Skeptics Stack Exchange
Skeptics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [dentistry]

The study or practice of medicine as it relates to the oral cavity and related structures.

69 questions
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Do some people have 'sensitive senses'?

This article says that: If you avoid bright light, loud noises, heavy perfumes and itchy clothing, you may find that you avoid hot and cold foods because you have sensitive teeth. I've heard before that people who suffer sensitive teeth…
Mike
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Does toothpaste cause acne?

Does tooth paste cause acne around the mouth? This source claims it can, but gives no sources: Another cause of acne around the mouth is toothpaste. The flavors and perfumes added to flavored toothpaste can cause breakouts around the mouth in the…
eat_a_lemon
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Is diet soda as bad for your teeth as regular soda or methamphetamine?

I've heard of many claims about soda water itself containing carbonic acid (as claimed by a teacher I had in high school) and having a generally high pH that's enough to destroy one's teeth. This article from Huffington Post cites a study that…
Ten Bitcomb
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Does Xylitol Need be Ingested to Reduce Tooth Decay?

In her book, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, Ellie Phillips DDS recommends wiping a baby's teeth with xylitol enriched baby wipes to reduce tooth decay: For added protection and to ensure your baby's mouth is healthy before teeth begin to erupt, wipe…
S.O.S
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Has cessation of water fluoridation lead to a 90-200% increase in cavities in children?

A news piece by KWCH 12 in Wichita Kansas about a local community voting on whether to cease water fluoridation quotes local dentist, Doctor Allison Lesko, as saying: Depending on which grade level they were, anywhere from 90 to 200 percent…
Flimzy
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Does green tea help with dental hygiene?

This Youtube video claims that green tea "is the best mouthwash", citing various medical studies that claim that green tea is more effective in reducing dental bacteria than various standard chemicals. Quick googling has found me this study of…
xLeitix
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Does Honey Promote Tooth Decay or Prevent It?

Both honey and sugar are comprised of a combination of glucose and fructose. In sugar glucose and fructose are bound together to form sucrose while in honey glucose and fructose exist independently of each other. Among the foods which cause tooth…
Alex K
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Replace toothbrush every 3 to 4 months

I read from this link (http://www.ada.org/1887.aspx) It says to: Replace toothbrushes at least every 3–4 months. The bristles become frayed and worn with use and cleaning effectiveness will decrease. Toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly…
Jack
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Does flossing your teeth regularly increase your lifespan?

According to Life Tips: Regular flossing, long considered an essential part of daily dental cleansing, has been found to have a positive effect on your life expectancy, increasing it by up to 6 years. Is this true? How would flossing increase…
dukevin
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Does Sipping Soda Through a Straw Prevent Tooth Decay?

It is well known that sugar causes tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria in the mouth. An article on webmd states that "sipping soda through a straw may cut cavities": Using a straw when you drink soda may help avoid cavities and tooth decay..…
S.O.S
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Can wisdom teeth replace 2nd molars?

I went to a dentist because my 2nd molar needed a filling. Just out of curiosity I asked him if a wisdom tooth can replace a lost 2nd molar. Suddenly he looked at me like I killed somebody and said loudly "NO!". Then there was another occasion where…
Dappa
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Does vitamin D prevent cavities better than fluoride?

Dr. Mercola has released the following article: The Vitamin that is Better than Fluoride in Reducing Cavities. He quotes the VitaminD Council as his source for this: "There were also several studies reported on vitamin D and dental caries in the…
Hendy
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Do expensive electronic toothbrushes outperform cheaper models?

There are a variety of different electronic toothbrushes on the market. If you ignore features like a timer that tells you when you have brushed the planned time, is there a measurable difference in the ability of different electronic toothbrushes…
Christian
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Are wisdom teeth disappearing?

I was sent an article (am a bit of a future evolution fan), entitled 5 Signs Humans Are Still Evolving, from a website called "MentalFloss" - and as it is not peer-reviewed, I am a bit dubious of its claims, one in particular was: One estimate says…
user22186
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Does parsley improve bad breath?

This Livestrong article - Does Parsley Help With Bad Breath? suggests that parsley can improve bad breath. The article suggests that bad breath is caused often by poor oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to metabolise food particles and produce sulphur…
Simon Khoury
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