Highlights Of Dental News In 2014

- People with periodontal disease were 4 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.

- 90 percent of dental providers stated that they asked their patients about their tobacco use on a regular basis. The numbers also stated that 76 percent counsel their patients while 45 percent offer tobacco cessation assistance. Today, smoking, type 2 diabetes and the food and drinks people consume lead to a higher risk of gum disease.

-Ancient Romans knew how to take care of their gums. Only 5 percent of Romans suffered from gum disease while 30 percent of people today encounter that problem.

- 10 percent of 3-year-olds in England and Wales show signs of dental decay even though the condition could easily be prevented. In some places, more than half of 5-year-olds have decaying teeth.

- Dental anxiety could cause a person to flinch even after a cotton swab makes minimal contact with his or her gums. Many people don’t even bother to visit the dentist based on their anxiety

- One of five athletes at the Summer Olympics 2012 showed signs of dental decay or gum disease and 18 percent of the Olympians stated that poor dental health could have adversely affected their performance.

- People who wear dentures during sleep are at a higher risk for pneumonia when compared to those who remove them prior to sleep. Poor oral health and hygiene are major risk factors for pneumonia among the elderly.

- Women who are older and pregnant receive better dental care compared to women who are younger and pregnant.

- Drugs used for treating depression may raise the risk of bone fracture. This stems from the fact that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors reduce bone formation.

- Coffee may have an unintended benefit. Drinking coffee could lower the risk of gum disease. 

- The protein statherin, which is usually found in the formation of enamel, can lead to bone growth.

- Stem cells would likely be a more effective way to replace missing teeth because of the costs of implants, in addition to the difficulty in making sure the implants last for a long period of time.

- Electrically accelerated and enhanced remineralization would serve to heal teeth without drilling and filling cavities. A small electric current is used to push the mineral to the tooth from the damaged site.

- It may be beneficial to your health if you eat more dark chocolate. The bitter power found in dark chocolate, theobromine, may harden the enamel.

This is just a glimpse of the research done in 2014. We expect more breakthroughs in 2015, and of course we’ll keep you informed. 

Tourmedical wishes you a happy new year!