Research carried out in New Zealand has concluded that local people would benefit greatly from having fluoride in their water.

Radio NZ reported the Northland District Health Board completed a two-year study into the effects of fluoridation and found in the Kaitaia – where fluoride was added – incident rates of cavities in five-year-olds fell by five per cent.

However, in Dargaville – which is unfluoridated – cavities increased by 15 per cent in the same period.

Elsewhere, the Cosmetic Dentistry Guide recently reported researchers at Pavia University, Italy have uncovered an extract found in red wine which could also help boost oral health.

The scientists identified proanthocyanidins as playing a key role in killing bacteria when it comes into contact with the teeth, thereby reducing the likelihood of a person developing cavities.

However, the study noted the large amounts of sugar in the drink mean simply consuming red wine will not be enough to promote a beneficial effect. Instead, the proanthocyanidins will need to be extracted and used to create new treatments.

Anyone who falls ill over the winter months might think that brushing their teeth while they are sick could re-infect them with any germs they are carrying.

However, US dentist Dr Sid Schmidt told KFYR TV that this is definitely not the case and in fact, regular brushing can help stop re-infection by removing bacterial build-up in the mouth.

Although it is unlikely bacteria in the mouth will give a person flu, they could lead to other health problems, he noted.

"Studies have shown that bacteria can enter through the mouth into the rest of the body causing heart problems [and] some stroke problems; also, premature births can happen from bacteria in your mouth," Dr Schmidt commented.

Elsewhere, US dentist Dr Corey Snow recently noted up to 400 different types of bacteria can thrive in the mouth. Therefore, regular brushing and flossing is key to maintaining good oral health, which in turn could provide overall health benefits for a person.

The people of Brighton appear to be loath to visit the dentist, a report by the town’s health watchdog has revealed.

Research carried out by the council showed the number of people who visited a dentist in the area in the two years to September 2009 was down by 7,000 in comparison to the amount in the 24 months to March 2006, local paper the Argus reported.

It blamed the introduction of a controversial new charging system by the NHS, which saw many dentists leave the profession or set up their own private practices.

Elsewhere, the Southern Daily Echo recently reported a new emergency dentistry surgery is being set up in Winchester.

Scheduled to be open by March next year, the new oral health facility could treat up to 9,500 patients per year and provide a welcome boost to dentistry services in the region.

Natalie Jones, lead commissioning manager of primary care dental services for NHS Hampshire, commented: "Since 2006, we have committed £15 million to do this and have prioritised areas across Hampshire on clinical need and current access."

Individuals who have so much anxiety about dental treatments that they insist on being knocked out for treatments have been advised to instead relax.

Dental Plans reported US dentist Dr Peter Harnois employs a natural approach to get his patients to be more compliant in the dentist’s chair.

His three-part process entails giving the patient Butyramino Butyricaba and Itheanine – two natural relaxants – then having them wear a of a cranial electrostimulation device, before finally giving them a pair of dark glasses and having them listen to soothing music.

"You don’t fall asleep but you get in a state that you are so relaxed there is no more fear and anxiety," commented James Poole, chief executive officer of a company that specialises in minimising patient fear.

Elsewhere, KAUZ.com recently reported a new laser scanner can help contour map the inside of a person’s mouth and transfer this data to the manufacturers of crowns or dental implants, thereby reducing time in the dentist’s chair and making the fitting easier and less painful.

A US county is running a scheme to help children save their teeth if they get accidentally knocked out, it has been revealed.

Children in Marquette County, Michigan are being provided with Transport a Tooth kits in order to help them save their teeth should they have a mishap, according to Cosmetic Dentistry Guide.

Pharmacist Dave Campana noted the kit works by providing a solution which mimics the natural fluids found in the mouth and helps to keep the tooth intact.

Health department officials stated that most children’s teeth can be reattached if booth the tooth and child are rushed to an emergency dentist immediately following the accident.

Meanwhile, a new chewing gum which actually helps to clean a person’s teeth has been developed in the US.

Researchers from the University of Kentucky have created the gum for use in both the military and the developing world, where toothpaste and toothbrushes can be harder to come by.

A new emergency dentistry surgery has been earmarked for Winchester.

The Southern Daily Echo reported the facility could open by March next year and could help serve up to 9,500 patients in the area.

Natalie Jones, lead commissioning manager of primary care dental services for NHS Hampshire, commented: "Since 2006, we have committed £15 million to do this and have prioritised areas across Hampshire on clinical need and current access."

She added Winchester has been pinpointed as a "priority area" for the opening of new surgeries, given the present lack of facilities in the county, as in total, the region boasts just 11 dental surgeries.

Elsewhere, the Bexhill Observer recently reported a new emergency dentistry clinic has opened in Eastbourne.

Situated at Eastbourne Railway Centre, the newly-refurbished Eastbourne Dental Clinic cost £500,000 to complete and will now be accessible to patients seven days a week from 08:00 to 20:00 GMT.