Interesting Facts About Dental Anomalies

Sometimes in their professional life the dentists have to correct some dental defects. Any deviation from normal can be identified as a dental anomaly. As for its origin, it can be different as well as its effect which can range from stained teeth or tooth missing to cleft palates.

Certain teeth disturbances are related to embryonic development and appear at genetic level. One of such teeth anomaly is "amelogenesis imperfecta" when the teeth produce only a soft, thin layer of tooth enamel. This enamel is not capable to protect the teeth, so they are weak, susceptible and can be easily damaged. Moreover such teeth look

yellow because of dentin which shows through.

Another dental anomaly is microdontia which produces the teeth smaller then normal. More often it appears in the upper jaw and is limited to one or two teeth. This anomaly is harmless for the teeth health and there is only one desired effect to make the tooth the same size as the others. So, such tooth defect can be corrected by dentist using the crown.

Natural Protein Spurs Periodontal Healing?

A periodontal disease in the most of cases is the reason of tooth loss in adults. The recent research showed that FGF-2 might have a role in treating this condition.

Thanks to the study that was made by researchers from Osaka University Dental School in Japan, which involved 253 adults with periodontal disease, we came to know that a protein involved in wound healing may help to regenerate periodontal tissue. “Each had a type of surgery in which gum tissue was back and bacteria were removed. During the procedure, surgeons used a protein called recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). It was applied to the bone under the gum tissue. Patients were randomly assigned to receive no FGF-2 or one of three concentrations of FGF-2.”

Sealants Protect Teens' Teeth

“Dental sealants are plastic coatings that protect teeth from decay. In children and young adults who live in places with fluoride in the water, almost all tooth decay is found on the chewing surfaces. In non-fluoridated areas, more cavities are found in between the teeth. In Greece, the water is not fluoridated.” Greek research claims that dental sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay in teens.

During the research were involved nearly 2,500 children, considering the fact that approximately half were age 12 and the others were age 15. The main aim of the study was to know whether sealants do help to reduce tooth decay in these age groups as well as due to the results to decide whether Greece should establish a national dental sealant program for youth.

New Suspect in Early Tooth Decay

INTELIHEALTH - Boston-area researchers may have found a new culprit in early tooth decay.

We all know that cause of tooth decay is evidently a species of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, which eats sugars and releases acid, leading to the tooth enamel dissolving that in result leads to a cavity. You might have heard about a couple of other species of bacteria associated with cavity formation, as well.

But a new study claims that even when Streptococcus mutans is not present, the risk of cavities still exists, as another species named Scardovia wiggsiae can lead to its formation.

Tongue Piercing Material Affects Bacterial Growth

Due to a recent study we got to know that stainless steel tongue studs may lead to more bacteria growth than studs made of plastic.

The study was held by the researchers from Innsbruck Medical University, involving 85 people who already had a tongue piercing. Each of those who were undergoing the experiment was given a new tongue stud, which was made from one of 4 different materials: steel, titanium and 2 various types of plastic. In 2 weeks time, the researchers looked at the bacteria around the piercings.