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Your mouth is more than teeth and gums; it’s a functional system. Teeth form the framework, the tongue rests on the palate, and together they support the upper airway. When dental crowding limits tongue space, your tongue may shift down or back, making nasal breathing harder and encouraging mouth breathing. Over time, this pattern affects sleep, facial development, and overall oxygen delivery.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Illinois doctor indicted on murder charges in the December slayings of his ex-wife and her dentist husband in their Columbus home is due in an Ohio courtroom on Friday.
Michael David McKee, 39, is scheduled to be arraigned in Franklin County on four aggravated murder counts and one count of aggravated burglary while using a firearm suppressor in connection with the Dec. 30 shooting deaths of Monique Tepe, 39, and Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37.
The mystery that first surrounded the case — which featured no forced entry, no weapon and no obvious signs of theft, additional violence or a motive — drew national attention. McKee, of Chicago, was arrested 11 days later near his workplace in Rockford, Illinois. He was returned to Ohio on Tuesday to face the charges against him.
McKee attended Catholic high school in Zanesville, a historic Ohio city about 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) east of the capital, according to the Diocese of Columbus. He enrolled at Ohio State University in September 2005 — the same semester that his future wife, then Monique Sabaturski, enrolled, university records show. Both graduated with bachelor’s degrees in June 2009. Sabaturski earned a master of education degree from Ohio State in 2011 and McKee earned his medical degree there in 2014.
Sabaturski and McKee married in Columbus in August 2015 but were living apart by the time Monique filed to end in the marriage in May 2017, court records show. Their divorce was granted that June. McKee was living in Virginia at the time, court and address records show. He completed a two-year fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center in October 2022, according to the school.
McKee also lived in and was licensed to practice medicine in both California and in Nevada, where he was among doctors named in a personal injury lawsuit in a Las Vegas court in 2023. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, where McKee was working at the time of his arrest, declined to provide specific information on the dates of his employment. His Illinois medical license became active in October 2024.
An Ohio grand jury indicted McKee in the double homicide last week.
McKee is accused of illegally entering the Tepes’ home with a firearm equipped with a silencer, shooting the Tepes — whose bodies were found in a second-floor bedroom — and leaving the property along a dark alley alongside the house.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant has said that McKee was the person seen walking down that alley in video footage captured the night of the murders. She also said a gun found in his Chicago apartment was a ballistic match to evidence at the scene and that his vehicle’s movements were tracked from Columbus back to Illinois.
A message seeking comment was left with McKee’s attorney.
McKee is charged with two aggravated murder counts for each homicide, one for prior calculation and design and one for committing the crime, as well as facing the aggravated burglary count. If convicted, he faces a minimum of life in prison with parole eligibility after 32 years and a maximum term of life in prison without parole.
Columbus police conducted a wellness check on Spencer Tepe at around 10 a.m. on Dec. 30, after his manager at a dental practice in Athens, Ohio, reported that he had not shown up to work on that day, saying tardiness was very worrying and “out of character” for Tepe, according to a 911 call.
Someone else called to request a wellness check before a distraught man who described himself as a friend of Spencer Tepe called police and said, “Oh, there’s a body. There’s a body. Oh my God.” He said he could see Spencer Tepe’s body was off the side of a bed in a pool of blood.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office deemed the killings an “apparent homicide by gunshot wounds.”
Family members said the Tepes were “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy and deep connection to others.”
They have described Monique as a “joyful mother,” avid baker and “thoughtful planner.” According to their obituaries, which were issued jointly, the pair were married in 2020.
Spencer Tepe got his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University in 2012 and earned his doctor of dental surgery degree in 2017, according to school records. He was a member of the American Dental Association and had been involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
They had two young children. Both were home at the time of the killings and left unharmed, as was the family dog.
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Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.Doctors say don’t do it.Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.”The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.It is better to breathe through your nose most of the timeMouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.Don’t rush to use mouth tapeBut even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.Mouth breathing could be a sign of something serious — so find outThe safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.”The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”
Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.
Doctors say don’t do it.
Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.
“The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.
It is better to breathe through your nose most of the time
Mouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.
If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.
But even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.
There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.
And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.
Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.
The safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.
You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.
“The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”
The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”
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Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.Doctors say don’t do it.Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.”The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.It is better to breathe through your nose most of the timeMouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.Don’t rush to use mouth tapeBut even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.Mouth breathing could be a sign of something serious — so find outThe safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.”The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”
Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.
Doctors say don’t do it.
Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.
“The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.
It is better to breathe through your nose most of the time
Mouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.
If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.
But even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.
There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.
And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.
Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.
The safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.
You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.
“The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”
The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”
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LONDON (AP) — Smartphones, laptops, headphones and other electronic devices are essential for work and play in our daily lives. But all that time spent typing, scrolling or listening also means our devices gradually accumulate grime that needs to be cleaned off.
You might not give much thought to cleaning your devices but there are reasons you should, says Logitech, which makes keyboards, webcams and other computer peripherals.
“Regular cleaning and proper maintenance not only keeps your gadgets looking pristine, and wins you hygiene points, it also helps them perform better and last longer,” the company says. “In the case of devices like earbuds, the accumulated bacteria and debris may even cause health issues or discomfort.”
Here are some pointers on cleaning your tech:
Always check if the manufacturer has any specific guidelines for cleaning.
Assemble some basic equipment and material for cleaning, which should include a soft and lint-free cleaning cloth, like a microfiber cloth; cotton swabs; a soft-bristled brush like a toothbrush, paintbrush or makeup brush; compressed air and isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl, or rubbing alcohol, is a cleaning solvent that’s antiseptic and antibacterial. It’s popular for cleaning electronics because it doesn’t leave any residue and dries quickly. But you might want to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation. Drip some of it on a cloth instead of pouring it directly onto your device. Also heed some of the more specific warnings below.
Water and mild soap can be useful for cleaning dirty surfaces, but isopropyl alcohol is recommended for cleaning the internals of a device, said Alex Diaz-Kokaisl, senior technical writer at electronics repair company iFixit.
“While there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule for cleaning electronics, we generally use high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (more than 90%) because it evaporates quickly,” he said. “The faster a liquid evaporates, the less likely it is to affect any components that conduct electricity.”
For whatever device you’re cleaning, disconnect or power it off first. Remove any cases, plugs, covers and accessories.
When using a computer, the keyboard and mouse are the parts that are touched most often and therefore need the most frequent cleaning. And all those crevices between a keyboard’s keys are sure to catch crumbs.
To remove any loose debris, iFixit’s official in-house cleaning guide recommends using a can of compressed air. Run the spray back and forth across the keys to blow out any bits. If possible, hold the keyboard upside down so the debris falls out.
If you don’t have compressed air, Logitech suggests using a hair dryer on the cold air setting. Some social media users also recommend a handheld balloon pump.
Next, dampen a cleaning cloth with water and gently wipe down the keyboard and mouse.
Logitech says you can also use rubbing alcohol but recommends you test it first on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration or scrub the lettering off the keys.
Anti-bacterial baby wipes can also work on devices like a mouse, Diaz-Kokaisl said.
“There shouldn’t be enough liquid to seep through cracks in the shell, and their residue typically evaporates faster than just using soap and water,” he said.
For laptop screens or external monitors, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away fingerprint smudges.
If there are more stubborn spots — like food stains or sneezy spatters — dampen the cloth with distilled water or a 50/50 solution of distilled water and vinegar.
Computer maker Lenovo says the “gentle acidity of vinegar can help break down oils and fingerprints.” Avoid using household glass cleaners, which can contain ammonia that could damage the screen. The same goes for paper towels, which can scratch the screen. HP also warns against using rubbing alcohol.
A lot of people listen to music or podcasts through their earbuds, but that also means they’ll need regular cleaning to remove any earwax, natural skin oils or other grungy buildup.
If the earbuds have silicon tips, remove them. Cleaning procedures vary depending on your brand and model. Logitech and Bose recommend using soapy water. But Sony warns against water or wet wipes because they can speed deterioration, and, instead, advises using a dry cloth.
Use a cotton swab to wipe the earbud nozzles clean.
Owners of Apple AirPods need to follow a much more elaborate procedure to clean the mesh. You’ll need a child’s toothbrush, two small cups, a paper towel, distilled water, as well as micellar water — typically used as a facial cleanser.
Pour some micellar water into a cup, dip the toothbrush, brush the AirPod’s various mesh parts, and then blot them dry with the paper. Repeat twice. Then repeat that procedure but using the distilled water to rinse off the micellar water. Finally, let the AirPods dry for at least two hours.
To clean the rest of the AirPod’s body, use a damp cloth. And don’t forget about the charging case. Apple recommends brushing out any debris and then wiping with a dry cloth. If needed, dampen it with isopropyl alcohol.
What about over-the-ear headphones? Bose says you should wipe them down at least once a week, especially after working out, to remove any dirt and bacteria hiding in the nooks and crannies. Remove the pads and use a cloth dampened with soapy water to clean them.
Apple has issued specific instructions on its website for cleaning various iPhone models. Samsung has posted similar guidelines for its Galaxy lineup.
They both advise using a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cleaning cloth, to gently wipe the outside of the phone. Apple warns against using any cleaning products, which could erode the oil-repellent coating that most iPhones come with.
Both companies say it’s OK to use disinfectants such as rubbing alcohol to gently clean the exterior, but avoid bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
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Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at [email protected] with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip.
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Treats aren’t just for spoiling your dog—they’re also valuable tools for training, reinforcing good behavior, and even adding some extra nutrients to your dog’s diet. The best treats are high in quality, packed with real food ingredients, and enticing enough to motivate your dog. However, with so many options available, it can be tricky to choose. One key decision is whether to go with crunchy or chewy dog treats, as each offers unique benefits. So the next time you’re shopping for treats, here’s what to consider.
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. In the wild, wolves chew on bones to clean their teeth, stimulate their gums, and maintain oral health. Domestic dogs share this instinct. Chewing also helps them explore their environment, relieve stress, and stay mentally stimulated.
Texture plays a big role in treat appeal, and many dogs favor soft, chewy treats. Even if your dog isn’t picky, chewy treats offer several benefits:
However, chewy treats can be higher in calories and may spoil more quickly, so be mindful of portion sizes and expiration dates.
While soft treats are a favorite for many dogs, some prefer the satisfying crunch of a crispy snack. Crunchy treats offer their own advantages:
One downside is that crunchy treats may not be as aromatic or flavorful as their chewy counterparts, making them less appealing to some dogs.
Whether your dog prefers crunchy or chewy dog treats, NutriSource has a healthy, delicious, and nutritious option:
All NutriSource treats contain real food ingredients and high-quality protein as the primary ingredient. Thanks to the big taste and nutritional boost, they’re ideal for training, snacking, or just showing your dog some love.
Visit NutriSource to learn more and find the perfect treat for your dog!
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
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Functional Dentist
Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about helping adult and pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing get the treatment they need to live healthier, happier lives. Before attending the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University, Dr. Dassani operated a successful dental practice in Mumbai. For the past 18 years, she has been practicing in Houston, Texas where she continues to share and enhance her knowledge of obstructive sleep apnea treatments.
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As our faithful companions age, they may face various health challenges, including tooth resorption. This condition occurs when the body begins to break down and absorb the structures of the tooth, causing discomfort and affecing your dog’s quality of life. While veterinary intervention is often necessary, natural approaches can complement traditional treatments and support your senior dog’s oral health.
Tooth resorption can be tricky to spot, but attentiveness can make a difference. Watch for signs like difficulty eating, increased drooling, or reluctance to have the mouth touched. Regular home dental checks can help you notice changes early, allowing for prompt intervention.
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is crucial for managing tooth resorption. Foods high in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C can support dental health. Consider adding bone broth to your dog’s meals for extra minerals. Some dog parents find success with raw diets, which can help maintain dental health through natural chewing.
Certain herbs can support oral health and potentially slow the progression of tooth resorption. Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a mouth rinse. Echinacea may boost immune function, while green tea can help fight oral bacteria. Remember to use herb-infused products specifically formulated for dogs, and always check with your vet first.
While brushing remains important, natural dental wipes infused with coconut oil or aloe vera can be gentler on sensitive mouths. Dental chews made from natural ingredients like sweet potato or carrot can help clean teeth mechanically. For dogs that tolerate it, oil pulling with coconut oil can help reduce oral bacteria.
Some dog parents find homeopathic remedies helpful for managing tooth resorption symptoms. Remedies like Calcarea fluorica or Silicea may support dental health, but should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian trained in homeopathy.
Stress can impact overall health, including dental well-being. Implement calming techniques like gentle massage, aromatherapy with dog-safe essential oils, or relaxing music to help reduce stress levels in your senior dog.
Veterinary acupuncture may help manage pain associated with tooth resorption and support overall oral health. This Traditional Chinese Medicine technique can be particularly beneficial for senior dogs who may not tolerate more invasive treatments.
While these natural approaches can be beneficial, they should complement, not replace, professional veterinary care. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings remain crucial for managing tooth resorption.
Managing tooth resorption in senior dogs requires a multi-faceted approach. By combining natural methods with professional veterinary care, you can support your dog’s oral health and overall well-being. Remember, every dog is unique, so work closely with your veterinarian to create a tailored plan that best suits your senior companion’s needs. With patience, love, and attentive care, you can help your faithful friend maintain a healthy, comfortable smile well into their golden years.
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — If you have stained or chipped teeth, you might be considering veneers, customized teeth coverings that can restore a photogenic smile without more extensive dental work.
But dentists warn that these pricey cosmetic enhancements are at the center of a worrisome online trend: unlicensed practitioners without proper training or supervision offering low-cost veneers.
These self-described “veneer techs” often promote themselves on Instagram and TikTok, promising a full set of veneers for less than half of what dentists typically charge. Some also market their own training courses and certifications for people looking to get into the business.
It’s misleading, health professionals warn — and illegal. All states require dental work, including veneers, to be performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
On Thursday, Georgia law enforcement officials arrested Brandon Diller, who promoted himself to 158,000 Instagram followers as “Atlanta’s top veneer specialist and trainer.” Diller practiced dentistry without a license and sold “training and certificates, which were worthless” and “provided no legitimate or legal credentials,” according to an arrest warrant from Fulton County’s District Attorney’s office.
Here’s what to know about veneers and how to avoid bogus providers and services:
Veneers are thin, custom-made dental coverings used to hide minor imperfections or to fill in gaps between teeth. Unlike crowns or more invasive dental implants, veneers are almost always considered cosmetic dentistry and generally aren’t covered by insurance.
This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Be Well.
Dentists usually charge between $1,000 and $2,000 per tooth for veneers, with higher prices for those made from porcelain compared with lower-grade materials.
Placing veneers involves stripping some of the natural enamel from the tooth and bonding the new covering into place. Because of that process, getting veneers is considered an irreversible procedure, according to the American Dental Association. They are not permanent, and can be expected to last between 5 to 15 years before they degrade and need to be replaced.
In recent months the ADA has been stepping up warnings about the risks of veneer procedures done by unlicensed individuals.
“Quality control is lost without the involvement of a licensed dentist,” said Dr. Ada Cooper, a New York-based dentist and ADA spokesperson. “We undergo years of education and training and need to be licensed by various regulatory bodies before we can practice.”
Improper veneer procedures can cause a range of health problems, including severe pain, nerve damage and tooth loss.
Patients need to be anesthetized before the enamel is removed from their teeth.
“It could be incredibly painful if they’re not anesthetized correctly,” said Dr. Zach Truman, who runs an orthodontics practice in Las Vegas. “You can also go too deep into the tooth and penetrate what’s called the pulp chamber, which contains blood vessels and nerves.”
One of the biggest problems Truman sees with unregulated veneer work is that customers aren’t getting screened for existing dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities.
“If you put a veneer on a tooth that has an active cavity, you’re just going to seal it in there and eventually it’s going to progress to tooth loss,” Truman said.
Dental veneers aren’t the only option for improving the appearance of teeth. Over-the-counter whitening kits can help with minor stains and discoloration. And dentists can sometimes use composite materials to reshape chipped or uneven teeth. But Truman says those fillings are prone to crack and won’t last as long as veneers.
One clue: Many individuals performing unlicensed dental work promote themselves on social media as “veneer technicians.”
Instead of working out of a dental office they often perform treatments at beauty salons, hotel rooms or private homes. Some advertise multi-city tours and encourage clients to message them to book an appointment in advance.
Much of the appeal of the services is in their pricing, with some offering a full set of veneers for a flat fee of $4,000 or $5,000. That’s less than half of what patients can generally expect to pay at a dental office.
Performing dental work without an appropriate license is illegal, the ADA notes.
Dentists and hygienists are licensed by state governments, who also define the work dental assistants can perform. But in all cases, veneers and other dental procedures must be supervised by a licensed dentist.
Earlier this year, Illinois law enforcement officials arrested a woman running a business called the Veneer Experts after she posted videos of herself fitting braces, veneers and other dental products without a license. She was previously arrested in Nevada on similar allegations of practicing dentistry without a license.
The ADA maintains a website detailing the training and licensing requirements for dentists across the U.S. Most states also maintain websites where you can lookup and verify licensure information and find any past disciplinary actions for dentists and other health professionals.
“It’s really critical to understand that dentistry is a regulated health care profession that requires formal educations and licensure,” Cooper said.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Ever since you were a kid, you’ve likely heard from your dentists, parents, and, well, toothpaste ads that brushing your teeth often is crucial if you want a sparkling white smile. But in a TikTok video on the three common causes for yellow teeth, cosmetic dentist Joyce Kahng, DDS, makes you think twice about your oral hygiene habits.
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Every beauty professional has their non-negotiable steps. In our series, Like A Pro, we tap experts for the top three techniques they absolutely swear by. Here, you’ll hear from a variety of industry insiders on the fail-safe tricks they always keep in their back pockets. We’re all about simplifying your beauty regimen wherever you can, and sometimes the best routines are as easy as 1, 2, 3.
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Functional Dentist
Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about helping adult and pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing get the treatment they need to live healthier, happier lives. Before attending the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University, Dr. Dassani operated a successful dental practice in Mumbai. For the past 18 years, she has been practicing in Houston, Texas where she continues to share and enhance her knowledge of obstructive sleep apnea treatments.
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Newswise — SAN DIEGO ― The targeted therapy bezuclastinib was safe and rapidly reduced markers of disease burden while also improving symptoms for patients with a rare blood disorder called nonadvanced system mastocytosis, according to results of the Phase II SUMMIT trial reported by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The findings, presented today at the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, demonstrate that all participants treated with bezuclastinib achieved at least a 50% reduction in markers of disease burden and 63% reported their disease symptoms eased within 12 weeks. That number increased to 78% after an additional eight weeks of treatment, at which time all patients also reported an improvement in pain symptoms.
“The era of targeted therapy offers hope, not just for alleviating symptoms but for getting to the root of the condition,” said principal investigator Prithviraj Bose, M.D., professor of Leukemia. “Bezuclastinib provides precision targeting without the typical central nervous system or bleeding side effects often associated with similar drugs.”
Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare disease marked by the buildup of malignant mast cells in the bone marrow and other tissues. These high levels of abnormal mast cells can lead to a multitude of symptoms due to the release of chemicals called mediators. SM can range from non-advanced (NonAdvSM) to advanced disease (AdvSM), with symptoms that can include brain fog and skin rashes to gut issues and life-threatening anaphylaxis.
In up to 95% of patients, SM is driven by the KIT D816V gene mutation. Treatments targeting this mutated kinase have been used for AdvSM variants, but they are known to have off-target activity that can cause toxicities that restrict dosing and, therefore, limit efficacy.
There are two variants within NonAdvSM: indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) and smoldering systemic mastocytosis (SSM). ISM, which affects the majority of patients with SM, is characterized mostly by symptoms related to mast cell degranulation and mediator release. SSM is identified by a higher mast cell burden, marked by high levels of blood enzymes like serum tryptase, but without resulting organ damage.
Bezuclastinib is a potent type-1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks mutant KIT D816V activity while sparing other kinases, minimizing the potential for off-target side effects. In a separate, prior studies, the drug demonstrated minimal brain penetration in animals and no central nervous system toxicities in patients with AdvSM.
The first part of the SUMMIT trial followed 20 patients with NonAdvSM for a median duration of seven months. The majority were female (75%) with a median age of 50. Seventy-five percent of patients had the KIT D816V mutation, and all had moderate-severe symptoms. Patients were treated with either 100 or 200 mg of bezuclastinib or with placebo. All patients continued to receive their baseline anti-mediator treatments throughout the trial.
Researchers evaluated the efficacy of bezuclastinib through multiple patient-reported outcome measures and changes in markers of disease burden, such as serum tryptase, bone marrow mast cell percentage and KIT D816V mutation allele burden.
Patients who received the 100 mg dose experienced a median reduction in symptoms of 48.5% after 12 weeks. During this period, none of the patients in the placebo group reported significant improvement in their overall symptoms. However, after transitioning those patients to bezuclastinib treatment, 67% reported an improvement in their symptoms after four weeks.
After 20 weeks, more patients observed greater improvements in dermatological symptoms (78%), gastrointestinal symptoms (33%) and cognitive symptoms (33%) compared to the 12-week mark.
Adverse events generally were mild and reversible, with the most frequent being a change in hair color, nausea and peripheral edema. No serious adverse events related to bezuclastinib were reported in the 100 mg or 200 mg cohorts.
“This drug may offer great promise in the treatment of non-advanced systemic mastocytosis,” Bose said. “As we move forward, our aspiration is to optimize the dosage while maintaining a robust safety profile.”
To futher assess the drug’s efficacy in patients with NonAdvSM, next steps for the SUMMIT trial include comparing bezuclastinib against placebo once the optimal dose is determined. Part Ib of the trial will investigate 100mg and 150 mg daily doses that use a different formulation of the drug, and those results are expected in 2024, Bose explained.
The SUMMIT trial was sponsored by Cogent Biosciences. Bose reports relationships with Cogent Biosciences, GSK, Novartis, Karyopharm, AbbVie, PharmaEssentia, Jubilant, Morphic, Kartos, Telios, Disc, Jassen, Geron, Ionis, Incyte, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sobi, MorphoSys, Blueprint and Sumitomo. A full list of co-authors and disclosures can be found with the abstract.
Read this press release in the MD Anderson Newsroom.
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University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Newswise — Eating more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may be associated with a higher risk of developing cancers of upper aerodigestive tract (including the mouth, throat and oesophagus), according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Bristol and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The authors of this international study, which analysed diet and lifestyle data on 450,111 adults who were followed for approximately 14 years, say obesity associated with the consumption of UPFs may not be the only factor to blame. The study is published today [22 November] in the European Journal of Nutrition.
Several studies have identified an association between UPF consumption and cancer, including a recent study which looked at the association between UPFs and 34 different cancers in the largest cohort study in Europe, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort.
As more evidence emerges about the associations between eating UPFs and adverse health outcomes, researchers from the Bristol Medical School and IARC wanted to explore this further. Since many UPFs have an unhealthy nutritional profile, the team sought to establish whether the association between UPF consumption and head and neck cancer and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (a cancer of the oesophagus) in EPIC could be explained by an increase in body fat.
Results from the team’s analyses showed that eating 10% more UPFs is associated with a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer and a 24% higher risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in EPIC. Increased body fat only explained a small proportion of the statistical association between UPF consumption and the risk of these upper-aerodigestive tract cancers.
Fernanda Morales-Berstein, a Wellcome Trust PhD student at the University of Bristol and the study’s lead author, explained: “UPFs have been associated with excess weight and increased body fat in several observational studies. This makes sense, as they are generally tasty, convenient and cheap, favouring the consumption of large portions and an excessive number of calories. However, it was interesting that in our study the link between eating UPFs and upper-aerodigestive tract cancer didn’t seem to be greatly explained by body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio.”
The authors suggest that other mechanisms could explain the association. For example, additives including emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners which have been previously associated with disease risk, and contaminants from food packaging and the manufacturing process, may partly explain the link between UPF consumption and upper-aerodigestive tract cancer in this study.
However, Fernanda Morales-Berstein and colleagues did add caution regarding their findings and suggest that the associations between UPF consumption and upper-aerodigestive tract cancers found in the study could be affected by certain types of bias. This would explain why they found evidence of an association between higher UPF consumption and increased risk of accidental deaths, which is highly unlikely to be causal.
George Davey Smith, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Director of the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, and co-author on the paper, said: “UPFs are clearly associated with many adverse health outcomes, yet whether they actually cause these, or whether underlying factors such as general health-related behaviours and socioeconomic position are responsible for the link, is still unclear, as the association with accidental deaths draws attention to.”
Inge Huybrechts, Team head of the Lifestyle exposures and interventions team at IARC, added: “Cohorts with long-term dietary follow-up intake assessments, considering also contemporary consumption habits, are needed to replicate these study’s findings, as the EPIC dietary data were collected in the 1990s, when the consumption of UPFs was still relatively low. As such associations may potentially be stronger in cohorts including recent dietary follow-up assessments.”
Further research is needed to identify other mechanisms, such as food additives and contaminants, which may explain the links observed. However, based on the finding that body fat did not greatly explain the link between UPF consumption and upper-aerodigestive tract cancer risk in this study, Fernanda Morales-Berstein, suggested: “Focussing solely on weight loss treatment, such as Semaglutide, is unlikely to greatly contribute to the prevention of upper-aerodigestive tract cancers related to eating UPFs.”
Dr Helen Croker, Assistant Director of Research and Policy at World Cancer Research Fund, added: “This study adds to a growing pool of evidence suggesting a link between UPFs and cancer risk. The association between a higher consumption of UPFs and an increased risk of developing upper-aerodigestive tract cancer supports our Cancer Prevention Recommendations to eat a healthy diet, rich in wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, and beans.”
The study was funded by the Wellcome Trust; Cancer Research UK; World Cancer Research Fund International; Institut National du Cancer; Horizon 2020 ‘Dynamic longitudinal exposome trajectories in cardiovascular and metabolic non-communicable diseases’ study; University of Bristol Vice Chancellor’s Fellowship; British Heart Foundation and the Medical Research Council.
Paper
‘Ultra-processed foods, adiposity and risk of head and neck cancer and oesophageal adenocarcinoma in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study: a mediation analysis’ by Fernanda Morales‑Berstein et al. in the European Journal of Nutrition
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University of Bristol
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Now, the evidence for this shift is multi-pronged. On the social media front, more influencers are openly chatting about niche oral care topics, being met with plenty of engagement. For example, influencer and actress Claudia Suleweski took it upon herself to play big sister and share how she “saved her gums” and prevented recession—the video has gained 2.8 million views and counting.
Even Kim Kardashian has contributed to the buzz around viral products, like the distinct purple tooth serum from HiSmile, which some swear whitens their teeth in just one use.
Luckily, flossing is getting a rebrand as well, with devices like Flaus hitting the market—offering an electric, low-effort, and relatively sustainable alternative to traditional plastic flossing picks. (I’ve tried it, and it’s pretty great!)
Red light has already become a norm in the skin care industry, but now these LED light therapy devices are tackling the mouth–more on the research behind those possible benefits in a bit.
And if you’ve never liked the lackluster mint and artificial bubblegum toothpaste options, now you can look forward to HiSmile’s anticipated mushroom flavor toothpaste (though I’m personally unsure if that sounds any better…but to each their own).
Beyond products, special attention to the oral microbiome has also increased. Just like you can test various health metrics with an at-home kit, you can now do the same for your oral care with Peri—pretty cool, yeah?
The gist? At-home oral care is becoming many things: engaging, technologically advanced, and visually appealing. While many folks will stick with the basics, I’m sure Gen-Z (the generation who notoriously needs everything to have an aesthetic) will have fewer cavities and brighter smiles for it—if any of this actually works, that is.
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Hannah Frye
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Breathing through the nose is the body’s natural and preferred way of obtaining oxygen. Nasal breathing filters, warms, and humidifies air, while also promoting optimal oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the lungs. Unfortunately, mouth breathing bypasses these beneficial functions and can lead to a range of health issues.
When people breathe through their mouths while sleeping, they may experience dry mouth, increased snoring, and a higher likelihood of developing sleep apnea1. Moreover, mouth breathing is associated with a higher risk of gum disease,2 bad breath, throat and respiratory infections3, and poor sleep quality.
Common causes of mouth breathing include the following:
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Meghna Dassani, DMD
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