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Crunching into a crisp apple, flashing an appreciative smile, and even pronouncing your name all depend on good dental health. Strong, healthy teeth support everyday activities like these. But mouth diseases — and the tooth loss that may follow — can interfere with these important activities and make you feel less confident about your appearance.

The impact of oral disease can extend far beyond the mouth. Research has unveiled potential links between chronic gum infection and conditions as serious as diabetes, stroke, cancer, heart disease, and pregnancy complications. Not only might these ailments provoke oral health problems, but there's evidence that dental problems such as gum disease can contribute to bodily illness.

Fortunately, the landscape of dental health has changed dramatically over the past century. As recently as a generation ago, most people lost their teeth within their lifetime. In 2007, the majority of middle-aged people can expect to keep most of their natural teeth for the rest of their lives. And there's more good news: Children have fewer cavities than in the past.

This transformation in the oral health of Americans reflects a greater understanding of the causes and prevention of dental disease. Just after World War II, fluoride was added to drinking water, leading to a dramatic drop in tooth decay among children. A couple of decades later, researchers discovered that gum disease — as well as tooth decay — was caused by bacterial infection. Suddenly, the two major causes of tooth loss could be countered by attacking bacteria in the mouth using the basic oral hygiene techniques of brushing and flossing. In 2007, scientists are researching methods to prevent tooth decay and gum disease in hopes of making tooth loss as rare as polio and measles.

While prevention remains the key to a healthy smile, the science of dental treatment continues to advance. Thanks to evolving materials and techniques, dentists are more successful than ever before at reversing the disease process and preserving, repairing, and replacing teeth. This report will introduce you to developments like smart fillings that can help prevent cavities and methods for placing dental implants.

It also sifts through the hype surrounding certain dental products and procedures. Can chewing xylitol gum protect against tooth decay? Are silver fillings and fluoridation safe? Which toothbrush really works best? You'll find the answers to these questions below.

Credit: Harvard Health Publications