Demetria Foka -Dental Practice

11/12/2025

Many parents instinctively blow on a baby’s hot food to cool it down. It feels harmless, but tiny saliva droplets can carry harmful oral bacteria. The main concern is Streptococcus mutans — the primary bacteria responsible for dental caries (tooth decay). When this bacteria is transferred into a child’s mouth before their natural oral microbiome is fully developed, it can start colonizing early.

Once S. mutans establishes itself, it feeds on sugars from milk, juice, or snacks and produces acids that damage enamel. This significantly increases the risk of Early Childhood Caries — one of the most common and preventable childhood diseases. Babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable because their enamel is thinner and still developing.

Simple prevention steps matter. Allow food to cool naturally, use separate utensils, and avoid sharing spoons, bottles, or pacifiers. These small habits support healthier oral bacteria balance and protect your child’s smile from preventable decay.

11/12/2025

A knocked-out permanent tooth can be saved — but you must act quickly. The best chance of success is when treatment starts within 30–60 minutes. Here’s what to do right away:

1. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part you see in the mouth). Never touch the root.

2. Rinse gently with clean water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or remove any tissue attached.

3. Put it back into the socket if possible and gently bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place.

4. If you cannot reinsert it, store it in milk, saline solution, or inside the person’s cheek to keep the root cells alive.

5. Go to a dentist or emergency room right away.

This applies only to permanent (adult) teeth. Baby teeth should never be put back into the socket, because doing so can damage the developing adult tooth underneath.

🔹Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

05/12/2025

Οποιαδήποτε πληγή παραμένει στη στοματική κοιλότητα πέραν των 10 ημερών,χρήζει ιατρικής εξέτασης!
Ο καρκίνος του στόματος είναι μια σοβαρή ασθένεια που μπορεί όμως να θεραπευτεί αν διαγνωσθεί έγκαιρα.
Μην αμελείτε την τακτική ανά εξάμηνο επίσκεψη στον οδοντίατρο σας.

22/11/2025

Scientists have developed a new gel that can regrow tooth enamel by harnessing proteins found in saliva. According to ScienceDaily, researchers at the University of Nottingham created a bioinspired material that mimics the natural process of enamel formation. The gel works by guiding minerals from saliva to rebuild the enamel’s structure, offering a fluoride-free solution to one of the most common dental problems worldwide. Since enamel cannot naturally regenerate once it is lost, this breakthrough could transform how dentists treat cavities and sensitivity.

The gel forms a mineral-rich layer that restores strength and can even repair exposed dentine, which reduces tooth sensitivity. According to Labmate Online, the treatment can be applied quickly in a similar way to fluoride varnishes, but with longer-lasting effects. Early testing shows that the regrown enamel behaves like natural enamel, making it a safer and more effective alternative to traditional methods.

The innovation is inspired by how proteins in saliva guide enamel development in children. According to Knowridge, this discovery could revolutionize preventive and restorative dentistry by allowing teeth to repair themselves naturally. A startup called Mintech-Bio is already working to bring the gel into clinical practice, with hopes that it could one day replace fluoride treatments and make cavities far easier to manage.

Disclaimer: Image was generated using AI and is intended for illustration purposes only.

22/11/2025

13/11/2025

🦷 Cavities may soon be reversible — scientists just developed a gel that regrows enamel!

In a breakthrough that could transform dentistry, researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a protein-based gel that can regrow tooth enamel — something once thought impossible.

Tooth enamel, the body’s hardest tissue, doesn’t naturally regenerate, making cavities and enamel erosion permanent problems. But this new gel mimics the body’s early-life enamel formation process. When applied to a tooth’s surface, it extracts calcium and phosphate ions from saliva to grow mineral crystals that merge seamlessly with existing enamel, effectively rebuilding the tooth.

Lab tests on extracted human molars showed that a protective enamel-like layer began to form within just one week. The regenerated surface held up under simulations of daily wear, including brushing, chewing, and acidic food exposure. Though the gel hasn’t yet been tested in live human mouths, early results are promising enough to launch a startup, Mintech-Bio, and schedule clinical trials for early next year. If successful, the technology could provide a single-step, non-invasive solution for millions suffering from tooth erosion and decay — a true game-changer in oral health care.

Source: “Protein-based gel promotes biomimetic mineralization of enamel-like tissues.” Nature Communications, 2025

29/10/2025

29/10/2025

🦷 Research shows exercise and omega-3s literally protect your teeth.

A new study has found that combining regular physical exercise with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can significantly enhance immune function and reduce inflammation linked to chronic apical periodontitis—a dental condition that affects the root of a tooth and can lead to bone loss if untreated.

Conducted in rats, the research showed that swimming alone helped regulate immune response, but when paired with omega-3 supplements, it further minimized bacterial spread, bone degradation, and inflammation.

Published in Scientific Reports, this is the first study to show how this dual approach could strengthen oral health and prevent progression of a commonly overlooked condition.

Apical periodontitis is typically caused by untreated cavities that allow bacteria to reach the tip of the tooth root. Left unchecked, it can silently damage bone and teeth, and may worsen during immune suppression. Interestingly, this inflammation has also been linked to systemic health problems like diabetes and kidney disease. While more research is needed in humans, this animal study adds to growing evidence that lifestyle factors like exercise and diet—particularly omega-3 intake—play a powerful role not only in general immunity, but also in maintaining oral health.

Scientific Reports (2025), “Physical exercise alone or combined with omega-3 modulates apical periodontitis induced in rats” by Ana Paula Fernandes Ribeiro et al.

27/10/2025

In 1816, one of Sir Isaac Newton’s teeth was sold at auction for the remarkable sum of $3,633 — an enormous amount for the time. The buyer, believed to be an aristocratic admirer of Newton’s genius, had the tooth set into a ring, transforming the relic into an unusual piece of scientific and historical jewelry. Often referred to as the “Tooth of Genius,” the ring is said to feature the tooth framed in gold, a physical connection to one of history’s greatest minds.

Over two centuries later, this rare artifact remains a fascinating symbol of how deeply society revered Newton’s intellect and legacy. Collectors of historical memorabilia have continued to show interest, and the ring is now estimated to be worth around $62,000, though some appraisals place it closer to $30,000 depending on provenance and condition.

In 1816, one of Sir Isaac Newton's teeth was sold for $3,633, a substantial amount that reflects its historical and personal significance. Today, this rare and valuable artifact, now transformed into an elegant ring, is worth around $62,000. The transformation of Newton's tooth into a ring underscores the unique appeal of personal items associated with iconic figures like Newton, whose scientific contributions continue to inspire generations. As a highly sought-after collector's item, this piece exemplifies the intersection of history, science, and luxury, making it a prized asset for investors and collectors alike. Newton's legacy elevates the value of such artifacts, driving up their worth in the high-end collectibles market.

Credits-Unknown facts

23/10/2025

Teeth are the only part of the human body that cannot heal on their own particularly the enamel. Unlike bone or skin, enamel has no living cells, no blood supply, and no ability to regenerate. Once it’s damaged by decay, trauma, or erosion, the loss is permanent.

While minor remineralization can occur in early stages through fluoride and saliva, true biological repair never happens. Dentin and pulp may respond to irritation, but their healing capacity is extremely limited.

That’s why preventive care brushing, flossing, fluoride use, and regular dental visits remains the strongest defense. Once enamel is gone, only a dentist can restore what nature cannot.

Credit:
Source: Journal of Dental Research / American Dental Association

23/10/2025

When a tooth goes missing and isn’t replaced, the surrounding teeth slowly shift toward the gap, disrupting your bite alignment. Over time, this can lead to difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and uneven wear on remaining teeth. The jawbone beneath the missing tooth can also begin to shrink a natural process called bone resorption causing your facial structure to sag and age prematurely.

Beyond appearance, a missing tooth can trap food, increase plaque buildup, and raise the risk of gum disease. Whether through a dental implant, bridge, or denture, replacing it promptly protects both your smile and overall oral health.

Credit:
Source — American Dental Association (ADA) / Mayo Clinic