Archaeologists may have discovered evidence of the first dental work ever performed on a human. While examining a 6500-year-old human jawbone, scientists noticed traces of what appeared to be a simple filling in a clearly decayed and cracked tooth. Using a variety of tests, researchers were able to conclude in a journal article that the filling was made of beeswax and was likely administered shortly before the person’s death. The filling could not have lasted very long (as beeswax is not

Ready to vote? This is an exciting week in presidential politics as voters go to the polls to pick the nation’s next leader. But before the votes are cast, we thought we’d give you the ‘straight’ scoop on how the candidates fare in the dental world. You may think there are a lot of crooked things about politics in this country. But there’s one thing that’s not crooked: The teeth of most major candidates. Take a look at this presidential election, for example. We’ve got two candidates whose

What’s so special about teeth? Perhaps you’ve wondered why it is that your teeth can be so strong and durable, but require so much delicate care and attention at the same time. Your teeth are strong. They’re so strong that they can grind up even some of the toughest foods into tiny bits. They can tear through something like steak that would be tough to pull apart with your bare hands. But teeth are incredibly fragile too. If you slice your finger open a knife, the cut can heal in a manner of

Nearly 204 million Americans receive fluoride in their water, according to new census data. That’s a 9% increase from 2000. Not bad.