Madison, Wisconsin Men Have The Best Teeth

Men's Health magazine recently published the results of its top ranked cities of where men with the best and worst teeth can be found. According to the survey results, Madison, Wisconsin men have the best teeth because they pay close attention to their dental hygiene, least teeth pulled and most regular dentist visits. The rankings for worst teeth, however, did not bode well for guys in Baton Rouge Louisiana as it received the dubious distinction as of the American city where men have the worst teeth.

The ranking of these cities doesn't just name and shame - rather it reminds all men the importance of paying attention to dental health. Teeth whitening treatments can give a smile a boost and if money is a concern, individuals can examine their dental insurance plans to determine which services are covered.

Eating Yogurt Reduces Childhood Tooth Decay 22%

Dental News

New research published in the Journal of Dentistry, about a young children who consumed yogurt or times a week or more reduce the chances of developing cavities by 22% compared to those who needed less than once a week. The report came from a Japanese study which was investigating earlier claims that dairy foods generally could ward off dental decay in children.

The research, by experts at Fukuoka University and the University of Tokyo, supports earlier work by Australian scientists who exposed extracted teeth to yogurt and found it kept decay at bay.

Only Yogurt, Though

The results showed a clear link with yogurt but not with other popular dairy products as butter, cheese and milk appeared to have no major benefit, high consumption of yogurt did have a protective effect in young children.

Dental Trick-or-Treats From Around the USA

One Massachusetts dentist is taking an innovative approach in helping his young patients avoid developing dental caries. Dr Thomas Pushak of Lexington, Massachusetts has been collecting Halloween candy from local children for the past 15 years. What's his secret? He pays them for it.

Pushak offers to buy up to five pounds of Halloween candy from trick-or-treaters at $2 a pound. This means if a child had a particularly successful night, they can make up to $10 from the dentist and the children selling their candy to him don't have to be current patients and that his aim is to improve the dental health of young people.

Do-It-Yourself Dentistry? Give Me A Break!

3 Million Get Their Teeth Into DIY Dentistry

Around 3 million people in England have resorted to DIY (Do It Yourself) dentistry, with a further 3 million knowing someone else that has, according to new research by WHICH?. 3 million represents roughly 8 per cent of the British population.

People would rather check their bank balance, go to the gym or face a packed Ikea on a Saturday afternoon instead of going to the dentist so it's easy to see why so many people are having a crack at it themselves with DIY Dentistry.

Of those trying DIY dentistry, 26 per cent have tried to pull a tooth using pliers and 12 per cent have tried doing this using a piece of string tied to a door handle. Three in ten DIY dentists (30 per cent) have tried to whiten their teeth with household cleaning products.

Study Links Avocados To Oral Cancer Prevention

Can you eat your way to better oral health?

Researchers at Ohio State University have found that nutrients taken from avocados can attack some oral cancer cells and prevent other pre-cancerous cells from developing into actual cancers of the mouth.

According to the researchers, previous research has found an association between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and reduced risk for various types of cancers. This effect is attributed to the high levels of phytonutrients and phytochemicals found in dark colored fruits and vegetables.

Focusing on the Hass avocado -the most readily available variety of avocado- the OSU researchers found that phytochemicals extracted from the bumpy-skinned fruit can target multiple signaling pathways and increase the amount of reactive oxygen within pre-cancerous oral cells, leading to cell death. However, the same chemicals have no negative effect on healthy, normal cells.

Oral Piercings Cause Dental Problems In Teens

Skin piercings might be the rage among teens, but researchers from Tel Aviv University have found good reasons to think twice about piercing one's tongue or lip.

Dr. Liran Levin, a dentist from the Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University has found that about 15 to 20 percent of teens with oral piercings are at high risk for both tooth fractures and gum disease. Resulting tooth fractures as well as periodontal problems, he says, can lead to anterior (front) tooth loss later in life.

Only Teens Are Affected

High rates of fractures due to piercings are not found in other age groups, and cases of severe periodontal damage in teens without oral piercings are similarly rare, says Dr. Levin, who conducted the study with partners Dr. Yehuda Zadik and Dr. Tal Becker.

Break Your Child's Bad Dental Habits

Put Your Child on the Path to Good Oral Health

While it is important to maintain good oral habits in children, it is equally important to understand and break the bad habits. Going to bed with a bottle, thumb / finger sucking and swallowing toothpaste are some examples of bad dental habits in children.

Going to Bed With a Bottle

The result of sending a child to bed with a bottle of anything other than water is severe tooth decay (cavities). The sugar from the fluid in the bottle stays on the teeth for long periods of time causing the bacteria on the child's teeth and the sugar to mix. This mixture forms a type of acid that eats through the enamel and makes cavities. Dentists sometimes use the term "bottle Mouth" to describe the mouth of a child that has been sent to bed repeatedly with a bottle. This is not an easy habit to break, but it can be done. If your child is taking a bottle to bed, try diluting the liquid down a little each night until the end result is just water.