Mouse model studies show that administered genetically or topically, protein Smad7 protects against or heals mouth sores commonly associated with cancer treatment. In some cancer patients treated with radiation, the mouth sores known as oral mucositis become so severe that feeding tubes are required for nutrition and narcotics are needed for pain.

Microbes from the human mouth are telling Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists something about periodontitis and more after they cracked the genetic code of bacteria linked to the condition.

Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth Institute published a study that found that a significant proportion of dental bib clips harbored bacteria from the patient, dental clinician and the environment even after the clips had undergone standard disinfection procedures in a hygiene clinic.

 Researchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have discovered a statistical association between the injection of local dental anesthesia given to children ages two to six and evidence of missing lower wisdom teeth. The results of this epidemiological study, published in the April issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association, suggest that injecting anesthesia into the gums of young children may interrupt the development of the lower wisdom tooth.

Clinical trials continue. Data presented to oral medicine conference Cleaning your mouth and cleaning your arteries could be as simple as a once-a-day oral rinse if additional studies confirm preliminary findings about a new product.

Biomedical Development Corporation (BDC) on April 23 will present data to the American Academy of Oral Medicine showing that its oral rinse was safe and effective at fighting gingivitis in a recent clinical trial. But the most surprising finding of the study was that users of the oral rinse showed significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels than the placebo group.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is announcing a proposal to change the recommended fluoride level to 0.7 milligrams per liter of water. And the Environmental Protection Agency will review whether the maximum cutoff of 4 milligrams per liter is too high.

In an advance toward solving a 50-year-old mystery, scientists are reporting new evidence on how the fluoride in drinking water, toothpastes, mouth rinses and other oral-care products prevents tooth decay. Their report appears in the ACS journal Langumir. Karin Jacobs and colleagues explain that despite a half-century of scientific research, controversy still exists over exactly how fluoride compounds reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Beyond oral hygiene habits which hopefully you are maintaining, there are other bad habits that can hurt and damage your teeth. Such as grinding or clenching your teeth. Chewing or biting on pens and pencils or other hard object. These bad habits can chip, brake and ware down your teeth. Another bad habits that can effect your teeth, gum health and overall health would be smoking.

What your eat or drink can also effect your oral health. Drinking coffee or tea can stain your teeth. Even good foods can hurt your teeth just as oranges and apples can ware down your tooth enamel. This is not to say you can not have these types of food and drinks but to beware and informed so you can take the needed care maintaining healthy teeth and gums.  Make sure to talk to your dentist let him or her know your health and dental habits as well as any medical conditions so that your dentist can provide you with the best dental care that fits your lifestyle.

One of the first steps in having good oral health is in understanding your own oral and dental health needs.  Your oral health depends on many factors that can include what your eat, your habits, and your oral and overall health hygiene routine. When there are changes in your overall health status, it often results in changes in your oral health as well.

Many medicines, can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, which can cause dry mouth. Pregnant women also go through oral changes. These changes often includes inflammation of the gums, which is called pregnancy gingivitis. People with asthma often breathe through their mouths, particularly when sleeping. This can result in dry mouth and increased plaque formation and gingivitis.

Your mouth has three major pairs of salivary glands. The Parotid, Sublingual and Submandibular Glands, as well as many smaller glands. Salivary glands produce and secrete saliva. In addition to helping you swallow and digest food, saliva promotes oral health by: Flushing food away from your mouth, Stopping acids that can attack tooth enamel,Replenishing minerals in tooth enamel and by Killing or reducing disease-causing organisms

In order for your child to recover from teeth grinding is noticing the problem.  Many times parents do know even know their child is grinding their teeth. Here are some the the symptoms of teeth grinding.

* Sensitivity in the teeth. Take note if your child complains about hot or cold food or drink items hurting their teeth.

* Tightness or pain in the jaw.  Clenching and grinding can cause jaw pain and normally it is more noticed in the mornings when waking up, or when chewing food.

* Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain

* Chipped, worn down or loos teeth.

Seeing dentist regularly and informing your child dentist about any possible warning signs of teeth grinding is important in order to maintain your child dental and oral health.

Teeth grinding (Bruxism) is a common problem in adults as well as children.  In fact according to a study three out of ten children grind or clench their teeth.  This is usually due to losing teeth, jaw growth or other discomforts such as allergies. Kid also grind their teeth in response to stress and by taking measure to reduce or stop stress can help solve the problem.  However make sure you talk to your child dentist and inform him or her that your child is grinding or clenching their teeth.

Your tongue is needed for many functions such as speaking and move food for chewing and swallowing. Small bumps called papillae cover your tongue’s upper surface. Your taste buds are located in the papillae. These taste buds allow you to enjoy specific tastes, such as bitter, sour, salty and sweet.   However did you know your tongue also plays a role in oral health. Food particles can stick to your tongue, causing bad breath and promoting tooth decay. To take good care of your tongue, simply brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth.

Teaching your child good dental habits right from the start it important for their dental and oral health.  Yet it can be difficult to make sure they are keeping up with their daily dental care.  Make sure even if your child is brushing their teeth on their own spot check every once in a while to make sure they are correctly brushing and maintaining their dental habits. Doing this is not only helpful in maintaining your child dental health but will in the long run save you money on their dental care needs.

Your gums surround your teeth, and they help hold your teeth in place. In order to keep your gums healthy, you need to practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, floss your teeth once a day and making sure to have regular dental visits. If your gums become red and swollen or bleed easily, they could be infected. This is known as gingivitis. Prompt treatment can help restore good oral health. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to severe gum disease (periodontitis) and possible tooth loss.

I have a 15 year old son, and his teeth are in very bad shape.  I worried that if something is not done his teeth may fall out.  I do not have dental insurance for him and can not afford the dental care he needs.  Is there any free dental insurance plans that are available.

Answer: There is no dental insurance plans that are free that I know of.  However we do offer very low cost dental insurance plan starting at around $10.00 a month. Yet you be advise dental insurance does not provide all dental services for free.  Dental insurance make having dental care more affordable.   You may want to look into either a dental click or dental school. They will normally base their cost on what you can afford to pay.

Including wisdom teeth adults have 32 permanent teeth. Each tooth has two main parts known as the crown and the root.  The crown is part of the tooth is is visible  and the root is the part below your gums.   There are other parts of our tooth that include, Tooth enamel – the outer coating that helps protect the crown of the tooth, Dentin – Which is the hard substance beneath the enamel that makes up the bulk of the tooth, Pulp – The soft tissue of the tooth which is in the middle  and Cementum – the hard tissue that covers the root of the tooth and attaches it to the jawbone.

A common test used to determine mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings may significantly overestimate the amount of the toxic metal released from fillings, according to University of Michigan researchers. Scientists agree that dental amalgam fillings slowly release mercury vapor into the mouth.

I am current unemployed right now and have been without dental insurance for some time. My six  year old needs to see the dentist but I really can not afford it without some dental insurance in force.  Can I get dental insurance when I am not employed.

Answer:  Yes you can. When buying dental insurance on your own you do not have to have a job. You only need to be able to afford the cost the the insurance plan.  We offer many good low cost dental insurance plans you may want to take the time to review. Just enter your zip code in the quote box provided so you can review all our dental insurance plan options.  And remember we are happy to help if you should have any questions about the dental insurance plans we sell.