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]
Potential Health Risks of Dental Materials Containing BPA Analyzed
September 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have found that bisphenol A (BPA) released from some plastic resins used in pediatric dentistry is detectable in the saliva after placement in children’s mouths. BPA is a widely used synthetic chemical that has been associated with changes in behavior, prostate and urinary tract development, and early onset of puberty. Reins containing BPA are… [Continue Reading]
How Nutrition Affects Oral Health and Dental Myths Debunked
August 7, 2010 By 1 Comment
Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental check-ups are standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your pearly whites than most of us know. A review article debunks common dental myths and outlines how diet and nutrition affects oral health in children, teenagers, expectant mothers, adults and elders. Myth… [Continue Reading]
Regular Mobile Phone Use Associated With Risk of Chronic Tinnitus
July 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
According to a small study, regularly using a mobile phone for at least four years seems to be associated with a doubling in the risk of developing chronic tinnitus (persistent ringing/roaring/hissing in the ear). The prevalence of chronic tinnitus is increasing, and is currently around 10 to 15% in the developed world, say the authors…. [Continue Reading]
More Electrodes Could Improve Conventional Cochlear Implants
June 30, 2010 By 1 Comment
More electrodes and a thinner, more flexible wire inserted further into the inner ear could improve conventional cochlear implants, say researchers. Candidates for cochlear implants-an estimated million in the United States alone-include children and adults with profound deafness in both ears. An implant does not restore normal hearing but simulates sounds in the environment, including… [Continue Reading]
Secondhand Smoke Exposure Associated With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
April 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Individuals who are exposed to more secondhand smoke in private and public settings appear more likely to have chronic rhinosinusitis. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, including more than 50 that are either known or suspected to cause cancer, according to background information in the article. Evidence suggests secondhand smoke is associated with a… [Continue Reading]
What is Sinusitis?
February 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
There are times when we feel as though our head is like a huge heavy block of lead and our nose some large and useless fleshy appendage stuck in front of it! Understandably one might become quite desperate when the most basic function in life – the ability to breathe comfortably – is compromised. It… [Continue Reading]