http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/dentistry/ Latest research on periodontal diseases. Information on a broad range of dental health topics, including dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and general dental health. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/dentistry/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514112826.htm Prickly pufferfish could hold the key to why humans do not continually replace their teeth and may lead to advances in dental therapies. Mon, 14 May 2012 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514112826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184838.htm While we may brush and floss tirelessly and our dentists may scrape and pick at our teeth to minimize the formation of plaque known as tartar or dental calculus, anthropologists may be rejoicing at the fact that past civilizations were not so careful with dental hygiene. Researchers have discovered that particles of plaque removed from teeth of ancient populations may provide clues about their diets. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501182830.htm Scientists using nanotechology have created the first cavity-filling composite that kills harmful bacteria and regenerates tooth structure lost to bacterial decay. This first-of-a-kind nanocomposite will be tested in animal teeth then human volunteers next. Tue, 01 May 2012 18:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501182830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134319.htm A recent study found that an alarming increase in the consumption of sports and energy drinks, especially among adolescents, is causing irreversible damage to teeth -- specifically, the high acidity levels in the drinks erode tooth enamel, the glossy outer layer of the tooth. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424162218.htm A clinical trial is underway in Australia that is investigating the effects of fish oil as adjunct therapy for periodontitis. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424162218.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418162254.htm There is no convincing evidence that proves gum disease causes heart disease or stroke, or treating gum disease reduces the risk of those diseases, according to new research. Gum and heart disease share common risk factors, including smoking, age and diabetes, which is possibly why the diseases often occur in the same person. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418162254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418162252.htm A protein involved in cellular inflammation may increase the risk of plaque containing blood vessels associated with inflammatory gum disease, according to new research. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418162252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418112047.htm The culprit behind a failed hip or knee replacements might be found in the mouth. DNA testing of bacteria from the fluid that lubricates hip and knee joints had bacteria with the same DNA as the plaque from patients with gum disease and in need of a joint replacement. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418112047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417152734.htm Scientists are working to create a simple, cost-effective saliva test to detect oral cancer, a breakthrough that would drastically improve screening and result in fewer people dying of the world's sixth most common cancer. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417152734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102407.htm A study reveals that gum deterioration, which often occurs with increasing age, is associated with a drop in the level of a protein called Del-1. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410093353.htm People who received frequent dental x-rays in the past have an increased risk of developing the most commonly diagnosed primary brain tumor in the United States. Ionizing radiation is the primary environmental risk factor for developing meningioma, which is the most frequently diagnosed primary brain tumor in the United States. Dental x-rays are the most common artificial source of exposure to ionizing radiation for individuals living in the United States. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410093353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120331151138.htm New findings suggest that metformin may protect against oral cancer. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120331151138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113436.htm Oral bacteria that escape into the bloodstream are able to cause blood clots and trigger life-threatening endocarditis. Further research could lead to new drugs to tackle infective heart disease, say scientists. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325102607.htm Do you really want to avoid cavities in your teeth? Try massaging them with a high-fluoride toothpaste after lunch. "Rubbing toothpaste onto your teeth increases the fluoride protection by 400%," say experts. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325102607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305081419.htm Receding gums often result in tooth sensitivity and can lead to decay of the root and persistent inflammation of the gum. New research demonstrates that a novel method using bovine collagen is able to enhance gum healing. This resulted in thicker margins around the tooth and, in over half the cases, complete coverage of exposed roots. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305081419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120226225951.htm Japanese scientists have found that the odorous compound responsible for halitosis – otherwise known as bad breath – is ideal for harvesting stem cells taken from human dental pulp. Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120226225951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222093941.htm A novel bacterium, thought to be a common inhabitant of the oral cavity, has the potential to cause serious disease if it enters the bloodstream, according to a new study. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222093941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123357.htm According to a new study, smoking causes the body to turn against its own helpful bacteria, leaving smokers more vulnerable to disease. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133707.htm Oral blood samples drawn from deep pockets of periodontal inflammation can be used to measure hemoglobin A1c, an important gauge of a patient's diabetes status, a nursing-dental research team has found. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202628.htm Stripping some mouth bacteria of their access key to gangs of other pathogenic oral bacteria could help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. The study suggests that this bacterial access key could be a drug target for people who are at high risk of developing gum disease. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135805.htm Researchers have identified a genetic variation that raises the risk of developing serious necrotic jaw bone lesions in patients who take bisphosphonates, a common class of osteoclastic inhibitors. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103906.htm New research, using oral cancer cells in a three-dimensional model of lab-made tissue, demonstrates that previous models used to examine cancer may not be complex enough to accurately mimic the true cancer environment. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105101451.htm Chemists have developed novel glass ceramics for dentistry. The new kind of glass ceramic with a nanocrystalline structure seems to be well suited to be used in dentistry due to its high strength and its optical characteristics. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105101451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115106.htm Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice -- used extensively in Chinese traditional medicine -- that kill the major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults. In a new study, they say that these substances could have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222142450.htm Researchers have uncovered the molecular tricks used by bacteria to fight the effects of fluoride, which is commonly used in toothpaste and mouthwash to combat tooth decay. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222142450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113521.htm A common oral bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, acts like a key to open a door in human blood vessels and leads the way for it and other bacteria like Escherichia coli to invade the body through the blood and make people sick, according to dental researchers. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112032.htm New research suggests that many of the common orthodontic problems experienced by people in industrialized nations is due to their soft modern diet causing the jaw to grow too short and small relative to the size of their teeth. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116192905.htm The capsule of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacterium that causes gum disease, provides stealth, boosting the bacterium's virulence, according to new study. Call it a sugar coating, if you will, for in fact, the capsule is made from sugar molecules, which do not ordinarily elicit immunity. Thus it hides the bacterium's proteins within, preventing immune response. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116192905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116045657.htm A new mouthwash developed by a microbiologist is highly successful in targeting the harmful Streptococcus mutans bacteria that is the principal cause tooth decay and cavities, research shows. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116045657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141256.htm Professional tooth scaling was associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes in a recent study from Taiwan. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125957.htm Researchers have developed a comprehensive set of clinical characteristics that they say will lead to the ability to identify individuals at risk for developing painful jaw conditions. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109111540.htm Researchers found the human body is better at fighting gum disease when fat cells, which trigger inflammation, disappear. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109111540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114809.htm The size of our jaws decreases with age. This is shown in a unique study from Sweden that followed a cohort of dentists throughout their adult lives. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027125148.htm Gum disease can only develop with the help of normal bacteria living in the mouth, new research has revealed. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027125148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027082747.htm The size of teeth in premature children is smaller than that of children who were full-term, according to a new study. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027082747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025143526.htm In a new study, researchers in China demonstrate that anti-caries DNA vaccines, including pGJA-P/VAX, are promising for preventing dental caries. However, challenges remain because of the low immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025143526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010083440.htm Although replacing lost teeth often involves artificially building up the jaw, researchers in Sweden are now showcasing a new method whereby teeth are instead moved into the toothless area using a brace, giving patients the chance of having more teeth. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010083440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143502.htm A multi-disciplinary expert panel, convened by the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs, issued a report this month containing clinical recommendations that sugar-free chewing gum, lozenges and hard candy including xylitol or polyol combinations, and a prescription varnish with chlorhexidine and thymol could be beneficial in preventing cavities when used as adjuncts to a comprehensive cavity prevention program which includes the use of fluoride-containing products. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115402.htm Researchers in the UK have discovered a pain-free way of tackling dental decay that reverses the damage of acid attack and rebuilds teeth as new. The pioneering treatment promises to transform the approach to filling teeth forever. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822154745.htm Chemists have discovered the most naturally variable protein known to date in a bacterium that is a key player in the formation of dental plaque. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822154745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815143931.htm New parents have one more reason to pay attention to the oral health of their toothless babies. A recent study confirms the presence of bacteria associated with early childhood caries (ECC) in infant saliva. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815143931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808152223.htm Dental medicine researchers are piecing together the process of tooth enamel biomineralization, which could lead to novel nanoscale approaches to developing biomaterials. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808152223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728123111.htm A new study investigated bone fluoride levels in individuals with osteosarcoma, which is a rare, primary malignant bone tumor that is more prevalent in males. No significant association between bone fluoride levels and osteosarcoma risk was detected in this case-control study, based on controls with other tumor diagnoses. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728123111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718151602.htm In a new study, researchers have demonstrated that Twitter users are extensively sharing their experiences of toothache and seeking advice from other users. The microblogging service Twitter is a new means for the public to communicate health concerns and could afford health care professionals new ways to communicate with patients, the study's authors say. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718151602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714191537.htm Dental visits represent a chance to intervene in the diabetes epidemic by identifying individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes who are unaware of their condition, according to a new study. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714191537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714101509.htm What if, instead of waiting days or weeks for a cast to be produced and prosthetic dental implants, false teeth and replacement crowns to be made, your dentist could quickly scan your jaw and "print" your new teeth using a rapid prototyping machine known as a 3-D printer? Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714101509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712162820.htm Children and adolescents from states that had higher Medicaid payment levels to dentists between 2000 and 2008 were more likely to receive dental care, although children covered by Medicaid received dental care less often than children with private insurance, according to a new study. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712162820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707121928.htm Researchers have described a new, recessively inherited human syndrome featuring craniosynostosis, maxillary hyperplasia, delayed tooth eruption and extra teeth. The researchers also identified causative mutations in a gene IL11RA. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707121928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705071548.htm Women who are trying to become pregnant should make sure they visit their dentist and brush their teeth regularly, after preliminary research revealed that gum disease potentially can lengthen the time it takes for a woman to become pregnant by an average of an extra two months. For the first time, fertility experts have shown that, from the time that a woman starts trying to conceive, poor oral health can have a significant effect on the time to pregnancy. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705071548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627095650.htm 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. The work raises the possibility of creating a screening tool -- perhaps a swab of the cheek, or a spit test -- to gauge a dental patient's vulnerability to the condition. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627095650.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617185105.htm Laboratory-grown gingival cells treated with vitamin D boosted their production of an endogenous antibiotic, and killed more bacteria than untreated cells, according to a new study. The research suggests that vitamin D can help protect the gums from bacterial infections that lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis affects up to 50 percent of the US population, is a major cause of tooth loss, and can also contribute to heart disease. Most Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617185105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193738.htm African-Americans receive poorer dental care than white Americans, even when they have some dental insurance coverage. To better understand why this is so, researchers surveyed African-American adults with recent oral health symptoms, including toothaches and gum disease. Their findings provide insights into why disparities persist even among those with dental insurance and suggest strategies to removing barriers to dental care. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614114706.htm The technology used to replace lost teeth with titanium dental implants could be improved. By studying the surface structure of dental implants not only at micro level but also at nano level, researchers have come up with a method that could shorten the healing time for patients. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614114706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110613094035.htm Children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids who wore an oral appliance for six months experienced more favorable craniofacial growth, enlargement of pharyngeal dimensions, and improved breathing and snoring during sleep, according to new research. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110613094035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531092000.htm Permanent hair dye gives the most serious adverse effects, yet there are also many reactions to facial and body moisturizers, according to new research. Tue, 31 May 2011 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531092000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516175206.htm A team of scientists from Boston has confirmed that the bacterium Streptococcus mutans is a primary culprit in early childhood caries (EEC) cavities on the first set of teeth, and has identified a new species of bacterium, Scardovia wiggsiae, which they suspect is also a major contributor. Mon, 16 May 2011 17:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516175206.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516162201.htm A University of Oklahoma environmental science graduate student will travel to Ethiopia in June to test materials she has been investigating as possible solutions to fluorosis -- a widespread problem in the Rift Valley, where high levels of fluoride in the drinking water result in dental and skeletal disease. Mon, 16 May 2011 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516162201.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110501183823.htm Nurses who care for patients with dementia now have a tailored approach to dental hygiene for their charges, thanks to a pilot study by a team of nurses. Sun, 01 May 2011 18:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110501183823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110424152500.htm Two new studies shed light on oral health inequalities in older people and low income individuals. Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110424152500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419131543.htm Markings on fossilized front teeth show that right-handedness goes back a half-million years in the human family. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419131543.htm