The Taiwan Dental Association (TDA) yesterday said that the gap has widened between urban and rural parts of Taiwan in providing dental services. According to their survey, there are 13,000 dentists in Taiwan, with 2,800 practicing in Taipei.

Molars make up the majority of sensitive, painful teeth while improper brushing is the root cause of most toothaches, according to a recent dental study.

Childhood tooth decay is an important indicator for adult oral disease, a dentist said at a National Oral Health Week activity to promote dental health care to all age groups.

Parents worried about putting very young children into day care got some reassuring answers on Friday — children who have high-quality care see academic benefits lasting into high school.

Good oral care such as regular brushing, flossing and trips to the dentist, may help aging adults keep their thinking skills intact, according to a U.S. study.

Betel nut consumption can increase the chances of developing cancer of the mouth by 28 times, 89 times if coupled with smoking, and a staggering 123 times for the person who smokes and drinks, medical experts revealed yesterday.

Taiwan's top official in charge of agriculture said Monday that a proposed betel nut tax, if levied, should be used to facilitate land conservation and ecological protection.

A 37-year-old woman in Taichung City was diagnosed with bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, likely as a result of stress, reported local media yesterday.

A smoking addict in Tainan County lost his artificial tooth three days after it was implanted, local media reported yesterday.

The public Taichung Hospital announced yesterday that elderly people from low- and mid-income families in the city may apply for a city government subsidy to help cover the cost of dentures.