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Scientists discover how bacteria invade heart tissue and cause endocarditis

Scientists have discovered the tool that bacteria normally found in our mouths use to invade heart tissue, causing a dangerous and sometimes lethal infection of the heart known as endocarditis.

28 Jun 2011

Oral health tips for fighting gingivitis

Those who faithfully brush their teeth each morning and night might feel as though they're doing enough to achieve a healthy smile. However, even people with good oral care habits may hear from their dentist or hygienist that they have signs of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.

12 May 2011

Plackers launches new dental online club for kids

Plackers, a leading brand of consumer oral care products and makers of the first disposable dental flosser, is launching Plackers Kids, its new kid-friendly dental flossers; the Plackers Kids Club, an online club for kids featuring free interactive games and activities that encourage healthy dental hygiene habits; and the Plackers Kids Club Sweepstakes, offering families the chance to win a trip for four to the popular theme park destination, Orlando, Fla. among other prizes.

5 Apr 2011

Healthy teeth and gums may reduce risk for pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology. A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.

19 Jan 2011

Plackers recommends simple steps to maintain healthy teeth, gums during stressful holiday season

Three-quarters of American adults report moderate to high stress levels in their everyday lives, and that number increases during the holiday season, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association.

30 Nov 2010

Dental health affects control of diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects every part of the body, and for people with unstable blood glucose levels there is a higher risk than normal for developing serious complications from poor oral hygiene. In a study by dLife, the world's largest diabetes community, and SoundView Research, Inc., 66 percent of active diabetes managers had not changed their oral care habits since being diagnosed and over half have not been advised by their dentist to take extra care to brush, floss, or rinse daily.

29 Oct 2010

Tips to help keep teeth and gums healthy

Good nutrition and healthy eating habits are essential to maintaining optimal oral and overall health. With Halloween just around the corner, the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) encourages parents to be mindful of the amount of candy their children are consuming, and to use this holiday as an opportunity to remind them about the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums.

15 Oct 2010

Plackers joins OHA campaign to promote oral health awareness

Plackers, a leading brand of consumer oral care products, has partnered with Oral Health America, the nation's leading independent organization dedicated to eliminating oral disease through access, education and advocacy, on the Fall for Smiles program to promote oral health awareness nationwide.

28 Sep 2010

Prevalence of periodontal disease in US higher than originally estimated

The prevalence of periodontal disease in the United States may be significantly higher than originally estimated. Research published in the Journal of Dental Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that the prevalence of periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent. The implication is that more American adults may suffer from moderate to severe gum disease than previously thought.

22 Sep 2010

Oral health impacts systemic diseases: Report

It's not news that there is a significant link between one's oral health and overall health. Though studies are ongoing, researchers have known for quite some time that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body.Your mouth is the entry point of many bacteria,said Dr. Steven Grater, Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) member and general dentist from Harrisburg. To keep this bacteria from going into your body, cleaning your mouth (brushing, flossing and rinsing) is necessary.

13 Sep 2010

Plaque-causing bacteria increases risk of heart attack

Plaque-causing bacteria can jailbreak from the mouth into the bloodstream and increase your risk of heart attack says a scientist at the Society for General Microbiology's autumn meeting in Nottingham.

6 Sep 2010

Survey: 65% of parents look to schools to help reinforce importance of oral health

Two-thirds (65%) of parents are looking to schools to help reinforce the importance of oral health, saying it is extremely or very important for schools to teach children about taking care of their teeth, according to a new public opinion survey commissioned by Oral Health America.

2 Sep 2010

Ill effects of methamphetamine

On the street it's known as meth, speed, ice, chalk, crank, fire, glass or crystal. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that wreaks havoc on the entire body, including the user's oral health. Approximately 10 million Americans have tried methamphetamine, while more than 1.4 million are habitual users.

17 Aug 2010

Tufts University faculty debunks common dental myths

Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental check-ups are standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your pearly whites than most of us know. In a review article, a faculty member at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) debunks common dental myths and outlines how diet and nutrition affects oral health in children, teenagers, expectant mothers, adults and elders.

7 Aug 2010

ODA suggests tips for good oral hygiene to parents and kids

The Ontario Dental Association is asking parents to put oral health at the top of their kids camp preparation list. An oral care kit should be on the packing list, complete with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and dental floss.

7 Jul 2010

Tray bleaching: An effective solution to improve oral health

A tooth-bleaching agent may improve the oral health of elderly and special-needs patients, say dentists at the Medical College of Georgia and Western University of Health Sciences.

29 Jun 2010

Plackers to donate dental flossers to Oral Health America's Smiles Across America program

Plackers, a leading brand of consumer oral care products, has partnered with Oral Health America, the nation's leading independent organization dedicated to eliminating oral disease through access, education and advocacy, to donate dental flossers that will reach over 30,000 children in need through the Smiles Across America program.

26 May 2010

Dental care during pregnancy is essential for combating adverse effects of oral disease

It's no secret that pregnancy is an important time in a woman's life. While women often hear about how pregnancy causes physical changes that affect their hormone or appetite levels, these changes can have a great effect on their oral health as well. Despite the fact that good oral health is essential for the overall health of both mother and child, only 22 to 34 percent of women in the United States visit a dentist during pregnancy.

18 May 2010

Free dental services to children at the Cunningham Elementary School campus

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and Communities In Schools of Nevada is proud to recognize their partnership with Future Smiles to provide free dental services to children at their on-site clinic located at the Cunningham Elementary School campus. With fewer and fewer resources, community based programs that are convenient and accessible for families, such as Communities In Schools of Nevada's clinics, are many times the only option for dental and medical care for these students.

23 Feb 2010

Early treatment and prevention of gum disease can positively impact many medical conditions

The eyes may be the window to the soul, but research is demonstrating that the mouth is the gateway to good health. In fact, a dental exam can reveal early symptoms of more than 100 diseases, as well as identify gum disease, which can have a negative effect on the body’s overall health.

20 Feb 2010