Dental

Many people when loose a tooth, consider it unnecessary to replace it immediately, thinking it to be an expense they can do without. However, treating tooth loss as an exclusive problem unrelated with any other could prove to be a costly mistake in the future, study reveals.

Better care of teeth and gums can be the key to controlling type 2 diabetesdefine, researchers of a new study finds.

Now every time you go to your dentist to get your ‘pearlies’ repaired, be very sure of what stuff he fills in, to get them back in shape. For, a recent statement from the FDA alerts consumers against the use of silver colored dental fillings, which might prove harmful to pregnant women, children and foetuses, thanks to the mercury content in them.

Think twice before you reach out for your favorite drink particularly if it’s a smoothie. Dentists say excessive intake of smoothies can cause tooth decay and other oral problems. While fruit content in smoothie makes it an attractive option as a health drink, many are not aware of the high sugar levels in the drink that may cause acid build up that can further erode the teeth enamel.

A dentist's injection typically causes numbness for several hours. This experience could soon be history. Scientists have been able to block the pain and numb feeling that lingers long in the gums after a visit to the dentist using chili peppers.

Local anesthetics are pain killers which are used during operations whereby patients remain alert during the procedure and thus, do not require general anesthesiadefine. These common analgesics, including lidocaine, affect all neurons in the treated area. As a result, along with the pain receptors, the touch receptors are also blocked producing numbness. Neurons, controlling muscles, are silenced as well, producing a temporary paralysis.

Washington -- Researchers have revealed that fruit, yoghurt, citric and soft drinks, may seem like harmless snacks and beverages, but improper consumption and overuse may lead to devastating and permanent damage to teeth.

It’s known as tooth erosion, the break down of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth that leads to decay.

“Early diagnosis and prevention of the effects of tooth erosion are fundamental to keeping teeth healthy for life. Sipping or holding acidic drinks in the mouth before swallowing increases the risk of erosion on dental enamel,” said Dr. David Bartlett.

British doctors says, if one is planning to whiten their teeth than they must go and consult a qualified doctor rather than going to unqualified person who can harm their teeth.

"Some beauty salons are offering teeth whitening by unqualified technicians, some of whom even use industrial bleach," said Christopher Orr, president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

A new UK study has reported that wearing braces for correcting tooth problems in the childhood do not help in boosting the mental well being or the over all self-esteem in the later life.

According to an online edition BBC, around thousands of children worldwide go for orthodonticsdefine to correct their teeth alignment or crooked teeth through braces as there is widespread belief in the dental profession that braces help in improving self-esteem and psychological well-being.

New York -- Scientists in the US have developed a new plastic pill that can fight plaque and gum disease.

The tiny pill can relieve pain and swelling by just sitting between the threatened tooth and the diseased gum.

Researchers at State University of New Jersey, who have tested the pill on animals, said the plastic also serves as a barrier that enables the damaged gum and bone to not only heal but regenerate, says the online edition of BBC News.