Could I be Grinding my Teeth at Night?A disposable Electromyography device named BiteStrip can now be adhered to your cheek muscle for one night to measure nighttime bruxism. The device was developed in Israel and is now available thru your dentist's office. What a great and simple way to know(when in doubt) if a night guard is right for you.

The Future PerfectResearchers from the Tokyo University of Science are  reporting the development of structurally correct tooth structures from cultured single-cell specimens as a replacement for natural teeth in mice. http://www.technologyreview.com/Biotech/18216/

Plaque vs. PlaqueThough there is talk of dental and arterial plaque being the same, the two are actually very different. Dental plaque is a biofilm comprised of several bacterial species while arterial plaque is a fatty deposit on the inside of arteries. There is however a relation between dental health and heart health.

Is a bleeding finger NORMAL?Would you see your doctor if your finger bled every time you touched it? Gums that bleed when brushing, flossing or even touching should raise a red flag. The underlying cause is most likely a result of gum disease. If you are flossing and brushing regularly but still have problems with bleeding gums, discuss with your dentist immediately. You will need a through examination and xrays.

It's that sound....Yikes...f going to the dentist is a frightening experience, try these tricks: Choose an AM appointment-we're ALL at our best in the morning. Bring a CD player or your iPOD-sounds better than the drill? There are many options these days to help you relax. Just talk to your dentist.

That Little White SpotOral cancer often starts as a little unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth. Tobbaco and alcohol use, and prolonged sun exposure are known risk factors. Your dentist will perform regular oral cancer screenings.

Brush on Enamelid you know the Japanese are in the process of making the Brush-On Enamel available worldwide? This would mean superficial fillings may be a thing of the past....

Ear Infections and Stained Teeth

A new study shows there may be a correlation between development of Fluorosis(which causes permanent tooth staining) and taking the popular antibiotic Amoxicillin during infancy. Amoxicillin is frequently used in the treatment of the very common ear infection.

On the Field? Be on the Guard!More than 3.5 million kids, under the age of 14, are in injured while playing sports. An athlete is 70 times more likely to sustain damage to teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. A properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your and your child's mouth when playing sports.