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We know that your genes influence your risk of gum disease, but new research is suggesting it’s not only the actual code of your genes but which genes are switched on and off in response to various stimuli that determine the health of your mouth. The study of this triggering effect of genes, called epigenetics, may […]

New research suggests that having problem teeth extracted before heart surgery may actually lead to a significant risk of adverse outcomes, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and death. Study Reveals Increased Risk In this study, conducted by the Mayo Clinic, researchers looked at 205 patients with serious heart conditions who underwent the extraction of infected […]

We are coming to understand more and more the links between oral and general health. Gum disease is a chronic infection, and it can damage your body in many ways. For men, gum disease may lead to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Is ED Associated with Gum Disease? In recent years, several studies have pointed […]

Some people balk at the price of dental care. To be sure, you may end up paying thousands of dollars for major restorative work, but it’s important to remember that this is a medical treatment, and investing in your teeth can make the difference between keeping them for a lifetime and losing them one by […]

Although dental implants have a high success rate, they are not 100% perfect, especially when placed by less-experienced dentists. In an attempt to standardize dental implant procedures and reduce the risk of error among all dentists, especially trainee or newly licensed dentists placing implants, researchers brought together an expert panel of 24 periodontists to establish what is […]

Smiling is a friendly gesture, but in organizations, it’s more often that the person in a lower rank will smile at the person in a higher rank. It’s natural since smiling evolved partly from a subservient expression. However, there are very good reasons why leaders should turn the tables on the people in their organization, […]

As with practically every field of medicine these days, there are many alarmists who are trying to warn you about a supposedly “secret” condition that dentists are trying to hide: titanium allergy. To hear them tell it, the dental implant industry is trying to silence people talking about this hidden danger of dental implants. Nothing could […]

Although the majority of dental patients have eagerly made the transition to tooth-colored fillings. With their improved appearance and no mercury content, the fillings are very popular with everyone–except some dentists. In recent years, some dentists have begun to complain that tooth-colored fillings, which include both resin composite and glass-ionomer fillings, don’t last as long as […]

People have been experiencing dental decay ever since we became human. The first evidence of oral health problems in humans arises about 1.8 million years ago, but it has been thought that widespread tooth decay wasn’t a problem until the rise of agriculture, which allowed people access to more sugars and carbohydrates. However, evidence from […]

Last year, we got a glimpse of Practicon’s unusual art calendar. This year, the dental supply company is offering the calendar for sale, so if you’re interested in either art or dentistry, you may want to pick one up. The calendar takes several iconic pieces of art and replaces the face of the subject with that of […]

A new study says that obesity is a major risk factor for gum disease, perhaps as serious as smoking. However, other research suggests that there is no link. It’s clear that we don’t fully understand all the risk factors in obesity and it’s best to ensure you work with a dentist who gives personalized care. New […]

Next time you’re at your party, you probably will be thinking about anything but your oral health. However, our overall oral health is determined by the sum of all our momentary decisions. If you want to have the healthiest smile possible, you need to make sure you’re keeping this in mind constantly, and that includes […]