DOS Dentistas

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

A protein found in human hair could one day help repair damaged tooth enamel.

Researchers at King's College London have developed a new material based on keratin—the same structural protein found in hair, skin, and wool. In laboratory experiments, keratin formed an organized scaffold on tooth surfaces that mimicked key features of natural enamel.

When exposed to minerals naturally present in saliva, this scaffold attracted calcium and phosphate ions and gradually developed into an enamel-like protective layer. Researchers believe this approach could help strengthen teeth, reduce enamel erosion, and slow the earliest stages of tooth decay.

While this technology is still in the research stage and not yet available to patients, it represents an exciting step toward regenerative dentistry—using biologically inspired materials to help restore the protective structures that teeth lose over time.

📚 Source: Toothpaste made from hair provides natural root to repair teeth. BDJ In Pract 38, 287 (2025).

06/08/2026

A simple liquid treatment applied in seconds may help many young children avoid dental drilling.

A major U.S. randomized clinical trial found that 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) arrested tooth decay in more than half of treated baby teeth when applied every six months, providing strong clinical evidence for this minimally invasive approach to managing early childhood cavities.

Unlike conventional cavity treatment, SDF is brushed directly onto the decayed tooth and requires no drilling, injections, or sedation. The treatment combines the antibacterial properties of silver with the remineralizing effects of fluoride, helping arrest active decay by reducing cavity-causing bacteria and strengthening softened tooth structure.

Researchers found that more than half of the treated baby teeth had their cavities successfully arrested, reinforcing SDF as an effective evidence-based option for managing early childhood tooth decay. By helping preserve baby teeth until they naturally fall out, SDF may reduce the risk of pain, infection, and the need for more invasive dental procedures in many young children.

As minimally invasive dentistry continues to advance, studies like this are expanding treatment options that make dental care more comfortable, accessible, and effective for children.

📚 Reference
Fontana M, Moursi A, Gonzalez-Cabezas C, et al. Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Young Children With Severe Early Childhood Caries: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatrics. 2026.

02/08/2026

A study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 found that people who flossed at least once a week had:

• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (a stroke caused by a blood clot originating in the heart)
• 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common irregular heart rhythm that increases stroke risk.

Interestingly, these associations remained even after accounting for toothbrushing habits and regular dental visits, suggesting that flossing may provide unique oral health benefits beyond brushing alone.

Researchers believe the connection may involve gum inflammation. When plaque and bacteria accumulate between teeth, they can trigger chronic inflammation in the gums. This inflammation may contribute to processes involved in cardiovascular disease and stroke. Flossing helps remove plaque from areas a toothbrush cannot reach, supporting healthier gums and potentially reducing the body's inflammatory burden.

A simple habit that takes less than a minute could have benefits extending far beyond the mouth.

Reference:
American Stroke Association. International Stroke Conference 2025. Presentation: Regular dental flossing associated with lower risk of ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation.

24/07/2026

Because pain isn't always the first sign of a problem.

Many wisdom teeth don't have enough room to erupt normally. Instead, they may remain impacted, grow at an angle, or only partially emerge through the gums. Even without pain, these teeth can quietly cause problems that are easier to prevent than treat later.

Common reasons a dentist may recommend removal include:

• An impacted tooth that may damage the healthy tooth beside it, contribute to bone loss, or, in rare cases, be associated with a cyst.

• A partially erupted wisdom tooth that leaves a flap of gum where food and bacteria become trapped, increasing the risk of repeated infections.

• An unfavorable angle of growth that can place pressure on the neighboring second molar and increase the risk of decay, gum disease, or damage over time.

• A hard-to-clean position at the very back of the mouth, making wisdom teeth more prone to cavities and gum disease.

• Preventing future complications. When removal is necessary, it is often easier and recovery may be smoother in younger adults before the roots are fully developed and the surrounding bone becomes denser.

This doesn't mean every wisdom tooth should be removed. Many remain healthy and can simply be monitored with regular dental examinations and X-rays. The decision is made on an individual basis, considering the tooth's position, available space, X-ray findings, and overall oral health.

No pain doesn't always mean everything is healthy. Regular dental checkups can detect hidden problems before they become more serious.

🦷Educational purposes only.

22/07/2026

Thumb sucking is a natural self-soothing habit for babies and young children, and many stop on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. However, if the habit continues after the permanent front teeth begin to erupt, it can gradually affect how the teeth and jaws develop. Prolonged thumb sucking may push the upper front teeth forward, tip the lower teeth inward, narrow the upper jaw, and contribute to bite alignment changes that may require dental care later.

The good news is that stopping the habit early often allows many of these dental changes to improve naturally as a child grows. Regular dental check-ups help monitor tooth development, provide guidance for parents, and identify any concerns before they become more significant. Encouraging healthy habits early can support proper jaw growth and a confident, healthy smile for years to come.

📚 Source/Credit: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

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

14/07/2026

Baby tooth cavities can sometimes affect the permanent teeth developing underneath.

When tooth decay becomes severe and leads to infection, the bacteria and inflammation may interfere with the normal development of the permanent tooth below. Research has linked severe decay in primary teeth with enamel defects, discoloration, delayed eruption, and other developmental changes in some permanent teeth.

Baby teeth also help guide the eruption of adult teeth, maintain space in the jaw, and support normal chewing and speech. Losing them too early because of decay can increase the risk of crowding and bite problems later in life.

Early prevention and timely treatment of cavities help protect both primary teeth and the healthy development of the permanent teeth that follow.

• This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice.

06/07/2026

Braces can greatly improve tooth alignment, but they also create extra surfaces where plaque and food particles can collect if daily cleaning is not thorough.

Without careful brushing and flossing around brackets and wires, harmful bacteria may cause white spot lesions, cavities, gum inflammation, and bleeding during orthodontic treatment.

Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and following your orthodontist’s instructions help protect enamel, maintain healthy gums, and ensure the best possible results after braces are removed.

BOTTOM FACT
White spot lesions are early signs of enamel demineralization and can become permanent if plaque is not effectively removed during braces treatment.

SOURCE
General orthodontic and preventive dentistry research (PMID not provided).

DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional advice from your dentist or orthodontist.

23/06/2026

Angle’s classification is the most widely used system for understanding malocclusion, or bite misalignment. It divides bite relationships into three main classes based on how the upper and lower first molars align.

In Class I, the molars are correctly positioned, though issues like crowding or spacing may still occur. Class II occurs when the lower molar sits further back, often creating an overjet and a more convex facial profile. Class III is when the lower molar is positioned forward, leading to an underbite appearance.

This classification system helps dental professionals diagnose bite issues and plan treatments by evaluating tooth alignment, jaw relationships, and overall facial structure.

📌 Fact
Angle’s classification was developed by orthodontist Edward H. Angle and remains the foundation of modern orthodontic diagnosis.
📚 Source
Orthodontic textbooks and dental education standards
Orthodontics
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
PMID: Not applicable (clinical classification system)
⚠️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional dental evaluation or diagnosis. Individual bite conditions vary and require assessment by a qualified orthodontist.