All articles tagged with #tooth decay
An 830-child US trial finds silver diamine fluoride can halt decay in children aged 1–6 with a 10-second application, arresting decay in 54% of treated baby teeth at six months (vs 22.5% with placebo); while not yet FDA-approved for kids, SDF could broaden access to care, including in medical settings, though it permanently stains treated teeth and more safety data are needed for permanent teeth.
A large U.S. trial shows that a low-cost liquid treatment can arrest dental decay in children without drilling, offering a noninvasive alternative to fillings and anesthesia and potentially expanding access to caries care.
US researchers report a liquid, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can halt cavity decay in children as young as one without drilling. In a trial of 830 kids across Michigan, New York and Iowa, a 38% SDF concentration stopped decay in more than half of affected baby teeth when applied every six months. The treatment is relatively affordable (about $20–$75 per application) and could be used as a bridge for adults too, with results supporting FDA approval for broader use, though the dark staining of treated decay is a drawback.
A Danish study from Aarhus University suggests that increasing arginine levels in saliva can shift mouth biofilms from acid-producing to protective, reducing tooth decay risk. In a real-world denture-biofilm setup, arginine treatment raised pH after sugar exposure, altered the bacterial and sugar composition, and reduced acid-producing Streptococcus populations, though responses varied among individuals. Arginine appears safe and could be explored as an additive in toothpaste or mouthwash, warranting further clinical research.
New research suggests that disrupting bacterial communication in the mouth through quorum sensing inhibitors could promote beneficial bacteria and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, offering a potential new approach to oral health management.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a gel containing a modified protein that can fill cavities, promote enamel growth, and potentially offer a permanent solution to tooth decay by regenerating damaged enamel, with plans to bring the product to market after clinical trials.
The FDA announced restrictions on prescription fluoride for children, advising that most should avoid ingestible fluoride unless at high risk for tooth decay, citing potential health risks and limited benefits, while stopping short of a complete ban.
Vaping's impact on oral health is still being studied, but current evidence suggests it may cause dry mouth, gum issues, and potentially increase the risk of tooth decay, though it appears less harmful than smoking. More research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months may not be necessary for everyone, as evidence suggests risk-based schedules are equally effective in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. The need for frequent visits depends on individual oral health risk factors, with some people requiring more or less frequent care. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and avoiding sugary foods are key to healthy teeth and gums.
Hope Lancaster Colquhoun lost nine stone using Mounjaro, but experienced severe dental side effects, including tooth loss, which are increasingly reported among users of GLP-1 drugs. Experts link these issues to acid reflux, dry mouth, and nutritional deficiencies caused by rapid weight loss and medication effects, raising concerns about the safety of these weight loss treatments.
Dentists warn that certain foods and drinks can harm dental health, potentially leading to cavities and tooth fractures. Citrus fruits, ice, sticky candies, bread, crackers, soda, energy drinks, and coffee are particularly damaging due to their acidity, sugar content, or hardness. To promote good dental health, dentists recommend consuming crunchy vegetables, apples, celery, and cheese, which can help clean teeth and neutralize acids. Additionally, maintaining oral hygiene through brushing, flossing, and using pH-alkaline rinses or xylitol gum can further protect teeth.
A clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health found that a topical liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can effectively stop tooth decay in young children, with 54% of cavities halting progression after SDF treatment compared to 21% with a placebo. SDF, already FDA-cleared for treating dental sensitivity, can be painlessly swabbed onto cavities and has been used for decades in other countries. The study's lead investigator noted that SDF is a game changer, offering a non-invasive alternative to costly and potentially risky treatments like restoration and tooth extraction. The researchers are now analyzing final data on over 800 children to assess SDF's effects on tooth pain, quality of life, and potential side effects, as well as evaluating patient and parent satisfaction and acceptability.
Researchers from New York University have found that silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a low-cost cavity-fighting liquid, is as effective as traditional dental sealants in preventing tooth decay among elementary school students. The study, conducted on approximately 4,100 New York City elementary students, showed that both SDF and sealants prevented about 80 percent of cavities and halted the progression of 50 percent of existing cavities over two years. This suggests that SDF could be incorporated into school-based cavity prevention and treatment programs, potentially improving access to dental care and reducing costs.
Many seemingly healthy herbal teas contain hidden ingredients such as sugar, citric acid, and freeze-dried fruit that can contribute to tooth decay and damage dental health. Some teas, despite being marketed as healthy, contain as much sugar as a KitKat, while others are made up of ultra-processed ingredients. Dentists advise against sipping sweetened tea, as the sugar can lead to enamel erosion and decay. It's recommended to be cautious of the ingredients in herbal teas and to maintain good dental hygiene practices to mitigate potential damage.
A low-cost and simple solution to prevent tooth decay in children has been found in silver diamine fluoride, which can be applied quickly and inexpensively compared to traditional sealants. A study conducted in New York City elementary schools showed that a single treatment of silver diamine fluoride prevented 80 percent of cavities and kept 50 percent of existing cavities from worsening after two years, with long-term effectiveness confirmed after four years. This alternative treatment provides a promising option for school-based cavity prevention, complementing traditional sealants in preventing and arresting tooth decay.