Tooth Decay News and Research

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Also termed caries, tooth decay refers to the destruction of the hard white enamel on the surface of teeth that protects the inner pulp and nerves inside from the elements. This causes exposure of the inner nerves to hot and cold food or drink which leads to pain.

State highlights: Texas doctors feeling the effects of budget cuts; Iowa advocates seeking better services for disabled

(Dr. Javier Saenz's) troubles reflect a statewide problem for doctors who treat a disproportionately high number of the reported 320,000 low-income Texans who are fully and dually eligible for Medicare, the federal insurer of the elderly, and Medicaid, the joint state-federal health care program for indigent children, the disabled and the very poor.

11 Mar 2012

Health Impact Project announces awardees of 15 new grants

The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, announced the awardees of 15 new grants today. Selected following a nationwide call for proposals, the grantees will conduct health impact assessments (HIAs), a type of study that looks at potential health impacts of policies and projects in other sectors.

5 Mar 2012

For kids whole fruit is the best and fruit juice should be limited

To help keep at bay health risks such as childhood obesity and early tooth decay, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting fruit juice in children age 1-5 to one serving per day.

23 Feb 2012

Study explains how bacterial biofilms expand to form slimy mats on teeth, surgical instruments

New research at Harvard explains how bacterial biofilms expand to form slimy mats on teeth, pipes, surgical instruments, and crops.

23 Jan 2012

Licorice root may play a role in treating and preventing gum disease, tooth decay

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.

5 Jan 2012

Tips for taking care of a toddler's teeth

While infants under 12 months old may only have a few teeth, experts say they should been seen by a dentist within the first year of life. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's revised guidelines on infant oral health recommend infants 6 to 12 months old should to be seen by a dentist.

29 Dec 2011

Fluoride supplements not found to be safe or effective

According to the Cochrane Oral Health Group, fluoride supplements fail to reduce tooth decay in primary teeth, permanent teeth cavity-reduction is dubious and health risks are little studied.

19 Dec 2011

NJ underserved children less likely to receive dental care

When it comes to receiving dental care, New Jersey has its share of underserved children, according to a Rutgers study.

13 Dec 2011

Roundup: Fla. Medicare HMO closed; Tufts and BCBS resume talks

Quality Health Plans, a Medicare HMO with 10,000 Florida members, has been ordered into liquidation after failing to come up with the cash reserves the state says were needed. Its members will be moved to another -- still unnamed -- plan by Dec. 1.

19 Nov 2011

State roundup: Calif. cuts make public health outlook bleak

One thing Gov. Mitch Daniels believes with absolute conviction is that consumers need to pay more of the cost of their health care. ... No one can say Daniels isn't practicing what he preaches. Indiana has been using a version of consumer-driven health care for state employees since 2006. Starting next year, 90 percent of Indiana state workers will be covered by a consumer-driven plan with low premiums and high out-of-pocket expenses for actual care.

18 Nov 2011

Brushing, flossing and antiseptic rinsing recommended for a healthy mouth

The makers of LISTERINE Antiseptic and award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth introduced today the newest video in the YOUR MOUTH HAS SOMETHING TO SAY series, designed to inspire Americans to redefine clean when it comes to their oral care routine.

10 Nov 2011

Tiny teeth in tatters

The tiny teeth of Australian toddlers are rotting and dental researchers at the University of Sydney are poised to start a long-term study to find out why.

25 Oct 2011

State roundup: Wis. insurance savings; N.Y. major hospital merger possible; psychiatric hospitals' hard times

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton claimed the first major success of his drive to improve government efficiency Thursday, saying a competitive-bidding process for state health insurance programs will save $242 million in the next two years. …. Republicans, who control the state House and Senate, launched an extension of their own government-efficiency plans - labeled "Reform 2.0" - in August.

22 Oct 2011