Teeth

Back in 2021, we heard about a pterosaur that had a mouth full of big, sharp teeth. Well, scientists have now discovered a pterosaur that went to the other extreme, as it used over 400 small, hooked teeth to catch its prey.

A new study has examined the diets of the earliest dinosaurs and found them to be carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. But surprisingly, the ancestors of many of the most famous herbivores – like Triceratops and Brachiosaurus – originally ate meat.

Smoking is no good for your teeth, that is well-known. But what about vaping? New research from Tufts University suggests using e-cigarettes may not be that much better, finding an association between increased risk for cavities and vaping.

If you needed more motivation to brush your teeth, this could do the trick. Scientists have discovered that cavity-causing bacteria and fungi in saliva can team up to form “superorganisms” that can sprout limbs to crawl and even leap across teeth.

Researchers are reporting a new type of dental coating, which is made by tweaking the composition of a naturally-occurring mineral to emulate the microstructure of natural enamel, and do so in a way that offers even greater strength.

Scientists have identified the earliest known mammal – a small shrew-like animal that lived 225 million years ago. The species, Brasilodon, had previously been categorized differently, but new research reveals a distinctly mammalian tooth structure.

A common type of oral bacteria associated with periodontal disease has been linked to neuroinflammation and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The research builds on a prior evidence linking poor oral health with dementia and neurodegeneration.

Like many menial tasks, there may soon be a way to outsource brushing your teeth to robots. A new system of microrobots can change shape to form bristles or floss, and don’t just brush plaque away but release antimicrobials to kill bad bacteria.

The buildup of bacteria deep in our teeth can cause infections in difficult to reach areas, and scientists at the Indian Institute of Science have developed tiny cleaning robots they believe are up to the task.

A newly developed optical device is designed to reveal at-risk areas of our teeth by detecting hotspots of high acidity in dental plaque, where conditions are ripe for decay to take hold and cavities to form.

While there are camera-equipped toothbrushes that let users see how well they're cleaning their teeth, the Zaamigo goes considerably further. It uses AI to analyze the photos it shoots, in order to monitor the health of its user's teeth and gums.

In a large study UK researchers have found gum disease is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and autoimmune disease. The findings build on a growing body of research linking poor oral health with broader chronic disease.