In the past this type of research has been conducted by attaching sensors to people’s teeth, or embedding them into an artificial palate. But both of these approaches interfered with speech and ultimately undermined the test. This new test avoids any interference with the normal generation of speech.

At this point, the research is fairly basic — the scientists working on the project have only explored how basic sounds are generated. But they hope to be able to use it to create devices that can generate more realistic human voices using computers and to create better dentures for Orlando and Central Florida residents that would have less impact on the patient’s ability to speak normally.

• Read more at NewScienist
• Research paper: “Tongue pressure recording during speech using complete denture”

People who are missing teeth are in a special situation that fortunately possesses many different roads to take. If you are an individual who is missing teeth, you might consider getting dentures, but the question you’d be asking yourself is, “Am I qualified for receiving a pair of dentures?” The answer to that depends on multiple factors and likewise requires the assessment of these factors before making a decision. (more…)

Let’s get this out of the way right now — refusing to see a dentist and not taking care of your mouth is going to eventually cost you your teeth. It might happen when you are 40, it could happen with you are 80. So take care of your teeth as best you can and see your dentist regularly. That aside, there are actually a surprising number of reasons that people lose their teeth that they have no control over. (more…)