Diabetics have every reason to keep their blood sugar under control with medication and healthy habits. One potential complication they face is an increased prevalence of gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection and have a decreased ability to fight invasive bacteria. Complicating the situation even further is emerging research showing
read moreAs numerous studies have confirmed, good oral health is linked to good overall health. A recent example of this connection comes from a study involving 1,566 seniors, 180 of whom had developed some type of dementia. Researchers found that those with 10 to 19 remaining teeth had a 62% greater risk of dementia than those
read moreGum recession, which involves lowering of the gingival (gum) tissue around each tooth, becomes more prevalent with age; about half of older adults have at least one tooth affected by gum recession. Aside from aging, this condition may also be influenced by genetic factors. For instance, some people are born with thinner gum tissue than
read moreIt is important to distinguish between caries, the Latin word for decay, and a cavity, which is the hole that occurs if the caries has destroyed the tooth enamel and penetrated the tooth’s dentin. Caries may first appear as a white or brown spot on tooth enamel. It is an indication that bacterial acids have
read moreOnce the average American adult has reached age 50, he or she has lost 12 permanent teeth to decay, injury, or gum disease. It is important that these missing teeth be replaced so that the bite will not be altered and the jawbone will not weaken. In order to address all these potential adverse consequences
read moreRecent research has indicated that gum disease poses more of a risk to health than the potential for tooth and bone loss. The severe form of gum disease known as “periodontitis” increases the risk of heart disease and other life-threatening conditions. The most recent evidence of a link between oral health and chronic diseases comes
read moreThe term “toothbrush abrasion” refers to brushing one’s teeth so vigorously that tooth enamel becomes damaged and gums recede. This overly energetic brushing leads to thinning enamel and exposed roots that become overly sensitive to hot and cold foods and drink. Avoiding this potential problem begins with selecting a toothbrush with soft bristles that flex
read moreUnless dentures are cleaned daily and properly maintained, they will accumulate food particles and “plaque” (bacterial film) that can lead to bad breath, inflamed gums, and even chronic disease. With this in mind, denture wearers are strongly urged to either brush their prosthetic teeth or soak them in a cleaning solution. Arguably, the best cleaning
read moreIf you have teeth that are severely chipped, cracked, worn, or discolored, there is a procedure that can make them look better than new. Porcelain dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are glued in place over the front surfaces of imperfect teeth, giving them a fresh appearance. To prepare teeth for veneers’ permanent placement,
read moreLast year, approximately 48,000 new cases of oral and throat cancer were diagnosed in the United States. Because dental checkups involve a close look at oral tissues, dentists are often the first to spot oral cancer, which may first appear as red or white patches or sores that do not heal on the tongue, insides
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