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Chew on this: 6 dental myths debunked

A review article debunks common dental myths, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet in preventing tooth decay, osteoporosis, and gum disease. Carole Palmer, a professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, outlines how nutrition affects oral health in children, teenagers, expectant mothers, adults, and elders.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalNutrition Today·DateAug 5, 2010

Separation between Neanderthal and Homo sapiens might have occurred 500,000 years earlier

A study analyzing ancient teeth found that it's possible to correctly identify species with a success rate ranging from 60% to 80%. Computer simulation was used to observe the effects of environmental changes on morphology of the teeth. The research suggests that the common ancestor of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens may still be unknown.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateJun 23, 2010

Leaded gasoline predominant source of lead exposure in latter 20th century

A new study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that leaded gasoline was the predominant source of lead exposure for African-American children in Cleveland during the latter half of the 20th century. The study used dental records and other data to show that lead levels in teeth increased dramatically during this period...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 15, 2010

Technique yields potential biological substitute for dental implants

A new technique developed by Dr. Jeremy Mao and his team can orchestrate stem cells to migrate to a three-dimensional scaffold infused with growth factor, holding the potential to yield an anatomically correct tooth in nine weeks once implanted. This approach avoids the need for harvested stem cell lines or creating environments outsid...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMay 24, 2010

Like parent, like child: Good oral health starts at home

Providing oral health education to mothers and families is essential for teaching children healthy habits and preventing early childhood tooth decay. A general dentist can provide families with oral health literature designed to educate both the parent and child, promoting a positive self-image and improving their quality of life.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateMay 17, 2010

Ancient remains put teeth into Barker hypothesis

The study found that tooth enamel defects in ancient humans were associated with shortened lifespans, suggesting a link between early life stress and adult diseases. The research supports the Barker hypothesis, which proposes that many adult diseases originate during fetal development and early childhood.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·DateFeb 4, 2010

30,000-year-old teeth shed new light on human evolution

A 30,000-year-old child's teeth found in Portugal provide insight into the evolution of modern humans and their relationship with Neanderthals. The analysis reveals that early modern humans had a different dental anatomy compared to recent humans, with greater volumes of dentin and pulp but less enamel.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2010

Look ma, no mercury in fillings!

Researchers at Southwest Research Institute have created a new proof-of-concept dental restorative material made with zirconia nanoplatelets, which are super hard due to the arrangement of atoms in the material. The new fillings aim to replace amalgam, containing mercury, and offer improved durability and ease of use.

Flying by the skin of our teeth

A study by Prof. Herzl Chai and colleagues reveals that teeth's wavy hierarchy and micro-cracking mechanism can inspire stronger composites for planes and aerospace engineering. Dental specialists can also use the research to create smarter crowns with improved durability.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2009

Open wide and say 'zap'

Researchers developed a non-destructive way to measure the elasticity of human teeth using lasers, enabling early detection of oral health issues. The new method can help predict emerging dental problems like tooth decay and cavities.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 18, 2009

How to manage erosion caused by everyday beverages

Daily consumption of acidic beverages can lead to demineralization of hard dental tissues, causing tooth structure to wear away. To manage erosion, identify the culprit source, understand its effects on teeth, and stop or reduce consumption. Regular dental check-ups twice a year can help maintain healthy teeth.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateJul 17, 2009

Healing power of aloe vera proves beneficial for teeth and gums, too

Recent research published in the Academy of General Dentistry's clinical journal revealed that aloe vera tooth gel is as effective as commercial toothpaste in controlling cavity-causing organisms. The study found that aloe vera tooth gel was more effective than some commercially popular brands, making it a great alternative for people ...

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateJul 17, 2009

Diets bad for the teeth are also bad for the body

Research suggests that diets high in fermentable carbohydrates, such as sugar and starch, can lead to dental decay and contribute to chronic systemic diseases. A diet low in these carbohydrates may improve cardiovascular markers and reduce body fat. Dental problems can serve as an early warning sign for dietary imbalances.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 9, 2009

Sugar substitute appears to prevent early childhood cavities

A recent study found that xylitol syrup can effectively prevent tooth decay in primary teeth of toddlers. The study involved 94 children aged 9-15 months and showed a significant reduction in decayed teeth among those receiving xylitol syrup, with up to 70% prevention rate.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 6, 2009

True grit

Researchers discovered that the teeth contain crystals of magnesium calcite, which are smaller, harder and denser than those of pure calcite. The unique arrangement of these crystals in two different arrays allows them to be self-sharpening as they wear down.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2009

OHSU School of Dentistry finds some orthodontic appliances are more prone to bacteria

A new study by OHSU School of Dentistry found that patients with self-ligating orthodontic brackets retained significantly fewer oral bacteria in plaque compared to those with elastomeric brackets. The researchers also developed a rapid and reliable method for quantifying oral bacteria using ATP-driven bioluminescence.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics·DateApr 14, 2009

Modern lifestyle prevents tooth decay

Research reviews scientific evidence on tooth decay, concluding that good oral hygiene and fluoride toothpaste practices override the effects of food alone. Lifestyle factors such as regular brushing and dental health education are essential in preventing tooth decay.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalObesity Reviews·DateFeb 26, 2009