The oral cancer screening process is simple. During teeth checkup, your dentist will check the lips, tongue, throat and neck for symptoms. So what is the right age to start screenings?
Key takeaways:
- At 18, if you have never smoked and don't have any symptoms.
- If you are a smoker or have any of the symptoms, start screenings the day you start smoking.
- Symptoms include; recurring sore throats, white and red patches on gums and tongue and incessant mouth sores.
Most oral cancer patients are smokers.
Learn more at:
http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/from-what-age-should-i-get-screened-for-oral-cancer/

Teeth grinding affects adults and people in their teens alike. Here's an overview of the most common causes.
Key takeaways:
- Researchers have found that teenagers who are bullied are four times more likely to grind their teeth

- Sleep disorders and anxiety problems are common triggers of teeth grinding

- Smoking and drinking are also associated with this habit
Because teeth grinding can cause serious dental problems, it's important to seek treatment from your family dentist as soon as possible.
Read the full story here: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-40593028

It's never a bad to revisit some of the basics of dental health. Here are three useful tips:

Key takeaways:

- Do brush and floss your teeth after meals and clean your tongue at least once a day
- Don't forget to rinse your mouth after eating or drinking anything sugary, and don't use your teeth as if they were tools
- Do schedule an appointment with the dentist twice a year
When it comes to dental heath, a little effort goes a long way.
Read the full story here: http://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2017/05/25/common-mistakes-teeth/

Scientists have found that genetics play an important role in healthy teeth and gums. Some people may be at a slight genetic disadvantage in their tendency to develop gum disease and other dental problems. Additional takeaway points include:

- Genetics influence the size and shape of the teeth.
- The likelihood of developing cavities can also be inherited.
- Practising proper oral hygiene is the best way to avoid such issues.
Gum disease isn’t left out of the cards when it comes to genetics.

Read more:
http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/are-genetics-to-blame-for-poor-dental-health/

Dry socket is an inflammatory condition that can develop after teeth extraction, especially after wisdom tooth removal. Here are three ways of avoiding this condition.

Key takeaways:

- Touching or poking the area can knock the blood clot loose and cause infection
- Hot and carbonated drinks can also affect the wound's healing process
- Sucking motions (smoking, drinking through a straw) are best avoided until the wound has healed

You can get more details and personalised instructions from your dentist.

Read the full story here: https://consumer.healthday.com/dental-and-oral-information-9/misc-dental-problem-news-174/after-wisdom-tooth-removal-watch-out-for-dry-socket-721946.html

To many people, anti-bacterial toothpaste is as a must when it comes to keeping their teeth clean and healthy. But is antibacterial mouthwash a good idea?

Key takeaways:

- Many toothpaste and mouthwash products contain triclosan, a chemical agent with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
- Mouth bacteria live in the tongue, so brushing the teeth with an anti-bacterial toothpaste has little to no effect on those bacteria.
- Antiseptic mouthwashes can strip the mouth off good bacteria and interfere with the body's production of natural defense against disease-causing inflammation.

Should you use mouthwash that contains triclosan? As usual, your dentist can offer advice on the best ways of maintaining good oral health.

Read the full story here: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/antibacterial-toothpaste-harmful-helpful-or-harmless.html

Many dentists are now choosing to prescribe non-addictive drugs following wisdom teeth extraction. Evidence suggests that young people are susceptible to opioid addiction. In some cases this has led to drug abuse.

Key takeaways

- Discuss pain relief options with your dentist if you are having surgery.

- Non addictive pain relief is available and has anti-inflammatory properties.

- Young people can become addicted to very small doses of drugs containing opioids

Good dentists are happy to discuss options for pain relief.

"Opioids aren?t the only way to control the pain of a wisdom tooth extraction."

Article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/opinion/dentists-opioids-addiction-.html

A recent study has indicated that mucus may be beneficial to oral health.
Key takeaways

- Mucus from the linings of the body such as the lungs, mouth, intestine and cervix contains protective proteins that prevent oral bacteria attaching to teeth

- In the future, synthetic mucus might be added to chewing gum and toothpaste to improve oral health

- Your dentist can advise on any concerns about your oral health

"Researchers want to develop their own form of synthetic mucus which they believe could have beneficial health effects and might even help protect against respiratory infections and stomach ulcers."

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/picking-your-nose-and-eating-it-is-great-news-for-your-teeth_uk_59005bc9e4b081a5c0f8ddb5

Acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), can erode your protective tooth enamel. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help fix existing problems and protect against future damage.

Key takeaways:

- With dental bonding, your dentist uses a resin colour-matched with your own teeth to fill any gaps

- Ceramic or porcelain crowns are a good option for people with significant damage to several teeth

- A porcelain veneer can cover discoloured sensitive teeth

"Your dentist can help you best decide what type of cosmetic dentistry can effectively restore your smile after damage from acid reflux."

Read more at: http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/has-gerd-acid-reflux-eroded-your-smile-cosmetic-dentistry-can-help/

Although grinding one's teeth can cause excess trips to the dentist and significant discomfort, many individuals from all walks of life are unaware that they are exhibiting this habit when they sleep. What are some of the potential causes of this condition?

- Many experts feel that stress plays a prominent role.

- Using alcohol and smoking cigarettes on a regular basis can trigger this effect.

- Caffeine can heighten the risk of tooth grinding.

"Many people grind their teeth at night, and some may not be aware they are doing it." Your dentist can help with this problem.

http://chicago.suntimes.com/lifestyles/waking-up-with-headache-sore-jaw-you-may-be-grinding-your-teeth/