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.

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

New device can warn about early risks of tooth decay from gingivitis and periodontitis

Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new device that can warn consumers about early risks of tooth decay from diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

8 Sep 2023

New AI platform could allow dentists to read radiograms with higher accuracy

An artificial intelligence (AI) platform could allow dentists and dental students to read radiograms (X-rays) with higher accuracy, helping them to better detect tooth decay and gum diseases.

8 Aug 2023

Long-term high fluoride exposure during adolescence causes hippocampal impairments

Researchers evaluated the impacts of prolonged fluoride exposure during adolescence and adulthood on cognition and associated hippocampal alterations.

13 Jul 2023

Study reveals sugar content labels most effective in discouraging soda consumption, graphic warnings spark debate

Front-of-pack warning labels were examined to assess their impact on reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The study compared 27 warning labels with different messages to inform future research and policy directions in promoting healthier beverage choices.

6 Jul 2023

Expert panel develops first-ever guideline to treat tooth decay in primary and permanent teeth

A new American Dental Association (ADA) clinical practice guideline suggests conservative methods to treat tooth decay in primary and permanent teeth could lead to better outcomes when used with common restorative materials like fillings or caps.

26 Jun 2023

Newly discovered bacterial species can have a major role in causing tooth decay

Collaborating researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the Adams School of Dentistry and Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina have discovered that a bacterial species called Selenomonas sputigena can have a major role in causing tooth decay.

8 Jun 2023

Fluoridated water: Essential ingredient in U.S. water systems for cavity prevention and dental health equity

Fluoridated water at recommended levels reduces dental cavities by 25%, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fluoride levels for effective caries prevention. Most water systems comply with safety standards, providing the full benefits of fluoridation.

4 Jun 2023

Exploring nutritional factors during pregnancy and in infancy to find clues for childhood tooth decay

Researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester Medical Center are taking a closer look at nutritional factors during pregnancy and in infancy associated with severe tooth decay in young children.

23 May 2023

Opening doors for broader participation in oral microbiome studies: the stability and comparability of ethanol-free mouthwash

Researchers compared the use of ethanol-free and ethanol-containing mouthwash for oral microbiome studies.

1 May 2023

Experts urge the reduction of added sugars to around six teaspoons a day

Experts recommend reducing consumption of added ("free") sugars to around six teaspoons a day and limiting sugar-sweetened drinks to less than one serving a week after a comprehensive evidence review published by The BMJ today.

6 Apr 2023