L-Arginine: The Plaque Killer
Researchers at Newcastle University and the University of Michigan have discovered that the amino acid, L-arginine, has the ability to break down dental plaque. The amino acid L-arginine is found naturally in many foods such as fish, poultry, red meat, as well as in dairy products. This is good news for food lovers, as this […]
The Connection Between Tooth Loss and Mental Decline
In 2012, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that half of the adult population in the United States suffers from periodontal (gum) disease, the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. Cases of gum disease range from mild to severe, however current research issued in the […]
Saliva: Protector of Teeth
Saliva is more important than you think, as recent research has shown that saliva helps protect the teeth from cavities. Saliva is comprised with mostly water, but 0.5% of saliva is mucus; mucus contains salivary mucins, which are large glycoproteins that are now known to actively protect the teeth from damage by Streptococcus mutans, a […]
Menopause and Dental Health
Did you know that hygienists and dentists have the capability to help women become mindful of the effects of the different phases of menopause? By the time women are 40 years old, almost 10 percent have begun to experience deviations in their menstrual cycle, and by age 50, about 80 percent of women begin to […]
What Your Teeth Say About Your Health
Last month we discussed the connection between heart and gum disease, but that’s not the only condition your dentist can spot; in fact, the health of your mouth can shine a light on other potential health threats that otherwise may not be visible. Patients may not experience any symptoms, but since the mouth is a […]
The Link Strengthens Between Heart Disease and Gum Disease
Did you know that individuals who suffer from gum (periodontal) disease are almost as twice as likely to have heart disease than those without it? Our mouths our full of bacteria, and gum disease begins when the sticky, colorless bacteria-laden film (otherwise known as plaque) builds up around your teeth and causes an infection that […]
Are You Suffering From Gum Disease?
You can be suffering from gum disease and not even know it; it can be difficult to recognize because periodontal (gum) disease does not provide many recognizable symptoms during the disease’s early stages. Due to this, many adults in the United States have some form of gum disease, and most may suffer from a mild […]
The Ancient Art of Dentistry
Did you know that dentistry is an ancient art that has been practiced for at least 9,000 years? Archaeological findings have shown us the ingenuity that existed in the application of cosmetic and surgical dental practices during ancient times. Dating back to 7000 BC, the Indus Valley Civilization has produced evidence of the earliest form […]
Are You Suffering From Sleep Apnea?
Do you often wake up in the morning and find that you have a sore throat or a very dry mouth? Do you find yourself waking up multiple times during the night with a choking sensation, shortness of breath or both? Do you find yourself waking up frequently throughout the night to urinate? Or do you […]
Chewing Gum for Oral Health
Some good news for gum chewers! Turns out that by chewing gum you actually promote good dental hygiene in the same way as flossing and brushing your teeth. Chewing gum has been found to have effects on appetite control, mood, alertness, and cognitive performance, but the effects of gum chewing on oral care have not […]