Applying carbamide peroxide gel on teeth in high concentrations can reduce the enamel protein content by up to 50 per cent. Credit: Bozec Lab A study led by researchers at the University of Toronto highlights the extensive damage that can be caused by common tooth-whitening agents. Published recently in Scientific Reports, the study assessed the dental cell damage caused by the use of carbamide peroxide teeth-whitening treatments. It found that a

A high speed imaging of the aerosolization of particles. Credit: Joseph Xu/Michigan Engineering The close proximities and confined spaces of the dental office environment in a pandemic pose a host of potential health risks, and it may be even more problematic in dental schools and other large dental offices with similar cubicle set-ups. It’s a situation University of Michigan engineers have sought to make safer by analyzing the transport of

by Griffith University Children who attend private schools or have a high family income are more susceptible to wearing down their teeth than those from lower socio-economic areas according to a global study of 30 countries. Researchers found that easy access to soft drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices in affluent countries increased the risk of tooth decay. In a study published in the Journal of Dentistry, researchers from Griffith University and Singapore’s National

Products that contain hydrogen peroxide might help brighten your smile if you use them correctly. By  Claire Gillespie     Updated on October 17, 2023  Medically reviewed by  Edmund Khoo, DDS Hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth by removing stains and dissolving chemical compounds that make your teeth look yellow.1 This chemical compound has strong bleaching properties and might harm your enamel at high concentrations, so is 3% hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth whitening? Teeth-whitening

Kaitlin Sullivan Published on September 27, 2023  Fact checked by  Nick Blackmer New research found that good oral hygiene could increase a person’s chance of survival if they experience head or neck cancer.1 More frequent dentist visits were found to help catch cancer at earlier stages, which often makes it easier to treat. Experts recommend maintaining a regular schedule of dental visits. Good oral hygiene could help your chance of

By  Laura Schober Laura Schober Laura Schober is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health, food, wellness, beauty, and lifestyle content. Laura is also a seasoned communications professional who has previously worked in the biopharmaceutical, consumer healthcare, and lifestyle spaces. HEALTH’S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES     Published on July 3, 2023  Medically reviewed by  Edmund Khoo, DDS Risks A root canal is a dental procedure performed on teeth that are

Eating garlic and a lax teeth-brushing routine aren’t the only answers to the question, “Why does my breath smell?” Maria Masters     Updated on August 21, 2023  Medically reviewed by  Edmund Khoo, DDS THARAKORN / GETTY IMAGES Halitosis, or bad breath, happens when bacteria eat leftover food in your mouth, producing smelly compounds.1 Bad breath can result from eating habits, smoking, or health conditions like heartburn and high blood sugar. Read on

A new American Dental Association (ADA) clinical practice guideline suggests conservative methods to treat tooth decay in primary and permanent teeth could lead to better outcomes when used with common restorative materials like fillings or caps. An expert panel of dentists developed the first-ever guideline on this topic after extensive review of approximately 300 published studies. The guideline, published in the July issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association,

Sherri Gordon Published on June 27, 2023  Medically reviewed by  Edmund Khoo, DDS GETTY IMAGES Discolored teeth is a chief concern people bring up when visiting dental professionals.1 As many as 80% of adults between the ages of 18 and 49 want whiter teeth and collectively spend billions of dollars each year in hopes of achieving that.2 Fortunately, there are a number of effective ways to whiten your teeth, many of

Lindsay Curtis Published on October 11, 2023  Medically reviewed by  John Carew, MD SOUMEN HAZRA / GETTY IMAGES A canker sore, or aphthous ulcer, is a small round or oval-shaped sore that develops inside the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, or on the roof of the mouth. Canker sores have a white or gray center with a red border and are often painful, especially when talking, eating, or brushing

From a cavity to infected gums to a sinus infection, a toothache can have a lot of (sometimes surprising) causes.  By Rachel Swalin and Sarah Klein Updated on February 11, 2023  Medically reviewed by  Edmund Khoo, DDS There are many reasons why you might have tooth pain, from problems with your actual tooth to bad habits to gum or other conditions that occur outside of the mouth. Contact a dental provider when you