It’s rare for a root canal to fail to entirely remove an infection. However, with over fifteen million root canals performed in the United States every year, it’s not unheard of for a patient to lose additional tooth structure after their treatment. That is why a recent development from a team at the UCLA School of Dentistry is presenting dental professionals with some exciting new possibilities.

The purpose of this research was to explore the dental potential of nanodiamonds, microscopic diamond particles produced as a byproduct of refining and mining diamonds. Such particles have already demonstrated a lot of medicinal uses, including cancer treatment and regenerative processes. The UCLA team created two forms of tooth filling reinforced with nanodiamonds, one of which was pre-loaded with antibiotics. They then used these fillings in the teeth of human patients to test their ability to resist infection. The findings of the study were promising, and the team plans to optimize their formula and begin clinical trials over the course of the next two years.

Whole grains have demonstrated many valuable benefits for your health, including reducing your cholesterol levels and preventing diabetes. On top of this, it would appear that whole grains also have a lot to offer to your teeth. Research has demonstrated that a diet rich in brown rice, dark bread, popcorn, and other forms of whole grains is conducive of good oral health. People who got a minimum of three servings of such foods every day are about 23% less likely to suffer from periodontitis than people who eat less than one serving.

This revelation comes to us from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The theory is that whole grains improve your ability to metabolize glucose, which results in a lower blood glucose level. Your blood therefore exposes your mouth to less of this sugary substance, discouraging decay.

To get the optimal effect for your teeth, three or four slices of whole wheat bread every day may be sufficient. Talk to our Lynnwood dentistry clinic for additional information on maintaining a mouth-friendly diet.

Popularized by hip-hop culture, dental “grills” are removable fixtures that fit over the front of your teeth. They are often made out of precious metals and adorned with diamond inlays, serving as an extravagant fashion statement. As these items are removable, many make the mistake of thinking that they are a harmless accessory for their mouths. However, such people are very much mistaken.

When you wear a grill, bacteria can thrive in the space between the metal and your teeth. This encourages decay. Meanwhile, the metal serves to irritate your gums, causing them to retreat from your tooth structure. In the case of the cheaper models that are not made from precious metals, nickel impurities can also cause allergic reactions in many people.

Should you experience any swelling, redness, or pain after wearing a grill, bring your grill to our Lynnwood dentistry clinic so that we can properly assess your problem. Further, try to limit the amount of time you wear your grill, as you problem will get worse with longer exposure.

Studies have demonstrated that women are more likely than men to seek out the dental care they need. This is according to a study from the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, wherein 800 participants underwent an oral examination and were asked to fill out a questionnaire on their oral hygiene. The findings were as follows:

• Women are about twice as likely to receive their regular dental checkups
• Women are 26% more likely to floss every day
• 44% of women are aware that their overall health can be elevated by periodontists, compared to 33% of men
• 74% of women claimed they would be embarrassed by missing teeth, compared to 57% of men
• Women are about twice as likely to notice when someone else has a missing tooth

Man or woman, it is important to always remember that you need and deserve proper dental care. Therefore, be sure that you take measures to keep your regular appointments with our Lynnwood dentistry clinic every six months, and promptly schedule any treatment you may need.

When you think about diseases that could be wiped out forever, you probably aren’t thinking about cavities. After all, isn’t it inevitable that bacteria are going to flourish in your mouth? While it is true that your oral cavity is the home of over 100 trillion microbes, only 0.1% of these are the harmful s. mutans bacteria that is largely responsible for tooth decay, while the rest are potentially beneficial.

With this in mind, a group in UCLA developed a “smart bomb” mouthwash that targets s. mutans while leaving other microbes intact. Patients who tested this wash saw their tooth-rotting microbes entirely wiped out, and didn’t experience a resurgence for the duration of the study. Though such a product has not yet been approved for commercial use, you could very well look forward to a future free of tooth rot.

Until such a time, remember to stay on top of your regular brushing and rinsing, and visit our Lynnwood dentist at least every six months.

Our Lynnwood dentistry clinic has discussed the importance of dental care for pregnant woman in the past. Indeed, pregnancy leaves you particularly vulnerable to tooth and gum problems. However, the story does not end there. The fact is that, if you fail to maintain good dental health during your pregnancy, it may have unfortunate effects on your child.

Preterm and low-birth-weight births are often triggered by an infection somewhere in the mother’s body. The medical world has been aware of this for a long time, taking care to watch out for urinary tract infections and throat infections in expecting women. Unfortunately, an infection in the mouth can be just as destructive. Periodontal disease increases your level of a hormone called prostaglandin, which can trigger labor prematurely. The good news is that early treatment of gum disease can reduce this risk, so do your baby a favor and get your regular care with Song Dental.

Nobody ever wants to get braces after they’ve reached adulthood. Aside from the discomfort and expense that we associate with the treatment, there’s a certain degree of embarrassment that goes along with wearing braces at a certain age. However, our Lynnwood dentistry clinic wants to remind you of the many advantages of braces, and the significant advances that may have been made in braces since you were young.

First of all, it’s worth noting that today’s braces are largely unnoticeable. With clear, ceramic materials and gentle, unobtrusive structures, your braces can pass under the radar of both your friends and your own mouth.

Further, do not underestimate the value of a good set of braces. People with straight teeth are perceived as having qualities of leadership, popularity, and athleticism. Meanwhile, straight teeth are easier to take care of, and better for efficiently chewing your food.

Even if you’ve had braces in the past, there is no guarantee that you will not need them again in adulthood. Your teeth can move throughout your life, and are likely to drift back towards their original crooked positions. If you feel like you may be a candidate for adult braces, consult your dentist for more information.