Older people are keeping their teeth for longer.

Improvements in oral care are leading to more older people having healthier teeth than ever before, it has been claimed.

The Auburn Reporter revealed that in times past it was unusual for people aged over 60 to have all of their own teeth, but medical advances in recent years, as well as an increase in the number of preventative treatments against gum disease, decay and other oral ailments has meant this is now not the case.

“Older teeth may need additional treatment to keep them healthy. But today, most people can keep the majority of their existing natural teeth for a lifetime,” the publication noted.

Elsewhere, the Herald Sun recently reported 22-year-old Nicky Welfare has been told he will have to have all his teeth removed due to the amount of alcohol he consumes.

The publication revealed Mr Welfare drank 24 cans of lager every day, as well two litre bottles of cider and as such, his alcoholism has cost him his teeth, as he will now need to have dentures fitted.

babies’ teeth need special care.

Infants will begin getting their first teeth around the six to nine-month mark and therefore parents need to understand how best to look after their children’s teeth.

Paediatric dentistry firm Kearns, Ashby, Rajchel & Kearns told Pennlive.com that children’s teeth can be prone to decay of they are not looked after properly and there are a number of simple rules to ensure they remain healthy.

The firm noted children should not be allowed to fall asleep with a drink and as soon as teeth appear, parents should take the time to brush them after eating with a damp cloth.

Elsewhere, research carried out as part of the Australian Child Health Survey recently revealed that 50 per cent of children under six in the country have signs of tooth decay, according to Cosmetic Dentistry Guide.

The report concluded that parents in Australia therefore need to ensure their children are taking better care of their teeth.

Sensitive teeth need not be a problem.

There are many reasons that a person can develop sensitive teeth and napsnet.com has highlighted some of the ways the problem can be tackled.

Individuals who sensitive teeth should remember four easy ways to reduce their problem. These are ensuring they maintain a good oral health routine – ie brushing regularly – avoiding acidic foods, brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a desensitising toothpaste.

If they follow all these steps, then the publication claims their problems will be reduced and they can look forward to eating what they want without the fear of their teeth causing them pain.

Elsewhere, the Hindu Times recently reported sensitive teeth do not have to be a problem for sufferers.

The publication claimed using desensitising toothpaste can be a simple method for relieving the problem. It works by blocking the path of sensations to the tooth’s nerve, thereby removing the sensitivity.

Dentist’s surgery to open in Chorley.

A new emergency and cosmetic dentistry office is to open in Chorley.

Local newspaper the Chorley People reported the practice will offer places to up to 7,000 patients and the new Ravat & Ray Dental Care office will have three surgeries.

“It is anticipated that these services will make a huge difference to the oral health of local residents by increasing access to NHS dentistry,” Janice Nicholson, head of dental commissioning in the region, told the publication.

She added that this new practice will significantly boost access to dental services in the region and will mean people will have shorter waiting times to receive treatments.

Elsewhere, the Brundall Dental Practice is set to open in Norfolk to offer places for dental patients that wouldotherwise have had to wait for treatments.

This is thanks to a £2.8 million investment in dental care services in the region that was made last year.

Jockey has cosmetic dentistry carried out.

Winner of the 2009 Grand National Liam Treadwell has had cosmetic dentistry treatments carried out to fix his bad teeth following a BBC interview which highlighted his bad teeth.

Treadwell rode the 100-1 outsider Mon Mome and during a TV interview after the race BBC reporter Clare Balding highlighted his bad dentistry.

“My new teeth are amazing,” he told The Express. “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s taken the best part of 11 months. It was heavy duty treatment but it was virtually painless. The transformation has been unbelievable.”

Elsewhere, Dr David Mady Jr recently told the Windsor Star that people who keep their teeth in good condition have faster check-ups with the dentist and suffer from less stress as a result.

He noted it is important to keep up a regular oral health routine and while this will ensure a person’s teeth are in the best condition, it will also enable them to spend less time in the dentist’s chair.

A US dentist has powered his office with solar panels.

A US dentist has opened a surgery which is powered completely by solar energy, it has been revealed.

The Press Enterprise has reported Riverside dentist Michael Boyko has transformed his practice to run solely on renewable energy.

It reportedly cost him $670,000 to install the 264 photovoltaic panels needed to power the office, but he is saving in excess of $1,200 per month now that it is up and running.

He commented: “Patients are so excited that we have done this … They’re also excited that we have covered parking now.”

Elsewhere, the Manila Bulletin recently reported patients are being urged to “rest and relax” at the dentist’s office rather than to feel nervous.

The publication claimed times are changing and people now expect more out of a visit to their dentist than just the medical expertise on offer – they want to be made to feel comfortable also.

People wanting to get their teeth whitened should see a dentist.

People looking for the best teeth whitening treatments would be well advised to have a dental professional carry out the procedure, it has been claimed.

ClickPress reported the importance of a bright, welcoming smile cannot be underestimated, as it can boost confidence and make a person more attractive.

As a result, more people are now using take-home teeth whitening kits and while these are unlikely to damage the teeth – if used correctly – Brits could achieve better results by having a professional handle their smile upkeep.

Indeed, people are advised to research the treatment ahead of having it carried out and one of the best ways to do this is online.

Elsewhere, The Smile Company recently announced it has set up teeth whitening clinics in both Manchester and Birmingham airports.

The firm has set up a clinic in the passenger lounge of the airport and will provide laser teeth whitening treatments to travellers hoping to boost the brightness of their smile.

New imaging technology could make dentistry less painful.

New technology being trialled in the US could soon make the dentist’s office a less stressful environment, it has been claimed.

The Leaf Chronicle reported Clarksvill dentist Dr Bill Wall is using stereolithographic-imaging models to replace the old plaster of paris casts for making bridges and prosthetics and this is a less invasive and more accurate treatment, he claimed.

“This new technology, instead of going through making silicone impressions, makes a digital impression using a camera that makes 20 three-dimensional impressions per second. It’s much more accurate,” Dr Wall told the publication.

Elsewhere, WKYC.com recently reported improvements in technology in the dentist’s office are making the prospect of sitting in the chair less daunting.

It noted that patients are now able to relax while digital camera technology is used to take pictures with ease and these images are then sent via email to a lab where impressions of the mouth can be created and prosthetics made.

People should use a mouthguard if they suffer from grinding their teeth.

People looking to stop grinding their teeth have been offered some helpful advice on the matter.

Divine Caroline – an online health and wellbeing publication – has reported investing in a night guard could be a solution for many, as the majority of people grind their teeth during their sleep and are unaware they are doing it until damage has been caused.

However, for the best results people sufferers should consult with a dental professional, as over-the-counter mouthguards often do not fit properly and can cause other problems for users, such as preventing them from sleeping due to discomfort.

Elsewhere, the CNN Wellness blog recently reported not coping with stress properly can lead to real problems with oral health as people tend to grind their teeth more.

It noted that in many cases, people who are stressed do not realise they are grinding their teeth as they do it in their sleep, but this does not mean the damage caused is any less severe.

People should remember to floss regularly.

Individuals worried about their oral health should ensure they floss regularly, it has been claimed.

Dentistry IQ reported Chicago periodontist Dr Robert Pick has said people should be aware of the dangers of not flossing regularly, as this can lead to gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.

In fact, Dr Pick claimed poor oral health is a contributory factor to cardiovascular disease and this accounts for the deaths of more than 2,400 people per day.

As a result, he highlighted the importance of regular brushing and flossing and maintaining a good oral health routine at all times.

Elsewhere, I-Newswire recently reported the use of teeth whitening gels or strips may be pointless if a person does not carry out a good oral health routine.

The publication noted that ensuring teeth are kept clean and healthy will make sure plaque build-up is kept to a minimum so stains and yellowing of teeth can be kept under control.