Dr. Jay A. Ascher D.D.S., F.A.G.D.

Happy New Year!

Study finds link between periodontal disease and increased risk of breast cancer. Recent research discovered that postmenopausal women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop the cancer than those without the oral health condition.

December 11, 2015 -- The chemical mix of acids in sugar-free soft drinks and sports drinks can cause as much dental erosion as sugared sodas, according to researchers in Australia.

October 26, 2015 -- Children exposed to tobacco smoke at 4 months had an almost twofold increase in the risk of cavities in their baby teeth in a new study from Japan. The findings support increasing public health and clinical interventions to limit exposure to secondhand smoke, according to the researchers.

GUMMY BEARS-Dentists' best friend

August 11, 2015 -- The Waterpik water flosser is significantly more effective than the Philips Sonicare Air Floss Pro for improving gingival health, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry (2015, Vol. 26:2, pp. 55-60).

July 9, 2015 -- The more alcohol people drink, the worse their periodontal condition may be, according to a new study in the Journal of Periodontology. The findings show that men and women who consume at least four alcoholic drinks per week have worse periodontal status than those who drink less than that amount monthly, or who do not drink alcohol at all.

Almost half of the deaths caused by cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx in U.S. adults 35 and older in 2011 were attributable to cigarette smoking, according to a multi-institution research letter published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

IS YOUR SWIMMING POOL SAFE FOR YOUR TEETH? Improperly maintained pool chlorination in swimming pools can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel. Proper pool chlorine and pH levels need to be monitored and maintained .

Possible Link Between E-Cigarettes, Risk of Infections Vapor from electronic cigarettes may increase young people's risk of respiratory infections, regardless of whether or not it contains nicotine, according to a new laboratory study reported in a recent issue of PLOS ONE.

Keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible to avoid contamination from the airborne bacteria that are released with each flush.

According to a 2007 study in the Journal of Environmental Health, nearly 70 percent of the lemon wedges perched on the rims of restaurant glasses contain disease-causing microbes. When the researchers ordered drinks at 21 different restaurants, they found 25 different microorganisms lingering on the 76 lemons they secured, including E. coli and other fecal bacteria. Tell your server that you'd prefer your beverage sans fruit.