Glen Ellyn Dentistry, PC

06/21/2026

06/19/2026

Healthy teeth may be doing far more than helping people smile and chew.

A recent study found that the number of healthy natural teeth a person has may be closely linked to how long they live. Researchers reported that counting both the number and condition of teeth provided a better picture of lifespan risk than simply recording tooth loss alone. People who retained more healthy or properly treated teeth generally showed a lower risk of premature death.

Scientists believe this connection reflects the role oral health plays throughout the body. Healthy teeth help maintain proper nutrition by allowing people to eat a wider variety of foods, while untreated decay, infections, and tooth loss can contribute to chronic inflammation. Long-term oral inflammation has been associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other age-related health problems.

The findings suggest that the mouth may serve as an important window into overall health, and that preserving natural teeth could be associated with healthier aging and improved longevity.

📄 Source:
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-025-07275-6

06/17/2026

Most people think acid reflux is a problem of the stomach or esophagus. What often goes unnoticed is its effect on the teeth.

Each reflux episode can expose the mouth to stomach acid with a pH low enough to gradually dissolve minerals from tooth enamel. Unlike cavities, which are caused by bacterial acids, dental erosion from reflux is a direct chemical attack on the tooth surface.

The damage typically occurs slowly over years. Teeth may become thinner, smoother, more transparent, and increasingly sensitive as enamel is lost. In advanced cases, the underlying dentin becomes exposed, accelerating wear and altering the natural shape of the teeth.

For some patients, the first visible sign of chronic acid reflux may appear not in the chest—but in the smile.

06/09/2026

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.

06/08/2026

The benefits of brushing your teeth may extend far beyond your smile.

A systematic review found that people who brush at least twice daily and clean between their teeth regularly tend to have lower levels of systemic inflammation, better cardiometabolic health outcomes, and a lower risk of premature death among those living with or at risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.

These findings add to growing evidence that oral health is closely connected to overall health, making daily oral hygiene an important part of long-term wellbeing.

📚Source: Church L, Franks K, Medara N, et al. Impact of Oral Hygiene Practices in Reducing Cardiometabolic Risk, Incidence, and Mortality: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2024. PMID: 39457293.

05/28/2026

A tooth can survive the initial injury — then suddenly darken years later.

Dental trauma from childhood falls, sports injuries, accidents, or unnoticed hits to the mouth can silently damage the blood supply and nerve inside a tooth. Over time, the internal tissues may break down, causing the tooth to gradually turn gray, dark brown, or even black.

Many people are surprised when this happens long after the original injury, especially if the tooth never caused severe pain. But discoloration affecting a single tooth is often a warning sign that the inside of the tooth is no longer healthy.

The good news is that dentists can usually diagnose the cause with an examination and X-rays. Depending on the condition, treatment may include root canal therapy, internal bleaching, crowns, or other restorative procedures.

A dark tooth is not always “just staining.” Sometimes it tells the story of an old injury the tooth never fully recovered from.

DentalAwareness

05/23/2026

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!