A growing body of evidence seems to suggest that oral bacteria might play a role in pancreatic cancer. What have scientists found and why could this be very important?

• Poor oral hygiene has been known to cause bacteria in the mouth that travels through the bloodstream, causing damaging inflammation throughout the body.
• Specific types of bacteria within the mouth have been linked to pancreatic cancer.
• Pancreatic cancer is currently one of the most difficult types to detect, so identifying these types of bacteria could provide early diagnosis.

“Our study offers the first direct evidence that specific changes in the microbial mix in the mouth…represent a likely risk factor.”

More in-depth details can be found here:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/309303.php

Flossing every day ensures that teeth are as clean as possible, reducing the chances of tooth decay and gum disease:

– Those who don’t floss miss cleaning over one-third of the surface of each tooth.

– Keep floss at home, in the office and in your bag so it’s always to hand when needed.

– Integrate flossing into your daily routine, such as right before you brush your teeth in the evening.

“Flossing has tremendous impact on our oral health. Work out a plan that’s easy for you to stick to.”

Read the full story here: https://www.drmichaels.com/blog/make-flossing-your-habbit

For people who wear braces, a mouthguard is an essential piece of gear to protect your mouth from injuries.

Key takeaways:

•Mouthguards prevent injuries to the teeth by providing a barrier between the braces and cheeks which act as cushions.

•You should talk to your dentist about the right mouthguard that will provide maximum protection for your cheeks, lips, and teeth.

•If your child has braces, ensure they carry a mouthguard to school and wear it to sports.

Avoid wearing a retainer or any other removable appliance, during contact sports.

Read the full article at https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhteensrotator&utm_content=mouthguards.

Did you know that early orthodontic treatments may have a profound impact upon the health of a child later in life? These are reasons why you should talk to a dentist sooner as opposed to later:

• It is much easier to adjust the position of the teeth.
• Treatments are likely to be completed faster at an early age.
• More orthodontic work in the future can possibly be avoided.

“Because bones are still growing, it’s an ideal time to evaluate a child.”

Learn more about early orthodontic treatment options here:

https://www.colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/early-orthodontics/early-orthodontics-may-mean-less-treatment-later

Dental implants are titanium posts which are implanted in to the jawbone before having an abutment and crown fitted on top. They look and feel like natural teeth and have a number of advantages over dentures.

Key takeaways:

• Implants are permanent and do not require you to buy adhesives or any special cleaners.
• They look and feel like natural teeth and require similar brushing, flossing and dentist check-ups.
• Dental implants help to stop loss of jaw bone which occurs when teeth are lost.

“When someone loses their teeth, they may think that dealing with the hassles of dentures is their only option. There is a better way. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth; in fact, they are so close to having your real teeth that the only real difference is the material they are made of.”

Read the full story here

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/dental-implants-solution-shifting-ill-fitting-dentures/

If you have an upcoming dental appointment that requires x-rays, will you need to take any special preparatory steps in advance? The good news is that there is very little required of the patient. Some points to keep in mind include:

• Always brush your teeth before the visit.
• Inform the dentist if you suspect that you might be pregnant — as x-rays are not safe for pregnant women.
• The dental hygienist will lead you through the additional steps.

“At the dentist’s office, you’ll sit in a chair with a lead vest across your chest and lap.”

Other interesting facts can be examined at this link:

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-x-rays#types

If you are pregnant or thinking of trying for a baby, you should ensure you book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible:

– A prenatal check is important to detect conditions that could harm baby such as gum disease and tooth decay.

– A healthy mouth in mum equals a healthy baby and helps prevent low birthweight baby or premature delivery.

– Your dentist will easily be able to treat these conditions; treatment is safe even if you are pregnant.

“More research is showing just how important having a healthy smile can be for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby”

Many people turn to electronic cigarettes as a way to quit smoking while some just view them as less harmful than tobacco products. However, most e-liquids used in these devices contain some level of nicotine as well as other chemicals that can damage teeth and gums. Along with nicotine, e-cigs also contain propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine.

These three ingredients break down during vaping (using an e-cigarette) and can cause dental conditions such as:

• Dry mouth

• Cavities

• Gum disease

These conditions along with “other oral health issues” have been linked to e-cigarettes and your dentist should be informed if you regularly “vape” so any oral or dental changes can be monitored.

Read more at https://www.perioimplantadvisory.com/articles/2019/01/vaping-and-oral-health-it-s-worse-than-you-think.html.