Articles tagged with Dental Care
A study on mouse incisors reveals a cellular mechanism behind the unique decussation patterns of tooth enamel, which form the enamel's hardness through directional sliding and coordinated migration of ameloblasts. The findings provide new insights into how dental stem and progenitor cells maintain and repair enamel-forming tissues.
A new neural circuit has been identified that rewards gnawing behavior in rodents, driving a release of dopamine in the brain. This discovery could help explain oral health issues in humans, including bruxism and malocclusion.
Researchers discover SMAD7 acts as a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, promoting dental pulp stem cell regeneration and tissue repair. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing tooth regeneration and holds promise for regenerative endodontic procedures.
A new study by King's College London found that over 35% of patients without reported diabetes had high blood sugar levels consistent with pre-diabetes. The research uses a simple finger-prick blood test to screen for the condition, which can be done during dental appointments in as little as six minutes.
Researchers have discovered that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen driving gum disease, carries an internal genetic brake controlling its aggression. By locking this brake in place, future treatments could silence the pathogen while leaving beneficial bacteria untouched.
A study by UCL researchers found large variations in nitrous oxide use across UK dental services, with some sites emitting up to 1,849 kg CO₂e per week. The team recommends reducing wastage, standardizing practice, and considering alternatives to minimize environmental impact.
Researchers have designed a prototype powder that activates to whiten and repair teeth, promoting oral health. The system uses the piezoelectric effect to generate ROS, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation in lab demonstrations.
Marcelo W.B. Araujo has established the AADOCR Travel Award for New Clinical Investigators to support early-career researchers in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. The award aims to encourage travel to present research at AADOCR Annual Meetings.
Journals JDR and JDR Clinical & Translational Research now require open data sharing to facilitate replication, systematic reviews, and data reuse. This move aims to maximize the benefits from research investment and ensure transparency.
Research highlights overlooked social mechanisms connecting oral health, eating and speaking difficulties, and cognitive decline. A six-year longitudinal study found poor oral health is a strong predictor of weight loss in older adults.
Tufts researchers have developed a method to biosynthetically produce tagatose, a rare sugar with potential health benefits. Tagatose is 92% as sweet as sucrose and has about 60% fewer calories, making it an attractive alternative to conventional sugar substitutes.
Researchers identified altered gene expression in smokers with periodontitis, leading to weakened gum epithelial integrity and excessive inflammation. A new target molecule, CXCL12, was found to drive immune-cell recruitment and inflammation, making it a potential therapeutic approach.
A clinical trial shows that arginine can modify plaque formation on teeth, thereby protecting against dental caries. The study found that arginine reduced the acidity of biofilms and altered their carbohydrate structure, making them less harmful.
A study found that insufficient dietary lycopene is associated with a higher risk of severe periodontitis among U.S. adults ages 65-79. Adequate lycopene intake was linked to reduced likelihood of severe gum disease, with notable racial and sex disparities observed.
Recent research aims to refine understanding of oral-systemic disease connections, exploring how oral health affects systemic risk and vice versa. Studies investigate mechanisms underlying oral and systemic disease links.
Aging mice without teeth experience cognitive decline due to inflammation and cell loss in the hippocampus, essential for memory formation. The study suggests that maintaining chewing ability may be a strategy to preserve cognitive function later in life.
New research from the American Heart Association finds a strong association between gum disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and cardiometabolic health conditions. The study suggests that effective prevention and treatment of gum disease could potentially decrease the burden of cardiov...
The International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (IADR) celebrates the robust inclusion of oral health in the adopted declaration. This recognizes that ~3.7 billion people live with oral diseases, imposing a significant health burden. IADR urges Member States to translate commitments into concrete national actio...
A new composite hydrogel containing Li-Ca-Si bioceramics particles and gelatin methacryloyl matrix has shown promise in treating dental pulp infections by facilitating innervation and odontogenic differentiation. The hydrogel promoted Schwann cell regeneration, cytocompatibility for dental pulp stem cells, and proliferation of DPSCs.
Researchers develop an integrated pipeline to analyze and visualize NHANES dental caries data, identifying age-driven heterogeneity and novel associations between caries status, environmental factors, and disease markers. The study demonstrates the value of integrating machine learning with large-scale observational data for deeper ins...
Kimon Divaris, a pediatric dentist and oral epidemiologist, was elected AADOCR Vice-President, while Mia L. Geisinger, a Professor of Periodontology at UAB, took on the role of IADR/AADOCR Publications Committee representative. Both leaders will serve during the 55th Annual Meeting in San Diego from March 25-28, 2026.
Researchers from The University of Osaka found that blood sugar migration to saliva in individuals with type 2 diabetes causes an imbalance in the oral microbiome, leading to cavity development. Improved glycemic control reduces this imbalance and the risk of tooth decay.
George Belibasakis has been elected as the new Vice-President of IADR for the 104th General Session in 2026. He is currently Professor of Clinical Oral Infection Biology at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, and his research focuses on deciphering the biological mechanisms underlying common oral diseases.
A recent study by Tim Thomassen concludes that good daily habits, including proper brushing techniques and adequate brushing time, are more crucial for preventing oral diseases than expensive dental gadgets.
Researchers found that oral bacteria from tooth infections can worsen diabetes risk through IL-17-driven inflammation. The study revealed a mechanistic link between Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periapical disease and systemic metabolic dysfunction.
Researchers have designed a quieter dental drill to address the anxiety-causing sound of traditional drills, which can reach nearly 20 kilohertz. The new design optimizes blade geometry and exhaust port to minimize noise while maintaining performance, with the goal of reducing discomfort in patients.
Dental teams can identify hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk through blood pressure screenings in routine care visits. The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative provides standard blood pressure screening and referral guides, empowering dentists to connect patients with primary care.
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has announced the sixth cohort of its Mind the Future program, a mentoring network designed to support early-career researchers. The program aims to enhance career development in dental, oral, and craniofacial health research.
The COP6 decision sets a new timeline for the phase-out of dental amalgam, giving countries until 2034 to adapt national strategies. A key exemption ensures that practitioners can continue using dental amalgam when necessary for patient care.
A new study by Rutgers University found that over-the-counter pain medications are as effective as opioids in reducing pain after tooth extraction for both men and women. The study's results confirm the analgesic effect of non-opioid medications, which were superior to opioids in terms of sleep quality and daily activity interference.
Researchers discovered that young dental cells are directed by their position along the lingual-buccal axis to grow into distinct structures. Cells on one side formed tooth enamel, while those on the other side focused on stem cell activity and supporting tissue growth.
A new study led by Suchitra Nelson aims to advance previous research on two less-invasive options for treating and preventing cavities. The study focuses on older adults living in subsidized housing with limited access to dental care, using Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART).
Generative AI accelerates scientific discovery in oral sciences, but requires transparent disclosure and robust verification methods to ensure responsible integration. The use of AI in research demands human oversight, accountability, and continuous monitoring to maintain quality and credibility.
Research shows that painful childhood experiences like bullying and violence can cause dental fear in young people, leading to anxiety and avoidance of dental treatment. The study found a stronger association between painful childhood experiences and dental fear in girls than boys.
A new study by George Mason University found that maintaining dental care habits is associated with better overall health, including more frequent eye and physical exams, healthier habits, and higher ratings of overall well-being. The research also explored the complex relationship between anxiety and dental care-seeking behavior.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that young individuals place a higher importance on even tooth color, with an average score of 8. White teeth scored 7.25, highlighting the significance of aesthetics in oral health.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a quality improvement initiative to increase dental varnish application rates. The effort resulted in a significant boost in varnish use, with over 50% of children receiving varnish annually, exceeding the target goal of 20%.
A new study from Tufts University found nearly one in three young adults skipped dental visits due to cost and lack of insurance coverage. Young adults were more likely to skip medical care, struggle with copays, and report poor mental health or memory problems.
Researchers developed standardized guidelines to diagnose and treat cemental tears, reducing misdiagnosis and improving patient outcomes. The consensus identifies key risk factors, diagnostic strategies, and treatment principles, empowering clinicians to recognize and manage this hidden threat more effectively.
A single-center observational study found that planned preoperative oral care at least 2 weeks prior to surgery significantly reduced rates of postoperative pneumonia and shortened hospital stays. The results suggest that oral health treatment could be an effective strategy for reducing infection risk in surgical patients.
A new study found that nearly three out of four adults suffer from dental fear, with 45.8% experiencing moderate fear and 26.8% severe fear. Most individuals interested in overcoming their fear are open to free, brief treatment options, such as virtual dental fear treatments using apps and telehealth.
Research reveals that hypoxia reduces alveolar bone levels and osteoblast differentiation after orthodontic tooth movement, while increasing osteoclastic activity. This study provides critical insights into the bone remodeling process under hypoxia.
Researchers at King's College London discovered that keratin can repair tooth enamel and stop early stages of decay. Keratin forms a protective coating that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel.
A new study published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research found that arginine dentifrices can significantly reduce childhood caries. The 8.0% arginine-containing dentifrice demonstrated a 26.0% reduction in DMFS scores compared to the control group.
Researchers found that children unexposed to HIV had higher taxonomic turnover in their oral microbiomes, indicating less adaptability to environmental changes. Children living with HIV had more stable oral microbiomes and higher frequencies of cavity-causing bacteria.
Researchers discover epicatechin gallate, a compound from maple, can prevent biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, causing dental caries. The compound may be used in safer alternative mouthwashes for young children.
Dr. Adekemi Adeniyan's innovative solutions to tackle oral health disparities in underserved communities have earned her the IHME's 2025 Roux Prize. Her work, using local data and community feedback, has expanded access to dental care for over 100,000 people.
The AADOCR Mind the Future Program will fund year six of its mentoring network program, supporting up to ten early-career investigators in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. The program aims to develop a sustainable national mentoring network enhancing career development for future researchers.
Researchers use a combination of materials science and human genetics to map out the properties of enamel and dentin development in mouse incisors. Their methodology has the potential to provide new insights into identifying and treating rare craniofacial diseases and common dental cavities.
A recent study published by Fujita Health University found that poor oral health can increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The researchers examined 118 individuals aged 50 or above and found significant links between oral function test results and blood test results.
A new online support package aims to empower parents of young autistic children to look after their dental health. The toolkit provides practical, tailored solutions focusing on toothbrushing, dentist visits, and eating habits, featuring videos and downloadable resources.
A supplemental issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research highlights the importance of investing in long-term faculty career development supported by HRSA programs. The publication showcases innovative work done by junior dental faculty, demonstrating the need to address pressing dental shortages and expand access to care.
Researchers from Northumbria University found that smokers have tell-tale signs of their smoking habits ingrained deep within their teeth. The study revealed evidence of smoking damage in 70% of ex-smokers and 33% of current smokers, compared to just 3% of non-smokers.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that a combination of exercise and omega-3 supplementation significantly improves the immune response and reduces the severity of chronic apical periodontitis. The researchers induced apical periodontitis in rats, dividing them into three groups: one received no intervention, while the othe...
A NYU College of Dentistry study found that topical treatments for kids' cavities can significantly prevent decay from worsening. The use of atraumatic restorations (ART) and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in schools kept 62% and 55% of decayed surfaces under control, respectively.
The AADOCR SCADA/Dentsply Sirona Research Award aims to support early-stage dentist-scientists by providing up to $10,000 for research projects and infrastructure establishment. The award's recipients must submit a report within 12 months of receiving the funding.
Researchers at Tufts University have created a saliva-sensing dental floss that can accurately measure cortisol, a key indicator of stress. The device uses molecularly imprinted polymers and is comparable in accuracy to existing sensors, making it a promising tool for tracking stress and related conditions.
A study found that veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use dental and vision services at a similar rate as those in traditional Medicare. MA plans spent only slightly more on these services, including emergency dental care. After accounting for private insurance coverage, the total spending on dental services was compara...
A study found that microRNA-27a promotes dental tissue regeneration by suppressing inflammation and activating Wnt/BMP signaling pathways. The researchers used human dental pulp stem cells to overexpress miRNA-27a, which led to the formation of new bone-like tissue in mice.
A Rutgers University study found that higher firearm violence in neighborhoods is associated with lower rates of people going to the dentist and higher rates of total tooth loss. Chronic exposure to violence can lead to fear, stress, and unhealthy behaviors that impact oral health.