Health

Investigation Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that attacks the brain cells responsible for memory, thinking, and behavior. Over time, the symptoms worsen, leading to memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language and reasoning, and changes in personality and behavior. In the later stages, sufferers may require assistance with daily activities. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, but it’s linked to the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain. Maintaining good oral health is essential for a good smile, but a new report suggests it may also play a role in protecting your brain. The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has released a study highlighting a potential connection between poor oral health and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The study was published at https://www.carequest.org/system/files/CareQuest-Institute_Poor-Oral-Health-May-Contribute-to-the-Risk-of-Dementia-Visual-Report_4.25.24.pdf The report raises several interesting points. Adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s … Read more

Lozenges for Enzyme-Powered Plaque Fighters

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Plaque buildup is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s a collection of bacteria, leftover food particles, and saliva that mixes in your mouth. Plaque buildup has bacteria that feed on the sugars and starches in your food, producing acids as waste. Plaque buildup has acids that can erode tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth and lead to cavities. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar which irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and gingivitis. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can damage the bone supporting your teeth and lead to tooth loss. So, plaque buildup isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s the root cause of many common dental problems. That’s why regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings are so important for maintaining good oral health. … Read more

Matcha from Green Tea Mouthwash Shows Promise in Fighting Gum Disease

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Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting teeth. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis )is one of the main culprits behind gum disease. If left untreated gum diesease can lead to tooth loss. The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque and bacteria to build up on teeth and under the gumline. Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings all help to prevent gum disease. If you’re experiencing gum inflammation or discomfort, a simple saltwater rinse can offer relief. Mixing a half-teaspoon of table salt into warm water creates a soothing solution. Swishing with this rinse can help reduce inflammation and ease any pain you might be experiencing. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known culprits in worsening gum disease. … Read more

Sweeten dental injections to reduce pain for kids

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A new article titled “Efficacy of administering a sugar-free flavor before dental injections on pain perception in children: A split-mouth randomized crossover clinical trial” appears in International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry written by Ola B. Al-Batayneh and et. al. (April 16, 2024). Getting a shot at the dentist can be scary for kids, but a this study suggests a simple trick might help: sugar-free flavoring. Researchers compared giving kids a sugar-free flavor before a dental injection to giving them plain water. The study included 84 children ages 4 to 9 who needed injections on both sides of their mouths. One side received injections after a sugar-free flavor was applied, and the other side received water. Image by Jenny Friedrichs from Pixabay The kids had their heart rates measured as an objective indicator of pain using a fingertip pulse oximeter. Further … Read more

Missing Teeth Could Lead to More Gray Hair

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An interesting article titled “Premature gray hair development in the interbrow region owing to the loss of maxillary first molars in young mice” written by Masae Furukawa and et. al. appears in Genes to Cells (published 20 February 2024). The article suggests that losing your teeth might also be affecting your appearance in a way you wouldn’t expect and suggests a link between missing teeth and premature graying hair in the eyebrows. Image by Pexels from Pixabay Chew on This: Less Chewing, More Gray Hair? This study, the first of its kind, investigated the connection between reduced chewing due to tooth loss and the development of gray hair. Researchers extracted upper first molars from young mice and observed them for three months alongside a control group that kept their teeth. Mice missing teeth developed gray hair between their eyebrows, while … Read more