Improving Your Children's Dental Health With Certain Foods

Because our children always need one more reminder to eat healthy foods, foods that are favorable to our health are also great for our teeth.  Foods that are full of sugar, acid or are sticky can erode the enamel on our children’s teeth and provide fuel for bacteria to grow.  Eating foods like celery, pears, apples and yogurt can stimulate saliva and help neutralize acid. Additionally, calcium and phosphate-rich foods can help strengthen the surface of teeth. For the full article click here. 

Shark Teeth: Naturally Cavity Fighting?

The Journal of Structural Biology published a 2012 study that found that at least two species of sharks, makos and tiger sharks, feature teeth whose outer coatings contain one hundred percent fluoride.  Scientists have discovered that sharks' teeth are cavity-resistant because their enamel is comprised of a chemical called fluoroapatite that is impervious to acid-producing bacteria. The fact that sharks have teeth that contain their own cavity-fighting fluoride and that they replace their teeth throughout their lives, makes sharks models of dental health.  For the full article click here.

Milk May Be the Key To Fewer Cavities

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, drinking milk after eating sugary cereals helps prevent cavities by reducing the levels of acidity of dental plaque.  The study involved 20 adults who drank whole milk, 100 percent apple juice, or tap water after consuming 20 grams of dry Froot Loop cereal.  Researchers then measured the plaque pH levels to learn of the effects of each beverage.  For the full article click here.  

Straightening Teeth For Less In Less Time!

The Inman Aligner is a simple removable retainer-like appliance used to align upper and lower front teeth quickly, safely and for one-third the price of other traditional orthodontic treatments such as braces.  In just six to 18 weeks, patients will see dramatically straighter teeth.  Once fitted for aligner trays, patients are instructed to wear them for 16 to 20 hours per day and to schedule routine check-ups with their dentist for every two to three weeks throughout the course of treatment.  For the full article click here.

Fewer Teeth Linked to Reduced Memory

According to a study of people ages 55 and older, participants with few or no teeth were more likely to perform poorly on memory tests, compared with participants who still had many of their natural teeth. These results suggest that the presence of natural teeth may have an impact on cognitive function.  Researchers believe it’s possible that loosing natural teeth reduces sensory signals that teeth send to the brain, affecting its functions, including memory.  For the full article click here.

Dental Health and Prenatal Health

Studies indicate pregnant women with the gum disease periodontitis are more likely to experience a miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or have low birth-weight babies. Professor Londi Shangase, head of oral medicine and periodontology at the Wits School of Oral Health Sciences, believes maintaining good dental care during pregnancy is vital to the health of the baby and mother. By following just a few simple steps, pregnant women can dramatically reduce their risk factors for periodontitis.  For the full article click here.

Healthy Teeth Making You Brainy

According to a recent study published in the European Journal of Oral Sciences, people with fewer natural teeth performed worse on mental exercises than those with healthier smiles.  Higher brainpower is just one of the many benefits linked to healthy smiles.  In order to maintain healthy chompers, brush teeth with care and don’t forget to floss and rinse often.  For additional oral care tips read the full article here.