It’s a common belief that fingerprints are unique to every individual, but did you know that your teeth are equally as unique? No two people have the exact same set of teeth, making them a valuable tool in forensic science and dental identification.

Your teeth are like your personal signature, with each tooth having a specific shape, size, and position in your mouth along with their own set of grooves, ridges, and imperfections. Even identical twins who share the same DNA, have distinct dental patterns that set them apart from each other.

Dental identification is a useful tool for forensic scientists, as teeth can survive even after other parts of the body have decomposed. In fact, dental records are often used in forensic investigations because of their distinctiveness and ability to identify individuals. The occlusion, or bite, can be used to identify a person even if other aspects of their dental records have been altered or damaged as it is also unique to each individual.

Your teeth also play a crucial role in your overall health. Regular dental check-ups can help identify problems early on, such as cavities or gum disease, and prevent more serious issues from developing. It also means that dental professionals can use our teeth to track changes over time, monitor oral health, and create treatment plans that take into account your individual needs and characteristics.

The next time you brush your teeth, take a moment to appreciate how unique they are. They are not only essential for your health, but also a part of what makes you, you!

Artificial intelligence [AI] is not in the future. The future is here. AI is now and it is pervasive in a wide range of areas not least in dentistry.

AI has many applications in dentistry including:

Identifying oral diseases such as tooth decay / cavities, endodontics, periodontal /gum disease, oral cancer, maxillary sinus diseases & TMJ disorders

Endodontics: AI can predict with precision a diagnosis & therapy for a diseased tooth. It can study the anatomy of the root canal system, pinpoint root fractures & lesions & calculate the success of retreatment procedures.

Treatment planning: AI can help dentists create more precise treatment plans & determine the best course of action for individual patients.

Dental imaging: AI can improve the accuracy of dental imaging & make it easier for dentists to see small details in images.

Patient communication: AI can help dentists communicate with patients in relation to scheduling, patient care, drug interactions, answering common questions & providing educational materials.

Overall, AI has the potential to improve the quality of dental care, increase efficiency and accuracy in diagnosis and treatment, and enhance patient experience.

Teeth sensitivity is caused by the exposure of the dentin, the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth erosion
• Worn fillings
• Brushing teeth too hard or with a toothbrush that has hard bristles
• Consuming acidic foods and drinks (such as citrus fruits and carbonated beverages)
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Gum disease

To avoid tooth sensitivity, you can:

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush gently
• Limit consumption of acidic foods and drinks
• Use a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth
• Talk to your dentist about using a desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride gel
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups
• If gum disease is identified, follow the treatment plan provided by your dentist

If you experience sensitivity that persists, it is important to make a dental appointment for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Oral health and overall health are closely connected. As the mouth is teaming with bacteria, mostly harmless, poor oral hygiene and low body defences can cause excessive amounts of oral bacteria and make any dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath more severe. These conditions can cause pain, infections, and even tooth loss.

Additionally, oral health problems can also be indicative of other health issues such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, digestive problems, and certain types of cancer.

Research has also shown that oral health problems can contribute to systemic health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pneumonia. This is thought to be due to the bacteria and inflammation present in the mouth that can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.

Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups / dental examinations is important not only for maintaining oral health, but also overall health.

Maintaining good oral hygiene takes among other things, regularly brushing your teeth. Tell me something I don´t know, you may say.

Dental associations around the world recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time. That means brush after breakfast for two minutes and again at night for another two minutes. That is a whopping four minutes out of your day and yet not everyone follows this recommendation. More people than you might think actually go through the day only brushing once. While that is better than not brushing at all which is essentially 2% of the population, it actually increases your chances of incurring costly dental treatment later on.

Brushing your teeth twice a day as is suggested by dental professionals has a few advantages, it saves the embarrassment of having bad breath and stained teeth.

By brushing only once a day:

1. Cavities are almost a certainty and that increases your risk by 33%. When you brush your teeth, it helps to remove food particles and the sticky substance containing bacteria that forms on your teeth called plaque. This bacteria-containing plaque produces acid which attack tooth enamel and if not removed causes cavities.

2. Increases your chance of getting gum disease – only brushing once every 24 hours creates a feast for the existing bacteria in your mouth. The plaque that isn’t removed hardens and becomes tartar which makes it harder to keep the teeth clean. Tartar build-up on your gums leads to inflammation and bleeding gums that causes gum disease. This is also known as periodontal disease.

3. Can lead to more dental treatment. Needing a one-off filling is one thing and can happen to the best of us, but brushing only once a day almost guarantees more fillings and bigger fillings. Sometimes the tooth is decayed to the point of needing root canal treatment or a crown. Those costs can be avoided by adding another two minutes a day to your brushing routine.

One of the best ways to care for your teeth and gums is simple. Regular brushing. And that means twice a day. After meals.

Adding flossing to your routine is also beneficial, but that is for another day.