New Scientific Discovery about Tooth Enamel

Northwestern University scientists have gotten one step closer to figuring out what can compromise tooth enamel. 

Tooth enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. This tough shell is the hardest tissue in the human body. Enamel covers the crown which is the part of the tooth that's visible outside of the gums. Scientists have now also discovered impurity atoms. The information will enable us to explore how enamel becomes soluble—and also how we can strengthen it.

Here is the original scientific paper should you would like to dive in deeper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2433-3

[Photo by Nhia Moua on Unsplash]

Australian Dental Health Week is coming!

Dental Health Week, which takes place in the first full week of August, is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health campaign. Its aim is to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health. This year it is on 3-9 August 2020.

Now more than ever, with COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, all Australians are taking care of their health. Oral health is very much part of the overall health and wellbeing.

This year the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is sharing four key messages:
•    Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
•    Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
•    Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit sugar intake.
•    Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care.

This year’s theme is “How Much Sugar is Hiding in Your Trolley?”. For more information about the Dental Health week go to https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week-2020/About

5 Health Issues Your Dentist Can Spot!

How your dental wellbeing speaks about a lot more than just your teeth. 

1.     Heart Problems

Did you know that gum disease can cause bacteria to travel to your heart, causing clotting in your arteries and interfering with blood flow, which may contribute to coronary artery disease? Researchers are still investigating the links between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, but by treating gum inflammation you could lower your risk of stroke or heart attack.

2.     Osteoporosis

Did you know that a receding gum line and loosening teeth may indicate weakness in the bones that support your teeth? While the strength of your bones is not linked to the strength of your teeth, the strength of the supporting structures around your teeth can say a lot about the health of your bones. This weakness may be an early warning sign of osteoporosis.

3.     Oral Cancer

Did you know that one of the first signs of oral cancer is often small red or white spots/sores on the gums, lips, tongue or cheek lining? Early detection can be critical, and your dentist can recommend relevant tests and biopsies for any suspicious tissues.

4.     Stress

Did you know that many people grind their teeth while sleeping when suffering from stress? This grinding can lead to chipped teeth, worn teeth, jaw pain and ultimately bone loss. Your dentist may note an increase in wear on your teeth and recommend stress management solutions or that you wear a splint while sleeping.

5.     Mental Health issues

Did you know that researchers speculate a link between gum disease bacteria and brain function? A recent report in the Journal of American Geriatric Society found that people who brushed their teeth less than once a day were 65 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who brushed daily.

Regular appointments could help your dentist spot warning signs for potential health issues, allowing you to take necessary steps to prevent or treat them. Make sure you book your routine dental check ups and cleans to keep your oral health and your general health in tip top condition.