Could Unhealthy Gums Worsen COPD?

• Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
• January 15, 2024
• Full Page

New research in mice is pointing to a surprising connection: Gum disease could exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Because gum disease (periodontitis) is a chronic, inflammatory infection, it's long been linked to higher heart disease risks. Now, Chi...

Your Toothbrush Could Be a Life Saver in the Hospital

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• December 19, 2023
• Full Page

A person's toothbrush could be a true lifesaver if they land in a hospital ICU, according to new evidence review.

Regular toothbrushing is associated with lower rates of death in the intensive care unit (ICU), shorter lengths of stay, and shorter times spent on a mechani...

Avoiding 'Wine Teeth' at Those Holiday Parties

• Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter
• December 11, 2023
• Full Page

The holidays are all about parties, and parties are all about drinking wine. But if you're a red wine lover, how do you avoid stained teeth?

“When you drink red wine, you're encountering a triple threat to your teeth's whiteness: anthocyanins, which are the pigments in...

Americans Are Now Getting Far Fewer Opioids for Dental Pain

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• November 10, 2023
• Full Page

If you're getting a tooth pulled or having another painful dental procedure, you're much less likely to get opioids than you were just a few years ago, new research reveals.

That's good news because opioid abuse is a major issue in the United States and these drugs aren'...

Dental X-rays Are Now Safer Than Ever

• Cara Murez and Robin Foster and Marianne Madeiros and Diane Moy HealthDay Reporters
• November 2, 2023
• Full Page

That heavy lead apron you wear at the dentist's office when getting X-rays may no longer be necessary.

While intended to shield patients from radiation exposure anywhere that isn't the jaw, the X-ray equipment used in dental offices today is quite safe compared to those ...

Tooth Whitening: Expert Help on Getting a Brighter Smile

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• October 20, 2023
• Full Page

People want whiter teeth, surveys show, and the American Dental Association (ADA) has some advice on how to accomplish that.

Over time, teeth can become less white due to a number of causes, including food and drink, tobacco use, age, trauma and medications.

Accord...

Dental Issues Plague America's Nursing Home Residents

• Denise Mann HealthDay Reporter
• September 15, 2023
• Full Page

Good oral health is one of the keys to healthy aging, but a sobering new study shows that many U.S. nursing home residents have significant dental issues.

Close to two in every 10 residents have missing teeth, about 8% have broken teeth/cavities and another 11% report pa...

Avoid Opioids for Short-Term Dental Pain in Kids, New Guidelines Say

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• August 28, 2023
• Full Page

Children having short-term dental pain from extractions or toothache should not be prescribed opioids but rather manage those aches with over-the-counter ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, according to new guidelines.

The guidelines detailing dental pain management strategi...

Stem Cells Might Someday Create New Tooth Enamel or 'Living Fillings'

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• August 18, 2023
• Full Page

Damaged teeth could one day be repaired with “living fillings” created from stem cells, a new study reports.

In the lab, researchers induced stem cells to form small, multicellular mini-organs that secrete the proteins that form tooth enamel, according to a report pu...

Fluoride Toothpaste, Make Room for a New Competitor

• Sarah D. Collins HealthDay Reporter
• July 18, 2023
• Full Page

Fluoride may have found its match in preventing cavities.

New research shows that toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite, one of the main mineral components in teeth, can prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride, which has been used in toothpaste since 1956.

The...

Brushing, Flossing Could Help Shield Your Brain From Dementia

• Denise Mann HealthDay Reporter
• July 6, 2023
• Full Page

Add risk of developing memory problems later in life to the list of consequences linked to poor oral health.

Not taking care of your mouth and teeth has already been associated with heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and preterm birth. Now, a new study finds that f...

Could Dentures Raise Your Odds for Pneumonia?

• Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
• June 26, 2023
• Full Page

Dentures may hide harmful germs that cause pneumonia, British researchers report.

For the study, the investigators took samples from the dentures of nursing home patients who did and didn't have pneumonia. They analyzed the samples to identify the types of microbes pres...

Teething Symptoms and How to Help Your Baby Get Relief

• Kirstie Ganobsik HealthDay Reporter
• April 25, 2023
• Full Page

When babies start teething, the pain and discomfort can be hard on them. In this short guide, we'll explain what teething is, when you can expect it to occur and its most common symptoms.

Plus, you'll discover several safe and effective strategies recommended by pediatri...

Diabetes, Tooth Loss Can Be Double Trouble for Aging Brains

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• March 15, 2023
• Full Page

Diabetes is a known risk factor for mental decline and dementia. Paired with total tooth loss, the potential harm to the brain is even more significant, new research indicates.

The findings highlight the importance of good dental care and diabetes control in aging adults...

'Have a Sweet': Grandma's Treats Threaten Kids' Teeth

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• February 15, 2023
• Full Page

Raiding the cookie jar or candy dish at grandma's house may be a treat, but it can also help ruin children's teeth.

And a new survey found more than two-thirds of mothers reporting that their kids' grandparents gave youngsters sugary foods and beverages, with no limits ...

Seniors' Dental Care Declines After Medicare Kicks In

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• February 9, 2023
• Full Page

Without dental coverage, many American seniors on Medicare stop getting the fillings and crowns they may need, a new study finds.

The result isn't pretty.

“Without dental coverage for adults who are eligible [for] Medicare, we are seeing a rise in loss of teeth a...

Not Just Brushing: 10 Ways to Start Caring for Baby Teeth

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• February 4, 2023
• Full Page

Even the tiniest teeth can decay, which is why it's important to take care of them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers some tips for caring for those little teeth, starting before the first one even arrives.

"There are habits you can start now to keep ...

Caring for Teeth, Gums May Safeguard Aging Brains

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• February 2, 2023
• Full Page

Taking good care of your teeth -- brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups -- is, of course, important for good health. Now researchers say it's also vital for brain health.

While it was already clear that poor dental health could increase stroke and heart disease ris...

Sleep Apnea Linked to Weaker Bones, Teeth

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• February 1, 2023
• Full Page

People who have sleep apnea may have another issue to worry about — weaker bones and teeth.

Known as low bone-mineral density, the condition is an indicator of osteoporosis and can increase the risk of fractures and cause teeth to become loose and dental implants to f...

Gum Disease Treatments Lose Their Punch in Heavy Smokers

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• January 30, 2023
• Full Page

Treatments for gum disease may have little benefit for heavy smokers, new research shows.

The study findings suggest the need to rethink treatment of the common gum disease periodont...

Avoiding 'Wine Teeth' This Holiday Season

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• December 20, 2022
• Full Page

Red may be a traditional holiday color, but no one wants to wear it on their teeth.

An expert offers some tips for keeping “wine teeth” at bay during your holiday parties.

“When you drink red wine, you're encountering a triple threat to your teeth's whiteness...

Smoking, Vaping Both Bad for Your Teeth & Gums: Study

• Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter
• December 12, 2022
• Full Page

For those who care about their teeth, a new study sounds a pretty clear alarm: using tobacco in any form — including the increasingly popular practice of vaping — is a recipe for a dental nightmare.

The warning comes from the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Cra...

All That Vaping Might Damage Your Smile

• Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
• November 23, 2022
• Full Page

On top of their other health hazards, electronic cigarettes may help rot your teeth, a new study suggests.

Vaping appears to promote cavities, which can result in tooth loss if not treated quickly, experts say.

"If you are vaping, be aware that there are potential...

Half of Dentists Say Patients Are Coming to Appointments While High

• Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
• November 8, 2022
• Full Page

More and more nervous patients are showing up stoned for dental appointments, often forcing dentists to postpone treatment until the patient sobers up, new survey data shows.

As more states are legalizing marijuana, more than half of dentists (52%) report seeing patients...

CDC Warns of Rare Bacterial Infections From Dentists' Water Lines

• Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
• November 7, 2022
• Full Page

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that a number of U.S. children have picked up a serious infection from contaminated water lines at the dentist's office.

Although rare, outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections have ...

There's a Push to Expand Medicare's Coverage of Dental Issues

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• October 18, 2022
• Full Page

Dental coverage under Medicare could soon start expanding for seniors under a new proposal from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Still, the propos...

Getting Your Gums Cleaned Could Mean Better Outcomes After Heart Attack

• By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• September 19, 2022
• Full Page

While dental and medical care are thought to be related, researchers wondered what impact oral care might have on a serious heart condition.

A University of Michigan team studied more than 2,000 patients who had a heart attack in 2017. The patients had either received pe...

Unhealthy Gums Could Up Your Odds for Dementia

• Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
• September 12, 2022
• Full Page

Gum disease has far-reaching effects and may increase your odds of developing dementia, a new study suggests.

In a review of 47 previously published studies, researchers in Finland found that tooth loss, deep pockets around teeth in the gums, or bone loss in the tooth so...

Oral Surgery on Your Calendar? Expert Offers Tips to Ease Anxiety

• By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• September 4, 2022
• Full Page

If you're planning to have oral surgery, be prepared, not scared, an expert suggests — and stay off YouTube.

“I tell all of my patients, ‘The more you know, the better it's going to be.' As health professionals, we're not trying to scare patients with information; ...

Moving Away From Opioids to Treat Dental Pain

• By Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
• August 19, 2022
• Full Page

Many opioid abusers cite short-term, legitimate use of an opioid for relief of joint or dental pain as their "gateway" into addiction.

Now, research done at one New York State clinic find...

Mom-to-Be's Gum Disease Could Raise Odds for Premature Birth

• By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• June 22, 2022
• Full Page

A small preliminary study suggests that the health of an expectant mother's gums may affect her likelihood of a preterm birth.

The study compared oral inflammation an...

Tongue, Lip Piercings May Harm Teeth and Gums

• By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter
• June 20, 2022
• Full Page

Getting your tongue or lips pierced? Don't be surprised when your dentist is unhappy about it.

These piercings can do damage to your teeth and gums, a new study warn...

Link Up Doctor, Dentists' Records for Faster Dental Care

• By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter
• June 17, 2022
• Full Page

Rapid access to a patient's medical records could help dentists provide better care, but that rarely happens, a new study finds.

"Oral health practitioners may need to confirm a list of medical considerations; for example, that there is no contraindication to a patient s...

How Long Do Teeth Survive After Root Canal?

• By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter
• May 20, 2022
• Full Page

If you've had a root canal, you can expect your tooth to survive for about 11 years, researchers say.

For a time, root canals can maintain teeth affected by cavities or other ...

Do Dentures Take a Toll on Good Nutrition?

• By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter
• April 26, 2022
• Full Page

Dentures may take a bite out of your nutrition, a new study warns.

"They do not provide the same chewing efficiency, which may alter eating habits," said senior author Dr. Thankam Thyvalikakath, director of the Regenstrief Institute and the School of Dentistry Dental Inf...

A Penicillin Allergy Is Bad News If You Get a Dental Implant

• Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter
• April 14, 2022
• Full Page

While the vast majority of dental implant procedures go smoothly, related infections can up the risk for implant failure.

Antibiotics can keep that risk at bay, with penicillin the typical go-to choice. But new research warns that when patients are given an alternative a...

Can't Afford the Dentist? Try a Dental Therapist

• Consumer news
• March 24, 2022
• Full Page

Nearly 60 million Americans live in "dental deserts," while many more can't afford basic dental care even if it is available.

Enter dental therapis...

A Healthy Mouth Can Mean a Healthy Heart for Older Women

• March 2, 2022
• Full Page

A new study offers more evidence that oral health is connected to heart health: Older women who harbor certain bacteria in their mouths might be at increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

The study, which followed 1,200 women for a decade, found that 15 types o...

Pandemic Bit Into Supply of Dental Hygienists

• February 24, 2022
• Full Page

It might be harder to get your teeth cleaned this year, with a new study showing a shortage of dental hygienists in the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Not unlike many other professions in the United States, challenges persist in dental hygienist employment,...

Vaping Shows More Links to Gum Disease

• February 22, 2022
• Full Page

Cigarette smoking is infamous for promoting gum disease, and now a new study adds to evidence that vaping also exacts a toll on the teeth and gums.

Researchers found that people who use e-cigarettes have a unique bacterial composition in their mouths that likely spells t...

A Healthy Mouth Could Be a Lifesaver for Kids With Heart Conditions

• February 16, 2022
• Full Page

Kids with heart conditions are more likely than their peers to have frequent cavities, toothaches or bleeding gums, a new U.S. government study finds.

Researchers found that of U.S. children and teenagers with heart conditions, 10% had only "poor" to "fair" dental health...

Drills Key to Making Dental Appointments COVID-Safe

• February 7, 2022
• Full Page

The type of drill your dentist uses just might determine your chances of catching COVID-19 while in the chair.

So claims new research that suggests dentists can significantly improve patient s...

Could a Chewing Gum in Pregnancy Help Prevent Premature Deliveries?

• Denise Mann HealthDay Reporter
• February 3, 2022
• Full Page

Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for preterm birth, and now new research suggests that chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol during pregnancy may lower this risk.

The...

The 'Oreo Test' and Other Ways to Help Kids' Oral Health

• Dennis Thompson
• February 1, 2022
• Full Page

Worried your kid isn't brushing his or her teeth properly? You might want to try the Oreo test.

"If the child eats an Oreo and brushes their teeth and the parent can still see the Oreos, they need to be checking and helping them brush," said Elise Sarvas, a clinical asso...