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.

Do sugar substitutes really help? New research reveals their impact on metabolism and gut health

Low and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCSs) help reduce sugar intake, but their long-term effects on metabolism, gut health, and insulin response remain under investigation. Ongoing research explores their safety, effectiveness, and regulatory landscape.

27 Feb 2025

Oral and gut bacteria in stroke patients associated with worse prognosis and mortality

A common bacteria usually found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, Streptococcus anginosis, may be abundant in the guts of people with stroke and is associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of death, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025.

30 Jan 2025

Regular dental flossing linked to lower risk of stroke and irregular heartbeats

Flossing your teeth at least once a week may be linked to a lower risk of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking brain blood flow and irregular heartbeats, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025.

30 Jan 2025

Can fluoride affect IQ? Study points to risks but raises questions

Despite finding a link between fluoride exposure and lower IQ, the study’s flaws raise questions.

7 Jan 2025

Atom probe tomography reveals fluoride patterns in aging teeth

Teeth are essential for helping people break down the food they eat and are protected by enamel, which helps them withstand the large amount of stress they experience as people chew away. Unlike other materials in the body, enamel has no way to repair damage, which means that as we age, it risks becoming weaker with time.

20 Dec 2024

How added sugars and sweetened foods impact the risk of 7 cardiovascular diseases

Researchers examine the risk of seven different types of cardiovascular diseases associated with added and free sugar in foods and beverages.

12 Dec 2024

Experts identify key strategies to combat tooth decay in young children

Researchers at The University of Manchester have identified several ways for health leaders to tackle the problem of tooth decay in children in England.

24 Nov 2024

Survey reveals alarming dental decay rates in Kentucky preschoolers

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry's 2023 Kentucky Early Learners' Oral Health Surveillance Project survey found dental decay rates for Kentucky children ages 2 through 5 are significantly higher than the national average.

7 Nov 2024

Research highlights need for clear guidelines on healthy hydration

Adequate water intake is essential for human health and well-being. But around the world, the consumption of sugary beverages has risen and accelerated health challenges including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.

30 Aug 2024

Children in deprived areas face higher risk of severe tooth decay requiring hospital extraction

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have found that children living in areas with high levels of deprivation are three times more likely to have severe tooth decay that requires a dental extraction in hospital, compared with children living in more affluent areas.

15 Jul 2024

As bans spread, fluoride in drinking water divides communities across the US

Regina Barrett, a 69-year-old retiree who lives in this small North Carolina city southeast of Charlotte, has not been happy with her tap water for a while.

12 Apr 2024

Regular intake of sugary drinks, fruit juices tied to higher Type 2 diabetes risk in boys

A small, long-term study of almost 500 children in Massachusetts has found that regularly drinking sugary drinks and 100% fruit juices during childhood and adolescence may be linked to a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among boys than girls, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024, March 18- 21, in Chicago.

20 Mar 2024

Inexpensive liquid works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay

An inexpensive, cavity-fighting liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay in a school cavity prevention and treatment program, according to a new study by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry.

4 Mar 2024

Individual genetic variations and bacterial flora linked to recurrent caries disease

Researchers at Umeå University have for the first time been able to show that individual variation in susceptibility to infection and bacterial flora together explain recurrent caries disease and that others are asymptomatic.

21 Feb 2024

Combined approach needed to address oral health inequalities and systemic health burden

'Time to put your money where your mouth is: addressing inequalities in oral health' is the new Economist Impact white paper published today, commissioned by the EFP (European Federation of Periodontology) with support from Haleon.

13 Feb 2024

UK soft drinks levy may have reduced tooth extractions in children by 12%, study finds

The UK soft drinks industry levy introduced in 2018 may have reduced the number of under 18s having a tooth removed due to tooth decay by 12%, suggests research published in the open access journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

14 Nov 2023

Added calcium and phosphate in fluoride varnishes no silver bullet for fighting kids' tooth decay, study finds

The study explores the effectiveness of sodium fluoride varnishes with added calcium and phosphate versus conventional varnishes in reducing harmful bacteria in preschool children's mouths. Results indicate no significant difference between the two types of varnishes in controlling bacterial growth, calling for more research on effective ways to combat early childhood caries.

1 Nov 2023

Fluoride exposure in drinking water linked to cognitive deficits in children

Long-term consumption of water with fluoride levels far above established drinking water standards may be linked to cognitive impairments in children, according to a new pilot study from Tulane University.

26 Oct 2023

Turning the tap on healthier habits: Belgian schools trial DRINK program to swap soft drink for water

The DRINK program aims to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and increase tap water intake among Belgian schoolchildren through nutrition and sustainability-based interventions. Implemented in 168 schools, the long-term study will evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in promoting healthier habits.

28 Sep 2023

Early feeding practices key to shaping lifelong oral microbiome

Research delves into the little-explored world of the infant oral microbiome, examining how early nutrition and environmental factors shape it. With implications for lifelong health, the research aims to guide future health recommendations, emphasizing the need for more longitudinal studies and advanced sequencing techniques.

26 Sep 2023