Get Healthy!

Results for search "Dental Problems: Misc.".

06 Jul

The Link Between Dental Health and Alzheimer’s

Researchers discover a link between gum disease, tooth loss, and brain shrinkage in a region affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

13 Dec

Both Smoking and Vaping Can Hurt Your Teeth and Gums, New Study Finds

E-cigarettes join traditional cigarettes and cigars as a danger to oral health, researchers say.

Health News Results - 106

Americans Are Now Getting Far Fewer Opioids for Dental Pain

FRIDAY, Nov. 10, 2023 (HealthDay News) – If you’re getting a tooth pulled or having another painful dental procedure, you’re much less likely to get opioids than you were just a few years ago, new research reveals.

That’s good news because opioid abuse is a major issue in the United States and these drugs aren't necessary for most dental procedures.

But there was a bit of ba...

Dental X-rays Are Now Safer Than Ever

FRIDAY, Nov. 3, 2023 (HealthDay News) – That heavy lead apron you wear at the dentist’s office when getting X-rays may no longer be necessary.

While intended to shield patients from radiation exposure anywhere that isn’t the jaw, the X-ray equipment used in dental offices today is quite safe compared to those of the past.

The amount of external radiation scatter from modern X-...

Tooth Whitening: Expert Help on Getting a Brighter Smile

People want whiter teeth, surveys show, and the American Dental Association (ADA) has some advice on how to accomplish that.

Over time, teeth can become less white due to a number of causes, including food and drink, tobacco use, age, trauma and medications.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, when people were asked what they most wanted to improve about their...

Dental Issues Plague America's Nursing Home Residents

Good oral health is one of the keys to healthy aging, but a sobering new study shows that many U.S. nursing home residents have significant dental issues.

Close to two in every 10 residents have missing teeth, about 8% have broken teeth/cavities and another 11% report pain while chewing, researchers found.

“Inadequate oral health has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond t...

Avoid Opioids for Short-Term Dental Pain in Kids, New Guidelines Say

Children having short-term dental pain from extractions or toothache should not be prescribed opioids but rather manage those aches with over-the-counter ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, according to new guidelines.

The guidelines detailing dental pain management strategies for kids was endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA) after being developed by the ADA Science & Research In...

Stem Cells Might Someday Create New Tooth Enamel or 'Living Fillings'

Damaged teeth could one day be repaired with “living fillings” created from stem cells, a new study reports.

In the lab, researchers induced stem cells to form small, multicellular mini-organs that secrete the proteins that form tooth enamel, according to a report published Aug. 14 in the journal

Fluoride Toothpaste, Make Room for a New Competitor

Fluoride may have found its match in preventing cavities.

New research shows that toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite, one of the main mineral components in teeth, can prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride, which has been used in toothpaste since 1956.

The findings were published July 18 in

Brushing, Flossing Could Help Shield Your Brain From Dementia

Add risk of developing memory problems later in life to the list of consequences linked to poor oral health.

Not taking care of your mouth and teeth has already been associated with heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and preterm birth. Now, a new study finds that folks with gum disease or tooth loss have evidence of shrinkage within the hippocampus, a brain area essential for memory...

Could Dentures Raise Your Odds for Pneumonia?

Dentures may hide harmful germs that cause pneumonia, British researchers report.

For the study, the investigators took samples from the dentures of nursing home patients who did and didn't have pneumonia. They analyzed the samples to identify the types of microbes present. The researchers specifically looked for microbes that could cause pneumonia and if there were significant differenc...

Teething Symptoms and How to Help Your Baby Get Relief

When babies start teething, the pain and discomfort can be hard on them. In this short guide, we'll explain what teething is, when you can expect it to occur and its most common symptoms.

Plus, you'll discover several safe and effective strategies recommended by pediatricians to help your baby find relief from teething pain.

What is teething?

When your baby's ...

Diabetes, Tooth Loss Can Be Double Trouble for Aging Brains

Diabetes is a known risk factor for mental decline and dementia. Paired with total tooth loss, the potential harm to the brain is even more significant, new research indicates.

The findings highlight the importance of good dental care and diabetes control in aging adults, said

'Have a Sweet': Grandma's Treats Threaten Kids' Teeth

Raiding the cookie jar or candy dish at grandma's house may be a treat, but it can also help ruin children's teeth.

And a new survey found more than two-thirds of mothers reporting that their kids' grandparents gave youngsters sugary foods and beverages, with no limits on consumption.

"I have many happy memories of raiding the candy jar at my own grandparents' house and, as a paren...

Seniors' Dental Care Declines After Medicare Kicks In

Without dental coverage, many American seniors on Medicare stop getting the fillings and crowns they may need, a new study finds.

The result isn't pretty.

“Without dental coverage for adults who are eligible [for] Medicare, we are seeing a rise in loss of teeth after age 65 among nearly 1 in 20 adults, which represents millions of Americans,” said

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • February 9, 2023
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Not Just Brushing: 10 Ways to Start Caring for Baby Teeth

    Even the tiniest teeth can decay, which is why it's important to take care of them.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers some tips for caring for those little teeth, starting before the first one even arrives.

    "There are habits you can start now to keep your baby's teeth healthy,”

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • February 4, 2023
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Caring for Teeth, Gums May Safeguard Aging Brains

    Taking good care of your teeth -- brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups -- is, of course, important for good health. Now researchers say it's also vital for brain health.

    While it was already clear that poor dental health could increase stroke and heart disease risk, a new study funds that adults who are genetically prone to have cavities, dentures and missing teeth are also more li...

    Sleep Apnea Linked to Weaker Bones, Teeth

    People who have sleep apnea may have another issue to worry about — weaker bones and teeth.

    Known as low bone-mineral density, the condition is an indicator of osteoporosis and can increase the risk of fractures and cause teeth to become loose and dental implants to fail, according to new research from the University at Buffalo (UB) in New York.

    To study this, researchers used co...

    Gum Disease Treatments Lose Their Punch in Heavy Smokers

    Treatments for gum disease may have little benefit for heavy smokers, new research shows.

    The study findings suggest the need to rethink treatment of the common gum disease periodontitis, according to researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark.

    “To our surprise, we could see that the diseas...

    Avoiding 'Wine Teeth' This Holiday Season

    Red may be a traditional holiday color, but no one wants to wear it on their teeth.

    An expert offers some tips for keeping “wine teeth” at bay during your holiday parties.

    “When you drink red wine, you're encountering a triple threat to your teeth's whiteness: anthocyanins, which are the pigments in grapes that give red wine its rich color; tannins, which help bind the pigment...

    Smoking, Vaping Both Bad for Your Teeth & Gums: Study

    For those who care about their teeth, a new study sounds a pretty clear alarm: using tobacco in any form — including the increasingly popular practice of vaping — is a recipe for a dental nightmare.

    The warning comes from the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), after scientists analyzed several years of tracking data that looked at associations between...

    All That Vaping Might Damage Your Smile

    On top of their other health hazards, electronic cigarettes may help rot your teeth, a new study suggests.

    Vaping appears to promote cavities, which can result in tooth loss if not treated quickly, experts say.

    "If you are vaping, be aware that there are potentially some detrimental oral health effects," said lead researcher

  • Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • November 23, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Half of Dentists Say Patients Are Coming to Appointments While High

    More and more nervous patients are showing up stoned for dental appointments, often forcing dentists to postpone treatment until the patient sobers up, new survey data shows.

    As more states are legalizing marijuana, more than half of dentists (52%) report seeing patients high on weed or other drugs, a new

  • Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • November 8, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • CDC Warns of Rare Bacterial Infections From Dentists' Water Lines

    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that a number of U.S. children have picked up a serious infection from contaminated water lines at the dentist's office.

    Although rare, outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections have been reported in kids treated at the dentist, one cluster in 2015 and another in 2016, the CDC says. A third cluster ide...

    There's a Push to Expand Medicare's Coverage of Dental Issues

    Dental coverage under Medicare could soon start expanding for seniors under a new proposal from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

    Still, the proposed rules would not provide full coverage for regular dental care, which has been explicitly excluded from Medicare since...

    Getting Your Gums Cleaned Could Mean Better Outcomes After Heart Attack

    While dental and medical care are thought to be related, researchers wondered what impact oral care might have on a serious heart condition.

    A University of Michigan team studied more than 2,000 patients who had a heart attack in 2017. The patients had either received periodontal care, dental cleanings or no or...

    Unhealthy Gums Could Up Your Odds for Dementia

    Gum disease has far-reaching effects and may increase your odds of developing dementia, a new study suggests.

    In a review of 47 previously published studies, researchers in Finland found that tooth loss, deep pockets around teeth in the gums, or bone loss in the tooth sockets was tied to a 21% higher risk of dementia and a 23% higher risk of

  • Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • September 12, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Oral Surgery on Your Calendar? Expert Offers Tips to Ease Anxiety

    If you're planning to have oral surgery, be prepared, not scared, an expert suggests — and stay off YouTube.

    “I tell all of my patients, ‘The more you know, the better it's going to be.' As health professionals, we're not trying to scare patients with information; it's just that when you're prepared for something, when you know what's going to happen, it reduces the anxiety level, a...

    Moving Away From Opioids to Treat Dental Pain

    Many opioid abusers cite short-term, legitimate use of an opioid for relief of joint or dental pain as their "gateway" into addiction.

    Now, research done at one New York State clinic finds that dentists can cut their use of opioids down to zero, using other painkillers for patients instead.

    The end...

    Mom-to-Be's Gum Disease Could Raise Odds for Premature Birth

    A small preliminary study suggests that the health of an expectant mother's gums may affect her likelihood of a preterm birth.

    The study compared oral inflammation and microbes in 33 women whose babies were born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, considered

  • By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • June 22, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Tongue, Lip Piercings May Harm Teeth and Gums

    Getting your tongue or lips pierced? Don't be surprised when your dentist is unhappy about it.

    These piercings can do damage to your teeth and gums, a new study warns.

    "Our study found that many people with oral piercings had deep pockets and gaps around their teeth, and recedi...

    Link Up Doctor, Dentists' Records for Faster Dental Care

    Rapid access to a patient's medical records could help dentists provide better care, but that rarely happens, a new study finds.

    "Oral health practitioners may need to confirm a list of medical considerations; for example, that there is no contraindication to a patient sitting in a chair for a lengthy procedure or whether a patient is taking any medication that could put them at risk for ...

    How Long Do Teeth Survive After Root Canal?

    If you've had a root canal, you can expect your tooth to survive for about 11 years, researchers say.

    For a time, root canals can maintain teeth affected by cavities or other problems, but the tooth eventually becomes brittle and dies. To learn more about just how long that process might take, ...

    Do Dentures Take a Toll on Good Nutrition?

    Dentures may take a bite out of your nutrition, a new study warns.

    "They do not provide the same chewing efficiency, which may alter eating habits," said senior author Dr. Thankam Thyvalikakath, director of the Regenstrief Institute and the School of Dentistry Dental Informatics program at Indiana University in Indianapolis. "Dentists need to be aware of this and provide advice or a refer...

    A Penicillin Allergy Is Bad News If You Get a Dental Implant

    While the vast majority of dental implant procedures go smoothly, related infections can up the risk for implant failure.

    Antibiotics can keep that risk at bay, with penicillin the typical go-to choice. But new research warns that when patients are given an alternative antibiotic due to concerns over

  • Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • April 14, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Can't Afford the Dentist? Try a Dental Therapist

    Nearly 60 million Americans live in "dental deserts," while many more can't afford basic dental care even if it is available.

    Enter dental therapists.

    New research suggests these newly minted health care professionals could help more people get the oral hea...

    A Healthy Mouth Can Mean a Healthy Heart for Older Women

    A new study offers more evidence that oral health is connected to heart health: Older women who harbor certain bacteria in their mouths might be at increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

    The study, which followed 1,200 women for a decade, found that 15 types of mouth bacteria were linked to the odds of developing

  • |
  • March 2, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Pandemic Bit Into Supply of Dental Hygienists

    It might be harder to get your teeth cleaned this year, with a new study showing a shortage of dental hygienists in the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    "Not unlike many other professions in the United States, challenges persist in dental hygienist employment," said study first author Rachel Morrissey, a senior research analyst with the American Dental Association.

    "The ...

    Vaping Shows More Links to Gum Disease

    Cigarette smoking is infamous for promoting gum disease, and now a new study adds to evidence that vaping also exacts a toll on the teeth and gums.

    Researchers found that people who use e-cigarettes have a unique bacterial composition in their mouths that likely spells trouble for their dental health. In fact, their oral microbes were more similar to that of cigarette smokers than to nons...

    A Healthy Mouth Could Be a Lifesaver for Kids With Heart Conditions

    Kids with heart conditions are more likely than their peers to have frequent cavities, toothaches or bleeding gums, a new U.S. government study finds.

    Researchers found that of U.S. children and teenagers with heart conditions, 10% had only "poor" to "fair" dental health, as rated by their parents. That was twice the figure of kids without heart problems.

    It's a concern in part, the...

    Drills Key to Making Dental Appointments COVID-Safe

    The type of drill your dentist uses just might determine your chances of catching COVID-19 while in the chair.

    So claims new research that suggests dentists can significantly improve patient safety during the pandemic by switching the type of drill they use.

    British researchers used a harmless virus s...

    Could a Chewing Gum in Pregnancy Help Prevent Premature Deliveries?

    Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for preterm birth, and now new research suggests that chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol during pregnancy may lower this risk.

    The study took place in Malawi, Africa, which has one of the world's highest rates of preterm delivery. Experts are quick t...

    The 'Oreo Test' and Other Ways to Help Kids' Oral Health

    Worried your kid isn't brushing his or her teeth properly? You might want to try the Oreo test.

    "If the child eats an Oreo and brushes their teeth and the parent can still see the Oreos, they need to be checking and helping them brush," said Elise Sarvas, a clinical associate professor of pediatric dentistry with the University of Minnesota.

    Sarvas offers up the Oreo test and other ...

    Visiting a 'Dental Fear' Clinic Can Help Improve a Child's Smile

    If the sound of a dental drill sends shivers up your spine, you're likely in good company: Finnish researchers say that one of every two adults fear the dentist at least a little, while one in 10 are very afraid.

    But the researchers added that a local dentistry program has found a novel way to turn screams into smiles, by exposing patients as young as 2 to a series of desensitizing exams ...

    When Gums Aren't Healthy, Mind and Body May Follow

    Gum disease isn't just a threat to your teeth. It also increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, mental woes and more, British researchers report.

    "The study reinforces the importance of prevention, early identification and treatment of periodontal disease, and the need for members of th...

    Scientists Get to the Root of 'Chalky Teeth' in Kids

    Researchers who say they have discovered what causes kids to have "chalky teeth" predict it could lead to new ways to fight it and cut cavities by half.

    One in five children have chalky teeth -- visible as discolored enamel spots -- which can cause severe toothache and decay, sometimes resulting in abscesses, extractions and other problems.

    "We can't yet prevent chalky teeth from de...

    Animal Study Suggests Link Between Obesity and Gum Disease

    It is likely a connection few have considered, but new research in mice suggests that obesity may up your risk of gum disease.

    Specifically, chronic inflammation caused by obesity may trigger the development of cells called osteoclasts that break down bone tissue -- including alveolar bone that holds teeth in place.

    “Although there is a clear relationship between the degree of obe...

    Few Dental Patients Regret Having a Root Canal: Study

    Most people who've had a root canal say they don't regret it, even though many still have pain and discomfort in the affected tooth, a new Swedish study finds.

    Root canals are commonly done when the soft tissue (pulp) inside the tooth is inflamed or infected. The soft parts are removed and replaced with a rubber-like material and a kind of cement.

    "The studies show that the patients...

    Many Dentists Still Giving Patients Addictive Opioid Painkillers

    Though most U.S. dentists say non-opioid painkillers effectively manage dental pain, nearly half still prescribe potentially addictive opioid painkillers, a new survey reveals.

    In all, 84% of the 269 respondents said NSAID-acetaminophen combos are as effective as opioids or even more so, but 43% also said they regularly prescribe opioid medications.

    The findings were published Oct. ...

    Heartburn Meds Might Be Good for Your Gums

    While they're helping to ease reflux, some heartburn drugs may also be reducing the severity of gum disease, new research suggests.

    For the study, researchers assessed probing depth in the gums (the gap between teeth and gums) in more than 1,000 patients with gum disease who were or weren't using drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a class of drugs widely prescribed to treat heart...

    Brush & Floss: Better Oral Health Keeps Severe COVID at Bay

    Good dental hygiene may well be a weapon against severe COVID-19: A new study shows that taking care of your teeth and gums may lower your risk of serious infection, especially if you have heart disease.

    Previous research has found an association between poor oral hygiene and increased inflammation and heart disease, and COVID-19 severity has also been linked to an inflammatory response, ...

    Few Kids Get Dental Fluoride Treatments, Though Insurance Will Pay

    Very few privately insured young children get recommended dental fluoride treatments at health wellness visits, even though insurance typically covers them, a new study finds.

    "Medical providers are not required to do this; it's like a mammogram," said lead author Kimberley Geissler, an associate professor of health policy and management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. "It's r...

    Show All Health News Results