Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease. Despite strong evidence of genetic components, there have been few studies of candidate genes and caries. In the Iowa Fluoride Study, it tried to assess genetic and environmental factors contributing to childhood caries.

Environmental factors (age, sex, race, tooth-brushing frequencies and water fluoride level) and three dental caries scores (d2fs-total, d2fs-pit/fissure, and d2fs-smooth surface) were assessed in 575 unrelated children (mean age 5.2 years). Regression analyses were applied to assess environmental correlates.

The Family-Based Association Test was used to test genetic associations for 23 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in 7 caries candidate genes on 333 Caucasian parent-child trios. They evaluated the associations between caries status and the level of both single and multiple SNPs (haplotype) respectively. Permutation procedure was performed for correction of inflated type I errors due to multiple testing. Age, tooth-brushing frequency and water fluoride level were significantly correlated to at least one carious score. Caries on pit and fissure surfaces was substantially higher than on smooth surfaces (61 vs. 39%). SNPs in three genes (DSPP, KLK4 and AQP5) showed consistent associations with protection against caries. Of note, KLK4 and AQP5 were also highlighted by subsequent haplotype analysis. Our results support the concept that genes can modify the susceptibility of caries in children. Replication analysis in independent cohorts is highly needed in order to verify the validity of our findings.

The study done was to investigate the prevalence of dental trauma among primary school children aged 6–11 years in Belgaum, India.

A sample of 13200 children from primary schools of Belgaum district was examined for dental trauma. The total number of children suffering from dental trauma was found to be 1946 (14.74%). A significant gender influence on the occurrence of dental trauma was observed, with more boys (17.26%) experiencing dental trauma than girls (12.29%).  More than 3 mm overjet and incompetent lips were also significantly associated with dental trauma in children.

The findings of the study showed that dental trauma has a moderately high prevalence among Indian primary school children. Community, especially parents and school teachers, should be educated about prevention and early management of dental trauma in children.

I know that it is best advised  that we should floss our teeth at least once a day.   Every time I go to my dentist she gives me a hard time about how I am not flossing good enough.  I do not know why but I never give much thought about flossing, so I do tend to forget.   When I did floss it was a pain since the floss I would used seem to shred or get stuck between my teeth.  My dentist after giving me grief about my flossing habits gave me Colgate Total dental floss.  Although I still may not floss as much as I should I found I floss more with the Colgate floss she gave me since it does not get stuck in my teeth or shred a part after flossing only one or two teeth.  I am now making a honest effort to floss my teeth daily so I hoping that my dentist will notice on my next visit. It be nice not to have to get yelled at.

I am looking at buying dental insurance for myself and my four year old daughter.  I never had to buy dental insurance before since it use to come as part of my employee benefits package.  However, currently I do not have dental insurance. I use to have Delta Dental insurance and would like to get them again but what is the difference between Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental HMO plans.

Current studies support a recommendation of a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a whole-foods, plant-based diet with limited consumption of meat, particularly processed meat. According to the study in Journal of the American Dental Association oral healthcare professionals can play an important role in preventing oral cancer by educating their patients about oral cancer prevention strategies, including eating lots of fruits and vegetables.

I am 25 and would like to start seeing a dentist more regularly but can not afford the cost. Looking for a lower cost dental insurance plan that would provide good coverages so that my dental care is more affordable.   What is the best dental plan that would fit my needs the best.

Procter & Gamble updated the label instruction on all Fixodent denture adhesives. Fixodent denture adhesive packaging has been updated to provide consumers with more detail information on how to use Fixodent denture adhesive. They have also updated their websites.  Make sure you see your dentist regularly to ensure properly fitting dentures.

Mercury amalgam filling or other wise know as silver filling are made up of almost 50 percent mercury which can make some people sick.  Having mercury filling replaced with porcelain fillings makes for a healthier and stronger restoration option.   Many dentist are no longer using the old amalgam filling option but in the past these filling were commonly used. If you have questions about your silver or amalgam filling talk to your dentist and see if replacing with porcelain is a good option for you.

For the most part people can have the tendency to eat on too many sugary treat during October though December as we kick off the Holidays.  Sadly the increase in these treats can also increase your risk for tooth decay.  Make sure to try and limit the candy and sweats. Eat more sugar free choices such as sugar-free lollipops, hard candies, gums.  If you going to eat chocolate go for dark chocolate as that studies have shown that the antioxidants in dark chocolate can be good for the heart and may even lower blood pressure. Keeping in mind moderation.

Supplemental dental insurance plans are dental plans intended to fill in the gaps in coverages that may be present in dental benefits offer as part of an existing health insurance plan.

Some health insurance benefits packets provided though employment may not offer dental benefits or if they do they are really limited plans.  Picking up a supplemental dental insurance plan will help fill in the gaps that your current plan may have.

Generally speaking such additional dental coverage is purchased to address out-of-pocket expenses for regular, annual visits to the dentist for teeth cleanings, routine X-rays, and other aspects of preventive care.

Many people do not receive dental benefits though work and therefore will go without.  For some they do not feel the dental insurance is worth the cost since they may not be seeing the dentist even once a year let alone twice.   Other people may feel the cost of dental insurance is just to high to buy on their own.

For the people that do not go to the dentist regularly it can be hard to convince them that seeing a dentist for twice a year checks and cleanings is important.  Even though many studies proven that dental and oral health care can effect your over all health care as well.  Having dental insurance is just a way to be able in most cases have your preventive dental care for free.  Hopefully having a dental insurance will going to the dentist worth it.  As far as cost factor preventive dental care services are much less then major restorative dental care. Which may be needed if you not seeing a dentist.  Dental insurance will also make major dental care service more affordable.

Depending on the type of dental insurance dental plan you may want to have can depend on the cost factor for insurance.  Not all dental plan are costly there are many low cost dental HMO insurance plans as well as dental discount plans.  Both types of dental plan will help to make having dental care much more affordable at an affordable cost.

I am a signal mom of a five year old.  I living on a very low income and trying to get buy just paying the bills we have.  My child has not be able to see a dentist in over a year since I do not have dental benefits.  I would like to get dental insurance for him if I can get a plan that is very affordable.

A UK dentist was suspended, after extracting wrong tooth.  A forty-four year old mother of three from the UK was suffering from extreme pain due to a infected root canal. The dentist that was to help her pulled out the wrong tooth.   When the dentist had realized his error he sewed back the wrongly extracted tooth after taking it out of the trash can.

He then left the original infected tooth intact and told her she would need to make another appointment for that tooth extraction. Sending her on her way home with a prescription for painkillers.    Unable to take the pain for the whole night she had to be admitted into the hospital where the tooth was removed. The dentist has been currently suspended and is awaiting disciplinary hearing.

A panel of multi-disciplinary experts convened by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs issued a report containing clinical recommendations that ugar-free chewing gum, lozenges and hard candy including xylitol or polyol combinations, and a prescription varnish with chlorhexidine and thymol could be beneficial in preventing cavities when used as adjuncts to a comprehensive cavity prevention program which includes the use of fluoride-containing products.

Recent studies have revealed that 84 percent of patients with coronary artery disease also have periodontal(Gum)disease. Another condition that is caused by poor dental health is infective endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection inside the arteries and the chambers of the heart. This infection is caused by the same bacteria that cause gum disease.

Many people like to use baking soda as a teeth whitening home remedy.    Baking soda may help whiten your teeth, however baking soda is an abrasive that may also ware down your tooth  enamel. The waring down of your tooth enamel may cause more damage to your over all dental health. Before using baking soda or any home remedies you should consult your local dentist to make sure that you will not be doing more harm than good.

I am fourteen and my mom will not pay for me to have my teeth whiten by a dentist.   I hate the way my teeth looks.  They are very yellow and I will not smile because they look so bad.  Please I need to know what is a good but low cost way that I can whiten my teeth without a dentist doing it

I have two missing molars, which makes it hard to eat many foods.  I would like get a bridge put in but my current dental plan only covers half the cost.  I need to have some idea about how much a bridge would cost me and how many years do they last.  A few people I know told me I be better off with implants.  Although they cost more up front they last a life time where bridges have to be replaced.  Please advise the best you can I live in Arizona