A recent finding by scientists may help to further bolster aspirin’s reputation as a “wonder drug” with multiple potential benefits. While aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has been used for many years as a painkiller, new research suggests that it may also reverse the effects of tooth decay. According to initial research, aspirin has been found to
read moreOne primary reason that Hollywood actors and other celebrities have such nice white smiles is that their teeth have been treated with veneers. These thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain or composite are bonded to the outer surfaces of selected teeth to cover stains, discoloring, chips, and other tooth irregularities. In order to accept the veneers,
read moreWhile pneumonia can be caused by more than two dozen organisms, pneumonia in the elderly is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. The streptococcus (or pneumococcal) pneumonia bacteria are responsible for an estimated 40,000 deaths every year, according to the CDC. The good news is that, aside from being vaccinated against pneumonia, regular dental checkups
read moreIf you are not already familiar with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, it is designed to reduce blood pressure by reducing salt intake and eating healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy foods, along with moderate amounts of whole grains, fish, poultry, and nuts. Not only does the DASH diet
read moreWhile babies are born without the germs that cause tooth decay, they can get them from their parents. Research shows that, in effect, babies can “catch” caries (tooth decay) from their parents. More correctly, when mothers and fathers have high levels of the bacteria that cause cavities (Streptococcus mutans), the bacteria can be transferred to
read moreThe smell of a person’s breath can be indicative of a number of health conditions. For instance, breath that smells like “acetone” (nail polish remover) may be a sign that a diabetic is not managing his or her blood sugar well. In such cases, the body does not receive enough insulin to break down glucose
read moreTooth sensitivity is caused by erosion of the tooth’s protective enamel layer, which leaves underlying “dentin” exposed. This hard, dense, bony tissue, which forms the majority of the tooth’s mass, contains small tubes (“microtubes”) that are empty inside. When outer ends of these tubes are exposed, they allow hot and cold foods and liquids to
read moreWhen told that there is an alternative to the traditional drill used for removing tooth decay, some might think that it involves a laser. While there are lasers that can perform some dental tasks, something as old as “air abrasion” can be utilized to remove smaller pockets of tooth decay painlessly and without local anesthetic.
read moreWhen the pulp at the center of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to injury, deep cavities, or receding gums, a painful abscess may develop. It is at this point that the patient has to choose between extracting the tooth and restoring it with a root canal procedure, followed by a crown (in some
read moreOrdinarily, a person produces between 0.75 and 1.5 liters of saliva daily, with peak production occurring during meals and the least amount of saliva being produced during sleep. However, it sometimes happens that people produce too much saliva, a condition known as “hypersalivation.” As a result, saliva can spill over the bottom lip (drooling). This
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