News Related to Oral Care
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FDA Reconsidering Safety of Mercury Dental Fillings
Dec. 14, 2010 -- An FDA panel met today to begin hearing testimony regarding the agency’s position that dental fillings that contain mercury pose no danger to the public. In 2009, the FDA declared the fillings, known as dental amalgams, safe. However, they have since received several petitions criti
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Invisalign 'Invisible Braces' Maker Gets FDA Warning
Dec. 3, 2010 -- The FDA says Align Technology Inc., maker of the popular Invisalign "invisible braces," didn't tell the agency about several life-threatening allergic reactions to the product. The FDA learned of the allegedly unreported events during a July 2010 inspection of the firm. In its warnin
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Fatty Fish, Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease
Oct. 26, 2010 -- A new study suggests eating foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as salmon and nuts, may help prevent gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is a common type of gum disease in which the gum tissue separates from the teeth and allows bacteria to build up. If u
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Some Dental Treatment Is Linked to Heart Risk
Oct. 18, 2010 -- Heart attack and stroke risk may rise in the month following invasive dental treatments such as tooth extractions, a study shows. The risk returns to normal levels within six months, according to the study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. This is not the first time oral hea
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FDA: Popular Mouthwashes Make False Claims
Sept. 28, 2010 -- The FDA has warned Walgreen Co., Johnson & Johnson, and CVS Corp. to stop making unproven claims that their mouth rinse products can reduce plaque above the gum line, promote gum health, and prevent gum disease. The companies claim their mouthwashes are effective in preventing gum
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BPA From Dental Sealants, Fillings: Is It Safe?
Sept. 7, 2010 -- Parents worried about mercury in amalgam dental fillings now have a new bugbear: BPA from dental sealants and "white" fillings. Bisphenol A -- BPA -- is a resin used in many kinds of plastics, including some water bottles and metal food can liners. Emerging evidence suggests, but do
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Brushing Teeth May Keep Away Heart Disease
May 27, 2010 -- Brushing your teeth is not only good for your pearly whites, it also decreases your chances of suffering a heart attack, a new study indicates. Researchers in England analyzed data from more than 11,000 people taking part in a study called the Scottish Health Survey. They examined li
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Acupuncture Puts Nervous Dental Patients at Ease
March 29, 2010 -- Acupuncture needles stuck into two strategic spots on the head may reduce anxiety levels of highly nervous dental patients, new research indicates. The needles induce relaxation and reduce fear that all but paralyzes some people facing dental treatments, say researchers from Englan
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Brushing Too Hard Causes Sensitive Teeth
Nov. 10, 2009 -- Brushing your teeth too hard and consumption of acidic food and beverages are the leading contributors of sensitive teeth, according to a nationwide survey of dentists. One-third of 700 dentists surveyed by the Academy of General Dentistry say acidic foods and beverages are the most
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Advanced Gum Disease May Raise Cancer Risk
Sept. 8, 2009 -- Taking care of your teeth and gums may not only save your smile, it could save your life. A new study suggests a common form of gum disease may significantly raise the risk of head and neck cancer. Researchers found that people diagnosed with head and neck cancers were much more lik
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How Do I Measure Up? Get the Facts Fast!
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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!
Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!
SOURCES:
American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010
This tool is intended only for adults 18 and older.
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