It is estimated that one-third of Americans over 65 have either dentures or some other type of prosthetic replacement tooth. Although dentures provide patients with a functionally and cosmetically acceptable way to replace teeth at a reasonable cost, they do have a drawback. Because our jawbones tend to shrink as we age, even well-fitting removable
read moreWe’d all like to think that health problems can be solved simply by taking a pill, and some actually are. As far as taking a pill to prevent tooth decay is concerned, researchers may have taken the first step in developing a viable treatment. This research revolves around the discovery of a previously unidentified strain
read moreInflammation has been likened to fire in that it is a smoldering process that has the potential to injure tissues, joints, and blood vessels. “Acute inflammation” helps the body deal with injury and disease by introducing white blood cells that surround the injured or diseased area and fight off invaders that might cause infection. This
read moreWhen a tooth is missing or so damaged that it requires extensive repair, a dental crown is the restoration of choice. Also known as a “cap,” this type of cosmetic restoration has the longest life expectancy of all others. When cemented in place, a crown completely encapsulates the remaining portion of tooth and fully restores
read moreAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 16 million people living in this country with a smoking-related illness. Because more than three-quarters of cases of oral cancer are thought to be linked to smoking, researchers sought to find out why. There are approximately 600 species of bacteria in the human mouth.
read morePatients derive many health benefits from regular checkups with the dentist, and researchers have recently uncovered another. First, it is instructive to point out that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in this country. The most common form of heart disease is “coronary artery disease” (CAD), which is
read moreDiabetes has been associated with numerous wide-ranging health risks, and tooth loss may be one of them. When researchers reviewed data collected from more than 37,000 adults aged 25 years and older, they found that diabetics lost their teeth at twice the rate of non-diabetics. In addition, the study revealed that people with periodontal (gum)
read moreBrushing and flossing teeth not only help prevent periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss, but they also help reduce the risk of serious degenerative diseases. Research shows that, over time, people with periodontal disease are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, and dementia. While a cause-and-effect
read moreThe term “gum recession” refers to the process in which the margin of gingival (gum) tissue surrounding each tooth pulls back or wears away. As a result, “pockets” (gaps) develop around teeth that can trap the bacteria that threaten tooth and bone health. At the very least, anything more than mild recession of the gingiva
read moreEven though great strides have been made in preventing and treating tooth decay and gum disease, it is estimated that more than 35 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 178 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. “Edentulism,” which is the term used to describe the loss of
read more