Naturally Occurring Plant Chemical Could Prevent Tooth Decay

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found a naturally occurring chemical that just may block plaque and bacteria from adhering to your teeth, preventing future tooth decay.

The chemical, trans-chalcone, is similar to chemicals found in licorice root, and has been found to prevent bacteria from creating a protective biofilm, and stopping plaque formation.

The bacteria Streptococcus mutans metabolizes sugar and carbs into harmful acid, causing tooth decay. Once this bacteria is able to create a biofilm, it adheres to the surface of the tooth in the form of plaque. Without proper oral care, plaque will break down the protective enamel on your teeth, allowing decay to set in.

The chemical would inhibit the bacteria from forming into plaque, significantly reducing the amount of potential tooth decay. Combined with regular visits to your friendly Valencia dentist and daily brushing and flossing, this could potentially positively impact oral health forever.

So far, the trials have shown that the chemical will react with a biofilm creating enzyme found in Streptococcus mutans, preventing its formation. But this is in a test tube. Trials in real settings have yet to take place.

Until this chemical comes into use, you will have to visit your friendly Valencia dentist for all of your oral health needs and make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day.

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Dentists Find Leading Cause of Tooth Decay

Roughly 79% of adults have a form of tooth decay and dental erosion. To find out why, dentists began looking at their diets. Two things stood out as a common link between all of them: citric acid and sugar.

Citric acid binds to the calcium found in your teeth and weakens the protective enamel. Sugar sticks to the surface of the tooth and feeds bacteria, speeding up their acid production. The combination of the two is the perfect storm of tooth decay.

Fruit juice and soda drinks contain large amounts of both of these substances. Of the 79% of adults with tooth decay, 5% of them have severe tooth wear and admit to drinking more fruit juice and soda than any other adults per day. Adults with healthier teeth reportedly drink more milk than fruit juice or soda. Drinking the sugary drinks more than once a day can significantly increase your odds of tooth decay.

But if you have signs of tooth decay and dental erosion now, all hope is not lost. By visiting your friendly Valencia dentist and receiving regular checkups and advi

ce, you can prevent your teeth from eroding further and preventing future issues. Stopping that decay now can prevent a root canal in the future.

If you are feeling parched, reach for that glass of water or milk. Not only are they better for your teeth, but they are better for your body.

To make sure that your teeth are in tiptop shape, be sure to schedule a visit with your friendly Valencia dentist today.

Anxiety May Lead to Tooth Damage

Tend to bite your nails when you are nervous? Clench your jaw when you are tense? Well, recent studies have shown that if you suffer from any form of social anxiety, you are at double the risk of damaging your teeth by grinding them.

The study also shows that anxiety sufferers are three times more likely to suffer from what they call “jaw play”, which is tensing and slightly moving your jaw without any tooth contact. This can contribute to TMJ and also migraines. You are also eight times more likely to suffer from “awake bruxism”, which is classified as tooth grinding while awake.

Indication of moderate to severe dental wear is much more common in anxiety sufferers, which means it is important for you to visit your dentist often to discuss your concerns with tooth grinding. If they can help you determine that anxiety is playing a part in your grinding, your friendly Valencia dentist can help you find a doctor to possibly get your started on an anxiety treatment.

So if you notice yourself tensing your jaw when you see a crowd, or biting your nails when you’re in public, or grinding your teeth while waiting in line, it may be time to talk to your friendly Valencia dentist about possible solutions. A happy mind leads to a happy body which leaves a happy smile.

Hidden Benefits of Brushing Your Teeth

Aside from the obvious dental health benefits of keeping your teeth clean, there are several previously unknown benefits emerging as studies continue. As a result, it is more important than ever to keep your smile in tip-top shape by visiting your friendly Valencia dentist regularly.

Brushing lowers the risk of dementia.

There is no direct cause known between your dental health and developing dementia, but recent studies have shown that older adults who don’t brush daily have a 65% greater chance of developing dementia later in life. Of course, brushing your teeth will not prevent you from getting Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – it’s not a cause and effect.

Brushing lowers the risk of heart disease.

Adults who regularly go for their thorough dental cleanings have a much lower risk of heart attacks than those who skip out.

Brushing lowers the risk of stroke.

Patients who come in for their regular checkups and professional scaling have a decreased risk of suffering from a stroke later in life.

Brushing lowers the risk of pneumonia.

Regular brushing helps kills bacteria, preventing it from moving into your lungs and developing into pneumonia or even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These conditions develop when bacteria travels from your throat into your lower respiratory tract.

Brushing lowers the risk of preterm babies.

Pregnant mothers who regularly visit their dentist reduce their risk of delivering preterm babies, and the babies suffer less from preterm low birth weights. It is important to talk to your friendly Valencia dentist throughout your pregnancy to ensure a healthy mom and a healthy baby.

Brushing lowers the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Chronic gum disease is much more common in men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Keeping your gums clean and healthy may lower the risk of developing it down the road.

If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, and, most importantly, your future health, be sure you schedule your appointment with your friendly Valencia dentist today.


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