Wellesley Dental Group Blog

We all know how influential bacteria can be on our health. A new study, published in the Journal of Dentistry, discovered break through research on bacteria and our brains. Researchers from the University of Plymouth and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust examined brain abscesses and their link to bacteria known to cause oral infections. They looked at 87 patient records who were admitted to the hospital with brain abscesses and analyzed the microbiology data from their abscess samples. Only 35 of the patients had an exact cause of the abscess identified. They found that of the 52 patients where a cause of the abscess had not been found, they were approximately 3 times as likely to have oral bacteria present in their samples. They also identified a higher presence of Streptococcus anginosus, which is a bacteria often associated with pharyngitis, bacteremia, internal organs infections, and even dental abscesses. Although the incidence of this type of brain abscess is rare, it can be life-threatening, according to the researchers.

Regular dental care is vital throughout all stages of life, and pregnancy is no exception. The hormonal changes that occur during this special time can have an impact on a woman’s oral health, increasing the risk of gingivitis, enamel erosion, and other issues. Your dentist can help you manage these problems.

However, if you are a bit nervous about treatment, you might hesitate to book an appointment. You might be extra-reluctant because you are unsure if the methods used to help patients relax are safe for a developing infant. Is dental sedation safe during pregnancy? Read on below to discover the answer to that important question.

One of the nation’s pressing issues is blood shortages. The month of January was deemed National Blood Donor Month (NBDM) by President Richard Nixon to help address this issue and honor voluntary blood donors across America. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. requires blood and or platelets every 2 seconds! 

College is an exciting time, but can be a super busy time, too. With navigating through different classes and trying to balance a social life, it can be easy to slip up on oral hygiene practices. However, it’s important to prioritize staying on top of your regular dental check-ups and your oral care at home.

Dental implants can seamlessly replace missing teeth, providing a natural look, a strong bite, and many other benefits. Still, they cost quite a bit of money, so it is only natural to wonder if they are a good long-term value. How long do they last? With proper care, they can endure for decades! Read on below to learn more about their life expectancy and how you can make your replacement teeth stand the test of time.

Did you know, lung cancer takes the lead for causing the most cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States. November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, in which many organizations help encourage lung health and educate the public on lung diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screenings for individuals who have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and are between the ages of 50 and 80 years old.

Researchers are constantly trying to find new innovations and insights to help fight oral diseases. Most recently, a research team at Tel-Aviv University Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine along with and researchers from the University of Michigan revealed groundbreaking insights on the regeneration of oral bone that supports our teeth.

Most likely, no one wants to experience acid reflux. But it happens to all of us at some point in our lives. Some people, however, experience this feeling more frequently and suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In fact, 1 out of every 5 Americans suffer from this condition, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). The Annual GERD Awareness Week is being celebrated November 20-26, 2022. Individuals are encouraged to speak with their medical and dental professionals for support with this condition.

Researchers at the University of Queensland Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences and School of Dentistry have suggested that young children exposed to fluoridated water were not negatively linked to emotional, behavioral development and executive functioning as adolescents. This study was published in the Journal of Dental Research (JDR). They evaluated the information of individuals aged 5-10 years from Australia’s National Child Oral Health Study of 2012-2014. These individuals were followed-up with after 7-8 years prior to turning 18 years old.

Treats can be Tricky!

Halloween: a day dedicated to eating candy -what is there not to love! The simple answer to that is dental cavities. Not to worry though, with a few tips you can balance candy with healthy teeth this Halloween.

One thing to note is that the length of time sugar stays on the teeth plays a significant role in cavity development. Avoid candies that last in the mouth for long periods of times such as sticky and hard candies like tootsie rolls, gummy worms, caramel, and lollipops. Not to mention, hard candy can increase your risk of damaging your teeth if accidently biting into them, which can lead to tooth fracture or dislodge a filling or restoration. If you are indulging in a sweet treat, it is best to do so during mealtimes. This allows for more saliva to be present within the mouth, which can help neutralize the sugary acids produced by oral bacteria.

It is also best to limit the amount of sugar you consume. Take a look at these tasty Halloween treats and their sugar content: