Modern dietary changes over 150 years have caused human jaws to shrink, leading to more crowded teeth, misaligned bites, and impacted wisdom teeth today.
Older adults face tooth loss, dry mouth, and root decay, but modern solutions including implants, dentures, and deep cleaning can restore function and comfort.
Elite athletes suffer high rates of cavities and gum disease despite good hygiene, due to sports drinks, energy gels, and mouth breathing during exercise.
Conventional fillings remain the standard for cavities, but researchers are exploring remineralization techniques that could heal early decay without drilling.
Microbiome research confirms flossing disrupts the bacterial communities between teeth, reducing the harmful species that cause gum disease and cavities.
Harmful bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease organize into protective biofilm communities, making them harder to eliminate with brushing alone.
Gum disease bacteria weaken the immune system, potentially making patients more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19 and other viral infections.
Texas dental offices reopened in May 2020 under executive order guidelines requiring masks, temperature checks, questionnaires, and enhanced sterilization.
The ADA recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush with the ADA Seal, replaced every three to four months, used with gentle circular motions for best cleaning.
Jaw pain, clicking, and limited movement are common symptoms of TMJ disorders, which dentists can diagnose and treat with a variety of non-surgical approaches.
King's College London researchers found soft drinks are the common link between tooth enamel erosion and obesity, as their acid and sugar harm teeth and health.
Retainers hold teeth in their corrected positions after braces, and some patients may need only a retainer without needing full orthodontic treatment at all.
Water fluoridation began in Grand Rapids in 1945 and is recognized as one of the most effective public health measures ever taken to prevent tooth decay.
Coffee, tea, and red wine stain teeth faster on porous enamel, but rinsing with water and regular professional cleanings can significantly limit discoloration.
Researchers found that adult molar dentin records a lifetime of health data starting in the womb, revealing vitamin deficiencies and past disease history.
Researchers found a gum cell that detects chemical byproducts from harmful oral bacteria and activates the immune system to defend against gum disease.
Studies show patients with advanced gum disease have higher blood pressure and respond less effectively to blood pressure medication than healthy patients.
