The headlines have been strong, suggesting that NHS dentists are unnecessarily extracting teeth in their patients since it makes them more money. The investigation by The Times further claims that teeth extraction is carried out to avoid giving complex treatment that would otherwise save affected teeth.

Do you believe it? Stay tuned for a statement from the NHS. In the meantime, have a conversation with your dentist about their approach to dentistry ? whether they believe in ?saving? teeth.
Read the full story here http://www.dentistry.co.uk/2016/08/08/nhs-dentists-accused-of-extracting-teeth-unnecessarily/

It's a big controversy right now, whether NHS dentists are extracting too many teeth. Here's a rebuttal and commentary from a BDA chairperson. Mick Armstrong, the chair of the BDA, says that the reality is that the NHS contract system has failed. The fact is that the majority of dentists want a change.
Read more here http://www.dentistry.co.uk/2016/08/08/nhs-dentists-accused-of-extracting-teeth-unnecessarily/

If every time you time you brush your teeth, you end up spitting blood, then you have gum disease. Gingivitis or mild gum disease is the chronic buildup of bacteria laden plaque and tartar on the teeth.
The longer plaque stays on the teeth; it will lead to inflammation of the gums close to the teeth. Brushing teeth will therefore irritate the gums causing bleeding. The buildup of plaque also leads to the formation of cavities.
People should practice good oral hygiene to get rid of gingivitis and to prevent gingivitis. Brushing twice every day and flossing once at night will prevent the buildup of plaque.
Read the full story here http://www.menshealth.com/health/what-bleeding-gums-mean?

Image courtesy of https://stock.adobe.com/

The headlines have been strong, suggesting that NHS dentists are unnecessarily extracting teeth in their patients since it makes them more money. The investigation by The Times further claims that teeth extraction is carried out to avoid giving complex treatment that would otherwise save affected teeth.

Do you believe it? Stay tuned for a statement from the NHS. In the meantime, have a conversation with your dentist about their approach to dentistry - whether they believe in "saving" teeth.
Read the full story here http://www.dentistry.co.uk/2016/08/08/nhs-dentists-accused-of-extracting-teeth-unnecessarily/

The Oral Health Foundation is encouraging Olympics athletes to take good care of their teeth. A study carried out by the foundation indicates that elite athletes have a higher risk of dental erosion and cavities compared to people who trained less. The constant snacking on bars, gels, and sports drinks lower the PH of the mouth to below 5.5 increasing both erosion and decay.

Read more here

http://www.dentistrytoday.com/news/industrynews/item/1149-olympic-athletes-at-greater-risk-of-poor-oral-health

An investigation by The Times has found that NHS dentists have needlessly extracted through surgery thousands of teeth from their patients all in the pursuit of profits. The reporters found that NHS dentists find it more lucrative to extract a tooth rather than to try to save the tooth.

The motivation behind placing profit ahead of patients is borne from the fact that the system rewards them for cramming in as many patients as they possibly can. Dentist will therefore avoid the complex treatments aimed at saving the teeth and prefer to more straightforward extraction procedure.

That's one benefit of seeing a private dentist - as you can discuss the dentist's philosophy on "saving teeth" vs. extracting them. It's worth having the conversation.

Read the full story here

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/the-great-dental-rip-off-hmw95bx6g

Image courtesy of https://stock.adobe.com/

Flossing may be getting a bad rap right now. But keeping your teeth and gums clean are still very important. These options are great especially for people who hate or forget flossing:

1. Buy and use an interdental brush (it gets between teeth).

2. You can use a water pik.

3. Visit your dental hygienist regularly to remove both plaque and tartar.

4. Brush teeth at least twice a day.

Read more here

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2016/aug/03/forget-flossing-four-ways-to-keep-your-teeth-healthy

Research has increasingly shown that your dental health can have a significant effect on your overall health.

The most common problems are teeth cavities and gum disease. People who have periodontal disease are at high risk of developing diabetes and heart disease because of the inflammation caused by gum disease and bacteria.

That's where good dental hygiene will help. Regular brushing (twice or more daily), flossing and rinsing help control gum disease -- which reduces inflammation in the rest of the body and possibly lowers risk of diseases.

Don't give up flossing, as it is effective in removing food from between teeth. Flossing gets into those tiny crevices that a toothbrush cannot reach. Don't risk developing gum disease based on the latest hype. Your teeth and gum health are vital to your overall health.

Read the full story here

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/08/03/health/teeth-flossing-overall-health/index.html

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. What can parents do to help kids' teeth stay healthy?

It is not all about keeping soda and candy away from their children. Use the following tips to ensure good dental health in your child.

1. Encourage regular meals rather than binge eating.

2. Provide teeth-friendly food (high in fiber and protein) like veggies, beans, eggs and lean meat.

3. Protect (brush) baby teeth even though they later fall out.

4. Teach the child proper brushing and flossing.

5. Encourage children to drink more water -- immediately after meals and between meals.

Read the full story here

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-25059/a-food-based-approach-to-protecting-kids-teeth-its-not-just-about-sugar.html

Poor dental health and hidden tooth infections could be risk factors for heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease could also lead to heart disease. Periodontitis, an infection of the tooth's pulp, is linked with coronary artery disease. The study emphasized the importance of regular visits to the dentist.

Read more here

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312093.php