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.

Patented antibacterial polymer technology prevents secondary cavities

The Basic to Breakthrough series chronicles how investments from the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science at our National Laboratories have led to new technologies that are changing our world.

22 Sep 2025

Unlocking the secrets of oral bacteria to fight tooth decay

If Wenjun Zhang has her way, no one will ever have to brush or floss again.

5 Sep 2025

Apple juice has temporary effects on saliva but no lasting damage

A new study led by the University of Portsmouth suggests our saliva is stronger than we thought.

3 Sep 2025

Maple compound offers natural protection against cavities

A new study in the journal Microbiology Spectrum highlights the potential of using a natural compound from maple to combat the bacteria responsible for tooth decay: Streptococcus mutans.

7 Aug 2025

Even healthy eating can’t guarantee cavity-free kids, study reports

Researchers studying low-income children in upstate New York found three distinct snack and drink consumption patterns. However, none of these dietary patterns predicted early childhood caries, highlighting the complex, multifactorial origins of the condition.

20 Jul 2025

Online support package empowers parents to improve dental health of young autistic children

A new, free, online support package aims to empower parents of young autistic children to look after their dental health – and reduce levels of tooth decay and surgery.

10 Jul 2025

New brain scan tool predicts aging speed and dementia risk

Any high school reunion is a sharp reminder that some people age more gracefully than others. Some enter their older years still physically spry and mentally sharp. Others start feeling frail or forgetful much earlier in life than expected.

1 Jul 2025

Water fluoridation provides greater benefits for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

Water fluoridation is effective in preventing tooth decay overall, but there are greater benefits for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, University of Queensland research has found.

1 Jul 2025

School-based cavity treatments help stop tooth decay in children

Two topical treatments applied to kids' cavities can stop the majority of them from progressing for years, according to a study led by NYU College of Dentistry and published in JAMA Network Open.

9 Jun 2025

Kids notice sugar warnings but still reach for flavored milk

Findings reveal that sugary drink labels lead to minor changes in children's beverage selections, pointing to the necessity for effective labeling strategies.

8 Jun 2025

Back-to-basics, 'not fad' diets beat heart disease and diabetes

This review examines dietary interventions that can improve cardiometabolic health, highlighting the role of whole foods in reducing heart disease and diabetes.

4 Jun 2025

Banning fluoride could cause widespread dental disease in children

Fluoride has been added to public water systems in the United States since 1945 to strengthen tooth enamel and fight off bacteria, ultimately reducing tooth decay.

30 May 2025

MicroRNA breakthrough offers hope for dental bone regeneration

Dental caries, or tooth decay, is a common oral health condition that often causes significant pain and discomfort and may even lead to tooth loss.

8 May 2025

RFK Jr. struggles to navigate frustrated supporters and a demanding boss

After the Senate voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary, supporters of his "Make America Healthy Again" movement cheered at having a champion in the federal government.

17 Apr 2025

Tooth and gum problems common among teenage footballers in England

The prevalence of tooth and gum issues among teenage (academy) professional footballers in England is high, finds research published in the open access journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.

9 Apr 2025

With few dentists and fluoride under siege, rural America risks new surge of tooth decay

In the wooded highlands of northern Arkansas, where small towns have few dentists, water officials who serve more than 20,000 people have for more than a decade openly defied state law by refusing to add fluoride to the drinking water.

27 Mar 2025

Oral Health Throughout Life campaign provides actionable guidance to maintain healthy smiles

Maintaining oral health throughout life is essential for health, overall well-being and an optimal quality of life.

19 Mar 2025

New dental treatment designed to combat tooth decay and acid erosion

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a new dental treatment to protect the teeth from decay and acid erosion, using cutting-edge civil engineering technology used to create the Forth Bridge paint.

13 Mar 2025

Is fluoride safe for your gut? New study investigates

Systematic review finds that while low-dose fluoride has little effect on gut microbiota, high doses disrupt microbial diversity and balance, especially in animal studies. The effects vary by species, fluoride form, and exposure level, raising concerns about high-dose fluoride impacts on gut health.

11 Mar 2025

Cheese vs. Diet Coke: An Aussie dentist weighs in on the viral TikTok hack

A bizarre TikTok trend has people pairing Diet Coke with cheese in the name of dental health—but does it actually work? Dr. Ben Hargreave from Dental Boutique breaks down the science and shares which foods actually protect your teeth.

11 Mar 2025