The health benefits of fluoridated drinking water may be waning as Americans increasingly turn to using toothpastes and mouthwashes that already contain fluoride, a new review suggests.
Bacteria that causes gum disease can also raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancers, a new study says.
More than a dozen bacterial species have been linked to a collective 50% increased risk of head and neck cancer, researchers found.
“Our results ...
Diabetes can worsen the state of your gums, but a new study suggests that diabetes medications may undo some of that damage.
Researchers in Japan found a positive turnaround in markers of gum well-being after people with diabetes received medication.
"Promoting co...
People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, due to the damage the chronic illness does to small blood vessels, a new study warns.
Diabetics who suffer from other diseases caused by small blood vessel damage -- diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy -- are also ...
As kids head back to school this fall, there is probably one item many parents haven't thought to put on the to-do list: dental checkups.
But they should make sure their children's teeth are in good shape, said
“Extra-hard†chewing gum is being touted on social media as a means of developing a chiseled jawline.
This sort of gum is promoted as a gym for “facial fitness,†toning and tightening the muscles around the jaw.
But experts say there’...
A healthy mouth also means a healthy heart, a new review suggests.
People who’ve lost teeth are more likely to die from heart probl...
Looking for a brand new smile?
Many people with chipped, worn or indelibly stained teeth may ponder the possibility of veneers. They're wholly cosmetic, typically aren't covered by dental insurance and can cost thousands of dollars, so it's best to understand veneers wel...
Older women with chronic kidney disease might wind up losing so many teeth they aren't able to chew and talk effectively, a new study warns.
Postmenopausal women with kidney disease are about 40% more likely to have fewer than 20 teeth, the minimum number needed to adequ...
Matcha green tea has the potential to keep gum disease at bay, a new study finds.
Lab experiments show that matcha can inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the main bac...
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face more than triple the odds of bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, a new study finds.
Oral health might have an impact on heart health, a new study has found.
Folks treated for an irregular heart rhythm were more likely to kee...
A cheap cavity-fighting liquid typically used to treat sensitive teeth appears to work as well as dental sealants in preventing tooth decay, a new study finds.
A single treatment of either silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or a typical dental sealant prevented 80% of cavitie...
Analysis of a "chemical score" from mouth lesion swab samples might allow patients to skip painful biopsies, getting oral cancers promptly diagnosed in a noninvasive way, scientists report.
Right now, dentists and other specialists must send excised tissues from suspicio...
New guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA) are cracking down on the use of opioids for tooth pain.
The guidelines say that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken alone or alongside acetaminophen should be the first-line treatment for managing...
The heavy lead apron dentists drape over you during dental X-rays may soon be a thing of the past.
On Thursday, the American Dental Association (ADA) announced that its member dentists can dispense with the aprons, technically called "thyroid collars" because they were u...
A newly developed "brush biopsy"allows dentists to screen for the most common form of mouth cancer, a new study reports.
Dentists use a small brush to gently collect cells from potentially cancerous lesions inside the mouth, researchers write in the journal
New research in mice is pointing to a surprising connection: Gum disease could exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Because gum disease (periodontitis) is a chronic, inflammatory infection, it's long been linked to higher heart disease risks. Now, Chi...
A person's toothbrush could be a true lifesaver if they land in a hospital ICU, according to new evidence review.
Regular toothbrushing is associated with lower rates of death in the intensive care unit (ICU), shorter lengths of stay, and shorter times spent on a mechani...
The holidays are all about parties, and parties are all about drinking wine. But if you're a red wine lover, how do you avoid stained teeth?
"When you drink red wine, you're encountering a triple threat to your teeth's whiteness: anthocyanins, which are the pigments in g...
If you're getting a tooth pulled or having another painful dental procedure, you're much less likely to get opioids than you were just a few years ago, new research reveals.
That's good news because opioid abuse is a major issue in the United States and these drugs aren'...
That heavy lead apron you wear at the dentist's office when getting X-rays may no longer be necessary.
While intended to shield patients from radiation exposure anywhere that isn't the jaw, the X-ray equipment used in dental offices today is quite safe compared to those ...
People want whiter teeth, surveys show, and the American Dental Association (ADA) has some advice on how to accomplish that.
Over time, teeth can become less white due to a number of causes, including food and drink, tobacco use, age, trauma and medications.
Accord...
Good oral health is one of the keys to healthy aging, but a sobering new study shows that many U.S. nursing home residents have significant dental issues.
Close to two in every 10 residents have missing teeth, about 8% have broken teeth/cavities and another 11% report pa...
Children having short-term dental pain from extractions or toothache should not be prescribed opioids but rather manage those aches with over-the-counter ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, according to new guidelines.
The guidelines detailing dental pain management strategi...
Damaged teeth could one day be repaired with "living fillings"created from stem cells, a new study reports.
In the lab, researchers induced stem cells to form small, multicellular mini-organs that secrete the proteins that form tooth enamel, according to a report publish...
Fluoride may have found its match in preventing cavities.
New research shows that toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite, one of the main mineral components in teeth, can prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride, which has been used in toothpaste since 1956.
The...
Add risk of developing memory problems later in life to the list of consequences linked to poor oral health.
Not taking care of your mouth and teeth has already been associated with heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and preterm birth. Now, a new study finds that f...
Dentures may hide harmful germs that cause pneumonia, British researchers report.
For the study, the investigators took samples from the dentures of nursing home patients who did and didn't have pneumonia. They analyzed the samples to identify the types of microbes pres...
When babies start teething, the pain and discomfort can be hard on them. In this short guide, we'll explain what teething is, when you can expect it to occur and its most common symptoms.
Plus, you'll discover several safe and effective strategies recommended by pediatri...
Diabetes is a known risk factor for mental decline and dementia. Paired with total tooth loss, the potential harm to the brain is even more significant, new research indicates.
The findings highlight the importance of good dental care and diabetes control in aging adults...
Raiding the cookie jar or candy dish at grandma's house may be a treat, but it can also help ruin children's teeth.
And a new survey found more than two-thirds of mothers reporting that their kids' grandparents gave youngsters sugary foods and beverages, with no limits ...
Without dental coverage, many American seniors on Medicare stop getting the fillings and crowns they may need, a new study finds.
The result isn't pretty.
"Without dental coverage for adults who are eligible [for] Medicare, we are seeing a rise in loss of teeth aft...
Even the tiniest teeth can decay, which is why it's important to take care of them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers some tips for caring for those little teeth, starting before the first one even arrives.
"There are habits you can start now to keep ...
Taking good care of your teeth -- brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups -- is, of course, important for good health. Now researchers say it's also vital for brain health.
While it was already clear that poor dental health could increase stroke and heart disease ris...
People who have sleep apnea may have another issue to worry about -- weaker bones and teeth.
Known as low bone-mineral density, the condition is an indicator of osteoporosis and can increase the risk of fractures and cause teeth to become loose and dental implants to fa...
Treatments for gum disease may have little benefit for heavy smokers, new research shows.
The study findings suggest the need to rethink treatment of the common gum disease periodont...
Red may be a traditional holiday color, but no one wants to wear it on their teeth.
An expert offers some tips for keeping "wine teeth"at bay during your holiday parties.
"When you drink red wine, you're encountering a triple threat to your teeth's whiteness: antho...
For those who care about their teeth, a new study sounds a pretty clear alarm: using tobacco in any form -- including the increasingly popular practice of vaping -- is a recipe for a dental nightmare.
The warning comes from the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Crani...
On top of their other health hazards, electronic cigarettes may help rot your teeth, a new study suggests.
Vaping appears to promote cavities, which can result in tooth loss if not treated quickly, experts say.
"If you are vaping, be aware that there are potential...
More and more nervous patients are showing up stoned for dental appointments, often forcing dentists to postpone treatment until the patient sobers up, new survey data shows.
As more states are legalizing marijuana, more than half of dentists (52%) report seeing patients...
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that a number of U.S. children have picked up a serious infection from contaminated water lines at the dentist's office.
Although rare, outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections have ...
Dental coverage under Medicare could soon start expanding for seniors under a new proposal from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Still, the propos...
While dental and medical care are thought to be related, researchers wondered what impact oral care might have on a serious heart condition.
A University of Michigan team studied more than 2,000 patients who had a heart attack in 2017. The patients had either received pe...
Gum disease has far-reaching effects and may increase your odds of developing dementia, a new study suggests.
In a review of 47 previously published studies, researchers in Finland found that tooth loss, deep pockets around teeth in the gums, or bone loss in the tooth so...
If you're planning to have oral surgery, be prepared, not scared, an expert suggests -- and stay off YouTube.
"I tell all of my patients, 'The more you know, the better it's going to be.' As health professionals, we're not trying to scare patients with information; it's ...
Many opioid abusers cite short-term, legitimate use of an opioid for relief of joint or dental pain as their "gateway" into addiction.
Now, research done at one New York State clinic find...
A small preliminary study suggests that the health of an expectant mother's gums may affect her likelihood of a preterm birth.
The study compared oral inflammation an...
Getting your tongue or lips pierced? Don't be surprised when your dentist is unhappy about it.
These piercings can do damage to your teeth and gums, a new study warn...
Rapid access to a patient's medical records could help dentists provide better care, but that rarely happens, a new study finds.
"Oral health practitioners may need to confirm a list of medical considerations; for example, that there is no contraindication to a patient s...