Tooth Enamel News and Research

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Inadequate saliva and fluoride can contribute to tooth decay

Tooth enamel is tough, harder even than skeletal bone. But even with good dental hygiene, the enamel protecting teeth may show signs of decay in older adults. The January issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers what to look out for and what to do to promote an enamel-friendly setting in the mouth. According to the newsletter, two significant contributors to tooth decay are too little saliva and inadequate fluoride.

18 Jan 2010

Proline repeats make teeth strong and resilient

A simple amino acid that is repeated in the center of proteins found in tooth enamel makes teeth stronger and more resilient, according to new research at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

22 Dec 2009

Bran flakes with raisins and added sugar promote plaque acid

Elevated dental plaque acid is a risk factor that contributes to cavities in children. But eating bran flakes with raisins containing no added sugar does not promote more acid in dental plaque than bran flakes alone, according to new research at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

19 Dec 2009

Strong alkaline substances can damage teeth

It has long been known that acids can erode tooth enamel but a new Swedish study from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, shows that strong alkaline substances can damage teeth too - substances with high pH values can destroy parts of the organic content of the tooth, leaving the enamel more vulnerable.

28 Oct 2009

Dentists recommend healthy foods for children’s oral hygiene

You wouldn’t send your children to school with a lunchbox full of candy bars, but you might be packing almost as much sugar when you send them off with some popular lunchtime classics. Considering most children brush their teeth in the morning and before bed, the sugar they put in their mouths at lunchtime could stay there for a while, and that worries some dentists.

4 Sep 2009

Some orthodontic appliances more prone to bacteria

Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry have found the majority of patients with self-ligating orthodontic brackets retain fewer bacteria in plaque than patients with elastomeric orthodontic brackets.

14 Apr 2009

Home teeth whiteners slightly reduce enamel strength

New research shows that human teeth lost some enamel hardness after the application of several different products used in the home to whiten teeth.

14 Apr 2009

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

Discovery of gene that controls the production of tooth enamel

Researchers have identified the gene that ultimately controls the production of tooth enamel, a significant advance that could some day lead to the repair of damaged enamel, a new concept in cavity prevention, and restoration or even the production of replacement teeth.

23 Feb 2009

Drink tea instead of soft drinks to avoid tooth erosion

Today, the average size soft drink is 20 ounces and contains 17 teaspoons of sugar.

25 Nov 2008

Dentists warn against brushing teeth after every meal

Dentists in Britain say children should not brush their teeth after every meal, they say it may be doing their teeth more harm than good.

2 Jul 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

NYU dental professor discovers biological clock linking tooth growth to other metabolic processes

This clock, or biological rhythm, controls many metabolic functions and is based on the circadian rhythm, which is a roughly 24-hour cycle that is important in determining sleeping and feeding patterns, cell regeneration, and other biological processes in mammals.

7 Apr 2008

Watch your teeth if drinking energy drinks

For more than 10 years, energy drinks in the United States have been on the rise, promising consumers more "oomph" in their day.

13 Mar 2008

Early diagnosis and prevention of the effects of tooth erosion are fundamental to keeping teeth healthy for life

Fruit, yogurt, citric and soft drinks, may seem like harmless snacks and beverages, but improper consumption and overuse may lead to devastating and permanent damage to teeth. It's known as tooth erosion, the break down of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth that leads to decay.

26 Jun 2007