Dentists report that some patients who have used the activated charcoal toothpaste claim to have gotten whiter teeth. However, long-term studies are needed to ascertain these claims. Frequent use of the product may lead to tooth damage -- the erosion of tooth enamel.

Key takeaways:

• Activated charcoal is believed to absorb tooth stains since it has been used in emergency rooms to absorb toxins in cases of poisoning/overdosing.
• There are no long-term studies that provide proof for the benefits of activated charcoal in whitening the teeth and removing bad breath.
• Dentists recommend that people who want try try activated charcoal toothpaste start sparingly and with lots of caution.

If you do decide to use activated charcoal toothpaste, dentists agree that you should do so cautiously and sparingly. Brush with it no more than once every other week, and not for an extended period of time, even if your teeth feel normal.

Read the full story here

http://www.health.com/oral-health/charcoal-toothpaste

A new survey of men in the UK indicates that as many as 40 percent of men have concerns about their physical appearance. Their teeth were a source of great concern.

Key takeaways:

• Up to 40 percent of men were found to have strong concerns about their appearance.
• � � �About 26 percent of men admitted that they would like to straighten their teeth if they had a single chance to change appearance.
• Overall, men have some reluctance in taking the step towards getting an improved or new look.

Issues regarding tooth appearance ranked highly as a personal concern. The statistics revealed that just over a quarter (26%) of men surveyed admitted that they would straighten their teeth if they could change one thing about their appearance.

Read the full story here

http://www.dentistry.co.uk/2016/10/26/one-in-four-men-would-like-straighter-teeth-survey-finds/

Tooth decay has been blamed for a high number of children's hospitalizations. The problem can be traced back to the high sugar levels in common foods.

Key takeaways:

• The Childhood Obesity Plan by government is a way to improve diet through phased reduction in the amount of sugar and sweetness in foods.
• Action on Sugar supports the targeted 20 percent reduction in sugar which they believe is achievable by the year 2020 if food manufacturers commit to it.
• The campaign to reduce sugar consumption in children has received widespread support from dentists; they advocate for measures that include effective public education, taxation, and changes to advertising and marketing

The BDA is supporting Action on Sugar's call for a reduction in the shocking levels of sugar in some popular foods, many of which are aimed at children.

Read the full story here

https://www.bda.org/news-centre/latest-news-articles/Pages/BDA-supports-Action-on-Sugars-call-for-reduction-of-sugar-in-popular-foods.aspx

Children will grind their teeth more during the night rather than during the day. Bruxism in kids typically occurs when different sets of teeth appear.

Key takeaways:

• Teeth grinding is caused by anxiety, stress, sleep apnoea, other sleep disorders, and abnormal bite.
• A sore jaw and a dull headache upon waking may signal the problem of teeth grinding.
• Your dentist will fit you with a mouthguard to prevent any further damage to the teeth. The underlying cause should be addressed to finally stop the grinding.

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in.

Read the full story here

www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism#1

Good oral hygiene reduces bacteria levels in the mouth, which reduces risk of bacterial pneumonia.

Key takeaways:

• Previous research established a connection between pneumonia and oral health.
• � �Numerous microbes (bacteria, viruses) in the mouth are beneficial, but under certain conditions may lead to diseases.
• Pneumonia-causing bacteria are inhaled, and regular dental cleaning will help eliminate these bacteria.

In her presentation, Dr. Doll acknowledged that people who see their dentist regularly are also likely to practice other healthy-mouth behaviors (like brushing and flossing regularly). They may also have healthier behaviors in general, which might affect their pneumonia risk, as well.

Read the full story here

http://www.health.com/oral-health/teeth-cleaning-pneumonia-risk

Coconut oil swilling can be traced back thousands of years in Indian medicine. The treatment has gained popularity in recent time but does is it actually work?

Key takeaways:

• Coconut oil is thought to pull out toxins from the mouth as these particles adhere to the fat and are then spat out.
• Coconut oil was put to the test against sugar-free chewing gum to find out which of the two is the best in fighting off plaque.
• Coconut oil was found to make the teeth dirtier and caused an increase in the levels of plaque in the entire mouth.

We're looking at a few of the ridiculous myths that are out there and trying to delve into them, and figure out what the truth is. The idea is to empower people to be a bit more knowledgeable about their own health.

Read the full story here

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3866922/Can-coconut-pulling-REALLY-perfect-smile-Bake-s-Tamal-puts-beauty-treatment-beloved-listers-including-Gwyneth-Paltrow-test.html

Teeth from recently excavated fossils carry much information. Advances in technology have ensured that tooth isotopes can be extensively studied to learn more about our ancestors.

Key takeaways:

• Teeth are preserved very well when fossilized and hold lots of information in the form of isotopes. Newer and more advanced techniques have helped to study teeth.
• Thick enamel on the molars indicates that they were used for crushing foods such as grinding seeds or crushing the marrow out of bones.
• Dental microwear refers to the marks left behind by food on teeth that result from food particles being dragged across and pressed into our teeth.

Teeth from more recent fossils reveal more because they have more isotopes preserved in them. For example, the nitrogen in the teeth of Neanderthals can reveal whether the protein they ate came from plants or animals.

Read the full story here

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/10/25/497094756/dental-detectives-what-fossil-teeth-reveal-about-ancestral-human-diets

The holiday season is drawing near along with the party spirit. Watch out for certain foods to ensure your teeth remain healthy.

Key takeaways:

• Spinach, kale and other green vegetables are good for healthy teeth. They require more chewing which helps to release more saliva that washes the teeth.
• Avoid too much citrus foods such as oranges, lemons, and lime which are highly acidic and cause tooth enamel erosion. Citrus fruits can be enjoyed with large meals to limit damage to the teeth.
• Candy should be avoided due to the high sugar content that fuels bacterial activity in the mouth.

In general, you don?t need to deprive yourself of your favorite fall and winter treats to maintain a healthy mouth ? just be sensible. ?You can eat anything in moderation,? says Dr. Messina. ?And make sure you brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist regularly.?

Read the full story here

www.everydayhealth.com/hs/dental-health/fall-winter-seasonal-foods-pictures/

Stress is known to cause headaches and stomachaches. Stress will also adversely affect oral health in a big way.

Key takeaways:

• Foul mood caused by stress may cause people to skip routine oral healthcare tasks such as brushing and flossing. Stress also causes poor eating habits that lead to poor oral health.
• Stress causes cold sores and mouth ulcers since it leads to compromised immunity.
• Teeth grinding is closely associated with stress and will cause damage to teeth.

Stress can lead to depression, and depressed patients, according to research, have twice the risk of an unfavorable outcome from gum disease treatment compared to those who are not depressed.

Read the full story here

www.webmd.boots.com/oral-health/guide/how-stress-affects-your-oral-health

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth. If you?ve worn dentures, a dental implant can make those dentures more secure ? so they become like your natural teeth.

Key takeaways:

• Dental implants are the next best thing to having your own teeth, as they look and feel natural.
• Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or all your teeth.
• A dental implant can make dentures more secure, so they are like your natural teeth.

The dental implant, typically made of titanium, serves as the replacement for the tooth root ? the very foundation of a natural tooth. Because it is placed in the jawbone and fuses with your natural bone, the dental implant forms a sturdy base for your replacement teeth.

Read more:

http://www.aaid-implant.org/about-dental-implants/what-are-the-benefits-of-dental-implants-over-other-treatments/