Dentist in Waterbury Is Excited About 2016 Discoveries

Dental technology and research is advancing at the speed of light, it seems. Things are a lot different from the days when we barely had anesthesia to keep you calm during a filling or extraction — and we know you’ll agree that’s a great thing.

Your dentist in Waterbury is excited about some of the dental discoveries that have been made over the last couple of years. From a link between oral health and low testosterone to mercury levels in blood with silver fillings, a lot happened. We’ve pulled what we think are the most interesting of the findings and put them together in this week’s blog post!

#1: Poor Oral Health = Low T

We’re constantly adding to the long list of research that points to the severe health consequences of gum disease. We know it’s been linked to heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and a host of other problems. Now, thanks to researchers at Texas A&M University and Baylor University, we can add low testosterone to the list. The team studied a certain species of primates to determine that those who had periodontal disease were also more likely to have lower levels of testosterone.

#2: Goodbye Needles?

Most people dread getting anything other than a simple checkup and cleaning because they are afraid of needles. Needles long been a challenge of dentistry because they are needed to administer the anesthesia that keeps you comfortable. Or are they?

New research from Brazil suggest dentists can use a small electric current to administer anesthesia rather than a needle. It’s promising news for anyone who dreads the dentist!

#3: Silver Fillings Linked to High Mercury

There’s no question that you don’t want mercury in your blood. A study from the University of Georgia shows that silver fillings — which used to be the, er, gold standard of restoring cavities — are linked to toxic levels of mercury in blood.

Most dentists have made the switch to tooth-colored fillings, which use biocompatible composite resin to fill the holes left by tooth decay. Silver fillings can also be replaced by white ones as needed or desired.

#4: We May Try Glass Fillings, Instead

Speaking of filling materials, new research last year pointed to what we may use in the future — and it found that “bioactive glass” may make it more difficult for bacteria to attack the composite resin of today’s tooth-colored fillings. It’s promising news for restorative dentistry!

#5: Snoring/Mouth Breathing Increases Risk of Decay

As if mouth breathing weren’t enough of a struggle, it seems it places people who do it at a higher risk of tooth decay, too. That’s because saliva is crucial for washing away the plaque and bacteria that cause cavities — and mouth breathing dries it all up. Talk to your doctor about treatment for snoring if you need it.

About the Authors

Dr. Marini and Dr. Mancini team up to provide superior dental care for friends and neighbors in and around Waterbury, CT. To learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment for high quality general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, you are invited to contact us at (203) 575-9097.