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.

PFAS associated with greater tooth decay in children

Children with higher concentrations of a certain chemical in their blood are more likely to get cavities, according to a new study by West Virginia University School of Dentistry researchers.

6 Feb 2020

Vitamin D in pregnancy reduces risk of enamel defects in offspring

An important randomized trial shows that when vitamin D is supplemented at high doses in the last three months of pregnancy, there is a fall in the occurrence of enamel defects in the deciduous (milk) and permanent teeth of the offspring by half, over the next 6 years, compared to a low dose supplementation. However, the incidence of caries was not affected.

27 Jan 2020

Bioactive peptide helps prevent new cavities, heal existing ones

Cavities, or dental caries, are the most widespread non-communicable disease globally, according to the World Health Organization. Having a cavity drilled and filled at the dentist's office can be painful, but untreated caries could lead to worse pain, tooth loss, infection, and even illness or death.

22 Jan 2020

A dentist's drill may not be the best way to manage tooth decay in children

A dentist's drill might not be the best way to tackle tooth decay in children's teeth, a new study has concluded.

27 Nov 2019

Tips to help older adults maintain good oral health

Older adults are at an especially high risk for mouth and tooth infections and the complications that can come with these problems.

10 Nov 2019

Fluoride varnish: is there any benefit?

Though hugely popular for preventing dental decay in children, fluoride varnish may not be anything but an expensive placebo, it turns out, from the results of a new study by University of Washington researchers.

20 Sep 2019

Antibiotic resistance is transferring from humans to animals

Resistance to antibiotics could be moving from humans to animals, research by a Clemson University professor has shown. The research details results that demonstrate reverse zoonosis, a process by which humans infect other species of animal with diseases.

18 Sep 2019

New advance could lead to regrowth of decayed enamel

Modern dental practice is concerned with preserving teeth rather than extracting them, even if tooth decay is present. Various types of fillings have been used, including materials like composite resins, ceramics and amalgams.

3 Sep 2019

ADHA comments on a study linking maternal fluoride exposure during pregnancy and children's IQ scores

The American Dental Hygienists' Association supports community water fluoridation as a safe and effective method for reducing the incidence of dental caries throughout the lifespan.

30 Aug 2019

Elite athletes have high rates of oral disease despite frequent brushing

Elite athletes have high rates of oral disease despite brushing their teeth more frequently than most people, finds a new UCL study.

25 Aug 2019

Is higher fluoride intake in pregnancy affecting kids’ IQ?

A new study suggests that fluoride consumption at higher levels in pregnancy could be linked to a decline in IQ by a few points in the children. Experts disagree on the acceptability of this finding, which has stirred up questions about fluoridation of public drinking water supplies.

20 Aug 2019

Scientists discover mechanism that could offer potential new solution to tooth repair

Stem cells hold the key for tissue engineering, as they develop into specialized cell types throughout the body including in teeth.

10 Aug 2019

Dental visits drop after adults turn 80, study finds

Visits to the dentist drop significantly after adults turn 80, finds a new study by researchers at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.

24 Jul 2019

Israeli scientists invent new tooth fillings to fight recurrent decay

Almost everyone experiences tooth decay (caries), it seems, making this among the most common conditions caused by bacterial infection. The costs of treating this condition are among the highest for bacterial conditions

10 Jul 2019

Study highlights potential health impact of zero-calorie sweeteners

As a sugar substitute, zero-calorie sweeteners may reduce tooth decay and blood sugar spikes. Seven are approved worldwide and safe for humans - but does this mean they're healthy?

26 Jun 2019

Charcoal-based toothpaste comes with 'real risks'

Scientists have concluded that there are no proven benefits for toothpaste containing activated charcoal and that it may actually increase the risk of tooth decay and staining.

13 May 2019

Honey ‘as high in sugars as table sugar’

New research by the charity Action on Sugar suggests that consumers are being misled into believing that honey and syrups are a healthy alternative to sugar.

2 May 2019

Genetic makeup does not predispose people to tooth decay, study finds

A new study has found genetic makeup does not predispose people to tooth decay, however the research did find that children with overweight mothers are more likely to have cavities.

30 Apr 2019