Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
Contents 

 "For a teacher there isn't anything better than reaching a million people each week." Dr. Linda Niessen

By Web Communications
Baylor College of Dentistry
The Texas A&M Health Science Center
Monday, March 01, 2004

Dr. Linda Niessen & DHC Producer Sara Ivey win 2004 Cushing Award

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation

Dental Health Check, sponsored by Baylor College of Dentistry, The Texas A&M Health Science Center, airs every Monday morning on Daybreak at 6 am and Midday at noon on WFAA-TV, News 8 and later each week on TXCN, Texas Cable News, Channel 38 on most cable systems statewide.

You can also catch Dr. Niessen on the Open Road Cafe from 7:15 - 7:30 Monday through Friday on XM Satellite Radio Band 171.

Contents 

Bad Cosmetics
08/06/07

Extreme makeovers can be costly in more ways than just the bank account. Before dental patients give their consent to extensive treatment, they should do their homework. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at case of bad cosmetic dentistry in today’s Dental Health Check.

Early Oral Exam
07/23/07

Both pediatricians and dentists agree on when young children need their very first dental exam. Just how early in life should a child take a trip to the dental office? The answer might surprise you. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today’s Dental Health Check.

Dental Bleaching
07/16/07

Do you have a big event such as wedding coming up this month?  Do you need a  quick way to whiten your smile? News 8’s Dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen looks at two different ways to professionally bleach your teeth in today’s segment of Dental Health Check.

Crown Study
04/24/07

Researchers are studying a new type of dental crown—one made by a computer driven machine.  The new technology speeds up the entire process for patients. BCD’s Dr. Linda Niessen has the story.

Little Teeth
04/09/07

Genetics play a key role in a person’s overall health. But did you know that genetics also can determine how your teeth develop. Dr. Linda Niessen examines a common problem that often runs in families: little teeth—in today’s segment of Dental Health Check.

Denture Implants
04/02/07

Overall health can suffer if you lose many of your teeth. Now, an innovative implant solves a major problem for people who need dentures. News 8’s Dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the mini-implant.

Mission of Mercy
02/19/07

Texas dentists travel from all over the state to perform dental procedures for needy patients. This past weekend, the dentists helped more than 600 people in a 48-hour dental marathon. News 8's Dr. Linda Niessen has the wrap-up.

Breath & Health
02/12/07

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you might tackle a common problem that could affect your love life--bad breath. Some causes of bad breath can be a sign of a serious medical illness. News 8’s Dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen explains.

Ortho Implants
01/29/07

Most teenagers are embarrassed if they have to wear an orthodontic appliance called headgear. The device helps move teeth.  But now, a new research study offers an innovative and more attractive alternative. News 8’s Dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen, has the story in this Dental Health Check.

New Oral Habits
01/08/07

Are you struggling to keep a New Year’s resolution about your health, such as losing weight? Well, Channel 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry suggests focusing instead on your oral health. Some important advice in today’s Dental Health Check.

Morning Pain
12/18/06

Do you wake up in the morning with head, neck or jaw pain? You may have a disorder shared by about 11 million Americans, most of them women. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at symptoms and new treatment for T-M-J in today’s segment of Dental Health Check.

Hidden Braces
12/04/06

Throughout a lifetime, crooked, crowded teeth can cause health problems. But orthodontics offer more choices than ever before. One reason: computers are designing and fabricating the braces. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the latest trend in today’s Dental Health Check.

Dental Phobia
11/27/06

Research shows the number of patients afraid of going to the dentist is decreasing. But in the U.S., there remains an estimated 10 million dental phobics. Many dentists now are trained to help the fearful patient relax. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today’s Dental Health Check.

Flu and Cold Germs
11/21/06

With the cold and flu season's arrival, many dentists and hygienists offer special advice to their patients, advice which could help reduce the risk of spreading germs. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today's Dental Health Check.

Holiday Smile
11/13/06

Are you one of those people who will not smile in family photos because you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth? Well, tis the season to take action, especially before the cameras start snapping more holiday photos. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen looks at one such case in today’s Dental Health Check.

Snoring Treatment
10/23/06

A new type of implant silences snoring in a majority of patients.  And it only requires one trip to the dentist!  Dr. Niessen looks at the innovative "Pillar procedure" in this Dental Health Check.

Quicker Ortho
10/16/06

More adults are improving their oral health by straightening their teeth. Many of them choose partial braces, which cost less and come off quicker. Dr. Linda Niessen has more on partial braces in today’s Dental Health Check.

New Imaging
08/07/06

A new type of imaging at Baylor College of Dentistry saves patients time, money, and exposes them to less radiation.  Dr. Niessen has the latest information about C-B-C-T scans.

 

Cracked Tooth Syndrome
10/03/05

Do you have a tooth that you tend to avoid when chewing?  If you do, you may

have a very difficult to diagnose dental problem called "cracked tooth syndrome." Dr. Niessen has full details in this Dental Health Check.

Hurricane Evacuee Dental Care
09/12/05

North Texas Dentists have identified 15-hundred serious dental cases among the evacuee population.  These new dental patients are getting dental treatment provided by volunteer dentists and Baylor College of Dentistry.  Dr. Niessen has the story.

Smoker Oral Health
07/18/05

A person dies from oral cancer every hour, every day in the U.S. alone. Most victims have a history of tobacco use. Now a quick, painless test detects a malignant tumor before it spreads. Dr. Linda Niessen has details in this Dental Health Check.

Breath Problems
07/11/05

Not all bad breath comes from onions and garlic.  Diet is just one of many causes of breath problems.  Dr. Niessen looks at more serious, underlying causes and the latest treatment in this Dental Health Check.

Bride Makeover
07/04/05

This summer, many brides-to-be are seeing their dentist before they say "I do."  They often are choosing minor, affordable cosmetic dental procedures that can make a dramatic difference.  Dr. Niessen looks at one such case in this Dental Health Check.

Smile Recovery
06/20/05

Traumatic falls can cause severe facial and dental injuries. Dr. Niessen reports it is never too late to restore a broken smile and make a full recovery, even a decade later as in the case of a young woman, this year's runner-up for Miss Wheelchair Texas.

Whitening Sensitivity
05/30/05

If you are whitening your teeth and feeling some sensitivity, there's no need to skip Memorial Day barbeques, or any other summer outing.  Dr. Niessen offers reassuring advice to whitening patients with sensitive teeth and gums.

Mouth Breathers
05/23/05

Dentists are detecting a hidden health problem in some children and adults. One symptom is tooth decay.  But its cause may surprise you.  Constant mouth breathing leads to an increased risk of cavities, restless sleep and snoring, tireness during the day, and even more serious health concerns. Dr. Niessen has details.

Practice Patients
05/16/05

If going to the dentist scares you, rest assured that dentists-in-training learn how to make patients comfortable before they treat real people.  How? Details from Dr. Niessen in this Dental Health Check.

Early Dental Care
05/09/05

American families take their young children to the dentist earlier than in most other countries including Europe. Why?  Both pediatricians and dentists recommend the first visit by age one.  Dr. Niessen looks at one immigrant mother of two who has adopted the "new" cultural practice in this Dental Health Check.

Botox and Facial Pain
05/02/05

A new way to treat facial pain caused by muscle contractions provides relief for some dental patients.  Dr. Niessen looks at Botox injections that are not just for wrinkles in this Dental Health Check.

Bacteria Tests
04/25/05

A new test can discover a serious underlying problem in children and adults who have frequent cavities.  Dr. Niessen looks at bacteria testing, a new trend in pediatric dentistry.

Preeclampsia
04/18/05

Pregnant women who suddenly develop high blood pressure may need to see their obstetrician and their dentist. Scientists have linked preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) with gum disease.  Dr. Niessen looks at the new evidence in this Dental Health Check.

Invisible Teen Braces
04/11/05

Teenage orthodontic patients now can avoid the label "metal mouth."  They are straightening their teeth with invisible braces that use no metal wires or brackets. Dr. Linda Niessen has more in this Dental Health Check.

Restylane Lips
04/04/05

A new procedure to enhance a woman's lips gains popularity among some dental patients. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at what some doctors are calling the "Restylane look." Details in today's Dental Health Check.

Teen Teeth
03/28/05

Which age group has a higher risk of cavities?  Children or Teenagers?  You might be surprised to learn that it's teens!  Dr. Niessen explains why in this Dental Health Check.

Stop Snoring Implant
03/21/05

A new type of implant silences snoring in a majority of patients.  And it only requires one trip to the dentist!  Dr. Niessen looks at the innovative "Pillar procedure" in this Dental Health Check.

Power Brushes
03/14/05

Are expensive power brushes really worth the extra cost?  Who really needs one?  Dr. Niessen has the answers and an update on the Sonicare and Oral B toothbrushes in this Dental Health Check.

Gentle Ortho
03/07/05

Some dentists are practicing kinder, gentler orthodontics.  They move teeth slower using better designed appliances and braces.  Dr. Niessen explains how in this Dental Health Check.

Whiter Teeth
02/28/05

This year, Americans are expected to do one thing in greater numbers than ever before. Bleach their tooth enamel. Some dentists are calling it the year of the "white out." Whitening products have grown into a half billion dollar industry. Dr. Linda Niessen helps you decide which bleaching method to use in this Dental Health Check.

Gum Disease Signs
02/21/05

As many as 1 in 7 Americans has gum disease.  Most don't know it because they don't know the warning signs. Dr. Niessen looks at those signs and advances in gum surgery.

Healthy Chocolate
02/14/05

Is chocolate candy bad for your health? Researchers continue to study the cocoa bean and have come up with some surprising research. Dr. Linda Niessen has heartening news for chocolate lovers in this Valentine's Day segment of Dental Health Check.

Sleep Dental Patients
02/07/05

Many Americans--fearful of going to the dentist-- are choosing to sleep through their appointments. That is take a nap in the dental chair during a procedure. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at this trend in this Dental Health Check.

Give Kids a Smile
01/31/05

At thousands of locations across the country this week, dentists and their staffs are giving free dental care to children. It's time for the annual "Give Kids a Smile" program sponsored by the American Dental Association. And this year, they have help from a well-known Olympic champion with a winning smile. Dr. Linda Niessen has more in this segment of Dental Health Check.

Cold & Flu Prevention
01/24/05

With the arrival of the cold and flu season, many dentists and hygienists are offering their patients special advice to reduce the risk of spreading viruses that thrive in moist environments.

Front Tooth Implant
01/17/05

The loss of a front tooth can be devastating. But it happens every day to victims of auto crashes, sports injuries, and other mishaps. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at a new type of dental implant now used to replace a missing tooth. Details in this segment of Dental Health Check.

Help for drug-darkened smiles 
01/10/05

Many dentists are offering teeth bleaching specials. But patients should know that some teeth are more difficult to whiten than others.

Gum and Heart Disease Link
01/03/05

Heart disease is expected to remain the number one killer in the U.S. throughout 2005. No other disease kills more men and women than heart disease. And scientific studies suggest daily teeth brushing and flossing reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry explains why in this segment of Dental Health Check.

Special Needs
12/13/04

Children with mental or physical disabilities often need special dental care.  One clinic in North Texas only treats children with special needs. Dr. Niessen visits the dental clinic and follows a patient visit in this Dental Health Check.

Toothprints
12/06/04

Dental X-rays help with identification, but only when teeth have special characteristics, such as unusual anatomy, fillings, crowns, root canals, or implants. But some children today have a blank dental chart because they've had no decay. That's the main reason why dentists created a new method to take a toothprint. Dr. Niessen explains in this Dental Health Check.

Skipping Shots
11/29/04

If you have a  dental "needle-phobia," a new alternative delivers a similar anesthetic but without the shot.

Wild Flavor Trend
11/22/04

Have you noticed the latest trend in toothpaste?  Wild, stronger flavors have hit the store shelves causing many smiles and a few frowns.  Dr. Niessen explains why switching toothpaste flavors for some people may cause an allergic reaction.

Pulling Baby Teeth
11/15/04

Dr. Niessen discusses a perennial parental dilemma -- pulling baby teeth -- in this segment of Dental Health Check.

Cleft Gene Test
11/01/04

A new test measures the risk of having a baby with cleft lip or palate, one of the most common birth defects in the U.S.  But lifestyle habits play a bigger role than genetics.  Dr. Niessen offers advice about lowering the risk of a cleft defect.

Halloween Treats
10/25/04

This Halloween, the only scary teeth in your household should be part of a costume.  Dr. Niessen looks at ways to combat tooth decay this week.  Do you know the difference between good candy and bad candy?

Saving Space
10/18/04

One common condition can develop in children who lose teeth early:  space problems that cause teeth to become crowded, crooked, or out of alignment.  Dr. Niessen looks a simple solution, a space maintainer, which is becoming more popularly prescribed by orthodontists and pediatric dentists.

Younger Smile
10/11/04

Cosmetic dentistry can erase years from a person's appearance much like plastic surgery.  Dentists have the patients to prove it.  Dr. Niessen talks with patients who've chosen a "smile lift" over a face lift.

Best Toothbrush
10/04/04

Good oral health depends on choosing and using the right toothbrush. Many people buy one that is too hard and too big.  Dr. Niessen offers advice about toothbrushes including how to adapt brushes to accomodate arthritis patients and stroke patients who have trouble holding a brush.

Delaying Ortho
09/27/04

When do children really require early orthdontic treatment?  When can treatment be delayed until the teenage years? These are perplexing questions for parents who may feel social pressure to seek early orthondontic treatment for their young children.  Dr. Niessen offers some straight answers.

Listerine vs. Floss
09/13/04

The new Listerine television commercials claim that rinsing with the antiseptic twice a day can be as effective in removing plaque as flossing once a day.  Dr. Linda looks at the oral argument.

Pre-dental Antibiotics
09/06/04

Some heart patients need antibiotics before they undergo dental procedures.  Others such as joint replacement patients also should take the medication as a precaution.  What's the reason?  Dr. Niessen answers that questions and others about pre-dental antibiotic treatment in this Dental Health Check.

Teeth as Tools
08/30/04

Do you use your teeth as tools to rip, cut, uncork. or loosen various objects? If you do, you are at high risk for a chipped or broken tooth.  Dr. Niessen offers words of warning about this bad habit and talks with two patients who learned the lesson the hard way in this Dental Health Check.

Dental Advances
08/23/04

Many patients notice dramatic advances in dentistry today, especially in  procedures such as root canal. Once portrayed as a profession of torture, dentistry has come a long way in reducing or even eliminating all pain in many cases.  Dr. Niessen reports on the progress.

Tooth Trauma
08/16/04

A childhood tooth injury can become a life long problem because baby teeth and permanent teeth depend on the same blood supply.  Dr. Niessen looks at the problem and the solution.

Kid False Teeth
08/09/04

A new trend in dentistry restores a young child's smile after a traumatic incident. Dentists are making pediatric "dentures" to replace knocked out teeth.  Dr. Niessen explains in this week's story.

Sleep Device
08/02/04

At least 18 million Americans stop breathing every night while they sleep. They suffer from sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that can be life-threatening. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at how a dental device that moves the lower jaw forward may be helpful. Details in this segment of Dental Health Check.

Saving A Tooth
07/26/04

This year in the U.S., more than 24 million teeth will be saved through root canal treatment. Yet it remains the most dreaded of all dental procedures. But Dr. Linda Niessen has good news. Root canal therapy is virtually painless and has a high success rate. Find out more in this Dental Health Check.

Reflux and Oral Health
07/19/04

Acid reflux disease may be harmful to your oral health. Some dentists are seeing its effects in their dental patients. Dr. Linda Niessen has details in this segment of Dental Health Check.

Dental Bride
07/12/04

Healthy teeth may not always be attractive teeth. But patients who work with their dentist can achieve both. Sometimes, only slight changes can make a dramatic difference. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at one such case where picture perfect was the goal.

Silver Amalgam
07/05/04

Can silver fillings in your mouth make you sick?  The American Dental Association says absolutely not!  Any dentist who removes silver fillings for health reasons, according to the ADA, violates its code of ethics.  Dr. Niessen explains why.

Dental Diabetics
06/28/04

Scientific research finds that controlling gum disease helps a diabetic control blood sugar.  Dr. Niessen looks at how the two diseases, when combined, cause multiple problems unless both are treated.

 

Diet Dental Device
06/21/04

Some dentists are promoting a device similar to an orthodontic retainer as a new approach to weight loss.  Dr. Niessen looks at the theory behind the Dental Diet System.

Summer Wisdom
06/14/04

When is the wisest time to have wisdom teeth extracted?  The best time may be right now.  Dr. Niessen explains why and offers advice especially to parents of college students in this Dental Health Check.

Teeth Stress Test
06/07/04

New technology tests the strength and durability of artificial teeth.  Dr. Niessen looks at how dental scientists "stress test" ceramic material to improve crowns and bridges in this Dental Health Check.

Acid and Soft Drinks
05/31/04

Soft drink consumption increases with warmer temperatures especially on holidays such as Memorial Day. That concerns one group of health professionals - dentists!  Dr. Niessen explains why.  (It's not just the sugar content.)

Spring Clean Mouth
05/24/04

Many Americans are taking better care of their teeth according to a recent survey by the American Dental Association. But some people need to spring clean their mouth along with their house. Dr. Niessen advises don't wait until you develop dental pain to see the dentist.

Protein Diet Breath
05/17/04

People on protein diets may lose more than pounds.  They may lose friends. Dr. Niessen explains a strange side effect: "protein diet bad breath" in this segment of Dental Health Check.

Pregnancy and X-Rays
05/10/04

What's more dangerous for a pregnant woman: undergoing dental x-rays or delaying dental treatment?  Dr. Niessen tackles that question and a study that links low dose radiation in pregnant women to a higher risk of delivering a low birth weight baby.

High Tech Bite
05/03/04

An innovative, high-tech device can help prevent teeth from cracking or breaking through early detection of one serious, underlying cause.  Dr. Niessen looks at the Tekscan, which measures uneven bite forces that can lead to tooth fractures.

Gum Health
04/26/04

A routine blood test can detect a risk factor for both heart and gum disease.  The risk factor is a substance in the blood called c-reactive protein, a sign of inflammation any where in the body.  Dr. Niessen looks at the latest research.

Cosmetic Failures
04/19/04

Extreme makeovers can be costly in more ways than just the bank account.  Before dental patients give their consent to extensive treatment, they should do their homework. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at one case of cosmetic dentistry that was a failure in this Dental Health Check.

Jobless Patients
04/12/04

Already crowded, free dental clinics are flooded with new patients in North Texas.  The jobless rate and a downturn in the economy are being blamed for an increase in patients without dental benefits or money to pay for dental treatment. Dr. Niessen has details in this Dental Health Check.

Snoring Guard
04/05/04

Dentists are treating patients who snore!  Patients are fitted with special mouthguards that reposition the lower jaw to silence noisy breathing.  Dr. Niessen explains how the devices work in this Dental Health Check.

Child Tooth Decay
03/22/04

Pediatric dentists notice more American children developing cavities in between their teeth, especially among the young patients who have dental sealants.  Dr. Niessen looks at the reasons for this disturbing trend and gives advice to parents in this Dental Health Check.

 

Tooth Spa
03/29/04

The hottest trend in dentistry is the tooth spa.  Dentists offer spa services and pampering in an environment that looks very different than the traditional dental office. Dr. Niessen shows three different examples in this Dental Health Check.

Crown in a Day
03/15/04

New technology shortens the time in a dental chair for patients who need a porcelain crown.  In fact, a special computerized process makes a crown in minutes requiring just one dental visit. Dr. Niessen discusses this new process in this Dental Health Check.

 

Thumb Sucking
03/05/04

Pediatricians and pediatric dentists suggest a child stop sucking his or her thumb by age five.  How can parents help their children stop the habit and avoid dental problems? Dr. Niessen has support and advice in this Dental Health Check.

Head Gear
03/01/04

Teenagers and adults have a new option over embarrassing "head gear" hardware. Some orthdontists now are using temporary implants placed in the palate to move teeth. Dr. Niessen looks at this unique orthodontic treatment in this Dental Health Check.

Smile Shapes
02/23/04

Most dental procedures improve your oral health.  But more and more patients these days choose cosmetic changes just to enhance their appearance such as changing the shape of a tooth.  Dr. Niessen has details in this Dental Health Check.

Laser Research
02/16/04

You might say it's the world's smallest Star Wars light saber!  Dental scientists now can capture a microscopic cell by firing a new type of laboratory laser. Dr. Niessen has details in this segment of Dental Health Check.

Chocolate and Health
02/09/04

Is chocolate candy bad for your health? Researchers continue to study the cocoa bean and have come up with some surprising research. Dr. Linda Niessen has heartening news for chocolate lovers in this Valentine's Day segment of Dental Health Check.

Super Clean Mouth
02/02/04

According to Vogue Magazine, Americans have a new health obsession. It's a super-clean mouth. Why? Many Americans now link oral hygiene to overall good health. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the evidence in today's Dental Health Check.

 

TMJ Signs
01/26/04

If you wake up in the morning with jaw or facial pain, you may have problems with the temporomandibular joint or TMJ.  New, conservative treatments are helping patients drastically improve the quality of their lives.  Dr. Niessen has details in this Dental Health Check.

Safer X-rays
01/19/04

New digital dental x-rays are reducing radiation exposure to patients. Quicker scans use as little as one tenth the amount of radiation of conventional x-rays. Dr. Linda Niessen has more in this segment of Dental Health Check.

New Braces
01/12/04

Throughout a lifetime, crooked, crowded teeth can cause health problems. But orthodontics offer more choices than ever before. One reason: computers are designing and fabricating the braces. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the latest trend in this Dental Health Check.

Filtered Water
01/05/04

Dental researchers have discovered that one popular method of purifying tap water removes all minerals including valuable fluoride that strengthens tooth enamel.  That method is reverse osmosis.  Dr. Niessen has details in this Dental Health Check.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

Contents