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.

New over-the-counter pediatric toothpaste helps re-harden softened enamel

Starting from the time they take their children to their first dentist appointment, most parents know how important it is for kids to brush their teeth twice a day and floss regularly to protect against tooth decay.

8 Apr 2009

Maine medical residents receive dental care training to address state dentist shortage

The New York Times on Tuesday examined how "[d]entists are in such short supply in Maine that primary care doctors who do their medical residency in the state are learning to lance abscesses, pull teeth and perform other basic dental skills through a program that began in 2005."

4 Mar 2009

Modern lifestyle habits may prevent tooth decay

New research has found that modern lifestyle habits may play a bigger role than food alone, when it comes to tooth decay.

26 Feb 2009

Tabelands towns to have fluoridated water by 2011

As part of a Queensland Government initiative, plans are afoot to introduce fluoride into the water supplies of a number of towns on the Tablelands, in the state's far north by 2011.

3 Dec 2008

Scientists discover new species of bacteria in the mouth

Scientists have discovered a new species of bacteria in the mouth. The finding could help scientists to understand tooth decay and gum disease and may lead to better treatments, according to research published in the August issue of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

10 Aug 2008

Xylitol 'gummy bears' may prevent dental problems

The tooth-protecting sugar substitute xylitol has been incorporated into gummy bears to produce a sweet snack that may prevent dental problems.

24 Jul 2008

Controlling plaque without toothpaste

Leeds Dental Institute, ranked the top school in the UK for dentistry is currently looking at new and better ways to improve dental treatment and take the fear factor out of the patient experience for good.

23 Jul 2008

Fluoride toothpaste too pricey for world's poorest people

Fluoride toothpaste is prohibitively expensive for the world's poorest people, according to a study published in BioMed Central's open access journal Globalization and Health. Researchers revealed that the poorest populations of developing countries have the least access to affordable toothpaste.

15 Jun 2008

When it comes to your teeth smoothies are roughies

Dentists are warning about the dangers of the currently popular fruit 'smoothies' and say they could lead to widespread tooth damage.

21 May 2008

Dental sealants still offer best protection against tooth decay says the BC Dental Association

Dental sealants remain one of the best methods for protection against tooth decay in children, says the BC Dental Association. The Association supports Health Canada's announcement that bisphenol-A (BPA) in dental resin materials poses no significant health threat.

20 Apr 2008

About 31 percent of low-income children ages 2 to 5 have dental cavities that don't get treated

If untreated, the infection (dental caries) that causes tooth decay and cavities can also lead to pain, tooth loss and more serious infections. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children. Some children need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene.

4 Apr 2008

First comprehensive database of microorganisms known to live in the mouth

Scientists know more today than ever before about the microbes that inhabit our mouths.

26 Mar 2008

Search for genes tied to social behavior

The first genome-wide search for genes governing social behavior has found that even the simplest social creatures - the amoebae Dictyostelium discoideum - have more than 100 genes that help regulate their cooperative behavior.

14 Feb 2008

Chemicals in red wine grapes may prevent tooth decay

A class of chemicals in red wine grapes may significantly reduce the ability of bacteria to cause cavities, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

10 Jan 2008

Polyphenols in wine may help prevent cavities

A class of chemicals in red wine grapes may significantly reduce the ability of bacteria to cause cavities, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

3 Jan 2008

Researchers seek to make cavity-causing bacteria self-destruct

Bacteria that eat sugar and release cavity-causing acid onto teeth may soon be made dramatically more vulnerable to their own acid.

3 Jan 2008

Mouthguards harbor large numbers of bacteria - can lead to disease

Fractured teeth, neck injuries and abrasions in the mouth, also known as sports-related dental injuries, are ever present among athletes.

10 Dec 2007

Non-invasive method of checking teeth for cavities

Dental x-rays could be a thing of the past thanks to a new knowledge transfer partnership between the University of Abertay Dundee and pioneering research firm IDMoS.

10 Oct 2007

Oral hygiene recommendations

For more than 75 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance program has helped consumers make informed decisions about safe and effective oral care products.

24 May 2007