Articles tagged with Teeth
A new study reveals that human ancestors began consuming tropical grasses and sedges around 3.5 million years ago, marking a significant shift in their diet. This change is believed to have set the stage for the development of modern diets featuring grains, grasses, and meat from grazing animals.
A series of scientific papers reveals early human species like Australopithecus afarensis and Kenyanthropus platyops began eating grasses, sedges, and succulents around 3.5 million years ago. The findings show that early humans acquired a taste for C4/CAM plants after their environments seemed similar to their ancestors.
The report shows that over half the global population suffers from untreated tooth decay or cavities, with severe periodontitis and caries on the rise. The study reveals a significant increase in oral conditions globally between 1990 and 2010, primarily due to population growth and ageing.
A study published in General Dentistry found that soda consumption, especially diet soda, can cause severe tooth erosion and damage similar to methamphetamine and crack cocaine use. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends minimizing soda intake and using sugar-free gum or rinsing with water after consumption.
A new technique using primate tooth analysis has been applied to Neanderthal fossils, revealing that Neanderthal babies were weaned around 7 months old, similar to modern human infants. This method provides a precise estimate of the timing of weaning in extinct species.
Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. The study found that alligator teeth are complex units of three components, including a functional tooth, replacement tooth, and dental lamina, which contain stem cells for regeneration.
Researchers have found new evidence on how fluoride compounds reduce tooth decay risk by hardening enamel and reducing bacteria adhesion. This discovery lends credence to alternative theories on fluoride's mechanism of action.
Researchers found fossilized remains of Microraptor with stomach content of fish, revealing its varied diet. The dinosaur's unique teeth were adapted for catching slippery prey like fish.
Researchers analyze fossilized teeth of Australopithecus sediba and find it shares common dental traits with early humans. The study suggests that sediba is a close relative to humans, but its position in human evolution remains uncertain.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a new method for replacing missing teeth with bioengineered material from human gum cells. The technique, which uses adult human epithelial cells and mouse mesenchyme cells, can produce functional teeth with viable roots and dentine.
Research found that tooth loss is associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers and higher probabilities of diabetes, smoking, and obesity. Gum bleeding was linked to higher blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. The study suggests that dental health could be a useful risk marker for heart disease in the future.
A 33,000-year-old Siberian fossil, known as the 'Altai dog', is found to be more closely related to modern dogs and prehistoric canids on the American continents than wolves. This challenges previous theories suggesting a recent emergence of modern dogs from wolf ancestors.
A new study led by the University of Washington found that certain South American mammals evolved long, strong teeth in response to the gritty dust and volcanic ash they encountered while feeding in an ancient tropical forest. The discovery contradicts the 140-year-old assumption about the evolution of specialized teeth.
A recent study found that postmenopausal women who smoked had significantly higher odds of experiencing tooth loss due to periodontal disease. The researchers also discovered that the more women smoked, the greater their risk of losing teeth as a result of periodontal disease.
Scientists at McGill University and the Federal University of Sao Paulo have identified osteopontin as a key player in X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), a rare bone disease characterized by soft bones and tooth abnormalities. This discovery may lead to the development of an enzyme-replacement therapy to treat XLH patients.
A six-month study published in General Dentistry found that using a germ-killing mouthrinse twice daily significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis compared to brushing alone. The study involved 139 adults with mild to moderate plaque and gingivitis, showing a 26.3% reduction in plaque and a 20.4% reduction in gingivitis.
Researchers examine how our evolutionary history contributes to current health problems, such as obesity and childbirth complications. They suggest that understanding our past can help us better address these issues with alternative solutions like doula support during birth.
Research published in the Journal of Dental Research shows that beta-catenin is crucial for odontoblast cell differentiation and root development. Tissue-specific inactivation of beta-catenin in developing odontoblasts resulted in molars lacking roots and thin incisors.
The study found that quartz particles can remove pieces of tooth enamel at extremely low forces, making them a significant contributor to dental microwear. In contrast, fossilized plant remains had a minor effect on tooth surfaces, leaving only cosmetic rubbing marks.
Researchers have developed a new substance inspired by mussels' adhesive, which can rebuild both enamel and dentin on teeth. Laboratory tests show that the gooey material promotes simultaneous remineralization of enamel and dentin, offering a potential solution for millions suffering from tooth sensitivity.
A recent study using dental microwear texture analysis found no evidence of increased starvation in saber-tooth cats before their extinction. Instead, the research suggests that these great cats and American lions were well-fed and actively hunted prey, challenging popular theories on megafaunal extinction.
Researchers used non-invasive X-ray technology to study the jaws and teeth of a primitive jawed fish called Compagopiscis. The discovery provides solid evidence that teeth evolved along with or soon after the development of jaws in early vertebrates, shedding light on our evolutionary ancestry.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found a significant association between difficulty chewing hard food and cognitive impairment, including dementia. The study of 557 people aged 77 or older suggests that maintaining good chewing ability may be crucial for brain health.
A 6,500-year-old human jaw bone with a tooth showing traces of beeswax filling has been discovered, offering evidence of ancient dentistry in Europe. The beeswax was likely applied to reduce pain and sensitivity from a vertical crack in the tooth.
Researchers found that enzyme-modified coconut oil strongly inhibited the growth of Streptococcus bacteria, a major cause of tooth decay. The study suggests that incorporating this natural compound into dental hygiene products could be a promising approach to combating microbial infection.
A study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are four times more likely to develop gum disease, with severe cases associated with increased inflammatory markers and antibodies. Gum disease in these patients may contribute to the development and maintenance of systemic inflammation.
A study published in Nature magazine found that Australopithecus sediba had a varied diet consisting of fruits, tree bark, nuts, leaves and sedges. The team's analysis suggests they lived in a forested margin near grasslands, contrary to previous research on other hominin species.
A Swedish study found that dental plaque is associated with a significantly increased risk of premature death from cancer. The research tracked the health of almost 1,400 adults for 24 years and found that those with high levels of plaque had a 79% higher risk of dying early from cancer.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology concludes that a two-step tooth implantation method is more effective than a one-step process. The research found that implants placed using the two-step procedure show less wear and tear over time, with greater bone stability.
A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found that sports and energy drinks cause irreversible damage to teeth due to high acidity levels. Energy drinks are twice as likely to destroy enamel than sports drinks.
Multituberculates, rodent-like creatures, developed complex back teeth for crushing plant material, allowing them to thrive after dinosaur extinction, while sharper front teeth became less prominent.
Using guillotine-based experiments and computer modeling, researchers at the University of Bristol studied the efficiency of bladed tooth shapes. They found that different shaped teeth are optimized for different types of food, with V-shaped edges being similar to those found in sharks and carnivorous mammals.
A University of Alberta paleontologist has discovered that Tyrannosaurus rex had the greatest variation in tooth morphology or structure among all tyrannosaurids. The varying edges enabled strong teeth to cut through flesh and bone, while the placement and angle directed food into its mouth.
Researchers identified two substances in licorice root that kill major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Licoricidin and licorisoflavan A were found to be effective antibacterial substances, potentially treating or preventing oral infections.
The 'plasma brush' uses chemical reactions to disinfect and clean out cavities, forming a better bond for cavity fillings. This technology could reduce costs by 75% and increase the lifespan of fillings by 60%, benefiting patients and dentists.
A study by the American Heart Association found that frequent professional tooth scaling can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Participants who received regular cleanings had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who never received dental care.
Researchers have re-analyzed ancient deciduous teeth from Grotta del Cavallo, Italy, and found they belong to anatomically modern humans. The new study suggests that Homo sapiens arrived in Europe earlier than previously known, with dates ranging from ~43,000-45,000 cal BP.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a peptide-based fluid that reverses tooth decay by stimulating regeneration of damaged tooth tissue. The treatment is applied directly to the affected area, providing a natural and non-invasive solution to filling teeth without drilling.
A new human syndrome has been identified with craniosynostosis, maxillary hyperplasia, delayed tooth eruption, and supernumerary teeth due to a recessively inherited IL11RA gene mutation. The disorder affects the normal development of craniofacial bones and teeth.
Researchers found that females preferred to disperse from their natal groups, similar to chimpanzees and human groups. The study suggests early hominins' social structure was not like that of gorillas.
Two studies published in the Journal of Dental Research found significant income-related inequalities in dental service utilization and tooth loss among Europeans aged 50+ and US adults. Income inequality was associated with higher odds of reporting greater tooth loss, highlighting the need to address social determinants of health.
Researchers found periodontal ligament stem cells to be the most efficacious in treating advanced gum disease, outperforming other dental stem cell types. The study suggests PDLSCs may offer a new treatment option for periodontitis, a common cause of tooth loss worldwide.
Researchers have found a bone-creating protein that can improve dental implant success when used to augment the maxillary sinus. The protein, BMP, induces superior bone quality and improves chances for successful implants compared to conventional bone grafting.
Scientists have found fluoride forms a protective shield on teeth that is only 6 nanometers thick, sparking doubts about its ability to fight cavities.
Researchers mapped the topography of bat molars using GPS technology, revealing trends in dental complexity across 17 species of New World leaf-nosed bats. The study found that fruit-eating species had sharp outer edges and large surfaces with tiny indentations, while insect-eating species had simpler shearing surfaces.
Researchers uncover eight ancient teeth in Israel that are similar to those of modern humans, sparking new questions about the origins of Homo sapiens. The discovery, part of a larger excavation at the Qesem cave site, provides valuable insights into early human evolution and migration patterns.
New research reveals that odontoblast cells in teeth orchestrate an immune response to protect against bacteria-induced decay. The cells produce proteins that down-regulate inflammation, protecting the underlying pulp from damage.
Researchers found a significant decrease in tooth decay among young American Indians who switched from sweetened soda to water, with up to 63% reduction in early stage cavities. The study suggests that promoting water as a primary drink can have a substantial impact on preventing tooth decay.
Scientists use atom-probe tomography to map millions of individual atoms in a sea creature's tooth, revealing organic/inorganic interfaces. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for tracking fluoride in teeth and cancer, osteoporosis drugs in bone, and designing new materials with improved properties.
Archaeologists have found evidence of Homo sapiens in the Qesem Cave in Israel dating back to 400,000 years ago. The discovery challenges the long-held theory that modern man emerged from Africa 200,000 years ago and may indicate significant evolutionary changes in human behavior during this period.
Researchers have discovered the secret behind sea urchin teeth's ever-sharp quality, which could be mimicked to create self-sharpening tools. The unique biomineral mosaic structure of the teeth allows them to maintain sharpness despite constant grinding and scraping.
Scientists challenge conventional wisdom on fluoride's effectiveness in preventing tooth decay, finding the protective shield on teeth is just 6 nanometers thick, sparking questions about its ability to protect teeth.
Researchers found that leaf-cutter ants change tasks when mandibles wear out, allowing more efficient sisters to take over. This division of labor allows the colony to remain productive while minimizing energy loss.
Researchers found that compounds in cranberry disrupt enzymes used by bacteria to form plaque, reducing acid production and cavities. Additionally, polyphenols from red wine waste inhibit S. mutans' activity and reduce acid production.
A study of Neanderthal and early human teeth reveals that modern humans' slow development and long childhood are recent traits. This may have given early humans an evolutionary edge over Neanderthals, facilitating additional learning and complex cognition.
Researchers have discovered how cone snails inject their venom after shooting a harpoon-like tooth into their prey. The venom is produced in the venom duct and pumped through by rapid contractions of the venom bulb, which also contains specialized muscles.
Researchers at UIC's Brodie Laboratory have successfully developed a technique to reattach teeth using stem cells, which could lead to a major advance in the battle against gum disease. The new strategy involves using periodontal ligament stem cells to form new fibrous attachments between the tooth and bone.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research has identified genetic variations in taste pathway genes as predictors of tooth decay. The researchers found associations between TAS2R38 and TAS1R2 genes and caries risk or protection.
According to a study published in JADA, asthma and cavities are both prevalent childhood diseases in the US. However, researchers found little evidence suggesting that asthma causes tooth decay, with some studies showing children with asthma having fewer cavities.
A new method, developed by Prof. Herzl Chai at Tel Aviv University, measures the size of chips in tooth fossils to determine the types of foods early humans consumed. The study found that larger chips indicate harder foods like nuts and seeds.