(HealthDay News) — Millions of teeth are treated by root canal each year, says the American Association of Endodontists. A root canal is the process of removing an injured or diseased tooth. The procedure often is the best way to relieve serious pain and bring a tooth back to health.Continue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Cavities are permanently damaged areas of your teeth. They have a range of causes, from bacteria to sugary drinks and poor dental care. Symptoms of cavities also vary. Initially, people with a cavity may have no symptoms. But as the cavity gets larger, warning signs such asContinue Reading
WEDNESDAY, June 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dentists tend to be overeager when it comes to prescribing antibiotics, new research suggests. The study authors found that antibiotics prescribed to prevent infection during dental procedures weren’t necessary 81% of the time. That’s important because 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions come fromContinue Reading
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Even amid an epidemic of abuse, opioid painkillers are still commonly prescribed to teenagers and young adults for conditions like tooth and back pain, a new study finds. Researchers found that between 2005 and 2015, opioids were prescribed to teens and college-age adultsContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — If you wince while eating sweets or brushing your teeth, you may have sensitive teeth, says the American Dental Association. Causes of sensitive teeth include: Tooth decay. A cracked tooth. Worn tooth enamel, fillings or tooth roots. Regular dental checkups, desensitizing toothpaste and less aggressive tooth brushingContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — From plaque buildup to gum disease, bleeding gums can be a sign of many conditions. To treat bleeding gums, MedlinePlus recommends: Visiting the dentist every six months. Following your dentist’s homecare instructions. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Not using mouthwashes that contain alcohol. FollowingContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Adults should maintain oral health to keep teeth strong and healthy for a lifetime, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC encourages them to: Brush teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste. Remove dental plaque with floss. Visit the dentist on a regular basis. DoContinue Reading
SUNDAY, April 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Regular brushing and flossing can save your teeth into old age. Could it also save your brain? The bacteria involved in gum disease might play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests. DNA from the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalisContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — From helping you chew to helping you talk, teeth serve a variety of functions. A healthy set of teeth is a great asset, so taking care of your smile is important, says the Oral Health Foundation. Simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy are: BrushingContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Tooth extractions can be painful, leaving patients sore and swollen for a few days post-surgery. Your dentist will likely provide instructions on aftercare, but the Oral Health Foundation offers general guidelines. After the surgery, people should: Brush carefully. Avoid rinsing for the first 24 hours. Avoid alcoholContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Proper oral hygiene allows people to enjoy food and prevent tooth loss and decay. It’s no less important if you’re caring for someone else. You may even be required to brush the teeth for that person. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggests these stepsContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Bottlemouth syndrome is a form of tooth decay that affects babies and young children. It is caused by prolonged drinking of sugary liquids from a bottle. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children are at greater risk of bottlemouth if they are put to bed with aContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — The American Dental Association warns against certain foods and beverages that can contribute to tooth decay. Some foods are more difficult to clean from teeth, and eating them repeatedly can lead to cavities. Here’s the ADA’s list of foods you should avoid: Hard candies — They tendContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Unhealthy gums can be swollen, red and painful. Common triggers for this condition include improper dental care, malnutrition, poorly fitted dentures or side effects of certain medications. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests ways to help prevent swollen gums: Eat a balanced diet that includes aContinue Reading