Children who do not have dental sealants are at a three times greater risk of cavities compared to those with sealants. In the ideal situation, all children should get dental sealants.

Key takeaways:

• Dental sealants are in the form of liquid plastic that quickly hardens after it is painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth forming a protective layer.
• The sealants have been shown to prevent cavities by up to 80 percent over a period of 2 years.
• School-based sealant programs have been lauded for their ability to reach kids from low income families who are less likely to get dental care services.

Although sealants will help in the prevention of cavities, cavities can also happen in between the teeth, so kids will still need to have checkups, she said.

Read the full story here

https://consumer.healthday.com/dental-and-oral-information-9/misc-dental-problem-news-174/more-poor-kids-need-dental-sealants-cdc-715961.html

There is a close connection between oral health and the risk of pneumonia that has been widely documented. Regular dental cleaning by your dentist will help reduce the risk of pneumonia.
Key takeaways:

• The mouth is never free of bacteria. However, good oral healthcare will limit the numbers of bacteria.
• Regular dental cleanings help to reduce the amount of bacteria that cause lung infections hence reducing the risk of pneumonia.
• People who never go for dental checkups have an 86 percent greater risk of suffering from bacterial pneumonia.

"There is a well-documented connection between oral health and pneumonia, and dental visits are important in maintaining good oral health," study author Dr. Michelle Doll said in an IDWeek news release.

Read the full story here

https://consumer.healthday.com/dental-and-oral-information-9/misc-dental-problem-news-174/dental-visits-may-help-keep-pneumonia-at-bay-716184.html

There are long-term benefits of storing away baby teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Baby teeth are the most valuable source of stem cells.

Key takeaways:

• Baby teeth can stored away through institutions that offer the cryopreservation services.
• Baby teeth are a source of the most powerful stem cells that have the capability of turning into any imaginable cell type.
• These stem cells can be used to repair damaged cells in the heart, pancreas and the brain with a high likelihood of success.

This removes the need to wait for a bone marrow donor if your child ever needs stem cells. It also increases the likelihood that their body will accept the stem cells ? something that?s not always certain when they come from a donor.

Read the full story here

https://www.davidwolfe.com/doctors-urge-parents-save-kids-baby-teeth/

Cleaning your toddler's teeth requires more than a piece of cloth. Ensure that a kids toothbrush is used and teeth are brushed last thing before bedtime.

Key takeaways:

• Even though they eventually fall off, baby teeth are important for function and in guiding the permanent teeth into their positions.
• Your children should brush with a proper toothbrush right after the first tooth appears to prevent oral health problems.
• Tooth brushing time should be made fun to ensure that baby complies with brushing their teeth at least twice every day. Kid toothpaste that contains fluoride should be used for brushing.

While you should brush twice a day, doing it before bed is most important, because while your tot is lying (generally) still, bacteria have a chance to grow undisturbed. And any sugar left in the mouth, from milk or food, gives bacteria an even better environment in which to grow.

Read the full story here

http://www.todaysparent.com/toddler/toddler-health/how-to-brush-your-toddlers-teeth-when-shes-not-into-it/

Cracked teeth due to trauma are a well-known cause of severe toothaches. The exposed dentin is highly sensitive to heat and cold due to the high concentration of nerves.

Key takeaways:

• Tooth pain is typicaly caused by cavities, holes that form on the enamel layer of teeth.
• The exposed dentin will register pain upon pressure or contact with hot and cold substances. Bacteria will enter through cavities, causing inflammation and infection in the cavity.
• Gum disease caused by bacteria is yet another cause of tooth pain. Receding gums will expose the teeth roots, causing severe pain.

Nerves in the cavity will scream with every sip of hot coffee, every bite of cold ice cream, and will often require a root canal, which scoops out the inflamed pulp and replaces it with a rubbery material, according to the American Association of Endodontics (AAE).

Read the full story here

http://www.livescience.com/56856-why-do-teeth-hurt.html

Have you ever wished your teeth looked better? Is there a chipped tooth that embarrasses you?� A discoloured tooth that bothers you? A tooth gap you wish you didn?t have? Crooked or misshapen or small teeth? If any of these ring true, you owe it to yourself to investigate Lumineers.

Key takeaways:

• Lumineers are a version of veneers. Lumineers have actually been around for 30 years, so they are a tried-and-true solution today.
• Lumineers are digitally designed. They are ultra-thin (about as thin as a contact lens).
• Lumineers can be applied to your teeth without drilling, without shots, without any pain.

Lumineers can give you a natural looking smile. That?s why Lumineers are so popular. And Lumineers are even reversible, as your natural teeth are not permanently affected. So you have nothing to lose and a beautiful smile to gain.

In England, reports indicate that tooth decay is the top reason why 5 to 9 year olds are admitted to hospital. Attempts are underway to limit the levels of sugar intake to safeguard oral health.

Key takeaways:

• The introduction of a sugar tax on soft drinks would have clear benefits to the oral health of children between 11 and 18 years old.
• Tighter regulation around price, availability and marketing of sports drinks to children will safeguard their general and dental health.
• Oral health should be tackled in the same breath as overall health since it affects children?s overall well-being, confidence, mental health and life chances.

The most important message dentists can give parents is to remember that it is not just the amount of sugar children eat or drink that causes tooth decay, but how often they have sugary foods and drinks.

Read the full story here

https://www.bda.org/dentists/policy-campaigns/public-health-science/public-health/sugar

Crunchy foods are not only good for your health but are good for your teeth as well. Crunchy foods such as carrots and celery act as toothbrushes by cleaning the teeth.

Key takeaways:

• Crisp or firm foods when eaten can help to clean your teeth after a meal.
• Common foods that will help you maintain clean healthy teeth are celery, apples, carrots, and unsweetened popcorn.
• For the best results, these foods should be eaten after meals.

For best results, make ?detergent? foods the final food you eat in your meal if you know you can?t brush your teeth straight after eating.

Read the full story here

http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/4-foods-to-eat-when-you-cant-brush-your-teeth/

Tooth pain linked to sinus congestion is a dull and throbbing pain. It has been likened to the pain caused by cavities.

Key takeaways:

�������� The inflamed sinuses push or press against the roots of upper teeth in close proximity to the sinus cavity.

�������� The constant pressure on the roots of teeth will lead to severe pain similar to a cavity or severe toothache.

�������� Tooth pain caused by sinus congestion can be diagnosed by a dentist and treated through the use of antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines and routine nasal washes.

A sinus infection left untreated can lead to more severe conditions such as an eye infection, brain infection and bone infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Seek dental advice before treating tooth pain or concluding it is the result of nasal congestion.

Read the full story here

http://www.livestrong.com/article/127775-tooth-pain-sinus-congestion/

You may be considering having dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are very popular, and have given many people the great smiles they have wanted.� Key takeaways:

�� ��Dental implants can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, and can make dentures secure so they don't slip.

• The implant is usually made of titanium and will last a lifetime.

��������� The screw-like parts are placed into the jaw bone and are meant to imitate the root of the tooth. The crown is colour-matched to your natural teeth.

��������� Most patients report that they were much more comfortable after the procedure than they had anticipated. The surgery is done in the dental office with local anesthesia but can also be done with I.V.

Read the full story here

https://www.verywell.com/what-to-expect-during-a-dental-implant-procedure-1059372