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

a) You get the timing all wrong. You should wait for an hour after eating before brushing teeth. That's because sugars in food weaken the tooth enamel.

b) Your mouthwash could be wiping out even the beneficial bacteria in the mouth, increasing risk of heart attack. (Choose alcohol-free mouthwashes instead).

c) You could be brushing too hard, which could wear the tooth enamel predisposing the teeth to problems of sensitivity and cavities.

d) You fail to replace your toothbrushes every three months, making them less effective in cleaning teeth.

Read the full story here

http://www.fashionbeans.com/2016/destroying-your-smile/

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Concerned about baby's teeth? These tips will ensure that your toddler develops terrific teeth:

a. Supervise your child?s brushing until eight years of age.

b. Pick the right brush and use toothpaste that contains fluoride to brush twice each day.

c. Encourage the child to spit rather rinse after brushing.

d. Regularly reward good brushing.

Read the full story here

http://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2016118?utm_campaign=bdj-feature&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_content=campaign&utm_term=toddler-teeth-tips

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that adults without apparent dental problems should not have dental X-rays every year. The ADA says that adults who take proper care for their teeth can go two to three years between bitewing X-rays.

On the other hand, adults with a high risk of cavities should get bitewing x-rays at least every 18 months, and even more frequently depending on the condition of teeth and gums.

Of course, this does not mean you can skip your dentist appointments!

It's important to get your teeth checked and cleaned every six months or annually, as your dentist recommends. If not, you risk developing gum disease that can affect your overall health. You also risk tooth decay and other dental problems. Talk to your dentist about whether x-rays are necessary for you or not.

Read the full story here�http://nyti.ms/2aKRnY1

These tips will help you prolong the effects of teeth whitening.

a) Use whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains such as plaque and yellowing.

b) Use an electric toothbrush to complement the use of whitening toothpaste in preventing the buildup of plaque and in removal of surface stains.

c) Stay away from dark foods to prevent stains on teeth. Any food that would stain a white piece of cloth such as red wine, cola and coffee will stain teeth.

d) Spit rather than rinse after brushing teeth to allow fluoride to stay longer and coat the teeth.

Read the full story here

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/face/top-tips-for-teeth-whitening-at-home/

Image courtesy of www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Stern warnings have been issued regarding "home remedy" teeth whitening treatments, by Dr. Hans Malmstrom, a dental expert from University of Rochester. The use of baking soda and lemon juice may damage the teeth, as lemon is highly acidic and will erode tooth enamel. Also, he warns agains using hydrogen peroxide as a tooth whitener since it may damage the teeth if used in high concentrations.

Read more here

http://www.universityherald.com/articles/33986/20160711/teeth-whitening-at-home-the-dangers-of-teeth-whitening-kits-as-told-by-dental-experts.htm