Articles tagged with Teeth
Poor periodontal health is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Tooth loss alone increases the odds of cognitive decline by 23% and dementia risk by 13%.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin researchers shows that water fluoridation has the lowest environmental impact among community-level caries prevention programmes, offering a sustainable solution to prevent dental decay. The study also highlights its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce disability-adjusted life years.
Scientists found complex tooth-like enameloid in ancient sawfish fossils, similar to shark tooth enameloid, supporting the 'outside-in' hypothesis. The discovery suggests that scales have the capacity to evolve into complex structures like teeth, making it more parsimonious to conclude that scales produced a similar microstructure.
Research found that adolescents with faster dental biorhythms (five or six-day cycle) weighed less and gained less weight than those with slower biorhythms. This discovery provides a new avenue for exploring links between childhood overweight and adult health risks.
Researchers found that woodpeckers have regained the ability to sense sugar by repurposing their savory receptor. In contrast, wrynecks selectively lost this ability due to a single amino acid change in their receptor, highlighting a novel mechanism of sensory reversion.
Researchers developed a novel biologically-inspired intraoral camera with a wide-angle insect eye structure, increasing field of view and resolving optical aberrations. The device provides multifunctional dental imaging, including high dynamic range, 3D depth, and autofluorescence, without discomfort or image blur.
Researchers develop a safe and effective way to whiten teeth without damaging enamel, breaking apart cavity-forming biofilms. The treatment uses a hydrogel activated by green light to kill 94% of bacteria in biofilms and prevent cavities from forming on teeth.
A new panda species, Agriarctos nikolovi, has been discovered in Bulgaria, which may have been Europe's last known giant panda. The fossilized teeth, found in the late 1970s, suggest that this ancient panda consumed a largely vegetarian diet, unlike modern pandas.
A centuries-old tooth found on a Caribbean island yielded ancient DNA from a domesticated American horse, which was later discovered to be the oldest sequenced specimen in the Americas. The DNA analysis linked the horses to Spanish explorers who brought them to the mid-Atlantic region in the 16th century.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the oldest domestic horse specimen from the Americas, revealing a genetic lineage linked to Southern Europe. The findings support the hypothesis that horses originated on the Iberian Peninsula and highlight the importance of ancient DNA in understanding cultural and historical processes.
The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Dentistry has developed an AI-powered approach to automate denture design, allowing for high accuracy and reducing treatment time. The new method uses a 3D Generative Adversarial Network (3D-GAN) algorithm to reconstruct the shape of natural teeth and generate prosthetic teeth.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have developed a hands-free system that uses shapeshifting microrobots to brush, floss and treat teeth. The microrobots use magnetic fields to conform to different shapes and release antimicrobials to kill oral bacteria.
A study of tooth isotopes from Adelaide graves found one person likely born in Adelaide, eight from Britain and Ireland, with three potentially from either location. The results support the overwhelming British origin of colonists in South Australia before 1880.
Scientists found 12 human bone pendants out of 37 samples, which were made from elk and bovine animal bones. The discovery suggests that the use of human bones as a raw material was common in Stone Age cultures.
Megalodon and its ancestors were at the highest trophic level in prehistoric marine food webs, consuming other predators and large prey. The team measured nitrogen isotopes in shark teeth to determine their trophic levels, revealing a complex food web with multiple apex predators.
A NJIT-led team has created an injectable hydrogel designed to recruit dental pulp stem cells and promote tissue growth in teeth after a root canal. The therapy mimics the body's natural growth factor signaling, promoting healing and regeneration of lost tooth pulp.
A new Rutgers University study finds that diabetes weakens tooth enamel and dentin, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Researchers induced Type 1 diabetes in mice and observed significant softening of enamel and dentin after 12 weeks.
A new US study analyzed tooth survival rates after root canals in a general population, revealing median survival time of 11.1 years. The research found disparities in longevity among geographic regions and the impact of insurance status on treatment outcomes.
The discovery of a 164,000- to 131,000-year-old Denisovan tooth in Laos provides significant insights into the species' geographic range. The ancient tooth's shape and similarity to teeth found on the Tibetan Plateau suggest that Denisovans inhabited Southeast Asia, particularly northern Laos.
Researchers at IISc and Theranautilus have developed nano-sized robots that can manipulate using a magnetic field to kill bacteria in dentinal tubules, improving the success rate of root canal treatments. The nanobots were able to penetrate further than previous methods, providing a safer alternative to harsh chemicals or antibiotics.
Researchers examined an abnormal tooth from an Otodus megalodon shark to determine the root cause of double tooth pathology. The study suggests that feeding-related injury may be the probable cause, as modern sharks with similar deformities are often caused by sharp objects piercing developing teeth.
A study on tiger shark teeth reveals gradual and subtle changes in tooth shape during the shark's life, with younger sharks having simpler serrations. The study also describes the first comprehensive description of tiger shark embryos' teeth, which form in the womb without serrations and are swallowed before birth.
Fossil finds from the High Alps reveal giant ichthyosaurs that lived around 205 million years ago, measuring up to 20 meters in length. The discovery sheds new light on these prehistoric creatures and their paleobiological implications.
Patients with a reported penicillin allergy have higher rates of dental implant failure. Alternative antibiotics prescribed during surgery also linked to increased failure rates. The study suggests that testing for actual allergies may improve outcomes.
Researchers developed a new tooth whitening treatment using synchrotron light, showing improved application time needed, efficiency, and safety. The treatment, which uses reduction via metabisulfite, promotes lower concentrations and shorter application times, reducing side effects.
Researchers created a dental tool that measures plaque acidity using an LED light and FDA-approved chemical dye, providing dentists with early warning signs of cavity development. The device can help limit the need for specific harmful bacteria tests and educate patients about sugar's impact on oral health.
A recent study found that sleep bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders due to increased mechanical loading. The research discovered that specific combinations of tooth shape and location during grinding significantly impact the risk of TMJ problems.
A new Ramanome-based technique can detect metabolically active microbes in teeth, even when they appear to have stopped growing. This allows for more targeted disinfection and reduced use of antimicrobial drugs, potentially lowering the risk of side effects.
A recent study of wild Japanese macaques has found atypical tooth wear patterns that challenge our understanding of human evolution. The research suggests that the 'toothpick' grooves and large uniform scratches observed in fossil humans may have been caused by eating shellfish and accidentally chewing grit and sand, rather than tool use.
Researchers found physical differences in femur, dental structures across specimens suggesting re-categorization into three groups or species. Two new species, T. imperator and T. regina, are proposed based on analysis of 37 Tyrannosaurus specimens.
A new study using a two-dimensional drawing technique has found no general patterns in the fin and body shapes of five warm-blooded Lamniformes species to determine Megalodon's shape. The research challenges previous conclusions about the extinct shark's body form, suggesting that warm bloodedness does not make sharks differently shaped.
A new study of Chinese older adults found that higher levels of social isolation are associated with having fewer teeth and losing teeth more quickly over time. Despite this, loneliness was not linked to the number of remaining teeth or tooth loss rate.
Researchers found that fibrin buildup triggers an overactive immune response, damaging gums and underlying bone. Suppressing abnormal fibrin activity could hold promise for preventing or treating periodontal disease.
A University of Otago study finds caries in wild primates occur at low frequencies but vary among groups, with distinct tooth patterns compared to fossil humans. The research provides a new perspective on human evolution and living primate behaviour.
A study of Edo-era Japanese skeletons reveals a prevalence of periodontal disease similar to modern times, with distinct bacterial species. Researchers analyzed dental calculus from 12 human skeletons and compared their oral microbiomes to modern samples, shedding light on the evolution of the oral microbiome.
The USPSTF recommends oral fluoride supplementation starting at age 6 months for children whose water supply is deficient in fluoride. Fluoride varnish applications are also recommended for all children at primary tooth eruption. The current evidence is insufficient to recommend routine cavity screening exams for children under 5.
A new marine reptile fossil from 130-million-year-old rocks in Colombia has revealed a unique dentition allowing it to eat large prey. The discovery clarifies the evolutionary tree of ichthyosaurs and tests new ideas on their evolution.
Researchers identified two novel mutations in the LRP6 gene associated with a rare form of hand polydactyly and tooth agenesis. The study expands the genetic spectrum of LRP6-related disorders, enabling clinicians to differentiate diagnosis and facilitate genetic research.
Researchers discovered that these 'meat-eating' bees have a unique gut microbiome enriched with acid-loving bacteria, similar to those found in vultures. The bees' ability to eat dead bodies is surprising, but they can also store honey and have special chambers for meat storage.
Researchers confirmed the presence of dentin and enamel in the teeth of Gastrotheca guentheri, a species long believed to have lost this trait. The discovery challenges Dollo's Law, which states that lost traits are never re-evolved.
Researchers discovered that sauropod dinosaurs had simple teeth despite being herbivores, with fast tooth replacement rates allowing them to eat a variety of plants. This unique adaptation allowed them to thrive alongside other plant-eaters without the need for complex teeth.
A University of Washington study finds that countermarketing campaigns based on anti-smoking tactics decrease the buying of sugary 'fruit' drinks for children. The campaign effectively reduced virtual purchases by 31% and significantly lowered trust in fruit drink brands among participating Latinx parents.
A new study reveals that tusks originated from ancient mammals before the dinosaurs, with dicynodonts being their closest living relatives. The researchers defined what makes a tusk and found that some dicynodont teeth are indeed tusks, while others have large teeth.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed formulas to calculate primate body size based on tooth root surface area. This discovery can be applied to partial and incomplete fossils, allowing scientists to determine the diet of ancient primates.
A recent study published in PaleoAmerica journal challenges the long-held theory that Native Americans originated from Japan. The research, led by Professor Richard Scott, analyzed genetics and skeletal biology of teeth samples from multiple continents, finding little connection between the Jomon people and Native Americans.
A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that the coordination between facial growth and chewing muscle mechanics determines when adult molars emerge. The study found that human molars come in at a later age due to slow jaw growth and short faces, which creates a mechanically safe space for molar emergence.
Researchers discovered an alternating pattern of tooth replacement in ancient birds, similar to dinosaurs and crocodilians. The study suggests that the genetic controls for tooth replacement survived even after the split between birds and crocodilians millions of years ago.
Danish adults have made significant strides in preserving their natural teeth and visiting the dentist more frequently. However, social disparities in dental health persist, with those from lower-income backgrounds receiving less preventive care.
A study published in Scientific Reports discovered dental caries in prehistoric primates, indicating a high fruit diet or sugar-rich foods. The prevalence of caries fluctuated over time, suggesting changes in the primates' diet between sugary and non-sugary foods.
A study published in International Journal of Environment and Public Health Research reveals that oral bacteria, specifically P. gingivalis and Lactobacillaceae families, are associated with periodontitis. Genetic differences among hosts contribute to susceptibility to pathogens, but the oral microbiome plays a more significant role in...
A recent study reveals that ants, worms, spiders, and other tiny creatures have a built-in set of tools that maximize cutting efficiency thanks to the arrangement of individual atoms of zinc. This biomaterial allows animals to use less force, making their smaller muscles spend less energy.
A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst found that fewer than 5% of well-child visits for privately insured young children included a recommended dental fluoride varnish application. This is concerning given the importance of this service in reducing tooth decay among children, which affects nearly 25% of 2- to 5-year-old...
Researchers will track oral health behaviors and caries risk in low-income urban young children over five years, collecting data on caregiver-reported habits, dental plaque scores, and social risk factors. The study aims to understand the impact of community-level factors on individual behaviors.
Researchers from Flinders University discovered that snakes developed venomous fangs by modifying normal tooth structure, creating a 'dental origami' effect. This evolutionary adaptation allowed snakes to inject venom through deepened wrinkles at the base of their teeth, making them highly potent and deadly.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that shark diversity remained relatively constant during the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. However, some groups of apex predators suffered selective extinctions, while others increased in diversity after the K-Pg boundary.
A study published in Community Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology found that children with mothers suffering from postpartum depression or bonding disorders brush their teeth less often. In contrast, mothers showing strong affection towards their children increase the frequency of their child's toothbrushing.
Researchers from the University of Otago debunked a long-held belief about Paranthropus' eating habits, finding no evidence to support regular consumption of hard foods. Instead, they found similar tooth fracture patterns in fossil humans and living primates that eat soft fruits or leaves.
Researchers identified three oral inflammation phenotypes: high, low, and slow responses. The 'slow' response was found in subjects with low clinical responses and demonstrated a delayed strong inflammatory response. A novel protective mechanism, utilizing neutrophils, was also discovered to save tissue and bone during inflammation.
A recent analysis found that tooth loss is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Adults with more missing teeth had a higher risk of developing cognitive decline, even after controlling for other factors. However, the study also showed that timely treatment with dentures may protect against this risk.
Scientists reconstructed ancient shark communities using fossil shark scales, revealing a three-fold decline in abundance since prehistoric times. The study provides insight into what a 'healthy' shark community might look like on a coral reef before human exploitation.