All articles tagged with #dentistry
Menopause can influence oral health as estrogen declines, leading to dry mouth, gum disease, and TMJ issues, with some experiencing tooth fractures and headaches; experts recommend fluoride toothpaste, regular cleanings, night guards if you grind, staying hydrated, and discussing hormone therapy with a clinician as research on its benefits continues.
A 59,000-year-old Neanderthal molar from Siberia shows a deep hole drilled into the tooth to treat severe decay, likely an early root-canal-like procedure done with a narrow jasper tool; experiments suggest 35–50 minutes of work, and the patient survived for a time, signaling advanced medical capability and cognitive sophistication in Neanderthals outside Homo sapiens.
Dentist Dr. Cerina Fairfax is mourned after police say her estranged husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, killed her and then took his own life in their Annandale home during a divorce dispute; the couple's two teenage children were home, and colleagues praised Fairfax for her devotion to patients and family.
Dentists prescribed over 2.3 million clindamycin prescriptions last year despite a decades‑old black‑box warning for serious C. difficile infections, even as overall dental antibiotic use rose about 6% from 2020 to 2025. The investigation ties unnecessary dental antibiotic prescribing to higher C. difficile risk and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting how private dental practice has lagged in antibiotic stewardship and guideline updates, with the story of Dolores Owens illustrating the potential harms of such prescribing.
A science conference linked good dental hygiene to a reduced risk of more than 50 conditions, including dementia, urging people to brush two to three times daily (with a pre-bedtime brush) and to consider electric brushes; researchers warn UK oral health is lagging and bacteria from gums may affect the brain and other organs.
Chinese researchers have developed BSCT, a nondestructive whitening powder that, when brushed with an electric toothbrush, generates a small electric field to trigger reactions that break apart stain-causing molecules, whitening teeth while helping enamel repair for potential at-home use.
Dentists say nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste can remineralize enamel, relieve sensitivity, and offer a fluoride-free option, but it's not yet proven to replace fluoride across populations; the ADA still recommends fluoride toothpaste and routine dental care, with n-HAp best suited for low- to moderate-risk patients or as an adjunct in some cases; long-term safety data are limited and more research is needed.
The article discusses recent developments in multiple sclerosis research, highlighting challenges like funding cuts and climate change, and also features a dental health expert advocating for rethinking oral care to prevent cavities without invasive procedures.
Dentists can detect a wide range of health issues beyond dental problems by examining the mouth, including systemic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle habits, and even early signs of serious conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases, making routine dental checkups crucial for overall health monitoring.
Dentist Lulu Tang advises against using flossing picks for cleaning teeth, as they may not effectively clean below the gum line and can damage gums if used improperly. In a viral TikTok video, she demonstrates the correct 'c-shape' technique for flossing and suggests using multiple picks per session to avoid spreading bacteria. While some viewers agree with her advice, others defend the convenience of flossing picks, especially for those with small mouths or difficulty using traditional floss.
TikTok doctor Dr. Joe Whittington advises washing your toothbrush bristles with soap and water every night to reduce bacteria and viral growth, which can impact overall health and cardiovascular health. Good oral hygiene, including brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, is crucial. Electric toothbrushes are recommended for their effectiveness and built-in timers. Additionally, Whittington suggests soaking the toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash weekly and replacing it after 12 to 24 hours if you have strep throat.
Dentists recommend not rinsing after brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste to allow the fluoride to stay on the teeth and provide added protection against cavities. Rinsing lightly or delaying the rinse by about 20 minutes is also suggested, while using a fluoride-containing mouthwash is an alternative for those who prefer to rinse. Children should also follow these brushing habits, with caregivers supervising to ensure they do not ingest too much fluoride.
Dentist Dr. Deepak Aulak warns that the color of a person's tongue can indicate their general health, with a healthy tongue being pink with small bumps. Various colors such as white, yellow, brown, orange, red, grey, black, purple, green, and blue can signal different health issues, including deficiencies in nutrients, poor oral hygiene, illnesses, and conditions like Kawasaki disease. Changes in tongue color should prompt a visit to a doctor or dentist for further evaluation.
Kanye West has unveiled his new $850,000 titanium dentures, which are described as "fixed and permanent" and a type of experimental dentistry designed entirely by the rapper. The implants, known as "fixed prosthodontics," were created in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Connelly and include palladium and platinum materials. West's history of dental modifications includes having his bottom teeth replaced with diamonds in the past. His daughter, North West, also recently flaunted a new diamond grill on TikTok, following in her father's fashion-forward footsteps.
Dental experts emphasize the link between oral health and cognitive function, as research suggests poor oral hygiene is associated with dementia. Studies have found a correlation between gum disease and Alzheimer's, with bacteria and inflammation potentially impacting the brain. While the cause-effect relationship is still being investigated, raising awareness about the importance of oral hygiene in reducing the risk of dementia is crucial.