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  • 2009
    • April
      • HEART & GUM HEALTH
        04/15/09
        Whats bad for the mouth is bad for the body,according to research conducted by both medical and dental scientists. And one of the easiest treatments costs less than a few pennies a day. Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry explains in this Dental Health Check.



        FROM

    • February
      • Chocolate Benefits
        02/16/09
        STORY: CHOCOLATE BENEFITS
        SCRIPT #871
        AIRDATE: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009

        Interviewer:

        Researchers continue to study the cocoa bean. And on this Valentine’s Day, the evidence is convincing—dark chocolate can be good for your oral health and overall health.

    • January
      • Flu Prevention
        01/09/09
        The cold and flu season is expected to hit most parts of Texas later this month. And many dentists and hygienists are gearing up to offer special advice to their patients, advice which could help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

        News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Den

  • 2008
    • December
      • Orthodontics Round Table
        12/01/08
        Crooked teeth move quicker. Braces require fewer appointments. And patients no longer have metal brackets or need to wear head gear.

        These are just some of many advances in orthodontics.

        Listen as Dr. Linda Niessen discusses major changes in modern orthodontics with three o

    • June
      • First Oral Exam
        06/12/08
        Both pediatricians and dentists agree on WHEN young children need their FIRST dental exam. The American Academy of Pediatrics has adopted the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists.

        Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry joins us to tell us just how early that

    • May
      • The Best Check-up
        05/23/08
        How do you know if your getting the best check-up at the dentist? Most people don’t. In fact, the American Dental Association reports that many Americans with a gum infection don’t know they have one, even after seeing the dentist.


        “I would have been in tremendous, tremendou

      • ADULT SEALANTS
        05/16/08
        Adults in their 20’s and 30’s may not have any cavities because they grew up with fluoride in water and toothpaste. But they still may need sealants, a procedure that’s not just for kids.

        Young adults like Kate Knochel have avoided the most common childhood disease—tooth decay o

      • Early Orthodontic Treatment
        05/07/08
        Orthodontic braces can actually improve a child's dental health. But in about a third of all cases braces only improve a child's appearance. So how do parents decide what Orthodontic treatment needs to be done?

        Dr. Linda Niessen, a clinical professor at Texas A&M Health Sci

    • April
      • Silver Fillings Safety
        04/21/08
        Can silver dental fillings make you sick? The American Dental Association says absolutely not.

        Luci Sampler suffers from arthritis. A chiropractor suggested the underlying cause was silver amalgam dental fillings.

        “So I said okay. Maybe I should have the metal fillings out a

      • Save a Smile
        04/14/08
        In many Texas public schools, dental pain is the number one reason children go to the school nurse. Now, those nurses are helping children get free treatment through a special program.

        At age six, Claudia Gil sees a dentist for the first time. She suffers from the pain of having 13 cavit

      • Dental Simulation Lab
        04/07/08
        Do you get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist? Well, you’ll be reassured to know that dental students are learning how to make you feel more comfortable even before they treat a real patient.

        These dental students at Baylor College of Dentistry are NOT yet prepared to tre

    • March
      • Breath Problems
        03/17/08
        What you eat affects the air you exhale. But some causes of bad breath have nothing to do with diet. Let’s look at the main reasons we develop halitosis.

        NOTE: Broadcast video of this live segment can be viewed after the story, below.

        Most people don't need a special mon

      • Pills & Nitrous Gas
        03/10/08
        A new therapy using medication and nitrous oxide gas helps dental patients who have a difficult time getting numb. And the combination calms the fears of dental “phobics.”

        NOTE: Video of this segment follows the story, below.

        Without a sedation, Joni Smith admits she w

    • February
      • DENTAL EMERGENCY
        02/25/08
        What do you do when you have a dental emergency? Do you go to the nearest hospital? Or should you call your dentist?

        Dental injuries are quite common--especially in children. Parents often do not know the best way to handle them. Dr. Linda Niessen has one example in this segment of De

      • SNORING IMPLANT
        02/08/08
        A new procedure to stop snoring requires only one visit to the dentist. The procedure makes use of an innovative implant completely different than regular dental implants.

        For years, Harold Chenault heard complaints from his wife and son about his loud snoring.

        "My son an

    • January
      • COMPUTER BRACES
        01/28/08


        Throughout a lifetime, crooked, crowded teeth can cause health problems. But orthodontics offer more choices than ever before. One reason: computers are designing and fabricating the braces. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the latest trend in today’s Dental Health Check.

        No one

      • PREGNANCY CHECK-UP
        01/21/08
        Pregnant women who suddenly develop high blood pressure may need to see their obstetrician AND their dentist. Dr. Linda Niessen explains why in today's segment of Dental Health Check.

        New scientific evidence links chronic gum infection with high blood pressure in pregnant women. That

      • TMJ Treatment
        01/14/08
        Do you wake up in the morning with head, neck or jaw pain? You may have a disorder shared by more than 10 million Americans, most of them women. News 8’s Dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen looks at symptoms and new treatment for T-M-J in today’s Dental Health Check.

        T-M-J refers to the tempor

      • Signs of Gum Disease
        01/07/08
        More than half of all Americans over age 30 have some form of gum disease. When it becomes serious, patients need special treatment. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the warning signs in today's Dental Health Check.

        It took Bob Clair about three years to face the fact that he had periodont

      • New Year's Resolution: Stop Smoking
        01/02/08
        Your dentist may provide you with an incentive to stop smoking. It’s the threat of losing your teeth. News 8’s Dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen talks with one patient who quit smoking as a New Year’s resolution in today’s Dental Health Check.

        In the past 12 months, Rachel Brown has tra

  • 2007
    • December
      • Ageless Bonding
        12/25/07
        Dental bonding improves the look of tooth enamel. It’s one of the most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry today. But can you be too young or too old to have your teeth bonded? Dr. Linda Niessen offers advice about bonding in today’s Dental Health Check.

        Composite bonding fills g

      • All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!
        12/16/07
        If all you want for Christmas is your two front teeth, your wish could almost come true. Dental implants are quicker and easier because of new techniques and technology. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today’s Dental Health Check.

        For more than 20 years, a childhood dental i

      • Can Bleached Teeth Be Too White?
        12/10/07
        Many dental patients are dreaming of a white Christmas. They want the whitest shade of teeth possible. But some dentists think your teeth can be too white. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen looks at a growing controversy over tooth shades in today’s Dental Health Check.

        Yellow teeth have nev

      • Best Dental Checkups for Adults Over 50
        12/03/07
        Most adults over age 50 need to see their dentist more frequently than their physician. That’s according to the American Dental Association. A complete dental check-up every six months can detect many critical health problems. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has more in today’s Dental Health Check.

    • November
      • Over 60 Orthodontics?
        11/26/07
        Is it ever too late to get braces on your teeth? Dentists say no. In fact, business is booming in orthodontic offices among patients over age sixty. Dr. Linda Niessen has the story in today’s Dental Health Check.

        Marilyn Lee sells real estate. Bill Powell sells insurance. Both of them f

      • Disease Prevention
        11/19/07
        Growing fears about viruses and bacteria are prompting some dentists and hygienists to offer special advice. They explain to patients how to reduce the risk of spreading germs--especially during cold and flu season. News 8's Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today's Dental Health Check.
      • Skull Stretching
        11/12/07
        Children with small mouths can undergo a procedure that literally stretches their skulls. It’s called palatal expansion. Well, now it’s being tried successfully in adults. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the innovative procedure in today’s Dental Health Check report.

        At age 66, Ray D

      • Pain Free Root Canal
        11/05/07
        Many patients notice the significant high tech advances in dentistry today. They especially take note of pain-free procedures such as root canals. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at these major changes in today’s Dental Health Check.

        Note: Broadcast video of this segment appears below the story

    • October
      • Good and Bad Candy
        10/29/07
        This week, children and some adults may consume an unhealthy amount of candy. The Halloween season can lead to bad news at your next dental visit. Dr. Linda Niessen offers advice on the best way to avoid Halloween related tooth decay in today’s Dental Health Check.

        Not all candy is cre

      • Bigger Lips
        10/22/07
        A procedure to enlarge a woman's lips has become popular among dental patients. Some cosmetic dentists and oral surgeons are offering lip enhancement as a special service. Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today’s Dental Health Check.(Note: broadcast video of this segment will be available lat

      • Kid Dentures
        10/15/07
        Here’s a new trend in dentistry: dentures for young children. Dentists are creating artificial teeth for kids who suffer traumatic tooth loss before their permanent teeth come in. Dr. Linda Niessen explains in today’s Dental Health Check. (Note: Video of all broadcasts follow the stories)
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      • Meth Mouth
        10/08/07
        More than 12 million Americans have tried methamphetamines, also called crystal meth, crank, or ice. The illegal stimulant destroys the user’s teeth. And now the American Dental Association calls the substance the number one cause of severe tooth decay in the U.S. Dr. Linda Niessen has details in

      • No Shot Numbing
        10/01/07
        A new type of anesthetic allows dental patients to skip a shot but still get pain relief. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at a completely different approach to local anesthesia in today’s Dental Health Check.

        John Ankeney has never liked getting shots, especially from his periodontist. So he w

    • September
      • High Tech Bite
        09/24/07
        Cracked or broken teeth can be painful and even lead to health problems. But an innovative, high tech sensing device now can detect a condition that often causes tooth fractures. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today’s segment of Dental Health Check.

        Note: Video of the broad

      • Gum & Heart Disease
        09/17/07
        No other disease kills more Americans than heart disease. And scientific studies suggest daily teeth brushing and flossing reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry explains how in today's segment of Dental Health Check.

        (Note: Bro

      • Oral Bacteria and Cavities in Children
        09/10/07
        A new test can discover the hidden cause of frequent cavities in children. Dr. Linda Niessen explains why Details in today's Dental Health Check. (Video of the broadcast follows the story below.)

        THE STORY

        7 year old Mary Hoffman has tooth decay despite good oral hygiene h

      • Botox treatment for facial pain
        09/03/07
        Botox injections temporarily paralyze muscles. Doctors now are treating patients with the medication who suffer from face or jaw pain caused by muscle contractions. Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today's segment of Dental Health Check.

        THE STORY

        Kelly Saffell suffers fr

    • August
      • Cracked Tooth Syndrome
        08/27/07
        Do you have a tooth you tend to avoid when chewing? You may have a difficult-to-diagnose problem called “cracked tooth syndrome.” Dr. Linda Niessen explains this common condition in today’s segment of Dental Health Check.

        THE STORY (Video of broadcast follows)

        Three mont

      • X-Rays and Pregnancy
        08/20/07
        What’s more dangerous for a pregnant woman: undergoing dental x-rays or delaying dental treatment? Researchers raised that question by looking at dental x-ray exposure and a risk of delivering a baby with a low birth weight. Dr. Linda Niessen has some answers in today’s segment of Dental Health

      • Gums and Stress
        08/13/07
        Scientists are finding more evidence that stress and anger increases the chance of developing gum disease called periodontitis. How can emotion affect your oral health? News 8's dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen has answers in today’s segment of Dental Health Check.

        THE STORY

        F

      • Bad Cosmetics
        08/06/07
        Extreme makeovers can be costly in more ways than just the bank account. Before dental patients give their consent to extensive treatment, they should do their homework. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at case of bad cosmetic dentistry in today’s Dental Health Check.

        THE STORY

        Sande

    • July
      • Adult Cavity Risk
        07/30/07
        Are you at high risk for adult cavities? If you drink lots of bottled water or sugary soft drinks, you may be in this high risk category. And prescription fluoride toothpaste and rinses may be the answer. Dr. Linda Niessen has the answers in this segment of Dental Health Check.

        THE STORY

    • May
      • Crown Research at TAMU HSC- Baylor College of Dentistry
        05/31/07
        Researchers are studying a new type of dental crown—one made by a computer driven machine. The new technology speeds up the entire process for patients. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has the story in this installment of Dental Health Check.




        THE STORY

        Crown Pr

    • February
      • Mission of Mercy
        02/19/07
        Texas dentists travel from all over the state to perform dental procedures for needy patients. This past weekend, the dentists helped more than 600 people in a 48-hour dental marathon. News 8's Dr. Linda Niessen has the wrap-up.

        It's called the Texas Mission of Mercy. The idea i

      • Breath and Health
        02/12/07
        As Valentine’s Day approaches, you might tackle a common problem that could affect your love life--bad breath. Some causes of bad breath can be a sign of a serious medical illness. News 8’s Dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen explains. [more]

        Most people don't need a special monitoring de

    • January
      • Ortho Implants
        01/29/07
        Most teenagers are embarrassed if they have to wear an orthodontic appliance called headgear. The device helps move teeth. But now, a new research study offers an innovative and more attractive alternative. News 8's Dentist, Dr. Linda Niessen, has the story in this Dental Health Check.