TMJ, The Hidden Pain
Temporomandibular joint disorder or temporomandibular joint syndrome, also known as TMJ, is a common disorder that affects the jaw joint. The temporomandibular joint is what connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull (temporal bone), and there is one on each side of your jaw; this is what allows you to yawn, chew, and talk. […]
Future Cardiovascular Events Predicted By Missing Teeth
A recent study by the University of Helsinki in Finland shows that there is an association between tooth loss and future cardiovascular events, death, as well as diabetes. In addition, missing teeth might even be able to predict future cardiovascular events. This study was published in the Journal of Dental Research, and was done in […]
The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Recently the American Cancer Society has projected that an estimated 39,500 people will develop oral cancer, and out of this number, 7,500 of these people will die. The idea of cancer in any part of your body is scary, but typically when cancer is caught early, it can be highly treatable. The best thing you […]
The Link Between Soda and Dental Erosion
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry shows that soft drinks and fruit juice play a significant role in the severity of dental erosion. Dental erosion happens when the enamel, the protective coating of the tooth, wears away from exposure to acidic substances. When this happens, the tooth loses its mineral […]
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 […]