By Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, April 28, 2013
People who tend to party too much on a Saturday night are apt to see pink elephants in their vision. But others who never misbehave may suddenly notice spots, threads or cob-web-like structures floating in front of their eyes. What causes these images and when are they a medical emergency?
Dental X-Rays Linked To MeningiomasBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, August 12, 2012
What should you do the next time the dentist tells you he or she is going to take full dental X-rays? A new study shows that just as porcupines make love very, very carefully you should also take care to limit the amount of radiation exposure during your lifetime, particularly the amount your children receive.
Dried licorice root fights the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum diseaseBy American Chemical Society Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice — used extensively in Chinese traditional medicine — that kill the major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults. In a study in ACS’ Journal of Natural Products, they say that these substances could have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Dried licorice root fights the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum diseaseBy Guest Column Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice — used extensively in Chinese traditional medicine — that kill the major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults. In a study in ACS’ Journal of Natural Products, they say that these substances could have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Result : The Great Soap ExperimentBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, May 22, 2011
Several months ago I started brushing my teeth with soap. Why? Because I’m of Scottish background and I don’t enjoy paying dental bills. Nor do I find it pleasant to have dentists scraping plaque from my teeth every six months. Besides, a medical report said that soap not only removes plaque, but also stops cavities and protects gums. So how did my experiment turn out?
My first reaction to this report was, “Come on, Dr. Judd, you must be kidding! Who would ever brush their teeth with soap?” But Dr. Gerald Judd was no nut. He was a retired Professor of chemistry at Purdue University. So since I admire people who challenge well-established theories that may be wrong, I didn’t toss his report into the waste paper basket. After some thought, what he said seemed to make sense.
What do Canadians Have Lurking Inside Their Mouths - and Why Does it Matter?
By Guest Column Wednesday, March 30, 2011
TORONTO, - Bacteria are everywhere - from the keyboard to the kitchen sink to the crevices in our mouth. Yet a recent survey conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of Johnson & Johnson Inc., the makers of LISTERINE® Antiseptic found that while Canadians are concerned about the germs around them - on their hands (63 per cent), shopping cart handles (57 per cent) or doorknobs (53 per cent) - less than half (44 per cent) are troubled by the bacteria inside them - specifically what remains inside their mouth, even after brushing and flossing.
But these bacteria are no laughing matter. Many that hang around our gum line, between our teeth or under our tongue can cause gum disease which has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, among other systemic health issues. And while 97 per cent of Canadians say oral health is important, eight in 10 have experienced oral health issues over the past year - including bleeding while brushing or flossing.1
Eye Damage From Laser PointersBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, February 6, 2011
“Why isn’t he more careful when pointing that laser beam?” I wondered during a recent lecture. The speaker was careless with the red beam, casting it about before pointing it at the screen. I knew lasers could damage eyes. When used for treating medical problems, protective glasses must be worn. But I had no idea whether the use of a laser pointer was dangerous. Now I know.
Dr. Martin K. Schmid, an ophthalmologist at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital in Lucerne, Switzerland, reports in the New England Journal of Medicine the case of a 15-year-old boy who wanted to have a little fun. So he purchased a laser thinking he would burn a hole in his sister’s sneakers and pop balloons.
Soap to Brush Your Teeth? Are You Kidding?By Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, January 30, 2011
Do you enjoy paying dental bills? Or having dentists scraping plaque from your teeth? If it’s a pleasure, there’s no need to read this column. But I’ve never enjoyed these regular checkups. Now there’s a way to retire dentists, prevent cavities, protect gums and rid teeth of plaque, using cheap, ordinary soap.
Gel that can help decayed teeth grow back could end fillingsBy News on the Net Tuesday, July 27, 2010
By Pat Hagan, Daily Mail
A gel that can help decayed teeth grow back in just weeks may mean an end to fillings.
The Doctor GameBy Dr. Gifford Jones Monday, October 19, 2009
Trained Monkeys Should Attend Hockey Games. Do you know what I’d do if I owned a trained monkey? I’d give him my season tickets to hockey games at the Air Canada Center (ACC) in Toronto. It would save me from incessant, ear-splitting noise. Besides, it would also save me from repeatedly asking, “What did you say?”
Eggs Decrease Risk of Macular Degeneration
By Dr. Gifford Jones Monday, May 4, 2009
“Don’t you worry about cholesterol in eggs?” a friend recently asked me. I had ordered ham-and-eggs for breakfast which I often enjoy. But my friend was sure that eggs were a nutritional relic of the past, only good for a display at the Smithsonian Institution. I told him he was suffering from “cholesterolphobia”, should upgrade his thinking about eggs, and that if he would order the same breakfast, it would decrease his risk of heart disease and macular degeneration.
Saving Thousands of Dollars On Expensive Dental careBy Dr. Gifford Jones Wednesday, June 4, 2008
My initial reaction was, “It can’t be true!”. I’ve enough gray hair to know that if something sounds too good to be true, it’s normally an easy way to lose money. But this was one of my editors talking. And I’ve also got enough gray hair to know you don’t tell your editor he’s full of baloney. That’s a speedy way to get fired. So I politely listened. Particularly, since preserving healthy teeth has always been a good way to preserve your health.
Donald Trump To Larry King “Your Breath Is Awful”By Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, December 30, 2007
Are you having trouble getting a second date? Do you see friends backing away when you’re speaking to them. Or has your faithful dog started to sit on the other side of the room. If so, you may be suffering from ‘Halitosis”. But before you lose your last friend there are ways to fight this problem. A good start is to take the blueberry test. It will also help to save your teeth.
A Revolutionary Way To Prevent Cold SoresBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, November 25, 2007
Do you want to avoid that ugly cold sore (herpes labialis) before it even starts? Few people who feel that dreaded tingle and know an attack is imminent would pass up that chance. Now, a new therapy called “InterceptCS” employs a revolutionary technique, “Thermal Defense Technology”, that prevents cold sore outbreaks.