You should not use the teeth to pry open bottles and packages. Learn about other facts that help safeguard oral health.

Key takeaways:

• Saliva is the best friend to your teeth. Saliva is the first line of defense in the mouth by rinsing out the mouth and neutralizing the buildup of bacteria.
• Frequent snacking and sipping could be hurting your teeth since they contain sugars that support bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Gum disease, tooth decay and other oral cavity infections are associated with health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Read the full story here

www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-your-teeth#1

Children will not need to undergo stressful blood withdrawal for purposes of isolating DNA. Fallen baby teeth can be used to provide DNA for gene profiling in autism.

Key takeaways:

• Fallen baby teeth can be used to track exposure to chemicals that may trigger autism during pregnancy and infancy.
• Tooth enamel forms at different stages and will absorb chemicals circulating in the body. It therefore acts like an archaeological record showing when exposure to certain chemicals happened.
• Baby teeth could also be used as a painless way to extract DNA required to identify changes in the genes that could be linked to autism.

Read the full story here

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-%E2%80%98tooth-fairy%E2%80%99-studies-promise-insights-environmental-risks

Coffee causes an extrinsic stain that only affects the surface of the tooth. The extrinsic stain will in some cases become an intrinsic stain affecting deeper layers of the teeth.

Key takeaways:

• Brushing the teeth regularly and after taking coffee will help prevent staining of teeth especially after taking coffee.
• Drinking coffee using a straw will avert direct contact with the teeth. It is more effective with iced coffee enthusiasts.
• Adding milk to your coffee will prevent staining. Casein in milk binds to tannins that cause staining.

Read the full story here

http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/coffee-stains-teeth/

If you brush vigorously or too hard, you could be setting yourself up for sensitive teeth. It could lead to enamel erosion and exposure of dentin leading to sensitive teeth.

Key takeaways:

• Using too much mouthwash could be a problem leading to a sore mouth or worsening of already sensitive teeth.
• Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes as well as acidic drinks will cause erosion of tooth enamel.
• Receding gums such as in periodontal disease may expose tooth pulp leading to sensitive teeth.

Read the full story here

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-sensitive-teeth-causes

Dental implants are made of titanium which is a durable and non-corrosive material. Titanium provides a good foundation for teeth replacement.

Key takeaways:

• Dental implants fit snugly and feel like natural teeth. They replace missing teeth without affecting the adjacent teeth.
• Dental implants are more convenient than dentures since they do not require adhesives and don't need to be removed..
• Dental implants help to improve self esteem since they restore the natural smile.

Read the full story here

https://www.reference.com/health/benefits-dental-implants-733fc154dad6e408

Habits such as playing sports without a mouth guard could cause tooth loss or chipped teeth. You should get a custom-fitted mouth guard from the dentist to wear when playing.

Key takeaways:

• Cough drops are laden with sugars which encourage plaque buildup and growth of bacteria that leads to cavities.
• Piercings in the mouth or tongue will raise the risk of infection and sores. Biting down on the metal studs may cause cracked teeth and damage to gums.
• Teeth grinding caused by stress or poor sleeping habits damages the teeth. Using a mouth guard could help prevent damage to teeth.

Read the full story here

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-teeth-wreckers

It is important to take good care for your teeth and overall for the oral cavity. Common problems such as gum disease have been associated with heart disease.

Key takeaways:

• Electric brushes move water and toothpaste better and at greater speed ensuring effective removal of plaque. The brushes also help people to avoid over-brushing.
• The toothbrush should be positioned and held at a 45-degree angle into the teeth and the gums to remove any buildup that could lead to gum disease.
• Dentists recommend fluoride toothpastes to prevent cavities.

Read the full story here

http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/6-mistakes-youre-making-every-time-you-brush-your-teeth

Human fossils can tell us a lot about human characteristics in the different ages. Researchers want to study the human skulls to find out when and why crooked teeth appeared.

Key takeaways:

• People from distant ages did not have dental problems. These people had straight and symmetrical teeth as evidence from fossils and skeletons indicates.
• There is no proper answer why people have crooked teeth despite millions of dollars used on retainers and braces in an attempt to get a perfect smile.
• Some significant change must have happened during the Industrial revolution marked by a shift to urban lifestyles. People now have narrower mouths.

Read the full story here

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/96934-could-old-skulls-help-us-understand-why-we-have-crooked-teeth

Brushing your teeth properly and regularly helps to minimize visits to the dentist. This information will help you practice effective brushing.
Key takeaways:

• Taking care of the teeth is often forgotten about. The teeth are important for oral health as well as for your general health and well-being.
• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice every day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your teeth the last thing before jumping into bed and on one other occasion during the day.

Read the full story here

https://www.bda.org/brushing

The effects of tooth loss on overall well-being have been unknown. A review of gerontological data from Japan found the following.

Key takeaways:

• The maintenance of good oral health is important for older adults to prevent disability and a host of other health problems.
• �Older adults who had significant tooth loss were less functional when compared with people who lost fewer teeth.
• �Older adults should receive the necessary support required to maintain good oral health self-care practices and to access adequate dental care.

Read the full story here

http://neurosciencenews.com/aging-tooth-loss-mental-health-5042/