Dental Plus

29/07/2026

Could oral health be the missing piece in athletic performance?

The new Economist Enterprise report commissioned by the EFP and supported by Curasept explores the growing evidence linking oral health, athlete performance and overall health.

Download the report at efp.org

24/07/2026

Flossing may help protect more than just your teeth.

Most people think flossing is simply about preventing cavities or keeping their gums from bleeding. But growing scientific evidence suggests its importance may extend far beyond the mouth.

The narrow spaces between the teeth are some of the easiest places for bacterial biofilm to accumulate. If this plaque is not removed, it can trigger chronic gum inflammation. During everyday activities such as chewing, brushing, or flossing, oral bacteria and their byproducts can occasionally enter the bloodstream—a well-documented phenomenon known as transient bacteremia.

Over the past two decades, researchers have identified links between periodontal disease and numerous systemic conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline
• Chronic kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Respiratory diseases
• Pregnancy complications

Scientists have now reported associations between periodontal disease and more than 50 systemic conditions, reinforcing the growing understanding that oral health and overall health are closely connected.

Flossing helps remove bacterial biofilm from areas a toothbrush cannot reach. By reducing plaque accumulation and supporting healthier gums, it may also help reduce the body's repeated exposure to harmful oral bacteria and inflammatory molecules.

While flossing is not a cure or guarantee against disease, it is one of the simplest daily habits that supports both oral health and overall well-being.

Small habit. Whole-body impact.

🦷 Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional dental advice.

20/07/2026

19/06/2026

Endodontists are the tooth-saving specialists, performing root canal treatment and similar procedures to save our natural teeth. 🦷

The work they do takes place inside the roots of the tooth, so they need dental microscopes to see clearly and treat you precisely. 🔬 Fun fact: "endo" actually means "inside."

The anatomy inside of a tooth is microscopic, so a dental microscope allows to remove infected tissue accurately, quickly and comfortably. 👍

Learn more at https://hubs.li/Q04lF5Kw0. 🔗

10/06/2026

A simple daily habit may help reduce the risk of one of the most serious infections acquired in hospital.

In a large Australian study involving nearly 9,000 hospitalized patients, improving oral care and encouraging regular tooth-brushing was associated with a 60% reduction in non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia.

When people become ill, bacteria can build up on the teeth, gums, and tongue. These bacteria may be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia. Regular tooth-brushing helps reduce this bacterial burden and may play an important role in protecting vulnerable patients.

This study is a powerful reminder that oral health is closely connected to overall health.

📄Source: White NM, Russo PL, et al. Effectiveness of oral care for the prevention of non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAPPEN): a multicentre, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised trial in Australia. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2026.

06/06/2026

23/05/2026

11/05/2026

Scientists are discovering more and more associations between poor oral health and everything from heart disease to dementia. But can flossing and brushing properly guarantee a longer life?

07/05/2026

02/05/2026

Your jaw can generate enough force in your sleep to damage your own teeth.

During sleep, many people unknowingly clench or grind their teeth — a condition called bruxism. Unlike normal chewing, this force is uncontrolled and often much stronger.

The masseter muscle — one of the most powerful muscles in the human body — can contract with intense force, reaching up to 80 kg or more during sleep in some individuals.

Over time, this repeated pressure can lead to:
• Worn or flattened teeth
• Cracks or fractures
• Jaw pain and stiffness
• Morning headaches

Because it happens unconsciously, most people don’t realize it until the damage is already visible.

If you wake up with jaw discomfort or notice changes in your teeth, it may be a sign your body is grinding while you sleep.

Early diagnosis and simple interventions like night guards can prevent long-term damage.