Dr JA de Beer - Klerksdorp Dentist/Tandarts

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

Well worth the time spent...

12/06/2026

A new study found that children who continued thumb sucking or pacifier use for longer periods were significantly more likely to develop anterior open bite.

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Oral Health analyzed data from 33 studies and found a clear association between prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite—a condition in which the upper and lower front teeth do not properly meet when the mouth is closed.

Researchers also found that the longer these habits persisted, the greater the risk became. Daily pacifier use showed one of the strongest associations with open bite development.

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common during early childhood and are often normal developmental behaviors. However, when these habits continue for extended periods, they may gradually influence the way the teeth and jaws develop.

Source: Wang Y, et al. Association between non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Oral Health. 2025.

12/06/2026

Growing evidence suggests that oral health may play a larger role in pregnancy than previously thought.

Researchers have identified periodontal bacteria in placental and fetal tissues, leading scientists to investigate whether gum disease may contribute to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.

Although the exact relationship is still being studied, one message is clear: healthy gums are an important part of a healthy pregnancy.

Source: Han YW et al. Infection and Immunity (2004); Vander Haar EL et al. Frontiers in Immunology (2019).

12/06/2026

Opening Bottles With Your Teeth Can Crack Them In Seconds

12/06/2026

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.

12/06/2026

A missing tooth may seem like a small problem at first. But inside the mouth, it can set off a chain reaction that affects far more than the empty space itself.

Without a tooth to support chewing forces, the jawbone in that area can gradually shrink. Meanwhile, neighboring teeth often begin to drift toward the gap.

As teeth move, the bite can become less stable and certain areas may become harder to clean. This creates ideal conditions for plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

That is why replacing a missing tooth is about more than appearance. It helps preserve jawbone, maintain proper tooth alignment, and protect the long-term health of your smile.

12/06/2026

A small cavity may look harmless on the surface, but decay can continue spreading through the softer inner layers of the tooth.

If left untreated, it can eventually reach the pulp—the living center of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. At that stage, treatment often becomes more complex than a simple filling.

This is why dentists recommend treating cavities early, even when they are small and painless. Early intervention helps preserve more of the natural tooth and can prevent deeper damage over time.

18/05/2026

A few months of early treatment to correct the bite and allows nature to take its course again in the right path.