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/

Dental fluorosis is the appearance of white or brown marks on children's permanent teeth.

- Caused by a lack of minerals in tooth enamel, sometimes due to excessive consumption of fluoride (found in drinking water, mouthwash and toothpaste)

- Severe stains can be disguised by professional tooth whitening

- See your dentist about managing your child's fluoride consumption or they are self-conscious about their smile

"Having dental fluorosis can be a nuisance to your child?s physical appearance, but there aren?t any lasting effects of this condition on oral health"

Read the full story here: http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/spotlight-on-dental-fluorosis/

Periodontitis is a severe inflammatory gum disease, often resulting in tooth loss. Recent studies suggest that this condition may increase the risk of developing other serious health conditions, including cirrhosis of the liver.
- Cirrhosis causes 1-2% of all deaths.

- In a study of patients with cirrhosis, there was a link between mortality and those suffering from severe gum disease.

- Scientists advise to protect your smile and your health by brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly.

This study demonstrates the association between gum disease and risk of death in patients with liver disease. Read the full story here: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/317063.php

Brushing, flossing and regular check-ups with your dentist are essential ways to protect your smile. However, it is also important to remember that consuming sugar causes bacteria in the mouth to multiply and produce acid, which damages the enamel coating of the teeth. Saliva helps to get rid of excess sugar and acid.

- Snoring, exercise and some medications reduce the amount of saliva.

- Acid reflux damages enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay.

- Biting hard foods can also damage enamel.

Your dentist can spot decay forming a mile away.

Read the full story here: http://www.refinery29.uk/bad-oral-dental-health-habits?utm_r29_redirect=us

Of itself, leukoplakia is not a serious condition and will usually clear up in a few days but this is not always the case and treatment by a dentist may be required. The symptoms are plaque-like white or grey patches that can appear on the cheek linings, gums, tongue and the bottom of the mouth. Leukoplakia is strongly associated with smoking but anything which irritates the mouth and tongue can contribute to the condition. These can include:

- Excessive consumption of alcohol

- Overuse of abrasive dental products such as teeth whitening agents

- Badly fitting dentures or braces

As explained in a recent online article by Jennifer Huizen the use of tobacco and tobacco products is ?considered to be the largest influencing factor? in the development of leukoplakia. As the article stresses, leukoplakia will generally clear up in a matter of days but this is no reason to just smile and be complacent. On rare occasions the condition can worsen or even be a portent of the onset of oral cancer.

For the full details you can read Jennifer Huizen?s very informative article at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317689.php