DNA analysis of fossils from sites that dated back 5000 and 7000 years ago has found copies of genes that code for starch digestion. The gene was found in about four dogs that had eight copies of the gene.

Key takeaways:

• A team of researchers has come across genetic evidence that both humans and dogs developed the ability to digest starch at the same time.
• Through DNA analysis of fossils unearthed in Eurasia, the researchers identified copies of the AQmy2B gene, known to help digest starches.
• The ability to digest starch is a unique characteristic among canines and it allowed dogs to co-exist with human beings.

Read the full story here

http://phys.org/news/2016-11-dna-analysis-ancient-teeth-dogs.html

Sugar intake and sleep quantity reinforce each other in the form of a positive feedback loop. A study that sought to evaluate the relationship between sugar-intake and sleep quantity presented these findings:

Key takeaways:

• People will drink significantly more sugar-sweetened and caffeinated drinks if they get little sleep.
• Sleeping for less than five hours predisposed people to drinking 21 percent more sugar sweetened, caffeinated beverages.
• By improving their sleep, people can then improve on their ability to break the habit and limit their sugar intake.

Read the full story here

https://consumer.healthday.com/sleep-disorder-information-33/misc-sleep-problems-news-626/briefs-emb-11-9-10amet-sleep-sweet-drinks-sleep-health-ucsf-release-batch-2956-716666.html

People who grind their teeth don't realize they have the problem until their dentists point it out. Teeth grinding is serious as it damages tooth enamel. A dentist can help with this serious problem.

Key takeaways:

• An estimated 6 million people in Britain suffer from bruxism, with an increasing number of cases among middle-aged women.
• Bruxism may cause migraines, jaw pain, earaches, chipped tooth enamel and other problems.
• The major cause of bruxism is stress. Everyday stressors such as juggling jobs, family, childcare and ageing parents are predisposing women to teeth grinding.

Read the full story here

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3921612/Why-successful-women-started-grinding-teeth-stress-strain-juggling-jobs-childcare-looking-ageing-parents.html

A simple thing such as regularly brushing teeth could have a big impact in promoting good heart health. The use of plaque-fighting toothpaste reduces the levels of inflammation in the body that lead to heart disease. The effect was similar to taking statin drugs -- but without the side effects.

Key takeaways:

• Thoroughly brushing the teeth with plaque-fighting toothpaste helps to prevent stroke and heart attacks.
• The use of plaque-fighting toothpaste was twice as effective in removing plaque and a 29 percent drop in inflammation levels.
• Other measures prevent artery-damaging inflammation include reduction of sugar consumption.

Read the full story here

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/10/19/how-brushing-your-teeth-could-help-prevent-a-heart-attack/

Cavities can lead to tooth infection that may find its way to the brain. Dental problems are linked to poor overall health.

Key takeaways:
� Cavities are caused by sugary foods and should be filled right away to prevent damage to nerves.

� Bad breath could be a pointer to gum disease, a gut problem or post-nasal drip. A dental visit will diagnose the root cause of the problem.

� Cankers and cold sores are a source of concern if they persist for 2 or 3 weeks. See your dentist to get the cold sores treated.

?Research shows that infections in the mouth can travel via the bloodstream, permeating organs and your immune system,? says Dr. Habsha. ?Studies have linked poor oral hygiene, tooth decay and periodontal disease to a number of illnesses, including heart and respiratory disease.?

Read the full story here www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/oral-health/4-dental-issues-and-what-they-reveal-about-your-health/

The issue surrounding anesthesia-free dentistry has been controversial. It is difficult to keep a pet still during the teeth-cleaning procedure.

Key takeaways:

• Just as human beings brush their teeth, dogs and cats require regular teeth cleaning.
• Keeping the pet awake during the teeth-cleaning procedure has potential for risks such as severe injuries to the gums and tongue caused by dental equipment.
• For the animal, the procedure is scary and may lead to high stress levels making them anxious and restless.

Read the full story here

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/06/30/veterinarians-raise-concerns-about-anesthesia-free-dentistry-for-pets/

Regularly cleaning your dog's teeth will protect oral health and overall health. However, it's important to use �toothpaste specifically created for dogs -- as human toothpaste is toxic for dogs.

Key takeaways:

• Dental cleaning helps get rid of plaque and tartar that builds on your pet?s teeth.
• Clean the dog's teeth on a daily basis to avoid problems such as bad breath, tooth loss, bleeding gums, and the inability to eat.
• Bacteria in the oral cavity may find its way into blood circulation causing systemic infections and diseases. Oral health is a reflection of overall health - in humans and in pets.

Read the full story here

http://dentgap.com/dog-teeth-cleaning/

Experts report that we have up to eight dreams every night. Weirdly, we don't remember all these dreams in the morning. What about teeth-related dreams?

Key takeaways:

• Dreaming of losing your teeth can be terrifying and you may end up wondering what it all means.
• Dreaming about teeth indicates you are considering how confident and assertive you are.
• Dreaming of wobbly teeth and teeth that are falling out suggests you are losing your confidence in certain situations.

Read the full story here

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/wellbeing/sleep/what-it-means-when-you-dream-about-your-teeth-falling-out/

Dismayed watching little wrinkles and lines on your face? You?re certainly not alone. Botox has become a popular treatment for both women and men who want to keep their youthful good looks.

Key takeaways:

• Injecting botulimum toxin type A (Botox) into facial muscles inhibits muscle action, thereby decreasing forehead furrowing, frown-lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
• Botox can effectively combat excessive perspiration in the underarms, palms and soles of feet, known as hyperhydrosis.

• Results last up to 4 months. Repeated injections visibly improve the appearance of the skin. These anti-wrinkle treatments are a preventative treatment.

Read more here:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158647.php

Claims that the wisdom teeth may cause damage of adjacent teeth and may harbor bacteria that cause periodontal disease are unfounded. These claims have been used to justify the extraction of the wisdom teeth.

Key takeaways:

• Wisdom teeth may be impacted, may be infected, may cause tooth decay, push other teeth, cause cysts and cause excessive pain.
• Dental experts are questioning if the wisdom teeth extraction is really necessary for cases when these problems don't occur.
• Studies have shown that the risks of surgery far outweigh the risk of keeping wisdom teeth.

Read the full story here

http://www.sciencealert.com/no-you-probably-don-t-need-to-get-your-wisdom-teeth-removed-ever

�