(HealthDay News) — Millions of teeth are treated by root canal each year, says the American Association of Endodontists. A root canal is the process of removing an injured or diseased tooth. The procedure often is the best way to relieve serious pain and bring a tooth back to health.Continue Reading

(HealthDay News) — Cavities are permanently damaged areas of your teeth. They have a range of causes, from bacteria to sugary drinks and poor dental care. Symptoms of cavities also vary. Initially, people with a cavity may have no symptoms. But as the cavity gets larger, warning signs such asContinue Reading

WEDNESDAY, June 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dentists tend to be overeager when it comes to prescribing antibiotics, new research suggests. The study authors found that antibiotics prescribed to prevent infection during dental procedures weren’t necessary 81% of the time. That’s important because 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions come fromContinue Reading

TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Even amid an epidemic of abuse, opioid painkillers are still commonly prescribed to teenagers and young adults for conditions like tooth and back pain, a new study finds. Researchers found that between 2005 and 2015, opioids were prescribed to teens and college-age adultsContinue Reading

(HealthDay News) — If you wince while eating sweets or brushing your teeth, you may have sensitive teeth, says the American Dental Association. Causes of sensitive teeth include: Tooth decay. A cracked tooth. Worn tooth enamel, fillings or tooth roots. Regular dental checkups, desensitizing toothpaste and less aggressive tooth brushingContinue Reading

(HealthDay News) — From plaque buildup to gum disease, bleeding gums can be a sign of many conditions. To treat bleeding gums, MedlinePlus recommends: Visiting the dentist every six months. Following your dentist’s homecare instructions. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Not using mouthwashes that contain alcohol. FollowingContinue Reading

(HealthDay News) — Adults should maintain oral health to keep teeth strong and healthy for a lifetime, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC encourages them to: Brush teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste. Remove dental plaque with floss. Visit the dentist on a regular basis. DoContinue Reading

SUNDAY, April 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Regular brushing and flossing can save your teeth into old age. Could it also save your brain? The bacteria involved in gum disease might play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests. DNA from the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalisContinue Reading