Laura Dorr

Poor oral health, gum disease and endentulism have all been linked by researchers to life-threatening conditions.

Poor oral health, gum disease and endentulism have all been linked by researchers to life-threatening conditions.

Dental research came a long way this year, and some studies stood out above the rest. We take a look at some of the most interesting and engaging dental studies and discoveries from 2016.

We take a look at some of the most interesting and engaging dental studies and discoveries from 2016.

Ghosts are scary. Ghouls are scary. But these creepy apparitions have nothing on some of the terrifying things that happen in the dental practice.

Ghosts are scary. Ghouls are scary. But these creepy apparitions have nothing on some of the terrifying things that happen in the dental practice.

'Tis the season of candy, candy and more candy-much to dental professionals' dismay. Here are the worst-of-the-worst treats for dental health.

'Tis the season of candy, candy and more candy-much to dental professionals' dismay. Here are the worst-of-the-worst treats for dental health.

With Halloween right around the corner, we want to hear your tales of the scariest, weirdest, grossest, most bizarre things you’ve have seen in the dental industry. What’s the craziest story that’s come out of your workplace? The disgusting thing that still makes your shiver when you think about it? The most absurd moment in your career? We want to hear it all.

Extended mercury exposure can be particularly dangerous to a one’s health-and a new study has found that the danger is greatly exacerbated in patients with eight or more dental fillings.

While dental amalgam has been the most popular dental filling material for a century and a half, new research is introducing an exciting alternative that could actually help repair teeth damaged by caries.

Veterans often struggle to get quality healthcare and dental coverage, but a new bill passed by the Senate aims to rectify that.

Hydration is crucial when working out or playing sports-but now, researchers say, hydrating is actually destroying children’s teeth.

Getting high may mean new lows for dental health: A recent study has found that cannabis users suffer from higher rates of periodontal disease than their weed-free peers.

A recent study has identified certain types of oral bacteria that have a correlation with the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Harmful bacteria can be powerful and hard to combat, but researchers at the University of Florida have found a way to fight fire with fire.

In recent months, gum disease has been linked to increasing number of major health problems - and researchers have now discovered another illness to add to the list.

There’s been a lot of buzz about oral systemic health in the news lately, and for good reason: A whole host of new discoveries have pinpointed that poor oral health is linked to some very serious medical conditions - and that treating oral health conditions could potentially serve as a preventative measure.

There’s been a lot of buzz about oral systemic health in the news lately, and for good reason: A whole host of new discoveries have pinpointed that poor oral health is linked to some very serious medical conditions - and that treating oral health conditions could potentially serve as a preventative measure.

Mouthbreathers beware: Annoying your spouse isn’t the only downside of breathing through your mouth while you sleep. A new study has found that people who breathe through their mouth while sleeping are at a higher risk for tooth decay.

Dental Lab Products talks with Chad Mueller of Link Lab about his lab's recent experience working with LabStar, a cloud-based lab management system.

A new study from the University of São Paulo found that there might be no need for needles when administering anesthetic for dental procedures.

You’ve been on your feet seemingly forever, putting in a long day hard at work in the dental practice. Now you’ve finally got a chance to breathe; but how should you spend your precious moments of free time? We think you deserve a break – and a good dose of the lighthearted, fun and downright silly side of dentistry.

You’ve been on your feet seemingly forever, putting in a long day hard at work in the dental practice. Now you’ve finally got a chance to breathe; but how should you spend your precious moments of free time? We think you deserve a break – and a good dose of the lighthearted, fun and downright silly side of dentistry.

Periodontal disease has been linked to a host of medical problems, but now researchers say there’s another risk to be added to the list: breast cancer. Recent research discovered that postmenopausal women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop the cancer than those without the oral health condition.

The CDC recently announced that diabetes rates in the United States have dropped for the first time in 25 years – but the news wasn’t so positive for dental health. Although diabetes rates are dropping, diabetics are still twice as likely as their non-diabetic counterparts to lose teeth.

The search for the perfect material for optimal dental fillings has been ongoing, but now researchers think they may have found the answer. While composite fillings often aren’t strong enough and metal fillings can corrode, a recent study discovered that graphene oxide might make a great alternative to these traditional materials.

The year is winding down, and boy, has it been a weird one! From fake dentists to dental amnesia to patients using superglue as dental cement, there were a plethora of bizarre tooth-related stories gracing the headlines in 2015.

2015 has been a remarkable year in dental advancements, from emerging technology and new products, to scientific discoveries and research breakthroughs.

As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to look back at 2015 and the dental news stories that stole the show. From hygiene breaches to legal decisions to insurance fraud and cyber attacks, dentistry graced the headlines frequently (and no, we aren't talking about Cecil the lion!).