Dental Health Archive

Evidence suggests that chewing gum can help people feel more focused and less stressed. Chewing sugar-free versions can hinder cavities. But constant gum-chewing can tire jaw muscles, and xylitol-containing gum can trigger abdominal distress.

In a 2025 study of 1,800 patients undergoing dental surgery, a combination of two over-the-counter pain relievers was more effective and produced fewer side effects than prescription opioids for treating postsurgical pain.

As people age, their teeth and gums can change. Examples include receding gums, shifting teeth, changing tooth color, and reduced tooth pain. These changes can be due to the wear and tear that comes with age, the development of disease, or natural changes in the components of tooth material. Dentists stress the importance of brushing and flossing teeth daily, getting teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, and talking to a dentist about solutions to dental problems.

People may choke on their own saliva when talking quickly, laughing, or turning their head. Other causes include postnasal drip or dry mouth, which medications may trigger. Certain health conditions can also affect swallowing.

Dentists can help detect health problems far beyond the mouth. These conditions include oral cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoporosis, acid reflux, and eating disorders. People can maximize their dental check-ups by sharing health updates and voicing health concerns. Only two-thirds of Americans visited the dentist in the past year, and many avoid dental visits due to fear or embarrassment. There are many strategies to help people tamp down these emotions, including music, relaxation, and medication.

About two-thirds of people over 65 have periodontal disease, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Shared risk factors such as smoking and an unhealthy diet may explain the association, but bacteria and inflammation could be a common thread. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can travel to blood vessels throughout the body and have been found in the fatty debris (atherosclerosis) that clogs arteries located far from the mouth—and in blood clots from people who have experienced heart attacks.

Research has shown that men can have a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes if they suffer from certain medical conditions that might seem unrelated to heart disease. These conditions include erectile dysfunction, gum disease, peripheral artery disease, and urinary tract infections. Many factors that contribute to heart disease like inflammation and fatty deposits in the arteries are involved in these other conditions.