Clinical

Laura Dorr is the former executive editor of DPR's Modern Dental Network and a regular contributing author.

Articles

 Strong teeth for beavers are a must (you try cutting down a tree with your incisors!), but how do they keep those chompers healthy and tough without access to fluoride or a toothbrush? A new study out of Northwestern University reports that beavers have natural protection against tooth decay built into the chemical structure of their teeth.

New study finds beaver teeth could provide insight on human tooth decay

 Sixty-three percent of Hispanic adults in the United States has periodontitis, an advanced form of periodontal disease. This finding comes from an updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study published in the Journal of Periodontology.

New study finds periodontal disease most prevalent among ethnic minorities

 Snails may be small, but their teeth pack a huge punch.  Limpet teeth, or those belonging to aquatic snails, have strength comparable to those of the strongest man-made fibers, according to a recent study published in Royal Society's journal Interface.

Sea snail teeth are strongest known natural substance

Patti DiGangi, RDH, BS, believes dentistry is no longer just about fixing teeth. Dentistry is oral medÂ­icine. Her work helps dental professionals embrace the opportunities and understand the metrics that accurate insurance coding provides. The ADA recognized her expertise by inviting her to write a chapter in its CDT 2017 Companion book and again for its CDT 2018 Companion. She is the author of the DentalCodeology series of easy-to-read, bite-size books. Her latest book, "Teledentistry: Pathway to Pathology" was co-written with Cindy Purdy, RDH, BS. She can be reached at patti@dentalcodeology.com.

 Mass media face tight restrictions on time and space. There are limited minutes to deliver the message in a fast-changing, ever-more complex world, and the tendency can be to oversimplify.

Hammering the two dental hygiene F-words

 A recent study has found that the walking speed and memory of adults without any teeth decline more rapidly than those who still have some or all of their own teeth.

Study finds link between tooth loss and mental, physical decline in older adults

 We're always excited to hear about new dental health discoveries and emerging research, and are fascinated by the enlightening, educational - and sometimes downright weird - information they bring to light. What follows is a list of the most fascinating recent studies, as chosen by our editorial team.

Top 5 dental discoveries

A recent report confirms scientists have created a new biocompatible material that may rebuild worn enamel and decrease tooth sensitivity for longer periods of time than current materials on the market.

Scientists develop material to rebuild enamel, decrease tooth sensitivity

 Everyone knows that children need moderation in their lives. Giving a child too much sugar will undoubtedly result in a headache for parents. Exposing that child to excessive radiation? That can also only end poorly.

Why responsible pediatric dental radiology is a must

 Recent research published in the journal Microbiome found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred during at 10-second French kiss. The study also found that people who kiss each other nine times a day or more share similar oral bacteria.

Recent study finds French kisses swap more than spit

 Researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland have found a critical reason to treat periodontal disease as soon as possible.

Emerging Research