When archaeologists recently examined the upper teeth of skeletons of humans who lived 15,000 years ago in North Africa, they found widespread incidence of rotten teeth. It seems that the hunter-gatherers of this era were quite fond of eating pine nuts, acorns, and oth...

Because the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of molar and premolar teeth have grooves, called “fissures,” that trap food and accumulate bacteria-laden plaque, they are particularly susceptible to decay. These fissures can be deep and difficult to clean, which is why dentist...

By maintaining good oral-health practices at home and scheduling regular office visits, most patients can avoid many common dental problems. Daily brushing and flossing, and the application of sealants, can help youngsters avoid tooth decay. Adults can avert their most...