Tooth decay costs £18,000 per person in deprived UK groups, study finds
Study quantifies the cost case for targeted caries prevention: deprived groups in the UK accumulate up to £18,000 in per-person lifetime costs.
Research
Ibuprofen-acetaminophen combo outperforms opioids after wisdom tooth removal
Large RCT confirms ibuprofen plus acetaminophen is superior to hydrocodone after wisdom tooth surgery: a direct basis for changing post-op prescribing.
Weekly flossing linked to lower stroke and AFib risk in 25-year study
New data linking weekly flossing to lower AFib and cardioembolic stroke risk: a concrete talking point for patient education.
Poll: Over a third of children have dental problems tied to hygiene habits
Data on child hygiene compliance gaps: useful context for preventive counselling and justifying sealant or fluoride varnish recommendations.
Titanium particles found at all dental implants, even healthy ones
Study shows titanium particles occur at all implants, not just inflamed ones: 14 genes with altered expression identified.
All single implants still functional after 40 years in Gothenburg study
Longest published implant follow-up confirms zero implant loss at 40 years: relevant context for patient counselling and treatment planning.
4,000-year-old dental calculus reveals earliest betel nut use in SE Asia
Demonstrates that dental calculus preserves chemical evidence of repeated oral habits for millennia, with implications for understanding calculus formation and behavioral exposure.
Keratin from hair rebuilds tooth enamel in lab tests, KCL study finds
Lab results show keratin outperforms fluoride in erosion prevention: a potential shift in remineralisation products within three years.
Vaccine delivered via dental floss triggers strong mucosal immune response
Dental professionals should note that the junctional epithelium, central to this method, is directly affected by periodontal disease, a gap the researchers have flagged for future study.
Cavities and gum disease together raise stroke risk by 86%
Large study links combined caries and periodontitis to near-doubled stroke risk: supports cardiovascular risk conversations at dental checkups.
Protein-based gel regrows tooth enamel without fluoride
First gel shown to rebuild enamel architecture under real-use conditions: a commercial product from Mintech-Bio is expected in 2026.
Garlic mouthwash matches chlorhexidine in systematic review
Small but consistent trial data: garlic extract at higher concentrations rivals chlorhexidine, relevant for patients who cannot tolerate standard rinses.
Enzyme-based approach shifts dental plaque toward healthier bacteria
Early-stage research showing that enzyme-based quorum-sensing disruption shifts plaque microbiome toward health-associated species in vitro.
Arginine reduces biofilm acidity and shifts bacteria in cavity-prone patients
Small but well-designed trial showing arginine rinses alter biofilm pH and microbial balance: relevant for advising high-caries-risk patients.
Root canal treatment linked to lower blood sugar and less inflammation
Study shows root canal treatment reduced blood glucose and inflammation over two years: practical evidence for linking dental and medical care.
Vibration-activated tooth powder whitens and repairs enamel in lab tests
Early-stage research showing a peroxide-free whitening mechanism that also rebuilds enamel: relevant background for advising patients on whitening safety.