Tooth decay may be even worse than originally thought.
A new study suggests that tooth decay may push back growth in children. The study appeared in the online version of Pediatrics journal and was conducted at University College London and King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia.
The research team wanted to explore the relationship between oral health and growth after previous studies failed to show definitive evidence one way or the other. In this study, the researchers looked at the dental decay and the
correlation between height and weight in Saudi Arabian children ages 6 through 8.
High-fluoride toothpaste may be beneficial in numerous ways.
A Swedish study from Malmo University suggests that this toothpaste thwarts white spots from developing on the teeth when braces are worn. The fluoride toothpaste possesses four times the regular amount of fluoride found in toothpaste.
Numerous studies have shown that 85 percent of people who have braces develop some kind of white lesions stemming from a type of decay.
This toothpaste proved effective in stopping one third of the white lesions in 11- to 16-year-olds. No toothpaste prior to this one proved to be as reliable in preventing the white spots.
Triclosan may be the most important ingredient in fluoride toothpaste.
A new study shows that triclosan, which is a bacterial agent, combines with a copolymer to decrease plaque, gingivitis and bleeding gums. It also slightly lowers tooth decay when compared to fluoride toothpaste that doesn’t possess those substances.
The information appears in a study by The Cochrane Library.
Tooth decay and gingivitis are the top causes of tooth loss. Plaque produces both conditions after the film of the bacteria build up on teeth. When left alone, periodontitis may be the result.
The research team from the Cochrane Oral Health Group analyzed 30 studies on toothpaste containing triclosan and copolymer to deduce the information.
The analysis of the data showed a 22 percent reduction of plaque, 22 percent reduction in gingivitis, a 48 percent reduction in bleeding gums and 5 percent lowering of cavities. For periodontitis, however, there was not a major reduction of cases.
Many of these studies were either directly related or had some connection to a company that makes toothpaste. Only three studies would be considered independent. But if these studies are true, this information could prove to be beneficial.
