Babies Oral Care Can Prevent Future Cavities

A recent study performed by scientists from the University of Illinois confirms the presence of bacteria associated with early childhood caries (ECC) in infant saliva.  Now there is one more reason for parents to pay more attention to the oral health of their children.

Early childhood caries is a virulent form of caries, which is more often known as tooth decay or a cavity.  In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most widespread infectious disease among U.S. children.

How Cavity-Causing Microbes Affect Heart

Not long ago, scientists unveiled that a bacteria often found in our mouths, is the same bacteria that often invades heart tissue.  It may cause a dangerous and even lethal infection of the heart, such an infection is called, "endocarditis."  The study claims that there is now a possibility to create a screening tool "to gauge a dental patients vulnerability to the condition."

It's a well-known fact that S. mutans is a bacterium that causes cavities.  Normally, S. mutans limits its harm to the mouth, it is possible however, for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream, particularly after a dental procedure.  Actually, the immune system destroys them, but sometimes, within a short period of time, they travel to the heart and colonize its tissue.  It's important to note that this bacteria can lead to endocarditis, which can be deadly.

New Dental Device Can See 'Invisible' Tooth Decay and Plaque

A team of scientists from the University of Liverpool are working on a device that will be able to identify early tooth decay, and plaque before it is visible to the human eye.

The innovation will include "a clinical digital camera which incorporates Qualitative Light Induced Fluorescence (QLF) technology, to take images of the mouth using blue light and special filters which can show cavities and plaque."  After the images are taken, they can be easily transferred via wireless technology to a PC, laptop, iPad or smart phone, so a dental care professional can give an immediate assessment and evaluation.

Athletes at Risk for Tooth Decay

A group of New Zealand researchers gave questionnaires to professional athletes whom take part in various sports which involve, running, biking and swimming.

Nearly 94% of the professional athletes stated that they ate during training, 84% mentioned the consumption of sports drinks.  Approximately 50% said that during training sessions they drank sports drinks or water by taking "little sips, often, from a bottle."  Just few of them thought however, that the way they eat and drink during training could put them at risk for cavities.  Upon further research, 10 out of 10 athletes who had oral exams were at high risk of developing cavities.

Prevent Cavities in Childhood

Due to a new report that was published in the journal, Pediatrics reveals, if to initiate preventive dental care from the very childhood it may lead to reducing the early cavities among children.

Recently, the effect of North Carolina’s dental program (that was funded by the government health insurance program, Medicaid) “Into the Mouths of Babes” was analyzed by the group of American researchers. The dental program requires babies to take fluoride treatments and dental exams by pediatricians together with family doctors for the last 11 years. 

Interesting facts about Toothpastes

Starting from my early childhood every day I use a toothpaste and know only that it cleans the teeth and foams. So I have never been thinking about its components and action mechanism.

The modern toothpastes are composed of three principal ingredients such as abrasives, fluoride, detergents, except of water which makes up 20-40% of toothpaste.

The largest part of a toothpaste is represented by abrasives. Frequently abrasives include insoluble particles of silica, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide etc. The people of Roman Empire also used some abrasives for their antique toothpaste - it were crushed bones and oyster shells. So, it is easy to guess that the main mission of these abrasive particles is to remove dental plaque and food remainders from our teeth.

Teenagers and Dental Care

It goes without saying that the most fun and exiting period in our life is while being teenagers. However, besides fun there are some responsibilities as well, and the dental care is one among the most essential of them.

Nowadays the majority of teenagers drink just giant volumes of soda, not considering that these carbonated beverages contain high concentrations of sugar and flavors (which are acidic in nature), which in future can lead to tooth decay, as these additives eat in to the tooth's enamel, at the same time giving more chances for cavities.

How to prevent Tooth Discoloration

Needless to say, that the color of your teeth has a straight affect on your smile. And under the words "beautiful smile" we mean perfect, white teeth. If your teeth are yellowish or stained - it's a sign of poor oral hygiene, but are lucky because today tooth discoloration can be easily remedied with teeth whitening  services.

Our teeth reflect our lifestyle and nutrition, so if you usually drink tea, soda, red wine, fruit juice and coffee your teeth can be stained. At the same time if you want to have the perfect smile - you should avoid acidic foods, as they open up enamel's pores. You should be careful with a temperature of beverages, it makes the tooth expand and contract.