Scientists typically use a urine test to estimate the amount of mercury in a person’s body that arises from amalgam dental fillings. A new study suggests, however, that this may overestimate the quantity coming from fillings as it also measures dietary mercury coming from the consumption of fish. A common test used to determine mercury… [Continue Reading]
Common Mercury Test May Overestimate Amount in the Body From Dental Fillings
March 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
New Research Identifies Source of Sensory and Support Cells in the Inner Ear
February 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment
In research that could lead scientists to better understand hearing loss, a new study describes the source of the key sensory and support cells in the inner ear. Further, researchers have identified molecular pathways that play an important role in the development of the sensory and support cells necessary for hearing. Researchers at the Stanford… [Continue Reading]
Researchers Regenerate Hair Cells to Reverse Deafness
January 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have successfully regenerated the sound-sensing hair cells of the ear in a mouse model, reversing deafness. The work suggests that deafness from loud noise could be reversed in humans. Extremely loud noise can cause irreversible hearing loss by damaging sound sensing cells in the inner ear that are not replaced. But researchers reporting in… [Continue Reading]
New Substance Can Rebuild Teeth to Reduce Sensitivity
January 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Many people suffer from sensitive teeth, and a group of scientists has developed a new material that could be an effective treatment. The substance causes teeth to rebuild two different components- the enamel and underlying dentin. Taking inspiration from Mother Nature, scientists are reporting an advance toward preventing the tooth sensitivity that affects millions of… [Continue Reading]
Frequent Use of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Linked to Hearing Loss in Women
September 12, 2012 By 1 Comment
Frequent use of the over-the-counter pain-killers ibuprofen and acetaminophen may have serious, permanent side effects, a new study warns. Researchers have found that women that take the medications two or more times a week are significantly more likely to have hearing loss. Headache? Back pain? At the first sign of pain, you might reach for… [Continue Reading]
Processed Coconut Oil Can Prevent Tooth Decay
September 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Treating coconut oil with enzymes creates a product that prevents tooth decay, researchers have found. The work suggests that the natural product could provide a low-cost alternative to improve dental health around the world. Digested coconut oil is able to attack the bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is a natural antibiotic that could be… [Continue Reading]
Sports Drinks Cause Damage to Tooth Enamel in Teens
May 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Teens who drink sports or energy drinks are unknowingly putting their dental health at risk, experts say. The drinks, which are strongly acidic, cause permanent damage to the enamel. A recent study published in the May/June 2012 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, found that an alarming… [Continue Reading]
Propolis From Bees Could Aid Mouth Ulcers
November 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The healing properties of propolis – a mixture of resin and wax made by honey bees to seal and sterilise their hives – have been known for many years. But its use in medicine and food supplements has been limited because the sticky substance is not water soluble and has a strong, off-putting smell. Now… [Continue Reading]
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Incidence of Gum Disease
October 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Periodontitis, a common inflammatory disease in which gum tissue separates from teeth, leads to accumulation of bacteria and potential bone and tooth loss. Although traditional treatments concentrate on the bacterial infection, more recent strategies target the inflammatory response. Researchers have found that dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like fish oil, known to have… [Continue Reading]
Pycnogenol is Effective in Relieving Tinnitus Symptoms
October 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
More than 50 million Americans will experience some degree of tinnitus in their lifetime, according to the American Tinnitus Association. Tinnitus is a hearing condition that causes the constant misperception of sound, including hissing, ringing and rushing noises. A study reveals that Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract derived from the bark of the French… [Continue Reading]