The Science of Dentistry

Smoking Gum Disease

According to a new study, smoking causes the body to turn against its own helpful bacteria, leaving smokers more vulnerable to disease.

Dried Licorice Root

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 study in American Chemical Society’s Journal of Natural Products, they say that these substances could have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Printing Body Parts

It is amazing to me what technology is capable of, and everyday I learn something that makes me wonder just how close we will actually come to some of the fictitious “marvels” seen on the sci-fi movies.  Space travel, whole body health scanners, robotic arms and limbs.

Beam Brush

Self monitoring of activity levels using accelerometer activated devices like Striiv and FitBit is all the rage these days, and now the field is expanding into dentistry thanks to the Beam Brush.  The device transmits data about its use via Bluetooth to a matching smartphone app that keeps track of when and for how long the brush was used for.

Preserve Toothbrush

So the folks at Preserve Products are taking old yogurt cups and using them to make toothbrushes.  Makes sense to me.  The Preserve Toothbrush is priced right (less than $3 each), is good for the environment, is BPA free, and comes with a postage paid mailer to return the toothbrush for another round of recycling.

Gum Disease And Weight Loss

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers found the human body is better at fighting gum disease when fat cells, which trigger inflammation, disappear.

Dental Hypnosis

What if it was possible to undergo a root canal filling or tooth extraction without feeling the pinch of a needle or the after effects of general anesthesia? Hypnosis could uncover a new world for patients seeking dental care.

Brushing Teeth

Using your toothbrush too enthusiastically can permanently damage teeth and gums.  People who brush longer and harder than necessary not only fail to make their teeth cleaner but actually risk harming themselves, a study shows.

Tooth Whitening Safety

To date, there have been no major health problems attributed to tooth whitening products when used as directed. Many studies have confirmed this, and I will share some of these findings with you momentarily. But first it’s worth noting that a scientific understanding of safety is quite different from what consumers think about safety.

Pneumonia Link Oral Hygiene

Those who don’t brush their teeth regularly may be putting themselves at greater risk of contracting pneumonia.