Amazing Dental Discoveries

Amazing Dental Discoveries

The field of dentistry continues to advance as dentists strive to provide up-to-date information on the prevention and treatment of dental disease. New and exciting advancements in knowledge and technology are made every day. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most amazing recent dental discoveries that have made headlines across the world.
Beneficial Candy
Your dentist likely stresses the importance eating less candy for better dental health. Candy contains sugars, which provide a ready food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. However, a recent German team of researchers has developed the world’s first beneficial candy, which reduces the number of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth as you consume it. Nearly 75% of test subjects who tried this beneficial candy showed significantly lower levels of “bad” bacteria in their mouths at the end of the study.
Link Between Gum Disease and Oral Cancer
Gum disease affects three out of every four American adults. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Now, a recent study has discovered another health effect of gum disease: an increased risk of oral cancer. Researches at Case Western Reserve University have found that the byproducts created by gum disease-causing bacteria could cause the development of cancerous lesions and tumors in the mouth. Although this result is worrisome, it also holds great promise—regular testing for these bacteria in your saliva could lead to treatment that will prevent the development of malignant oral cancers in the mouth, potentially saving thousands of lives each year. Increasing awareness of this link between gum disease and oral cancer could also prompt more adults to seek regular dental cleanings to address gum disease in its earliest stages.
Dr. John Carson, DDS is focused on delivering the latest in dental treatments while enhancing patient comfort in Tucson. Our dental office offers cleanings, crowns, root canals, mouth guards, and dental implants in addition to sedation dentistry options for nervous patients. You can find out more about our practice online or by calling (520) 514-7203.