TUESDAY, Feb. 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — American dentists often prescribe more than the recommended supply of opioid painkillers to patients, a new study finds. Not only that, they are more likely to prescribe more powerful opioids, the researchers found. In this study, the researchers analyzed data on nearly 550,000Continue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that covers your teeth, says the American Dental Association. After a meal or snack, the bacteria can release acids that attack tooth enamel. Multiple attacks to the enamel can break it down, triggering cavities. With daily brushing and flossing, plaqueContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year in children and adults, says the American Association of Endodontists. But knocked out teeth don’t have to be lost for good. Proper emergency action can save the tooth, so it can be replanted. If your tooth gets knockedContinue Reading
SUNDAY, Dec. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — You don’t have to wind up with stained teeth if you toast the holidays with red wine, an expert says. “The strength of your enamel and how prone you are to plaque buildup is key to how much your teeth might stain,” saidContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Keeping your retainer clean can prevent cavities and infection, says the California Association of Orthodontists. Brushing your teeth and caring for your retainer also can ensure that your smile stays healthy. To keep your retainer clean, the association suggests: Wash your hands before and after wearing yourContinue Reading
MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Brushing your teeth may be good for your heart, a new study suggests. It included more than 161,000 South Korean adults, ages 40 to 79, with no history of heart failure or the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation. Between 2003 and 2004, participantsContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — For most babies, the two front teeth appear first, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Though babies won’t develop teeth for months, it’s important for parents to know how to care for them. The academy mentions these additional facts: Most babies develop teeth between 6 and 12Continue Reading
(HealthDay News) — The leading cause of gum disease is plaque, says the American Academy of Periodontology. However, other factors can affect the health of your gums. The academy mentions these risk factors for gum disease: Old age. Tobacco use. Genetic predisposition. Stress. Medications, such as antidepressants or oral contraceptives.Continue Reading
(HealthDay News) — From crooked to crowded teeth, children need braces for a variety of reasons, says KidsHealth. Because it’s so easy for food to get stuck in braces, children need to take extra steps to keep their teeth clean. To care for braces, KidsHealth encourages: Brushing after meals andContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective for brushing your teeth, says Mayo Clinic. For people with arthritis or other conditions that make brushing difficult, an electric toothbrush may be the better option. The bristle movement of an electric toothbrush may remove more plaque and helpContinue Reading
FRIDAY, Sept. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Here’s a compelling reason to keep those dreaded appointments with your dentist: New research suggests that red, tender or bleeding gums could trigger high blood pressure. In a review of 81 studies that included more than 250,000 people, U.K. scientists found that thoseContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that can remove unsightly stains. From dental office procedures to at-home whiteners, there are many safe and effective whitening options, says the American Dental Association. Before whitening, the ADA encourages people to: Check with your dentist. Whitening is not recommended forContinue Reading
TUESDAY, Aug. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Scheduled for surgery? Don’t forget to take your dentures out. According to a new report, one 72-year-old man who had abdominal surgery in England swallowed his dentures during the procedure. They got stuck in his throat — and were only discovered eight daysContinue Reading
MONDAY, Aug. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Is your toothbrush more than four months old? And how about your contact lens case? These and other everyday essentials need regular replacing, no matter how comfortable you are with them. At the top of the list is your toothbrush. To benefit oralContinue Reading