Today's Dental News

A new report shows that the bacteria that causes gum disease manipulates the immune system to hinder normal processes that would usually eliminate bacteria.

The information appears in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. The study details the way in which the bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, thrives when it would otherwise be destroyed. T-cells generally protect the host from microbial infection but this bacteria finds a way around that.

Ideally, this information will play a role in thwarting chronic infection that results from gingivitis.

Read more: Gingivitis Bacteria Manages to Manipulate Immune System

Scientists are now trying to do everything they can to treat tooth sensitivity. That’s why they recently developed a report on trying to prevent tooth sensitivity from occurring.

A report on tooth sensitivity pinpointed a substance, similar to an adhesive that mussels use to attach to rocks, that could thwart sensitivity. The information appears in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Roughly three out of four people have some kind of tooth sensitivity when it comes to hot, cold, sweet or sour foods or beverages. The tooth sensitivity results from the enamel and dentin wearing away. There are currently some sugar-free gums and special toothpastes that could reduce the levels of sensitivity, but not enough to fully solve the issue.

Read more: New Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Fashion braces have become a new trend in Asia. The problem is no one figured to check the health ramifications.

Health experts in Indonesia, Thailand and China have warned against wearing the fake fashion braces.

The fake braces have become popular amongst teenagers based on the high cost of orthodontics. The braces can be purchased online or in open-air markets. The braces are sometimes fitted at beauty salons.

The braces appear to be harmless but there have been two recent deaths linked to the braces. In Thailand, the braces have been banned based on a death of a teenage boy. The death resulted from an infection in the thyroid glands that led to heart failure.

Read more: Fake Braces Becoming Problem in Asia

More children are undergoing cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as having dental veneers and teeth whitening.

Pediatric dentists are increasingly being asked to place false teeth in a child’s mouth the replace broken or missing teeth, among many other procedures being performed to improve a child’s smile.

Based on most research, however, children should not have any cosmetic dental procedures performed on them. It’s ideal to wait until the permanent teeth have erupted and become stable in the mouth before performing cosmetic procedures. Only in emergency situations should a cosmetic dental procedure be performed on a child.

Read more: More Children Seek Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures