We frequently talk about how many oral bacteria can travel through the body to colonize other locations, but here’s a striking statistic to drive the point home: perhaps 13% of infections following knee replacement surgery are caused by oral bacteria. That’s right, your knee. Infected by bacteria from your mouth.
Read Dental StoryOral health becomes more difficult to maintain as we age, and we’re not entirely sure why. To attempt to discover more about this problem, researchers at the University of Buffalo are running an extensive study on how menopause may impact the oral health of aging women.
Read Dental StoryGum disease is a chronic infection, and, if left untreated, it can lead to other chronic infections. One of the most serious infections that have been linked to gum disease is endocarditis, an infection of the inner layers of the heart, causing inflammation, damage to the heart valves, and even death.
Read Dental StoryAlthough gum disease is related to the level and types of oral bacteria that you have colonizing your gums, it’s also related to the body’s response to the bacteria, including a chronic immune response, called an inflammatory response. So it makes sense that in addition try trying to control the bacteria in your mouth, you might be able to moderate your gum disease by regulating your body’s response to bacteria.
Read Dental StoryIn what is probably one of the strongest endorsements ever, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid star who scored the last-second equalizer for Portugal against the US in the World Cup, is promoting a Japanese smile exerciser called Facial Fitness Pao, even though it’s pretty clear he doesn’t have a clue how it works, and, after watching the commercial, I’m not sure, either.
Read Dental StorySleep is vital to every part of your body, including your gums. If you are not getting the sleep you need, you are likely going to be at an increased risk for gum disease. If you want to keep your gums healthy, start by making sure you get a good night’s sleep every night.
Read Dental StoryTo the extent that you have a choice over the doctor you see at the hospital, you might do better to choose one who was trained overseas. That’s according to a large study of Medicare patients treated by doctors at hospitals around the country, which showed that foreign-trained doctors delivered slightly better results.
Read Dental StoryAre your gums uncomfortable? Do you experience soreness around your teeth? Are your gums inflamed and red? Chances are good that this is gum disease and you should see a dentist, but there are also some other potential causes you should consider.
Read Dental StorySan Francisco made history last week when its mayor signed a ban on smokeless tobacco at all sporting venues in the city, including Major League Baseball’s new AT&T Park, home of the World Champion San Francisco Giants. Although this move is remarkable, it may be followed by an even more comprehensive ban that is currently being considered in the California Assembly.
Read Dental StoryWhat should you do if your tooth hurts? You should contact your dentist. Pain is your body’s way of saying something is wrong. Although some causes of tooth pain may not immediately lead to tooth loss, they are all a sign that you should take action. Infected Tooth One of the most painful causes of toothache is also the most serious. If your tooth is infected, it may hurt spontaneously, or there may be severe and lasting pain associated with heat, cold, or pressure. Other symptoms that might go along with an infected tooth include:
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