Dental decay, also known as dental caries, begins first inside the tooth. A white spot appears on the enamel where the tooth has started to weaken inside. At this stage, the tooth can repair the weakened area with the help of fluoride and minerals in saliva. But if the decay continues and breaks through the [...]

You need food, particularly sweet and sticky food, for the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that will attack the tooth enamel (outer surface of the tooth). Sugars, especially sucrose, react with bacteria to produce acid. The acid from the bacteria can decay your teeth. It’s not just candy and ice cream we’re talking [...]

To understand what happens when your teeth decay, it’s helpful to know what’s in your mouth naturally. Here are a few of the elements: - Saliva: Your mouth and teeth are constantly bathed in saliva. Although we never give much thought to our spit, this simple fluid is remarkable for what it does to help protect [...]

Expected Duration Once the abscess is drained, most symptoms go away immediately or within a few days, but the abscess will not be cured unless the cause is eliminated. Prevention Good oral hygiene can help prevent abscesses by keeping teeth and gums free of food and debris. Regular dental checkups are also important. If you [...]

It takes more than just brushing. OK, so you know about brushing and flossing. But there are other steps you should take if you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Some people assume they will lose their teeth as they age. That doesn’t have to happen. David A. Albert, D.D.S., M.P.H., suggests these [...]

A drug used to regenerate bone in patients with osteoporosis might also be a useful therapy for those who suffer from bone wounds and bone loss because of gum (periodontal) disease according to researchers at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The study, published online and in print by the New England Journal of [...]

Women who go to the dentist have healthier hearts. That’s according to a new study from University of California, Berkeley researchers, who published their findings online Sept. 29 in the journal Health Economics. The study suggests that women who get dental care reduce their risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular problems by at [...]

Traditionally an X–ray machine consists of a generator that pushes rays of radiation toward an object, such as the human body, and projects the negative image onto a film..The x-ray film is developed and then reviewed by the doctor, dentist, or other medical personnel to determine a diagnosis. Although these types of x-ray machines are [...]

A Case Western Reserve University study may have found a new treatment option for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis: periodontal therapy. People who suffer from both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis(RA) reduced their arthritic pain, number of swollen joints and the degree of morning stiffness with non-surgical periodontal therapy, according to the study findings “It [...]

Your teeth’s topography is made up of natural grooves, pits, and fissures. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with these topographical features they can be ideal hiding spots for food particles, which can lead to plaque and cavity-causing decay. Even with regular brushing and flossing, it is possible to miss some of these areas, particularly on [...]