical and federal governments to compensate victims. And finally, back to Maryland – While the majority of health organizations recommend that children only need to eat a healthy diet, nearly one-third of American children under the age of 18 years also take a daily nutritional supplement. Most took supplements that contained multivitamins or minerals. The study is important because despite the widespread use of supplements, experts recommend that proper diet …