Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery and Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery experienced significant traffic growth in the first quarter of 2010. The sister publications of Consumer Guide to Dentistry provide comprehensive, informative content geared towards weight loss surgery and plastic surgery. Compared to the first quarter of 2009, Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery grew its traffic by more than 45 percent, while Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery realized 110 percent increase.

Some of the more popular articles on Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery include those on breast reconstruction, saline breast implants and Latisse treatment. Popular articles on Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery include those on lap band surgery cost and gastric bypass cost.

Recent research published in the European Cells and Materials Journal citing the reconstruction of the lower human jaw bone using dental pulp stem cells is a significant accomplishment, according to StemSave, Inc., a leader in the field of stem cell recovery and cryo-preservation. The company’s science advisor notes that this accomplishment represents the first time that dental stem cell research has shifted from the laboratory to human clinical trials.

Repairing and regenerating bones is important to oral health and function, since these bones enable talking, chewing, swallowing and facial expressions. StemCell also states that the published research is significant because it demonstrates how stem cells facilitated the graft and eliminated complications from rejection or inflammation.

The study could have applications with treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw, a degenerative condition marked by insufficient blood flow to the jawbone. Stem cell treatment also may offer assistance in TMJ treatment. TMJ disorder is a serious condition affecting joint health.

Consumer Guide to Dentistry registered a flying start to the New Year. In the first quarter of 2010, the site had approximately 440,000 unique visitors, a 33 percent increase over the first quarter of 2009, according to Google Analytics. The previous record quarter registered an approximate 334,000 unique visitors in the fourth quarter of 2009. Increased site traffic has had a knock-on effect for Consumer Guide to Dentistry. The dentist directory is up 54 percent over last year, and page views of the before-and-after gallery have increased by some 47 percent. The record-breaking quarter is one step towards an expected 1.9 million visitors expected in 2010.

Beyond the addition of new articles that include topics such as green dentistry, preventive dentistry, trench mouth, endodontics (and endodontists) and periodontics (and periodontists), articles registering the highest percentage gains over 2009 include those about  braces cost, wisdom teeth removal and xylitol.

In response to concerns about the safety of whitening products that often are administered without the benefit of a consultation with, or examination by a dental professional, the American Dental Association (ADA) petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish appropriate classifications for tooth whitening chemicals. According to the ADA, applying chemically-based tooth whitening products or bleaching agents can potentially harm teeth, gums and other oral tissues.  The ADA also noted that such concerns have led many states to prevent application of tooth whitening products in non-dental environments, such as shopping mall kiosks and other retail-type locations.

Tooth whitening (in-office and at-home teeth whitening) has become one of the more popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. Less expensive than porcelain veneers for teeth, whitening can provide patients with a revitalized smile simply by correcting discoloration, staining and other shading issues that may affect the teeth and impact the smile. Considering cosmetic dentistry costs, teeth whitening is an attractive option for smile revitalization.

The buildup of dental plaque contributes to cavities in children and adults. According to scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago, a new study suggests that consuming bran flakes with raisins containing no added sugar does not produce more plaque acid than bran flakes alone. However, eating most commercially marketed raisin bran cereals does lead to more acid in plaque to levels approaching a “danger zone” in which enamel damage and tooth decay could occur. That’s because the plaque on tooth surfaces ferments sugars such as glucose, fructose or sucrose and produces acids that damage tooth enamel and cause decay.

Raisins themselves do not contain sucrose. Although many dentists believe sweet, sticky foods like raisins contribute to cavities because they are difficult to remove from the surfaces of teeth, these researchers claim that raisins are cleared away similar to other fruits, such as bananas or apples.

The unchecked accumulation of plaque can lead to serious oral hygiene conditions that include gingivitis and gum disease.