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

New technology could make visiting the dentist less scary. Up to 10% of dentists in Europe are now using lasers to prepare cavities and both patients and dentists prefer this new method. Experiments are also being carried out in the fields of stem cell research, nanotechnology and remineralization of teeth.

Key takeaways:

- Lasers can promote healing, prepare cavities and be used in root canal therapy

- Implants can be custom designed by 3D printers

- It could soon be possible to grow or implant a new tooth

The best way to avoid the dentist is to maintain good oral health and choose a healthy diet. Dentists of the future will certainly have a wider range of less painful treatments for tooth problems. That's something to smile about.

"Although dental procedures are becoming kinder and gentler, it?s best to avoid the dentist?s chair (besides checkups) whenever possible. Good oral hygiene can help."

Full article:

http://www.rd.com/health/healthcare/new-dental-technology/

Many of us loathe trips to the dentist due to a fear of drills and similar tools used to treat cavities. However, a new laser technology may soon change the ways in which a dental professional cares for our teeth and ensures a lasting smile.

Lasers are a minimally invasive treatment option and yet, their results may actually be more impressive than traditional drilling techniques. In order to appreciate what may soon become a reality, let us look at a few reasons why lasers are changing the oral hygiene community.

- Lasers are obviously much less painful to the patient.

- Laser techniques have proven themselves to be just as effective as traditional methods intended to treat cavities.

- While currently quite expensive, many feel that this technology could become economically viable to patients within three years.

"Ninety percent of patients who?ve had cavities filled by drill and laser prefer lasers."

Read more:

http://www.rd.com/health/healthcare/new-dental-technology/

The modern dentist enables us to maintain a healthy set of teeth and to enjoy a cutting-edge smile. However, humans may have been concerned about oral hygiene for millennia. A preserved set of teeth has recently been dated to no less than 13,000 years ago. There were signs of surface modifications as well as the presence of plant fibers and tar. Could these have possibly been used to treat an underlying condition? What do the experts think?

- Some believe that the application of tar could be used to protect cavities.

- The presence of bitumen may suggest that individuals were aware of its inherent antiseptic properties.

- If these treatments are proven to be medicinal, they would be the first examples of ancient dental intervention.

"The internal surface modifications to the pulp cavities, in addition to the presence of bitumen and organic fibers, is an unusual occurrence among Late Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherer."

Read more:

http://gizmodo.com/going-to-the-caveman-dentist-was-probably-a-nightmare-1794128593

Menopause can cause a wide range of distressing symptoms, including some dental health ailments such as gum disease and tooth loss. But luckily, some studies have shown a link between hormone replacement therapy and improved dental health.

Key takeaways:

- Gum disease, loose teeth, inflammation, dry mouth, and jaw bone pain are common symptoms experienced by women undergoing menopause

- Hormone replacement therapy was found to provide relief to women suffering from gum disease, and in some cases it even helped prevent the development of this condition

- The effectiveness of HRT in relieving gum disease symptoms is greatly improved when good oral hygiene habits are maintained

Hormone replacement therapy is not a substitute for dental hygiene. If you are going through menopause and experience dental health issues, speaking to your dentist is your best bet when it comes to taking care of your smile.

Read the full story here: https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/details/957

A tooth abscess is an unpleasant dental condition that can interfere with daily habits like eating and chewing, so it's important to be wary of them if you want to protect your smile.

Key takeaways:

- Dental abscesses are caused by untreated cavities, tooth decay, and chipped or broken teeth that eventually lead to bacterial infection

- Red and swollen gums, a mild or severe toothache, fever, and a strange taste in your mouth are common symptoms caused by a dental abscess

- An abscessed tooth is often treated via root canal therapy, and in severe cases the infected tooth may need to be removed

As it happens with other dental conditions, the most important thing when it comes to tooth abscesses is preventing their appearance and being on the lookout for symptoms. Speak to your dentist if you notice anything unusual!

Read the full story here: http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/what-is-an-abscessed-tooth-and-how-is-it-treated/